BMW C1

I bought my 2001 125cc C1 a couple of months ago because I like quirky stuff. I have a few bikes in my garage, BMW 1200GS, Fazer 600, KLX 250, Piaggio 500X9 and various MZ 250's.At first I wasn't too sure about the C1, if I'd have rode it BEFORE I'd bought it I wouldn't have bought it! Pulling away it's slow but once it's rolling it's mid-range is OK mine likes 50mph but it will hold on to 60mph in all but strongest head winds or steepest hills. On the flat and in still weather it will easily pass 70mph. Your arms and shoulders will get wet in the rain but the great thing is you can ride with your visor up through rain and summer insects. Once I'd got over people staring, pointing and laughing (Not least my 12 year old daughter)I began to enjoy it. It really is the best of both worlds and I am sure BMW or another manufacturer will bring a new funky version of this concept out soon....just look at the price of fuel!

This is my 2nd C1 the first one saved my life in a head on collision (with a un-insured driver!!! So enough said the safety cell really does work. Well worth the negative comments made about this fantastic machine I just hope BMW start to make these bikes again but market it better.

it is a pleasure to drive this machine and is nippy about the city and is capable of around 90 MPG.

I have had two 125ccs (one stolen) over the past 3.5 years and use them for commuting c 10 miles each way to work. I had never owned or rode a motorcycle before but I got used to it very quickly. I could see how having short legs could be a bit of a problem with this bike in the wind. You need to be able to spread the legs at standstill as the roof means the centre of gravity is fairly high. I'm 6ft 1in and the saddle doesn't appear to be very high so I don't have much of an issue. The stand mechanism is far too flimsy and when broken you need to be able to grip the stand manually (with a hook or similar) to stand the bike up. The crash side bars are also flimsy - made of styrofoam with a hard plastic cover and break off easily after getting hit.

Overall though I am very happy with the experience. It gets me from A to B comfortably and safely and is very reliable. I can use an open face helmet. I would recommend using the full safety gear particularly boots as I have had two falls (one with boots and one without and even though minor falls the scope for damage to oneself is huge).

It is a great concept. I've been riding this bike under snow conditions without a problem (be careful when it gets slippery) and riding the bike without wearing the necessary motor clothing is a big bonus. For me it was a great commuter for a number of years. And to be perfectly honest this is my second one I am owing. The first one ended in an involuntary crash test. Bad for the bike, but not too bad for me.

If anyone of the manufactures could build a scooter like the C1 with a decent engine I'll be buying without a second thought.

What a wonderful bike, I have the 200cc (176cc to be exact) Black Executive version. It might look strange at first but it really grows on you, especially when it's cold and wet. It's also as safe as a small car! With a front crumple zone and a roll cage plus seat belts! With free parking and no congestion charge, you can't really go wrong!