BMW smaller scooter 300 cc - 350 cc?

[qualt]

I heard a rumor that BMW my be coming out with a smaller scooter soon; somewhere in the 300 cc to 350 cc range.

I also heard that, like our bikes, some of the main components are outsourced from Asian scooter manufactures.

If so is this a Europe only model, or maybe it was a concept bike, or just a false rumor?

Does anyone know anything about this?

 

[exavid]

I suspect if you really want to sell a scooter in the US you need to start at 650ccs. A one liter scooter would be irresistible to the US market. It's gotta be able to wheelie and stoppie, everyone knows that.

 

[Sparkrn]

Yuck. Don't like the sound of that.

 

[qualt]

Yuck. Don't like the sound of that.

Huh? Why would that be disturbing to have BMW offer a smaller scooter along with their larger one?

If it's the Asian sourced components, then that shouldn't bother anyone either, because our 650cc engines are already Asian sourced; they are made by Kymco.

I have two scooters, a Suzuki 200 Burgman and my C 650 GT, but f the rumor is true then I might sell the 200 and get one of the new 300-350 cc BMW's.

Edit---

I found this article after I submitted the above reply:

http://www.bimmerfile.com/2015/08/28/rumor-bmw-to-expand-scooter-lineup-with-c-350/

 

[Colin J Monteith]

Mmmmmmm, after dropping the C600 in North America and as I understand it debating whether to continue with C650 GT in at least Canada it would surprise me if they brought in a smaller scooter here. Scooters are a minute market in this continent and not growing. Just got back from Scotland where I spoke to Motorrad dealer who cast doubt on large scooter sales and survival in that market. BMW F1200GS was very common on the streets of Edinburgh.

 

[Snowdog]

It's about price. A lot of us can afford a GT or Sport, but if you only have half the money, you will buy a smaller bike. Most people who buy a 50cc scooter do so cause it's cheap. (not everyone though they are fun too)

 

[TwoPort]

I can imagine. A 350cc with ABS, heated grips, heated seat, movable windshield. Only $7,000.00

 

[exavid]

One of the problems of a small engine is that you can't support a lot of electrical extras. The small engine can't spare the horsepower for a high output alternator. If BMW drops the 650GT I'll start looking for a Honda Silverwing. They've stopped selling those in the US but there are a lot of spare parts and accessories available since they've been produced for so long.

 

[wotte]

A lot of people buy 50CC scoots because of 1) price, and 2) most states don't require a motorcycle endorsement.

I think a 300CC scoot that's a bit lighter, a bit cheaper, and a bit shorter would be great for my wife.

 

[TN_Sooner]

I can imagine. A 350cc with ABS, heated grips, heated seat, movable windshield. Only $7,000.00

Which is totally in the same market as the newest Vespa 300's.

 

[Skutorr]

Better, the Piaggio BV350 ABS. It's got a real subframe and the newer engine that even comes with a wet clutch.

http://www.piaggiousa.com/scooter/bv-350-abs.html

 

[TwoPort]

Which is totally in the same market as the newest Vespa 300's.

That is a good point indeed. Those Vespa's are very expensive with no modern "stuff"

 

[wotte]

Yup. Vespas don't have adjustable screens or heated grips/seat. Not to mention the fact that the suspension feels like shit compared to the BMW.