In some countries you have to wear a helmet with the C1.
"No protection" is not correct. The chassis is a rollcage, you are restrained with four-point belts.
There are crash test films online, showing C1s in various collisions with cars up to 40 mph. The dummies stay restrained and inside the C1, except for the odd arm or leg. The C1's compartment remains intact.
Here are some:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAgE_g29G7w&feature=related
A BMW engineer apparently rode a C1 at 30 mph into a brick wall, to prove a point. He emerged uninjured.
For real-world instances, the C1 forums keep a list of crashes involving their members getting t-boned, sideswiped, rear-ended, etc. Lots of stories of significant crashes resulting in minimal injuries, although admittedly arms and wrists get hurt. Much better than I think it would be on conventional two-wheelers.
Some nasty accidents - well, it is a motor vehicle, so unavoidable.
But for my purposes, the main appeal is the weather protection.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dottore
Arguably. In Switzerland there was a big safety debate about these things.
You don't wear a helmet, AND you are not thrown clear in a crash AND there is no protection. There have been some very nasty accidents involving these BMW bikes. My guess is that's exactly why they're not being brought to litigation land USA.
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