commuter scooter

BMW Shows Concept C Super Scooter

BMW, known for the finest premium performance sedans in the world and motorcycles for "Men in Suits," is expanding its motorized offerings to include big commuter scooters.

Called Concept C for now, BMW Motorcycles is not releasing your average delivery person's Vespa

Known as "maxi scooters," BMW says it will soon enter the market with two gas-powered versions, with an electric version in the works.

BMW hasn't said how big an engine the Concept C uses, except to say it is a new inline two-cylinder powerplant with a continuously variable transmission. BMW says power and torque figures will be in the top range of the large scooter segment.
The Concept C, which stands for "Commuter," uses a number of design features found on other BMW motorcycles. The front uses the "split-face" design found on models such as the S1000RR which also inspired the Concept C's twin-tipped front spoiler. The bash plates and air intakes were taken from BMW's GS line.

BMW has long been known for "sport bikes. It marketed a cruiser bike for a time to compete against the likes of Harley Davidson, but it left the market when it didn't catch on. In Europe, it is not uncommon to find business professionals commuting to work in a BMW motorcycle, often outfitted with a plexi-glass surround for rain protection.

Urban commuting in Europe and prospering Asian cities is a major focus of automakers as demands for small vehicles and electric vehicles grows with policies meant to reduce carbon emissions and vehicle over-crowding in city centers. Besides Concept C, BMW is also developing a small front-wheel drive city car that is expected to compete against vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz's smart.

Gallery: BMW Concept C