BMW C1 - Sheer Driving Pleasure in the City

BMW's world-famous slogan "Sheer Driving Pleasure" is now
being enriched by a new, very special means of transportation:
Introducing the C1, BMW is presenting an all-new kind of vehicle
combining the merits of a motorised two-wheeler with numerous safety
features otherwise only found in a car. Driving in individual style
through town on the C1 is quite simply fun - a genuine pleasure in every
respect opening up a new world of experiences other vehicles are hardly
able to offer. The C1 can nearly always find its way even through the
most congested city streets where a normal car simply has no chance.
And thanks to its very compact dimensions the C1 can be parked in
spaces far too small for any car - directly next to your favourite
café or just outside the post office. The safety concept of the
C1, finally, allows you to drive without a helmet or any special
protective clothing. Even without such safety wear, you are of course
well-protected at all times by the safety cell with shoulder straps and
exchangeable deformation units, two seat belts, the special seat, and
the headrest. And should the worst really come to the worst a crash
deformation element above the front wheel and the BMW Telelever will
minimise the consequences of a collision. The roof and windshield
forming the safety cell, in turn, afford a certain degree of protection
from wind and weather. The BMW C1 comes in three model variants: The
basic version of the C1 is available in orange red non-metallic and
jade non-metallic. The C1 Family's Friend comes in a combination of two
colours, either Kalahari yellow non-metallic with frost blue metallic
or orange red non-metallic with frost blue metallic. The standard
fitmentsinclude a large storage compartment in the front fairing and a
luggage case fastening kit. The C1 Executive version of the C1,
finally, comes in graphite metallic, special C1 equipment for the
businessman (and, of course, businesswoman) including a reading light, a
mobile phone holder, an additional storage compartment, the luggage
case fastening kit, a luggage net and luggage railing. All models are
powered by a 125-cc water-cooled four-strokeengine developing maximum
output of 11 kW (15 bhp) at 9250 rpm. Maximum torque of 12 Nm or almost
9 lb-ft comes at 6500 rpm. With this kind of power and torque being
quite unusual for an engine of this size, the use of a fully controlled
three-way catalytic converter is certainly even more exceptional. The
"heart" of the fuel supply and ignition management system is
the BMS Digital Motor Electronics. The BMW C1 has a top speed of 103
km/h or 64 mph and consumes 2.9 litres premium on 100 km (97.4 mpg Imp).
Measuring 2.08 metres in length and 1.03 metres in width, and weighing a
total of 185 kg or 408 lb, the C1 accelerates to 50 km/h in 5.9
seconds, just right for speedy and efficient motoring in town. The
travelling speed offered by the C1 on country roads and even on the
Autobahn is however also quite acceptable. And last but not least, the
C1 is also available with ABS in the interest of even greater active
safety. Either an emergency seat for a passenger (who is however
required to wear a helmet) or a variable luggage system may be fitted
as special equipment behind the safety cell. The fun audio system
offers additional music pleasure and an on-board computer will keep the
driver occupied whenever he does not have to concentrate on the road. A
hardtop offers extra fresh air, a heating system provides a pleasantly
warm atmosphere. The safety-minded driver, finally, can order his C1
with hazard warning flashers and/or an anti-theft warning system. The
driver of a BMW C1 is not required to wear the usual protective clothing
you need on a motorcycle. But the range of C1 driver's equipment
nevertheless offers attractive options for even greater driving
pleasure, in particular a choice of trendy weather protection jackets
as well as a T-shirt, sweat shirt, kerchief, and a cap. The BMW C1 is
built by Bertone S.p.A. in Italy and will be entering the European
market in April 2000, with sales through most of BMW's car and
motorcycle dealers.