BMW continues its assault on new markets, most recently with its incredible S1000RR literbike. Over the past four years, the German company has nearly doubled its 500cc-plus market share from about 7% to 13%, and the 2011 model year is on pace to set a sales record of more than 103,000 motorcycles.

For 2012, BMW enters the lucrative scooter segment with a pair of twin-cylinder maxi-scoots claimed to combine the agility and comfort of a scooter with the riding qualities of a motorcycle. The C600 Sport is, like its name suggests, is the sportier version. Unlike the implication of its name, the “600” Sport actually uses the same liquid-cooled 647cc parallel-Twin engine as the more luxurious C650GT. Both will be built in BMW’s Berlin factory. Check out our photo gallery of the new BMW scooters here.

The fuel-injected DOHC motor is claimed to produce a relatively awesome 60 horsepower at its 7500-rpm peak and delivers it to the rear wheel via a CVT transmission and an enclosed, oil-bath chain. The twin cylinders are inclined at 70 degrees for a low center of gravity, with a crankpin offset of 90 degrees and a 270-degree firing pattern. Vibration is quelled via twin balance shafts. Continue Reading »