BMW scooter - review and discussion about the first scooter of the German brand

Content

• 1 Beginning
• 2 1920s 1930s
• 3 First motorcycle
• 4 First cars
• 5 During the war
• 6 Revival
• 7 Post-war years
• 8 New rise
• 9 1973: BMW Motorcycles celebrates its anniversary
• 10 Off-road BMWs
• 11 1981: BMW R 80 G/S came, drove, conquered
• 12 1983: the birth of the K series
• 13 1987
• 14 March 18, 1991
• 15 1997-1998: new models
• 16 Model range of motorcycles:
• 17 Model range of scooters

Start

In 1913, two small aircraft engine companies appeared on the outskirts of Munich. One of them belonged to Karl Rapp, and the second to Gustav Otto, the son of the inventor Nikolaus August Otto. With the outbreak of the First World War, these two companies received many orders and merged into a single aircraft engine plant, which after four years, in 1917, received the name “Baverische Motoren Werke” (Bavarian Motor Works). The plant is headed by Franz-Josef Popp. It is he who hires young Max Fritz, an aircraft engine engineer who will play a significant role in the further development of BMW. Since then, all BMW products have been produced under the familiar spinning propeller emblem.

1920s 1930s

Everything went well until 1921, when Germany, defeated in the war, was banned from producing aircraft engines, and since the plant was focused specifically on them, it went bankrupt. Both Rapp and Otto have no choice but to look for a way out of their difficult situation, and they find it by repurposing the plant for the production of motorcycle engines, and then the motorcycles themselves. At this time, work continues in Europe on the creation and production of new aircraft engines, such as Motor-4. Production receives an additional boost when a secret agreement is signed with Soviet Russia. By the way, a significant part of the record-breaking flights performed by Soviet pilots in the 1930s was made on aircraft equipped with BMW engines. The 12-cylinder BMW aircraft engine (or rather, its modified version under the symbol “Mikulin-17”) was equipped with Polikarpov fighters, Tupolev bombers, Beriev flying boats and BT-5 and T-28 tanks.

First cars

The era of the automobile industry at BMW can safely begin in 1928, when the company acquired car factories in Eisenach, where the production of the Dixi small car was subsequently established. Before World War II, BMW was one of the most rapidly growing automobile companies in the world, which also produced and sports equipment. The asset has accumulated many world records and various sporting victories. In parallel, the rapid development of aircraft engine production began again.

During the war

Car production is suspended; All efforts are devoted to the production of aircraft engines. It was the BMW company that was the first in the world to begin producing BMW-003 jet engines for the Me-262 aircraft. But the end of the war marked the collapse of the concern; almost all factories were destroyed and dismantled by the USSR and Great Britain.

The English Bristol Aeroplane Company, as war reparations, received complete technical documentation for the popular models 326, 327 and 328. Soon, the company's automotive department launched the production of the Bristol 400 - a car whose resemblance to BMW was almost absolute, right down to the nostrils on the radiator grille. Only two factories remained in the center of Munich, from which the subsequent revival of the BMW company began.

Available modifications

Already today, two versions of the maxi-scooter from BMW are available to buyers. In general, the modifications are almost identical, but they still have some differences, which make it possible to reveal the model from different sides.

The new BMW C650 scooter received two modifications. The first is the GT version, which stands for Grand Turismo. With this abbreviation, the company hints that this scooter is quite suitable for long trips and travel. And here, of course, one cannot but agree. The bike is equipped with a large number of systems, such as ABS and stabilization. The spacious compartment under the seat also makes it convenient to travel long distances. Helmets and equipment can be stored there without any problems, which is quite important within the city. When you go out into the country, you can say with confidence that under the seat you will have everything you need for a trip for at least a week.

The second modification is a more sporty version, which is designated as C650 Sport. The difference between this version is that the scooter is more assembled. Here we see a slightly stiffer suspension, which improves the bike's handling when cornering. The steering wheel is narrowed, again for easier control, and the windshield is reduced to improve dynamics. There is also a slightly different body kit installed here, which has a slightly more aggressive appearance.

Renaissance

After the end of the war, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto were forced to start everything from scratch. And this starting point was the 1-cylinder R24 ​​motorcycle, which was assembled in workshops using an almost artisanal method. This motorcycle becomes the first post-war product from BMW. Next, the R24 was released with a single-cylinder engine and a four-speed gearbox, and the R25 model, which had a two-cylinder engine and was partially exported. With funds allocated by the German National Bank, the concept of the BMW 328 sports car was brought back to life, and subsequently several new models were released on its basis.

009_MOTO_1210_034

Winter long-distance driving is thrilling in its own way, at other times even more interesting than summer - it’s worth remembering the open mouths of gas station attendants, drivers and other eyewitnesses.
Winter long-distance driving is thrilling in its own way, at other times even more interesting than summer - it’s worth remembering the open mouths of gas station attendants, drivers and other eyewitnesses.

Technical characteristics of BMW C1-200 (manufacturer data)

Hut on three wheels: BMW C1–200

Post-war years

In 1951, a prototype of the BMW 501 model was developed and presented - a sedan that had a large four-door body, drum brakes and a 65-horsepower engine with a displacement of 1971 cc.

In 1952, the first post-war BMW car appeared on the market. This car aroused interest and surprise among the public, since it was an expensive car and the company itself at that moment did not have the funds to begin its mass production. Models 501 and 502 turned out to be clunky, slow, and most importantly expensive. In 1952, only 49 of these machines were assembled.

In the early 1960s, the company set out to develop a car that would be affordable to the middle class. The BMW 1500, presented in 1961 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, became such a car. At the motor show and after it, the company received about 20,000 orders for this car and, of course, the company was not immediately able to fully provide for everyone who wanted to own this model. A total of 23,000 of these cars were produced.

Features of the BMW scooter

The BMW C650 scooter boasts a large number of functions already in the basic configuration. Here you will find an indispensable assistant for yourself in the form of an ABS and traction control system. The driver and passenger seats are heated, and are available in several positions – cold, medium and hot. The handles on the steering wheel also have three-phase heating, which is quite a nice bonus when driving long distances. The only drawback we could find is that the dashboard is not very informative. In principle, there is everything a driver needs here, but the engineers decided to bypass the engine temperature sensor.

New rise

Since 1970, BMW has once again become one of the most developing automobile companies in the world. She becomes a pioneer in many technical developments, such as turbocharging and the introduction of electronics into the car. In the 1970s, a three-row model range of sedans was also born, which included BMW 3rd, 5th and 7th series cars and their modifications. The BMW brand also owns victories in competitions such as the Paris-Dakar rally in 1981 and the Formula 1 championship in 1983.

Founded in 1991, BMW returned to the production of aircraft engines and in the same year introduced the new BR-700 aircraft engine. In 1994, BMW bought the Rover Group, which owned the ROVER, Land Rover and MG car production complex, the largest in the UK, for DM 2.3 billion. After this purchase, the BMW lineup was replenished with ultra-small class cars and SUVs. Since 1995, all BMW vehicles have been equipped as standard with a front passenger airbag and an engine immobilizer.

Currently, BMW produces its products in five factories in Germany and twenty-two subsidiaries in various parts of the world. This is one of the few automobile companies that does not use robots in factories.

BMW scooter – when was it introduced?

Nobody knows when exactly the development of the maxi-scooter began, but the official presentation of the very first model occurred in 2016. Before this, BMW only made sports motorcycles from two-wheeled vehicles. At the exhibition, the German company BMW exhibited two scooters at its stand. As it turned out later, this is one model, presented in two modifications.

In general, no one expected such a turn of events from the German brand, because the company did not announce that it was developing a maxi-scooter. However, it is worth saying that they really managed to surprise the audience; the new product turned out to be very unusual and, most importantly, modern. We believe that BMW has taken the right path and soon we will see several more worthy models that will find their use not only on city roads, but also on the highway.

In general, considering that this is the first scooter from BMW, we can say that the product turned out to be truly unique and worthy of attention. It is encouraging that the German brand was able to take such a big step forward and continues to actively develop in different directions. It is unknown how often the model range will be updated, but it seems to us that we will have to wait at least 3-5 years for new items.

Off-road BMW

With the revival of the motorcycle comes BMW's return to motorsport. Once again, BMW motorcycles compete with competitors away from the beaten path. In 1979, BMW wins the German Off-Road Championship. This marks the beginning of the brand's successful path in rally racing in subsequent years.

Having begun to participate in off-road racing, BMW in the summer of 1980, through some modernization, turns the successful off-road motorcycle into a serial enduro, designated R 80 G/S. The letter G stood for Gelände, that is, off-road, and the S for Straße, that is, highway. BMW thus founded the large, comfortable touring enduro segment, which is still one of the cornerstones of the motorcycle business. The world's first single-link pendulum suspension, the BMW Monolever, with a rear wheel mounted on one side, creates a sensation.

March 18, 1991

— the millionth BMW motorcycle was released. This model K 75 RT was ceremoniously handed over to the Berlin Senator for Economics and Technology to then work for the benefit of the Red Cross. In the spring of 1991, in the spring of 1991, BMW was the first motorcycle manufacturer to offer a three-way converter with exhaust gas composition control. The offer of serial machines with neutralizers is constantly expanding. 70 years after the R 32 from 1923, BMW introduced the R 1100 RS sports-touring motorcycle at the start of the 1993 season, the first model of a new generation of boxer motorcycles, and a year later the R 1100 GS enduro appeared. In the autumn of the same year, the R 850/1100 R entered the market, followed by the R 1100 RT touring motorcycle the following season. Along with the second-generation ABS, BMW is introducing its innovative front wheel steering system called Telelever with the launch of the new generation of boxer wheels.

In addition to the traditional series of twin-cylinder boxer motorcycles and the K series, a third model series appeared at the end of 1993: the F series, which was initially represented by the fanduro F 650. The first single-cylinder BMW since 1966 was a European joint project. BMW developed the technical concept and dynamic design. Cooperation partner company name = Aprilia helped in the development and provided assembly of the motorcycle. The development of a 650 cc single-cylinder four-valve engine modified according to BMW's instructions was undertaken by the Austrian company Rotax. Since May 1995, BMW has been the first motorcycle manufacturer to equip all its current models with converters as standard and at the same time offer them as retrofits for earlier models.

The latest R 80 GS Basic, a representative of the classic boxer generation, rolls off the assembly line at the BMW motorcycle plant in Spandau. Thus, on December 19, 1996, after more than 70 years, a whole chapter in the history of German motorcycles ends. Successful result: Since 1923, BMW has sold 685,830 representatives of the classic boxer motorcycle generation. Since 1969, the Spandau plant in Berlin has produced 467,900 units. Currently, the plant's 1,690 employees produce up to 400 motorcycles per day.

Specifications

Despite the fact that this is the first BMW scooter, it has received quite interesting technical characteristics. It has a two-cylinder in-line four-stroke engine with a volume of 650 cm3 and producing 60 hp. The maximum speed of this device is 180 km/h. For a maxi-scooter, this is a very good result and can be compared with some old sports bike. Perhaps there will be enough information regarding the technical part of the motorcycle and it will be much more interesting to talk about the features and systems that German engineers equipped this model with.

1997-1998: new models

1997: The BMW R 1200 C cruiser turns travel into an end in itself. This motorcycle is not a copy of American models, it has an independent design and represents BMW's interpretation of the cruiser theme, even with a displacement of 850 cm³. This was followed by the Avantgarde and Independent modifications. The K 1200 RS has become a true dream motorcycle for sporty riders. With 130 hp, it became the first BMW to cross the 100 hp limit, which was until then a voluntary limit for German motorcycle manufacturers and importers. 1998: R 1100 S – the sportiest boxer motorcycle yet. In fact, the R 1100 S is an updated version of the legendary R 90 S. Compact, expressive and with touring capabilities, the R 1100 S was immediately loved by fans of boxer models. Powerful and fit, it has become the ideal partner for the sport-oriented friends of the BMW brand. The optional sports suspension made it possible to drive in literally racing style. The sporting potential of the R 1100 S is fully demonstrated in the BoxerCup. The K 1200 LT is a luxury touring motorcycle. With this model, BMW defined the order of things in the world of motorcycles. Cladding elements developed in the wind tunnel are combined with elegantly rational controls. The LT model has all the comfort imaginable. The outstanding chassis with standard ABS ensures excellent handling of the 378 kg luxury touring motorcycle.

The twentieth century ends with another record for BMW: 65,186 motorcycles were delivered to customers worldwide. This marks the tenth time in a row that BMW has achieved an increase in the number of new motorcycle registrations. However, the new record number did not last long: in 2000, on the eve of the new millennium, BMW sold 74,614 motorcycles. The US is becoming the most important foreign market for BMW. Commitment to the Berlin-Spandau plant: The transfer of production to the Berlin-Spandau plant takes place in sync with the presentation of the new F 650 GS fanduro model. BMW cites the complexity of the new model's technology as one of the most important reasons for transferring production to Germany. In this case, we are talking in particular about additional equipment, for example exclusive ABS.

001_MOTO_1210_034

BMW C1–200: maxiscooter, 2002, 199 cm³, 17 hp, 184 kg, 100–200 thousand rubles.
BMW C1–200: maxiscooter, 2002, 199 cm³, 17 hp, 184 kg, 100–200 thousand rubles.

This scooter with a roof itself already provides a very high level of comfort: there is not only weather protection, but also a windshield wiper, heated handles and seats, full ABS and many other bells and whistles. But the Velorex stroller, which was “made friends” with the scooter both in terms of fastenings and color, helped to radically solve the issue of stability on slippery surfaces. We couldn’t do without Schwalbe Scooter winter tires, which the inhabitants of the Alps cheerfully ride on (more about it in “Moto” No. 02–2006). But Velcro is almost powerless on ice - I had to stud it. Naturally, the standard BMW 12-inch wheel with winter tires was also installed on the stroller. Along the way, there was a decent audio system with component acoustics and a subwoofer, which also serves as ballast for the stroller. The set of functional tuning was completed with an on-board thermometer, “mittens” on the steering wheel, a windproof cover on the legs and – the main feature of any real pepelats – a rotating anemometer on the roof.

The first trips were to the bike rallies “Lev Nikolaevich” near Tula in the fall and “Bear-Shatun” in December. But the real test was going to Snow Dogs in Tolyatti. A thousand kilometers one way at minus 10–28 °C, meeting the “Bear Mile” standard along the way there and back. By summer standards, this is immodest for a moped, let alone in winter! However, the three-wheeled C1 very confidently rushes along the by no means easy winter federal highway. At speeds of 100–110 km/h, he confidently overtakes trucks in the uncleared middle of the road, he doesn’t sway too much in the ruts, the oncoming flow of frosty air breaks against the wide glass, the hands warm, the music sings. Easy to control, stable and predictable even in the snow - isn’t this ideal? You don’t get tired of the road at all - the main thing is to properly insulate yourself, taking into account the fact that it is impossible to move or warm up in the saddle. Although the distances between gas stations are short (120–150 km), at a cruising speed of 80–90 km/h, each of them is two hours of almost static sitting in the cold. In addition, given the short daylight hours, with long runs, a considerable part of the journey has to be covered in the dark. Then it becomes clear that a dead standard scooter headlight, equipped with a single 35/30W bulb, requires urgent tuning. Nevertheless, winter long-distance driving is thrilling in its own way, at other moments even more interesting than summer - it’s worth remembering the open mouths of gas station attendants, drivers and other eyewitnesses.

Last year's trip to Snow Dogs in the Ural with a stroller took 22 hours there and 17 back in much warmer weather. Compared to the C1, the Ural simply does not have wind protection, which is why the cruising speed is lower, and the driver gets colder, there is no heating, and the dynamics of the devices are similar. But, unlike a German moped, it breaks down much more often on the road, which causes special emotions in winter, when your fingers freeze to the screwdrivers.

Yes, the C1 series of scooters, as they say, “didn’t work” in the markets, but it’s unlikely that any of the developers considered this smallest of the BMW motorcycle family for winter riding. And as it turned out, it is ideal for this: those who don’t like cats simply don’t know how to cook them.