Filed under: Safety, BMW, Motorcycles, Rumormill
BMW considering a 3-wheeler, large scooters
Rumors from various European motorcycle mags indicate that BMW is considering getting back into the scooter game. The Bavarian company's last foray into scooterdom resulted in the C1. Being that this was BMW Motorrad, its scooter would need to be different from everyone else, and indeed it was. Featuring a full roof, roll bars and seat belts along with ABS brakes, BMW claimed that C1 riders were safe enough that they did not need to wear a helmet. Unfortunately, though, not everyone agreed and low sales numbers resulted in the innovative machine's cancellation in 2002. Now, BMW is said to be considering a three-wheeled machine, which could allay some of the safety fears which ultimately led to the demise of the C1.
Rotax is also rumored to be involved, offering an 80 degree, four-valve per cylinder, liquid-cooled, V-Twin engine in three different sizes and ranging from 33 to 75 horsepower. The machine is said to retain the C1's windshield and roof and add BMW's paralever rear suspension design. BMW: You've got our attention, now please don't disappoint.
[Source: Visor Down]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
johdaxx 5:44PM (8/06/2008)
I think you guys misread the linked article. The C1 was safe enough that throughout most of europe you don't need a helmet to ride one. Try convincing the TUV - they're very strict. What BMW couldn't do apparently was convince the British government to even consider not allowing a helmet - it sounds like they wouldn't even listen to the data.
From the article, it more looks like the safety shell / roof's weight made handling and performance somewhat less than the competition...and knowing BMW it probably cost a lot more too. That's likely the reason for lesser sales, not safety issues as your article implies.
Anyway - sure, bring back the Isetta. I've been looking for a BMW 700 for a while too. :)
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sunnycyclist 5:51PM (8/06/2008)
The description really does sound like a new Isetta. I wouldn't mind seeing a new incarnation of that odd little car, if only just as a NEV.
Chaz 5:53PM (8/06/2008)
The helmet was to avoid shame.
In fact the C1 was quite a feat, but one's gut reaction when falling over is to stick out a hand, which I'd sooner do on a Speedfight than on a C1 for obvious reasons.
Also, who's seen the passenger carrying solution on the C1? it's terrifying. http://www.bikeweb.com/images/2upsmileactionweb_5845-1228_640x480.jpg
jpc0067 7:07PM (8/06/2008)
This was the one with the little outriggers that touched down at stops, right? To keep you from falling over?
The MP3 is very cool, and should easily support a hardtop (or, T-top! That would be awesome), but I prefer two-wheelers myself.
Chaz 9:01PM (8/06/2008)
seeing a neutral support MP3 break down during the Giro d'Italia did not boost my confidence..
MachinaDC5 5:47PM (8/06/2008)
Is there any way to ride that thing without being taunted relentlessly? I submit that there is not.
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BigMcLargeHuge 9:51PM (8/06/2008)
Take luck.
LoneWolf 6:04PM (8/06/2008)
That Thing looks in real life just laughable..
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gforce 6:12PM (8/06/2008)
I think I prefer Piaggio's MP3 design myself. By far.
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john riley 8:28PM (8/06/2008)
I don't see anything in the article that suggests Isetta or Gyro. I agree, probably more MP3. It says it would retain the rear suspension design so that suggests two wheels in front.
Jrejre 6:23PM (8/06/2008)
It reminds me of the "it" from south park that you have to jam up your ass
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/79/IT_(South_Park%3B_The_Entity).jpeg
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catgirlshyla 6:52PM (8/06/2008)
Honda called, they want their Gyro back.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Gyro
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MikeInNC 8:12AM (8/07/2008)
Although the execution of the C1 was admittedly quirky, the idea behind it is intriguing. I ride a BMW bike and although it's it's a great bike, getting caught in a drenching rain isn't that much fun when you're wearing work clothes (slacks, dress shirt...etc). I'd like to see what they can come up with. Their more recent bikes have been really nice looking and among the lightest in thier respective classes. Maybe they can pull this off in 2.0 form.
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Go5Go 10:00AM (8/07/2008)
I think BMW should buy Narrow:
http://www.naro.co.uk/index2.htm.
Pump some good money into it to bring a good crossover car/bike to market. If they can keep the price down, unlike the other bikar option, then it would be great!
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Zane 11:37AM (8/07/2008)
I *could* see myself riding that in a tee and shorts but in a business suit? WTF?
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David 12:24PM (8/07/2008)
BMW is considering a conventional maxiscooter too. This was in the June issue of one of my French scooter mags. It looks pretty close to production, if you ask me.
http://preview.tinyurl.com/5njojc
C 850 CL POWERSCOOTER
While the F 800 R looks like it is ready to take on Ducati’s Monster and Honda’s Hornet, the C 850 R has been designed to win sales in Europe’s booming maxi-scooter market.
BMW are not being complacent – their last excursion into the scooter field was with the C1, the futuristic two-wheeler with a roof. That was a sales flop. They don’t want any mistakes this time around.
But with traffic congestion bringing Europe’s cities to a grinding a halt, scooters appeal to automobile drivers who want an easier commute. Most cities have free parking for two-wheelers, and they usually escape toll road charges. Maybe this time BMW is on to a winner – if they decide to go into production with the Powerscooter.
David 12:25PM (8/07/2008)
sorry, direct link:
http://tinyurl.com/5njojc
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