Appearance, configuration and storage

The SR4MAX is derived from the C400GT, with even very similar side lines, but the front face difference is obvious. C400GT has a more vigorous and athletic face, while the SR4MAX is more moderate and presentable.

I particularly like the layout of the handlebar and instrument of SR4 MAX, which is clean and neat. In particular, the UI of the instrument is simple and clear, which draws on the high-end style of the C400GT. The instrument information is adjusted through the left upper and lower and the ENTER keys. Handlebar glue and buttons also have good texture. The startup button with the “VOGE” logo at the center of the handlebar is a highlight, and there is blue backlight at night. The button of the seat barrel is on the left handlebar. The SR4 MAX has a manual parking mechanism to prevent slipping while stopping on slopes.

The SR4 MAX adopts LED lights, the steering auxiliary lights and emergency brake lights are practical configuration, and the steering light is also of the present popular design. The lighting effect of the low beam is relatively inferior compared with the brightness and spread of the high beams.

There are two front storage boxes, with a cigarette lighter and a USB interface in the right one. There is also a front camera on the right side. To enable the front camera, you need to download an APP. Under the handlebars there is a hanger, which is really rare on a big scooter. The under-seat space of the SR4 MAX can hold a full-face helmet plus a 3/4-face helmet.

The original windshield of the SR4 MAX can be adjusted to a small range, but it’s still a bit low for a taller rider.

It adopts the same JJUAN front double disc and rear single disc brakes as the current C400GT, with Continental ABS and TCS systems. The TCS can be turned off through the instrument. It has same tires as the C400GT: front 15-inch and rear 14-inch Pirelli road tires. The same KYB shock absorbers as the C400GT are similarly adjusted.

Although the SR4 MAX is not as good as the C400GT in presenting an advanced design, its workmanship is no inferior to the C400GT, with solid materials for various keys and exterior parts.

Riding space

For scooters, riding space is a very important aspect. Users buy scooters to have better comfort, and riding space is the key to comfort.

The SR4MAX and C400GT have the same wheelbase, but the riding space of the two is different. Taking my height of 179cm as an example, on the C400GT I can almost stretch both legs, and the riding comfort is very high, while SR4MAX is smaller, and the knees are bent. The difference is mainly due to the adjustment of seat cushion, which is to have more storage space. Therefore, instead of using the BMW’s patented shrunk seat barrel, the SR4 MAX just moved the front seat forward, leaving room for the barrel.

The seat height of the SR4 MAX is 761mm and the C400GT is 775mm, but the actual experience is that the SR4 MAX is slightly higher. This is because the cushion of the C400GT is narrowed, and the SR4 MAX has increased the horizontal space for more storage space, which makes the seat wider.

The SR4MAX and C400GT both have rider’s backrest. The SR4MAX’s is thicker and softer, while C400GT’s is more compact. Personally, I prefer the harder seat cushion of C400GT, which provides better support and makes the seat cushion and backrest look simpler and more classy.

The riding room on the C400GT is really satisfactory and I prefer riding the C400GT. The ample legroom is quite comfortable. The SR4MAX has less rider room but still a good performance.

Generally, in terms of riding space and riding triangle, the SR4 MAX is a comfortable large scooter suitable for long-distance riding, especially with a passenger.

Engine performance

The SRMAX4 and C400GT have the same power platform, but the tuning and matching are different. There are similarities, some improvements and optimization, but also some  points inferior to C400GT. This BMW engine has two disadvantages, one is bad sound and the other is low-rev vibration.

The actual experience is that the power of SR4 MAX is strong, and even the claimed data may be conservative. The SR4 MAX does have fast starting response, and the maximum speed can reach about 135km/h. The weakness is that the re-acceleration at the middle-to-rear range is weak. For instance, when you are at about 100km/h and want to overtake the front vehicle, you need to slow down to 70km/h and then change lanes to overtake. This is where I felt most in need of optimization during my 1,000-plus kilometers of riding. But this is where BMW wants to make a difference, otherwise the SR4 MAX would really be closer to BMW.

The SR4MAX uses Bosch EFI. The smoothness of SR4MAX and C400GT after 100km/h differs greatly, and the difference after 120km/h is more obvious, which is due to the EFI . Given the C400GT’s high-speed engine performance a score of 100, the SR4 MAX is about 80 points.

Riding experience

As I said in the beginning, the riding experience of the SR4MAX is concluded as “solid”, and “comfortable”.

In terms of dynamic characteristics, riding triangle and riding space, the SR4MAX is clearly positioned as a comfortable, travel-oriented big scooter, and the SR4MAX inherited the mantle of the C400GT.

BMW makes a clear distinction between the C400X and C400GT. Despite the same power platform and frame, the riding experience is very different. The former focuses on urban sports, while the latter focuses on travel.

In terms of handling, although the SR4MAX is not sports-oriented, it has very clear directivity, good stability and tracking in cornering, which is due to the low center of gravity and stable frame.

The suspension system is comfortably tuned, which has a fairly good toughness and support. The brake configuration brings good braking effect, better than NSS350 and XAMX300.

Conclusion

The SR4MAX is a travel scooter launched by VOGE based on the BMW C400GT. The differences between the two are mainly in appearance, riding space and engine tuning, and the riding feeling is closer to the C400GT.

Although the SR4MAX has a large curb weight, its center of gravity and seat height are relatively low, which is friendly to riders. Girls with a height of 165cm can handle it easily. Although the rider’s space is not as comfortable as the C400GT, it has good pillion space and comfort to carry a passenger.

The SR4MAX is more suitable for leisure riding and motorcycle travel, especially with a companion. For urban commuting, if it is a low-speed congested section, the experience is not so good because of the large vehicle body and low-rev vibration.

Source: https://www.newmotor.com.cn