The bigwigs over at the Bayerische Motoren Werke pared down its scooter exports to the U.S. to a single model ahead of MY2022, the new 2022 BMW C 400 GT. No, it's not net-new, but it does carry a number of improvements in both the mechanics and the electronics to make it new enough. Generous under-seat storage and a vented windshield contribute to its utility as a commuter and/or grocery-getter. Perhaps best of all, the drivetrain has long-enough legs to make it suitable for interstate/highway travel and sure to find fun wherever it goes.

2022 BMW C 400 GT Design

As ever, the C 400 GT carries itself with class, dignity, and elegance. The front fairing/legguard structure extends forward to make the front end look like a predator that is ready to pounce. A fork-mount front fender barely peeks out from between the fairing lowers that double as housings for the recessed turn signals, which is rather chic if you ask me.

Since the scoop-shape windscreen is well vented at the leading edge, some of the air bleeds behind to stabilize the upper slipstream and combat the wearisome head-buffet effect that can make even short trips a drag. Behind the glass, a 6.5-inch, color TFT display bundles the instrumentation with the BMW Motorrad Connectivity controls that, in turn, manage the multi-controller and associated apps, plus it enables a Navigator function.

To the right of the steering column in the inner fairing is a wee glovebox that comes complete with a USB charging port so you can charge your mobile devices under way. It is secured by a full-size, flip-down cover, and the USB port comes with a weather-resistant plug for an extra layer of protection. The ignition switch comes with Beemer's Keyless Ride feature that lets you leave the key in your pocket for your convenience rather than hanging out of the switch.

Also in that category is the Flexcase feature that increases the secure, dry, under-seat storage to 45 liters, up from a resting 31 liters, and the top-down lighting in the compartment that improves low-light visibility of whatever swag you're hauling. The chiseled seat buoys your butt at 29.9 inches off the deck, a height that the factory calls “low” and it is relatively speaking, but will actually be tip-toe territory for the vertically-challenged rider. It's a scooter so you have room to hop forward.

All of the lighting, front to back, comes with LED projectors to maximize visibility both ways. Good thing too, since two of the three color packages are heavy on the dark paint.

2022 BMW C 400 GT Chassis

Tubular steel and die-cast aluminum make up the underframe structure with a double swingarm, also in aluminum, to articulate for the rear wheel on the C 400 GT. It establishes a 26.4-degree rake angle that is toward the agile end of the range with 3.2 inches of trail that is beyond agile.

Dual, coil-over shocks support the rear end and dampen the motion of the swingarm with the only suspension tweak to be found in a variable-preload spring feature. Up front, a set of 35 mm, rwu, telescopic forks take care of business over 4.3 inches of travel ahead of 4.4 inches of travel at the rear end.

Asymmetrical, cast aluminum rims round out the rolling chassis in a 15-inch and 14-inch diameter at the front and rear, respectively. A 120/70 and 150/70 hoop makes the connection to terra firma with new-for-2022 dual, four-piston calipers up front and a single-pot caliper out back. The new calipers have better piston response, which in turn gives better feedback at the levers and provides better stability. Front and rear discs measure out at 264 mm, plus, Beemer's own ABS feature comes with the stock equipment package to allow you to get the most you can safely get out of the anchors.

2022 BMW C 400 GT Drivetrain

The safety electronics on the C 400 GT continue into the engine compartment with an updated-for-2022 Automatic Stability Control feature that limits slip under inclement riding conditions for another guard against disaster. Additionally, the factory ditched the manual radius calculation system in favor of a new automatic one, so there's no need for any kind of mechanical action on your part when you replace your worn old rubber with fresh, full-diameter hoops. A new R-b-W throttle control works with the new engine management system and equally new Idle Speed Control for smoother transitions and some anti-stall protection, even in cold conditions for you intrepid all-weather riders out there.

Power comes from a 350 cc thumper with an 80 mm bore, 69.6 mm stroke, and spicy 11.5-to-1 compression ration that will demand high-octane fuel to prevent knocking/pinging/dieseling. Digital engine management and a three-way catalytic converter help the mill meet its emissions obligations. It cranks out 34 horsepower at 7,500 rpm with 26 pound-feet of torque at 5,750 (250 rpm sooner than previous model), and turns in a top speed of 86 mph, which should be plenty no matter where you ride. A centrifugal dry clutch couples engine power to the stepless Continuously Variable Transmission gearbox that delivers twist-and-go-operation with no shifter or manual clutch to complicate things.

2022 BMW C 400 GT Price

BMW looks to garner a starting price of $8,495. It can be had in the sinister Triple Black package, bright Alpine White paint, or the stealthy, flat Callisto Gray Metallic. This model was scheduled for a second-quarter 2021 release, and should be available soon as of the time of this writing. A full array of accessories are available to help you get set up just how you like it with goodies like the heated grips/seat, security alarm, top case, and even more infotainment features.

2022 BMW C 400 GT Competitors

BMW builds a proper urban commuter-scooter, it's true, but I think Suzuki deserves a crack with its world-recognized Burgman 400.

Suzuki Burgman 400

Like the Bavarians, Suzuki went with widespread blackout treatment, and doubled down with a Metallic Matte Black No. 2 paint package on the body panels, with the exception of the blue accents on the rims. While the Burgman hits all of the same design high points as its European counterpart, it does so in a much less-angular way to leave the Burgman arguably a bit more elegant looking than the C 400 GT, though both maintain a business-like mien that is undeniable.

Looks aside, Suzuki wins in displacement with a 399 cc thumper on power-delivery duty along with an Automatic Idle Speed Control of its own but no answer for Beemer's ASC feature, and that's a fairly major discrepancy to be sure. It looks like Suzuki fails to capitalize on it greater cubeage with only 30.5 ponies to be had, and 26.5 pounds o' grunt against 34/26 from the Beemer, so chalk up another victory for the C 400 GT.

Both use some sort of CVT gearbox for twist-and-go operation, so there's nothing to choose between the two here. The Burgman rolls for $8,299, but it's unclear if that couple o' hundred will make up for the relative lack of tech and horsepower.

Read our full review of the Suzuki Burgman 400.

He Said

“I'm thinking not so much. I'd shell out twice that difference for the BMW in this instance for the traction control, power, and top speed mainly. Lookswise, it's almost too angular for my taste, though I'm digging what there is well enough I suppose. No matter which paint package you choose, you can count on the angles shining through. Also, you can pencil me in as a fan of the matte black paint.”

She Said

My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “The BMW C 400 GT isn't new new. It's been in other markets for a couple of years, but it's new in the U.S. market with these updates and improvements. The electronics are sophisticated for a scooter, but remember this is a mid-class business scooter with emphasis on touring, so you expect it to come with bells and whistles for long-haul comfort. The ride is lively, handling is responsive and nimble, and it'll handle highway speeds with confidence. BMW doesn't disappoint.”

2022 BMW C 400 GT Specifications

Further Reading

BMW Motorrad

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