BMW does the twist-and-go with Concept C scooter [w/video]

Filed under: Concept Cars, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, Motorcycle

BMW Motorrad Concept C – Click above for high-res image gallery

Say what you will about motor scooters, but twist-and-go is how an inordinate proportion of the world’s population gets around town. Simply put, there is no simpler way of getting through crowded city streets, and let’s face it: city streets are only getting more crowded. With that in mind, BMW – one of the few automakers that builds four-wheeled vehicles as well as two – has unveiled its vision for the next generation of large motor scooters, which it calls Concept C.

Drawing on decades of experience building full-size motorcycles, BMW Motorrad has delved into the scooter market with a fresh concept that brings familiar design cues from its existing lineup of off-road, touring and sport bikes to a commuter form. In short, BMW is “expanding its present motorcycle adventure world to include the big scooter.” Their words, not ours.

Instead of reinventing the wheel as other companies have tried, the Concept C is powered by a conventional two-cylinder engine mated to a continuously-variable transmission, although consideration is being given to future electric powertrains. The front fork features dual disc brakes accompanied by a single disc in the back and supported by ABS. LED headlights illuminate the road ahead, while dual LCD monitors provide the instrumentation.

There’s more to read in the press release after the jump, accompanied by video footage and the high-resolution image mega-gallery below.

Gallery: BMW Motorrad Concept C