BMW C400GT Specs, Horsepower & Performance Review
TL;DR
- The BMW C400GT runs a 350cc liquid-cooled single making 34 hp at 7,500 rpm and 26 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm, paired to a CVT.
- BMW’s own spec sheet lists an 80 mph top speed; owner GPS logs on forums have shown roughly 87-89 mph, so treat the higher figure as unverified rider-reported data, not a factory or instrumented claim.
- Wet weight is 482 lbs with a 30.1-inch seat height, putting it in reach for shorter riders despite the maxi-scooter bulk.
- 2025 base MSRP started at $8,445; expect real-world out-the-door pricing higher once the Comfort package or the 43.5-liter topcase gets added.
- ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, and Dynamic Brake Control come standard, which is more electronic safety net than most scooters in this class offer.
BMW C400GT Spec Table
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 350cc liquid-cooled single, 4 valves, DOHC-style rocker setup |
| Horsepower | 34 hp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 26 lb-ft @ 5,750 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Transmission | CVT with centrifugal dry clutch |
| Claimed top speed | 80 mph |
| Wet weight | 482 lbs |
| Seat height | 30.1 in |
| Fuel capacity | 3.3 gal (plus ~0.8 gal reserve) |
| Front/rear brakes | Dual 265mm disc / single 265mm disc, ABS Pro |
| Front/rear tires | 120/70-15 / 150/70-14 |
Source: BMW Motorrad official technical data, 2026.
How Much Horsepower Does the BMW C400GT Make?
The C400GT makes 34 hp at 7,500 rpm and 26 lb-ft of torque at 5,750 rpm out of its 350cc single-cylinder engine (BMW Motorrad, 2026). That’s per BMW’s official US technical data sheet, the primary source for every spec in this article.
That’s a modest number on paper, but it’s not the number that matters on a maxi-scooter. What matters is how that power gets to the pavement, and BMW runs it through a CVT instead of a traditional gearbox.
There’s no clutch lever, no shifting, no thinking about which gear you’re in. Twist the throttle and the belt-driven CVT finds the right ratio automatically on its own. Roll-on from a stoplight is immediate rather than peaky, since a CVT doesn’t have to wait for you to bang through gears to stay in the power band.
The 11.5:1 compression ratio is tuned for regular pump gas, and the engine is rated for either 87 AKI regular unleaded or 90 AKI premium, both with up to E15 ethanol blends. You won’t need premium at the pump to keep this engine happy.
What’s the BMW C400GT’s Real-World Top Speed?
BMW’s own spec sheet lists 80 mph as the C400GT’s top speed. That’s the factory number, and it’s the one to trust if you need a defensible figure for insurance, licensing, or just knowing what the bike is rated for.
Owners on scooter forums have logged higher numbers using GPS apps, with reports clustering around 87 to 89 mph on a flat road with no headwind. Those are rider-reported, not lab-instrumented results, and BMW speedometers are known to read a few percent fast, so treat them as a ceiling under ideal conditions rather than a number you’ll see on a normal commute.
Either way, this isn’t a highway-blasting machine. 80 mph is enough to keep up with interstate traffic in a pinch, but the C400GT is built for city arterials, suburban connector roads, and the occasional weekend ride out of town, not sustained triple-digit cruising.
How Does the BMW C400GT Handle in City Traffic?
The C400GT handles like a scooter that knows it’s going to spend most of its life in stop-and-go traffic. At 482 lbs wet, it’s heavier than a 300cc commuter scooter but nowhere near touring-bike mass, and that weight sits low thanks to the underseat fuel tank and CVT layout.
The 30.1-inch seat height is genuinely low for a maxi-scooter, which means riders in the 5’4″ to 5’6″ range can flat-foot it at stops without tiptoeing. Combine that with the telescopic fork up front and twin-shock swingarm out back, and the ride quality favors comfort over sharp cornering feedback, exactly what you want threading through potholes and streetcar tracks.
Dual 265mm front discs with a 4-piston fixed caliper give real stopping power, and ABS Pro adds cornering-aware brake distribution that most 350cc-class scooters skip entirely. Dynamic Traction Control also steps in on wet pavement or painted crosswalk lines, which matter more on a scooter’s smaller-diameter tires than they do on a full-size bike.
What Storage and Touring Features Does the C400GT Have?
The C400GT is BMW’s touring-oriented scooter, built around underseat storage and an optional 43.5-liter topcase that turns it into a genuine weekend hauler. The base bike already includes a Flexcase storage system and a center stand as standard equipment.
A 6.5-inch TFT display comes standard, with BMW Motorrad Connectivity built in for phone pairing and turn-by-turn prompts relayed from your phone’s navigation app. Riders who want a bigger screen can step up to the optional 10.25-inch Connectivity Pro display, the same unit BMW puts on some of its larger touring bikes.
Keyless Ride is standard, meaning the fob stays in your pocket or bag while you start the bike and open the seat. For colder climates or longer days in the saddle, the optional Comfort package adds heated grips and a heated seat, worth considering if you’re riding through spring or fall rather than just summer commuting.
How Much Does a BMW C400GT Cost?
The C400GT’s 2025 model year opened at a base MSRP of $8,445 before options, freight, or dealer fees (Motorcycle & Powersports News, 2025). That’s the figure to budget from if you’re pricing a new bike rather than shopping used.
Add the Comfort package, the Connectivity Pro display, or the topcase and luggage carrier, and out-the-door pricing climbs from there; used listings for 2022-2024 model years have run anywhere from roughly $5,000 to $10,000 depending on mileage, condition, and included accessories. If you’re cross-shopping, expect the C400GT to sit above mainstream 300cc commuter scooters and below full touring motorcycles, which is exactly where BMW positions it.
Who Should Buy the BMW C400GT?
The C400GT fits commuters who want more comfort and tech than a budget 125cc or 300cc scooter offers, plus riders who want to mix city commuting with occasional weekend trips without stepping up to a full-size touring bike. The low seat height also makes it a strong option for shorter riders who feel intimidated by taller adventure or touring motorcycles.
It’s less suited to riders who want sustained highway speed or a manual transmission feel; the CVT is smooth but won’t satisfy anyone chasing engagement over convenience. If your commute is mostly surface streets with occasional highway on-ramps, the C400GT’s power delivery and low weight make more sense than a bigger, heavier touring bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top speed of the BMW C400GT?
BMW’s factory spec sheet lists 80 mph as the top speed. Some owners report slightly higher GPS-verified speeds in the high 80s under ideal conditions, but 80 mph is the number BMW stands behind.
How much horsepower does the BMW C400GT have?
The C400GT makes 34 hp at 7,500 rpm and 26 lb-ft of torque at 5,750 rpm from its 350cc single-cylinder engine. Power routes through a CVT, so there’s no manual shifting involved.
Does the BMW C400GT have ABS?
Yes, ABS Pro comes standard, along with Dynamic Traction Control and Dynamic Brake Control. That combination is more advanced than what most scooters in the 350cc class offer.
What is the seat height on the BMW C400GT?
The seat height is 30.1 inches at unladen weight. That’s low enough for most riders in the 5’4″ range and up to get both feet flat at a stop.
How much does a new BMW C400GT cost?
The 2025 model year started at a base MSRP of $8,445 before options and fees. Adding packages like heated grips and seat, the larger TFT display, or the topcase pushes the out-the-door price higher.
Does the BMW C400GT take regular gas?
Yes, BMW rates the engine for 87 AKI regular unleaded or 90 AKI premium, both with up to E15 ethanol content. Premium isn’t required to keep the engine running properly.
