Segment:
Urban mobility scooter/motorcycle hybrid
Unique Selling Proposition:
The BMW C1 offered a unique blend of motorcycle maneuverability with the safety features of a car, including a built-in roll cage and seatbelt.
Direct Competitors:
Few direct competitors due to its unique design. Competed with traditional scooters and smaller motorcycles in terms of performance and urban utility, but offered superior safety.
Safety Cell:
Integral safety cell with internal roll cage and three-point seatbelt as standard.
Weather Protection:
Partial weather protection provided by the cockpit structure.
Storage:
Under-seat storage compartment suitable for a helmet.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of the 125cc engine components, including cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, and valve train.
Engine Fuel System:
Carburetor system (model specific), fuel delivery, fuel tank, fuel lines, and associated components.
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, spark plug, CDI unit, wiring diagrams for ignition circuit.
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant flow, water pump, thermostat, and fan operation.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, muffler, catalytic converter (if applicable), and mounting hardware.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (CVT), drive belts, variator system, clutch, and final drive unit.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (likely disc brakes), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, brake pads, and rotor specifications.
Suspension:
Front fork assembly, rear shock absorber, swingarm, and related pivot points.
Steering:
Handlebar assembly, steering stem, bearings, and linkage.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, indicators), horn, and fuse box.
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame construction, body panels, seating, fairings, and the unique roll cage/safety cell.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel specifications, tire pressure recommendations, and tire replacement procedures.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air), spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues related to starting, engine performance, electrical faults, and braking.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step guides for component removal, repair, and installation, including engine rebuilds, transmission servicing, and suspension overhauls.
Component Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding carburetors, water pumps, brake calipers, and other key components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, aiding in fault diagnosis and repair.
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification of necessary special tools for specific maintenance and repair tasks.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic servicing to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Single-cylinder, four-stroke
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Bore X Stroke:
Approx. 57 mm x 48.6 mm (typical for this displacement class, specific to C1 125 TBC in manual)
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 11.0:1 (typical for this engine class, specific to C1 125 TBC in manual)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves
Horsepower:
Approx. 15 hp @ 7500 rpm (typical for 125cc class, specific to C1 125 TBC in manual)
Torque:
Approx. 12 Nm @ 6000 rpm (typical for 125cc class, specific to C1 125 TBC in manual)
Carburetor Type:
Constant Velocity (CV) carburetor, specific model TBC in manual (e.g., Mikuni or Keihin)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 km or annually (whichever comes first)
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000 km or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 15,000 km
Drive Belt Inspection:
Every 10,000 km, replacement recommended every 20,000 km or if signs of wear are present
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40, API SG or higher (specific BMW recommendation in manual)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.3 liters (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, BMW recommended formulation
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion or loose connections in electrical connectors can cause intermittent faults.
Drive Belt Wear:
Premature wear of the CVT belt can occur if subjected to excessive strain or improper maintenance.
Carburetor Adjustment:
Carburetors can require fine-tuning due to altitude or fuel quality variations.
Exhaust System Corrosion:
Susceptible to corrosion in humid or coastal environments.
Manufacturer:
BMW Motorrad, a division of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, known for its premium motorcycles and automotive engineering.
Concept Introduction:
The C1 was conceived as a solution to urban mobility challenges, offering enhanced safety for motorcycle users, particularly in Europe where helmet laws were stringent.
Manufacturing Location:
Produced in Munich, Germany, and at a Bertone facility in Italy.
Production Period:
Originally produced from 2000 to 2003, with limited further production or successor models.
