BMW C400GT (2019 - on) Review
Highlights
- Premium scooter at a premium price
- Good handling
- Needs nore storage to be a proper GT
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £200 |
| Power: | 34 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (30.5 in / 775 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (467 lbs / 212 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesIt is a struggle to see how BMW can legitimately claim the GT is a Grand Tourer due to its poor storage capacity.
- Related: BMW unveil next gen electric scooter concept
- Related: BMW C400X review
Yes, the fairing is more protective and the seat comfier than on the X, but that doesn’t constitute a tourer, it simply makes the GT a more relaxed commuter when compared to the X.
BMW needed to give the GT enhanced underseat storage to justify their Grand Tourer claims because, as it is, the GT is just an X with a bit more weather protection and a softer seat. Executive maybe, but certainly not a Grand Tourer and that’s a bit of a shame.
For 2021, the GT and its sister bike the C400X got a Euro5 engine update including an E-gas ride-by-wire throttle system. The GT became available in white, grey or triple black.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe C400 range have been designed as sporty middleweight scooters and as such they do handle impressively well. On the open road the GT turns quickly and is fun while at speed it remains stable.
The suspension is a bit choppy, especially the shocks, but it’s a comfortable riding position with the GT’s increase in padding in its seat and wider nose improving comfort levels over the X model.
That said, riders over six-feet tall may want the BMW accessory taller screen as the OE unit is a touch short and irritatingly isn’t adjustable in its height.
Through town the GT is light and nippy with an excellent turning circle and the ABS and TC do their job with little to find fault with. The main issue with the GT is its lack of underseat storage, which is a real letdown on a bike that bills itself as a Grand Tourer.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityPowered by a 350cc single cylinder motor that has had its CVT tailored for acceleration, the GT is rapid away from a standstill and can haul up to an indicated high-80mph, which is quite impressive.
As well as decent levels of torque, the single is pleasingly vibration-free, meaning the mirrors remain clear and the rider’s comfort levels aren’t compromised. A claimed 80mpg is also very respectable, giving the GT a theoretical tank range of just over 200-miles.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThis is a BMW product, so you can expect decent reliability all backed up by an excellent dealer network. There should be no horrors and the addition of a stainless steel exhaust is a nice touch when it comes to longevity.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe GT builds on the C400X’s base and where the X starts at £6200, prices for the GT begin at £7050. For this base price you get ABS, traction control and a keyless ignition as standard, however to add a TFT dash it is £595 and heated grips and seat is a further £390.
The Yamaha XMAX 400 is £6149 and has ABS, TC, an adjustable screen and a keyless ignition as standard while the Suzuki Burgman 400 relies on just ABS for £6399. The £5599 Kymco Xciting 400i is smartphone connected and has ABS and an adjustable screen. So the BMW is certainly a premium model in the middleweight scooter segment.
Equipment
You get ABS and ASC (traction control) as standard on the C400GT as well as LED lights, a 12V socket, stainless steel exhaust, centre stand, keyless ignition and an immobilisor system, which isn’t a bad level of spec however as with all BMW models you need to tick the optional extra box to really make the difference.
Smartphone connectivity to a TFT dash and heated grips and seat are options on the list of BMW accessories that also includes an alarm, taller screen and luggage.
Underseat storage is limited, but BMW’s Flexcase system expands the underseat storage area when the bike is stationary to allow it to hold a full-face lid alongside a half-face one and there is an accessory 30-litre top box.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 350cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 4v, single |
| Frame type | Tubular space frame |
| Fuel capacity | 12.8 litres |
| Seat height | 775mm |
| Bike weight | 212kg |
| Front suspension | 35mm conventional forks, non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Twin shocks, adjustable spring preload |
| Front brake | 2x265mm discs with four-piston radial calipers. ABS |
| Rear brake | 265mm single disc with single-piston caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70x15 |
| Rear tyre size | 150/70x14 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 80.7 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £55 |
| Annual service cost | £200 |
| New price | £7,050 |
| Used price | £3,400 - £6,000 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two years |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 34 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 25.8 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 86 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 226 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
The model was introduced in 2019. There is no prior history.
Owners' reviews for the BMW C400GT (2019 - on)
4 owners have reviewed their BMW C400GT (2019 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW C400GT (2019 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £200 |
Year: 2022
12 months ownership and 2,250 problem free miles. It’s quick off the mark, will beat any car at the lights to get you away safely. Will cruise all day long at 75mph, steady as a rock, zero vibes and no mirror blur. Around town is very flickable and great fun. Couldn’t recommend highly enough.
Superb handling. Fun and rock steady. Brakes (braided hoses) are excellent.
Very peppy engine, good low down torque and acceleration. Had a spin on a G310gs; the C400 a far superior machine.
No issues whatsoever as yet.
Just had first annual service at 2,250 miles. No issues at all.
I went for the standard dash, nit the TFT. My reasoning being I have the connectivity on my phone and headset using a Quadlock. Heated seat is superb, even on first (out of 3) setting.
Buying experience: Bought from dealer. Discounted off list price and 3yrs 0% interest, couldn’t be happier. Superb back up from Belfast Motorrad.
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £200
Had mine for two years. Did rather go overboard on the options but don’t actually regret any of them. Bought it replace a Vespa 300 which had so may problems, it looked good but that was about it really. Every issue with the Vespa was fixed on this bike. Overall, a great big scooter and highly recommended.
After the Vespa it’s massively better. Very stable through all situations and very comfortable, helped by the super seat, which is heated. Haven’t done many big journeys but the petrol tank would be the limiting factor. The brakes are Bybre which are Brembo’s budget line and they have been replaced since mine but I have to say there is nothing wrong the mine, powerful and with really good feel.
The engine and gearing are tuned for acceleration so it is quick off the mark. The pick up is really quick and has surprised my friend behind on a 600 sports bike. If there is anything I would like to be different it would be the noise, too much sewing machine, and I won’t pay £600 for a sports exhaust, and that it revs too high at cruising speeds. Having said that is is completely free of vibration at any speed.
Nothing wrong so far after two years.
It’s a BMW so the price I paid after options was a lot over the basic list price. However, I do think that the value for what you get is pretty impressive, it’s a very impressive level of technology.
I went for it with TFT screen, excellent in every way, rack, top box, daytime lights, keyless start, heated grips and seat and an alarm system. The latter is useful but don’t set the movement sensor; fart in its general direction and it goes off. I would do all of the options again. Tyres seem very good with superb handling but I don’t ride in the wet unless I can help it, seem ok though.
Buying experience: From a main dealer, Chandlers in Brighton. All very good in my limited experience. However, I know the company is liable to not play fair so I am now very wary and my wife won’t be taking her car to them again for servicing.. My friend’s car was written off by a mechanic on a test drive and their response was truly terrible, trade value through insurance rather than a replacement car, he is currently suing them so be wary and I would suggest, as I will do, asking them for a proper indemnity before my bike goes in to them again. Appalling.
Year: 2022
Quality machine, many upgrades to fix faults on latest version, do your research before buying. Cruises at 80mph.
Its not a ducati but plenty good enough.
Smooth and quick off the mark.
Only done 600 miles but all good so far.
Not had a service yet but reading up after purchase suggests i may be in for a shock? Many reviews mention 60mpg average but i cant get mine below 73mpg and taking it very easy have hit 100mpg over a flat 15 mile stretch.
I have all the options but the cost does add up. TFT with satnav and headset link is awesome.
Buying experience: Bmw motorad chester, highly recommend.
Version: SE
Year: 2020
I have had many motorcycles including BMW 1200 GS and I currently own an BMW R Nine T, and since November 2020 when I purchased this C400GT SE, I have found that I prefer to use this C400GT for my 60 mile round trip commute, its like an urban swiss army knife of Bikes/Scoots !! Its great in traffic, ok at motorway speeds, but tend to chose winding b roads which has handles ok.
The longest trip so far was for 3 hours and I can say it was very comfortable, it was a cold November day using the heated grips and seat.
For a 350cc its not going to break any records but, beats most cars away from the lights and will do motorway speeds all day with 70mpg showing on the TFT screen.
Just had the scooter for 2 months all good so far....
Not had to service as yet but according to my local dealership the service costs are reasonable for first two years, (depending on the amount of miles you cover) with a major at 12000) tell will tell.
The SE has all the gadgets, TFT screen, heated grips, heated seat, traction control, ABS, phone charger plug, the under-seat storage could be better but has enough space for what I would need for day to day, there's also enough space for two helmets when stationary, with BMW flexi storage.
Buying experience: They are not cheap so a scooter, look out for pre reg bargains, with more than £1000 off the new price with all the gadgets.
