Text from the historic profile: descriptions, comparisons and references reflect the period in which it was originally published.
The basic BMW C1 125 offers the same protection and safety features as the more generously equipped models: upper and shoulder-height roll bars with lateral impact absorbers, a torsionally rigid safety cell, BMW Telever — the patented front suspension that keeps the C1 virtually glued to the road — plus two seat belts (one with 2 anchor points and the other with 3), and an ergonomic seat that prevents the body from sliding beneath the belt in a collision. Even in a sideways rollover, BMW’s numerous tests show that the head does not touch the ground. Simply put, this level of protection, unique among motorcycles currently on sale, can otherwise only be found in a modern small car. What more could you want?
Engine and transmission
Specification
Original data
Type
Single-cylinder, 4-stroke
Valves
4
Displacement
125 cm3 (cc)
Bore × stroke
56.4 mm × 50.0 mm
Power
11 kW/15 CV at 9250 rpm
Compression ratio
13,0 : 1
Maximum torque
12 Nm at 6500 rpm
Cooling
Liquid-cooled, with auxiliary electric fan
Fuel supply/engine management
BMS (BMW Management System)
Catalytic converter
Three-way, regulated by a lambda sensor
Transmission
Belt drive with engine-speed-dependent continuously variable automatic transmission
Fuel:
Premium unleaded, 95 ROZ
Electrical system
Specification
Original data
Alternator
400W
Battery
12 V/14 Amp/h
Dimensions and weights
Specification
Original data
Width
2,075 mm
Length
1026 mm
Height
1766 mm
Seat height
701 mm
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 9 litres
Unladen weight, ready to ride with a full tank
185 Kg
Maximum permissible total weight
360 Kg (note: the top case must not exceed 22 Kg)
Performance and fuel consumption
Specification
Original data
Top speed
Approx. 104 Km/h
Fuel economy, km per litre at 90 Km/h
34.48 Km/l (equivalent to 2.9 l per 100 Km)
Acceleration from 0 to 50 km/h
5.9 sec
Chassis and brakes
Specification
Original data
Front suspension
BMW Telever system with aluminium longitudinal arm
Rear suspension
Swingarm with integrated transmission unit and vibration isolation using ball bearings
Total travel
75 mm
Wheel travel
85 mm
Front brake
Hydraulic single disc (220 mm dia.) with floating twin-piston calliper
Rear brake
Hydraulic single disc (220 mm dia.) with floating single-piston calliper
Front wheel
Light-alloy rim, 3.5'' x 13''
Rear wheel
Light-alloy rim, 3.5'' x 12''
Front tyre
120/70-R 13 (tubeless)
Rear tyre
140/70-R 12 (tubeless)
Information from the BMW website. Copyright BMW MOTO, Munich, Germany.
