(I love the looks… If you don’t love the looks, you might atleast love the crashtest video)
I got an email from Detlef out in Florida. Good guy. He was the first to get SMART cars in the US and let me check it out in person about 6 years ago.
Well, turns out that Heir Detlef can hook you up with a BMW C1, granting that your bank is in order. It’s about $7000 for the 125cc version and $8250 for the 200cc version… DON’T MAKE ME SELL THE CAR! (hrm… maybe my wife won’t notice… there might be a baby seat module for it, right?)
Here’s the letter from the man himself:
Good Afternoon,
I got good news! You can get BMW C1 scooter only used.We can get you two models:
C1 – 125 used between 0 km and 5,000 km for EURO 5,500.00 without extras.C1 – 200 with new engine for EURO 6,500.00 without extras.
If you like to get EXTRAS please let me know which. You can also get every color.
For extras visit my webpage :
http://www.detlefs-rentals.com/BMW_C1/index4.htmlHave a great day,
Detlef
SO! There you have it. Who’s gonna take him up on the offer? Seems like last time I asked him about this the number was closer to $14,000… so anywhere in the $8,000 range is a bahghan!
Damn… I want one of those more than Cartman wants a Wii!
Oh, and thanks to Akiog for sharing the photo of a C1.
***UPDATE***
I read this little article, from before the release of the C1, and I believe it pretty well sums up the American outlook on the C1 as well as scooters in general… especially during that time period, a decade ago. It’s good to see a little change happening.
4. November 2006 at 3:33 am
I’ve actually had the priviledge of seeing a yellow 200cc C1 in person. It showed up at a BMW dealer open house in Fredericksburg, VA. The owner said he bought it in Germany while he was stationed there, and decided to bring it back with him. DOT and Customs waved it right through! Neat scoot. He had it set-up similar to the one in the photo, with a luggage case on the back.
John
Crawfordville FL
6. November 2006 at 7:59 pm
I want. I want. those are freakin’ neato. I bet pretty reliable too.
14. November 2006 at 9:55 am
OMG, are they actually shipping these things to the U.S.? I guess the C1 is regarded (at least in Germany) the uncoolest thing ever produced on two wheels, no wonder BMW stopped its production.
Prices are now between €2000 and €5000…
8. December 2006 at 4:11 am
You are welcome. (reproduce)
I watched this motorcycle in Germany (May 2005).
It was big surprise.
I had had not interest in a motorcycle.
But, this one was not.
*I can’t speak English.
Thank you.
8. December 2006 at 4:17 pm
Well, I can agree. From a “Biker Build off” standpoint, it’s not very cool. But from the High Nerd of Practicality (my other title only secondary to “His Supreme Scooter ArchGeek on High”, it’s sheer perfection!
So, Dennis… Does that mean you don’t like it? If you say you don’t it’s ok. The C1 is truly a LOVE it or HATE it kinda scooter.
To scooterguru, you didn’t get a chance to sit on it by chance, did you? Almost makes me wanna get stationed in Europe, so I can bring one back… Next step, I guess, would be go back in time and join the military.
And to Akiog. Your English is clear enough for me. I wonder if you are considering a purchase of the C1.
28. June 2007 at 5:32 pm
Its one of the most practical vehicles out there certainly for UK wet weather. Under engined but not underpowered and the storage is phenominal.
there’s still at least 12,000 still running and with a dedicated following of clubs and forums in the UK, France, Germany and Italy if they werent still in demand then the second hand values would not have stayed as high as they have. They were up to £4,500 new 7 years ago and a good second hand low miler can still cost £3,000+ if bought through a bmw dealer and around £2,000 for a private sale.
A few have been imported into the US via private means now with varying degrees of success.
29. June 2007 at 11:05 am
I’ve got a C1, and love it. It’s located in Connecticut One of the problems is I sometimes forget that you need to refuel it…90mpg. It’s titled and licensed in CT. Might be for sale soon..I’ve gotta decide do I keep my boat or scooter???
Don
Deep River, CT
29. June 2007 at 2:21 pm
Hrm… Interesting. How many CC? Didn’t the C1 come in two flavors?
What do they go for, used, in the USA? I think, living in Deep River, that you should keep the boat ; ) -heheh.
Cheers!
steve
27. June 2008 at 7:43 am
iam tired of paying these gas prices these seem like a safe option ! anybody who thinks style or the way you look riding is more important than coming back home to your wife and kids after sharing the road whit a bunch of cell phone using radio listening randomly cursing generally drooling bunch of idiots who think bigger and faster 0 to 60 in how long? is more important
20. July 2008 at 7:23 pm
Saw C1′s in London and Paris six years ago, and fell in love with them at once. Was bummed to hear they weren’t available inthe US, and even more bummed when BMW stopped offering them. Maybe some of us who’ve been crushed by gas prices could mount a campaign to persuade the Beemer folks to change their minds?
13. December 2009 at 2:08 pm
I have one, I love it, good news on the US front, BMW are working on a C1 electric version. The BMW C1e , google it to find out more…