Questions while waiting to test ride C400GT

wspollack

Active member
Hello again. Does the C400X/GT have a canbus? I cannot find a reference one way or the other.
It appears to be the case.

While I can't find any specific mention of this topic in the owner's manual or shop manual:

1) The press release info from BMW itself of the C 400 X in 2017 states:

High-performance electrical system in CAN bus technology.

The electrical system of the new BMW Motorrad mid-size scooter is based on the well-established system to be found in other BMW Motorrad models. It is a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus system. This means that the instrument cluster, the ABS and engine control unit, the electronic immobiliser and the
optional alarm system (DWA) are all interconnected.


This is from page 12 of the 23-page, 1.7MB, PDF download at https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/attachment/T0275471EN/396927

2) There are some more recent (non-factory) articles that mention this. For instance, the review of the 2019 C 400 GT at TopSpeed (https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/bmw/2019-bmw-c-400-gt/) has this to say:

Behind the glass is an LCD screen that serves as the stock instrument panel. You can opt for a 6.5-inch TFT display ex werke, but even the standard screen acts as a window to the scooter's soul through the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus system. The CAN networks the instrumentation, engine control unit, ABS and optional security system to serve as a one-stop shop with a wireless Bluetooth connection that pulls your phone and helmet into the network. Yak on the phone or pipe in your tunes; you've got access to whatever your favorite distractions might be.
 

mzflorida

Active member
T
It appears to be the case.

While I can't find any specific mention of this topic in the owner's manual or shop manual:

1) The press release info from BMW itself of the C 400 X in 2017 states:

High-performance electrical system in CAN bus technology.

The electrical system of the new BMW Motorrad mid-size scooter is based on the well-established system to be found in other BMW Motorrad models. It is a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus system. This means that the instrument cluster, the ABS and engine control unit, the electronic immobiliser and the
optional alarm system (DWA) are all interconnected.


This is from page 12 of the 23-page, 1.7MB, PDF download at https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/attachment/T0275471EN/396927

2) There are some more recent (non-factory) articles that mention this. For instance, the review of the 2019 C 400 GT at TopSpeed (https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/bmw/2019-bmw-c-400-gt/) has this to say:

Behind the glass is an LCD screen that serves as the stock instrument panel. You can opt for a 6.5-inch TFT display ex werke, but even the standard screen acts as a window to the scooter's soul through the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus system. The CAN networks the instrumentation, engine control unit, ABS and optional security system to serve as a one-stop shop with a wireless Bluetooth connection that pulls your phone and helmet into the network. Yak on the phone or pipe in your tunes; you've got access to whatever your favorite distractions might be.
That is super helpful! Thank you for all of your contributions here.
 

mzflorida

Active member
There is a little wrench in the works on my buying process. I called the dealer to check up on the status of the bike being delivered to the dealership. The bike is showing as in their inventory but the dealer does not have it on site yet. So it will be soon in any case. The wrench is that there is a stop sale on the bike. They did try to research the cause for the stop but unfortunately the guidance was in German. Curious if anyone knows where I might be able to look up these bulletins from BMW to dealers. It’s a 2023 with the premium package.
 

wspollack

Active member
There is a little wrench in the works on my buying process. I called the dealer to check up on the status of the bike being delivered to the dealership. The bike is showing as in their inventory but the dealer does not have it on site yet. So it will be soon in any case. The wrench is that there is a stop sale on the bike. They did try to research the cause for the stop but unfortunately the guidance was in German. Curious if anyone knows where I might be able to look up these bulletins from BMW to dealers. It’s a 2023 with the premium package.
I just did some searching on this, and couldn't find a thing, regarding either this specific case or the bulletins in general. Sorry to hear about it -- this has truly been a test of your patience.

And I wonder whether some recall notice is headed my way, as there hasn't been much changed between the 2022 and 2023 models (although I suppose it could also involve a case of a recent bad batch of something that is provided by outside suppliers, and suchlike).
 

mzflorida

Active member
I just did some searching on this, and couldn't find a thing, regarding either this specific case or the bulletins in general. Sorry to hear about it -- this has truly been a test of your patience.

And I wonder whether some recall notice is headed my way, as there hasn't been much changed between the 2022 and 2023 models (although I suppose it could also involve a case of a recent bad batch of something that is provided by outside suppliers, and suchlike).
Thanks for checking Bill. I just used Google but I couldn't find anything.
 

EvilTwin

Active member
Just for S&G's I searched and didnt find a single c400 in the state of VA. With a 34 inch inseam, did you ever consider a c650? It's German built although the engine is from Kymco. Not sold new anymore but they are out there, especially the later model ones with the improvements.
 

Kuip

New member
Stop Sale for the 2023 C400GT
The stop sale is for an emission sticker. It is pertaining for a specific production run. At least its not a mechanical issue that would require to get improved parts
I'm not sure of the specific dates being affected. Hope it get handled soon
 

wspollack

Active member
Stop Sale for the 2023 C400GT
The stop sale is for an emission sticker. It is pertaining for a specific production run. At least its not a mechanical issue that would require to get improved parts
I'm not sure of the specific dates being affected. Hope it get handled soon
1) Good info for @mzflorida.

2) Just wondering how you found that out. I'm always looking to improve my web-searching techniques (i.e., as I noted in passing, I did some googling on this, after @mzflorida posted about the problem, and couldn't find squat).
 

Kuip

New member
1) Good info for @mzflorida.

2) Just wondering how you found that out. I'm always looking to improve my web-searching techniques (i.e., as I noted in passing, I did some googling on this, after @mzflorida posted about the problem, and couldn't find squat).
Just retired from 12 yrs. sales at BMW motorcycle dealer. still somewhat connected. I also have a C400GT coming (in the mail) (in Limbo) who know when or where

Ken
 

wspollack

Active member
Just retired from 12 yrs. sales at BMW motorcycle dealer. still somewhat connected. I also have a C400GT coming (in the mail) (in Limbo) who know when or where

Ken
1) Ah, that explains it -- your connections. Thanks.

2) You might get some farkle ideas from my gallery https://www.billanddot.com/C400GT/ , if you haven't checked it out yet. I am absofreakinlutely loving my C 400 GT, with more than 4,000 miles put on, June - Oct (and now hibernating). Most enjoyable bike I've ever owned (although it also might be a case of "love the one you're with" syndrome).
 

wspollack

Active member
As a former owner of 2022 xmax go for c650 honestly. More power better looking and far more fun.
As a current owner of a '22 C 400 GT -- and having owned two Burgman 650s, some big baggers, etc., and having test-ridden the (now-obsolete) 650 Beemer -- I think that the GT is tons of fun, handles superbly, has enough power for me (solo or two-up), is better looking than the older Big Beemers, has a lower seat, and it comes with a three-year warranty (which can also be extended, which is what I've already done).

If, for whatever reason, someone's interested in a scooter with more power than the C 400 GT has, I'd recommend the Kymco AK 550 in North America, and that 550 or the TMax Tech in Europe.

I mention all of that in case you were interested in different opinions.
 

Skutorr

Active member
Especially at your height, I'd try the KYMCO AK550 also. Like an BMW Sport 650 but without all the defects! Big BREMBO brakes, plenty of power to go or cruise anywhere, etc. And only $1,000 more for a real maxiscooter than the little C400 Gt. And, if they bring the 2023 over, it will have a whole bunch of upgrades, including Cruise Control and an Electric Adustable Windscreen!
 

wspollack

Active member
Especially at your height, I'd try the KYMCO AK550 also. Like an BMW Sport 650 but without all the defects! Big BREMBO brakes, plenty of power to go or cruise anywhere, etc. And only $1,000 more for a real maxiscooter than the little C400 Gt. And, if they bring the 2023 over, it will have a whole bunch of upgrades, including Cruise Control and an Electric Adustable Windscreen!
Well, if we want to stray just a bit from the intent of the original post of @mzflorida (who wanted to get info on the C 400 GT), in my opinion, for North American riders the AK550 is looking like the maxi-scooter to get.

Here's a nice summary of the maxis available in the UK (and, as I say, never mind the rankings -- it's just a good compendium):


But to get back to reality for those of us in North America, here's a post I wrote just yestereday, on the BurgmanUSA forum. This was my long response to someone who said that the AK550 looked good, but also that his current 650 Burgman was serving him well. If anyone has a few minutes to spare, I mention the Big Burger (no longer manufactured), the C 400, and the AK:


On the one hand, I agree with you, re both "that direction" and "a single thing."

OTOH, I had actually -- sort of, kind of -- started shopping around, for that very 550.

Not that there's anything wrong with the Big Burger -- and SO much right with it -- but It was in the back of my mind that I was riding a 14-year-old scooter, and that if the belt or tranny went south, I'm much too old and much too lacking in equipment (no lift, for example), strength, patience, and talent to fix it.

I had done my usual annual letter and phone call to Yamaha, asking them to bring the TMax to North America. As usual, no hint of any change in that situation.

And then I had done some emailing to Kymco, asking where there was a 550 in stock, so I could at least SIT on the freakin scoot before I ordered one. (There's a Suzuki dealer maybe four miles from me, where I'd get my oil filters and suchlike, who also happens to sell Kymco. But they only have the little ones; the owner offered to order a 550 for me, but I put that off.)

In any case, Kymco never got back to me, after several attempts. And I couldn't locate a showroom model within a thousand miles or so, if at all. Much as @rjs987 has detailed his rides and maintenance and satisfaction with the 550, I refuse to order a bike that I haven't at least sat on, at a dealer's, Americade, the NYC Cycle Show, etc., no matter how much I read about one. (My first sit-down on a Big Burger was at the NYC show in late 2006 or early 2007, as was my first sit-down on a Victory Cross Country Tour, in late 2011; I bought both a few months after each test-sit.)

And then the wife and I did a couple of weeks last May on the 400 Beemer, and she said that she liked the ergos -- top box backrest, feet position, seat, etc. -- so much that she thought I should get one. And that was all the encouragement I needed.

I must say that the Big Burger has more storage, more oomph, and more stretch-out room than the Beemer.

On the third hand, the C 400 GT handles better than any bike I've owned (including, I believe, the most lean angle), is surprisingly (to me, anyway) peppy and smooth for a small thumper, and has modern amenities such as a TFT display, turn-by-turn even without the optional nav, and throttle-by-wire.

And what is perhaps most pleasing to me -- right up there with the handling -- is how much I appreciate the loss of 140 lbs. or so, compared to the Burger (and the Kymco has some of that weight-reduction going for it, too, of course). Maybe it's a geezer thing -- I'll be 75 next month -- but I was surprised at how heavy the BB felt, moving it around the garage, for the month or so that I had both bikes.

And it may cost money, but it's also comforting having an established dealer network around (vs. the Kymco). Part of that is the I'm-getting-too-old for maintenance aspect (even though I still enjoy doing electrical farkles). Also comforting is having a three-year warranty; I've already ponied up, BTW, for a factory extension on that.

So if the BB doesn't happen to outlast you, and BMW is still making the 400, keep it in mind, is my suggestion.


 

mzflorida

Active member
Just for S&G's I searched and didnt find a single c400 in the state of VA. With a 34 inch inseam, did you ever consider a c650? It's German built although the engine is from Kymco. Not sold new anymore but they are out there, especially the later model ones with the improvements.
I have. It did not make the top 3. But with my inseam, the more room the better. Ther are quite a few here. I'll take ride and sit on one. The AK550 is also on the list but I haven't been able to sit on one of those either. Kymco parts are so difficult to find is the big detractor (we've owned three Kymcos, down to one Like 150i that my wife intends on riding but rarely does). The Kymcos have been rock solid mechanically. My daughter dropped hers and it took months and months without supply chain issues. Thanks for the tip!
 

mzflorida

Active member
Especially at your height, I'd try the KYMCO AK550 also. Like an BMW Sport 650 but without all the defects! Big BREMBO brakes, plenty of power to go or cruise anywhere, etc. And only $1,000 more for a real maxiscooter than the little C400 Gt. And, if they bring the 2023 over, it will have a whole bunch of upgrades, including Cruise Control and an Electric Adustable Windscreen!
It is undoubtedly a lot of bike for the money. I have not been able to sit on one yet. A buddy of mine has a buddy who is selling his AK. But it is in central Florida, I am in SW Florida, and I have not made it up that way as we have been stopping around Tampa on our rides lately. Thanks for the post!
 

mzflorida

Active member
As a current owner of a '22 C 400 GT -- and having owned two Burgman 650s, some big baggers, etc., and having test-ridden the (now-obsolete) 650 Beemer -- I think that the GT is tons of fun, handles superbly, has enough power for me (solo or two-up), is better looking than the older Big Beemers, has a lower seat, and it comes with a three-year warranty (which can also be extended, which is what I've already done).

If, for whatever reason, someone's interested in a scooter with more power than the C 400 GT has, I'd recommend the Kymco AK 550 in North America, and that 550 or the TMax Tech in Europe.

I mention all of that in case you were interested in different opinions.
I'm retired law enforcement and have a buddy in Italy who was on the job there. He's a unwavering two-wheel fanatic. He bought the big Yamaha (i think it is a 550 Tech?). He sold his other three bikes. He just loves it and takes it everywhere. He has owned everything from Harleys to exotics and swears it is the smoothest best handling bike he's owned (with an upgraded suspension). Of course we are not getting any younger so that might have played into it but I'll never know for sure!
 

mzflorida

Active member
Stop Sale for the 2023 C400GT
The stop sale is for an emission sticker. It is pertaining for a specific production run. At least its not a mechanical issue that would require to get improved parts
I'm not sure of the specific dates being affected. Hope it get handled soon
Thank you very much for clearing that up!
 
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