LPG conversion for the BMW C1

This modification was carried out by Matevz, a young Slovenian C1 biker who fitted an LPG system

to his BMW C1.

Below is a translation of the letter he sent us with the details:

“I built this system because I care about the environment, especially clean air. Since the C1 is an urban vehicle, what better opportunity to make a direct contribution? I completed this conversion about two months ago, spending a great deal of time studying the available space to make the best possible use of it. Bear in mind that all the components were adapted from parts designed for automotive LPG systems, which made the design challenging. The conversion cost around 400 Euros, excluding labour.

The LPG kit is made in Italy by LOVATO. LPG costs around 50 Euro cents per litre. The photos show the cylinder inside the top case, which holds about 3 Kg of LPG (equivalent to about 5.5 litres of petrol). This cylinder is similar to those used in homes some years ago. The range is about 170 Km, but with the C1 now running on two fuels — petrol and LPG — I can cover more than 400 Km in complete safety. In terms of pollution, the C1 produces far fewer atmospheric emissions with this system, and the difference is very noticeable.

The only downside is that I’ve lost a little space in my top case!

Best regards, Matevz.”

What is LPG?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas. It is a hydrocarbon consisting mainly of a mixture of propane and butane, obtained by refining petroleum or extracted directly, after simple filtration, from natural gas or crude oil, with which it occurs in deposits.

What are the benefits of LPG?

LPG is an excellent vehicle fuel (and, we might add, motorcycle fuel!), extremely economical and environmentally friendly. LPG engines are much cleaner than conventional petrol or diesel engines because they release no sulphur, benzene or lead residues: these elements are entirely absent from its composition. Compared with other fuels, measured exhaust emissions would be 10–15% lower for CO², 20% lower for CO and 55–60% lower for unburnt hydrocarbons.

Thanks to these characteristics, LPG ensures a long engine life, also reducing oil consumption and improving environmental quality through lower pollutant emissions.