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BMW R1200C (1997-2005)

Detail	Value
Used price range	View BMW R1200C bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	1170cc
Power	61bhp
Top speed	105mph
Insurance group	13

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

The BMW R1200C is a Harley-Davidson rival with German engineering. Like most cruisers, it sells on looks – this one had a part in a Bond movie too. Power is pretty modest considering the 1200cc engine but it’s enough. Dynamically it’s better than many cruisers thanks to quality engineering and light(ish) weight.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The BMW R1200C's engine is not to be confused with more recent 1200cc boxer flat twins seen in 2004 onwards BMWs. This is a low-tech lump producing just 61bhp – more isn’t really needed. It delivers it in a relaxed, style though with plenty of low down drive. Gearbox is pretty clunky like all BMW boxers.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The BMW R1200C is much more capable than most cruisers although the latest water cooled Harley has moved the game on somewhat. The 1200C’s less bounce than many custom style bikes and has better ground clearance too. Steering is slow but stable. Excellent brakes.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The BMW R1200C doesn't have much as standard – some models didn’t even have a pillion seat. But plenty of accessories are available, BMW and unofficial. The CL variant is a full-dress touring version with a massive fairing with twin headlights, a huge stepped seat and hard luggage. Compare and buy parts for the BMW R1200C in the MCN Shop.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The R1200C's story is the same as so many BMWs – better than most motorcycles but still not perfect. Some early bikes had patchy finish – chrome, especially on spoked wheels proved to be of variable quality. BMW dealers are excellent though and most problems get sorted. Reliability issues almost non-existant.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

New prices of the BMW R1200C varied from £8500 to £10,500 depending on year and spec – the CL model was always nearer £11k. Used prices are slowly dropping – there’s no such thing as a nice, cheap example but depreciation remains low so you shouldn’t lose much when you sell the motorcycle on. Find a BMW R1200C for sale.

Insurance group: 13

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1997: Original BMW R1200C launched.
1998: Available now without ABS.

BMW R1200C Classic: Rebadged R1200C sold from 2003.
BMW R1200C Avantgarde: Less chrome, medium height bars, ABS a cost option.
BMW R1200C Independent: Single seat, new aluminium wheels, windshield, foglamps, white indicator lenses, BMW rondel on alternator cover.
BMW R1200C Montauk: Overall ‘beefier’ design. Extra wide front end and wheels from the R1200CL, braided brake hoses, additional vertically stacked headlight.
BMW R1200CL: Full dress touring model based on the R1200C.

Specifications

Top speed	105mph
1/4-mile acceleration	15.9 secs
Power	61bhp
Torque	72ftlb
Weight	236kg
Seat height	740mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	46mpg
Tank range	180 miles
Insurance group	13

Engine size	1170cc
Engine specification	8v flat twin, 5 gears
Frame	Hybrid with stressed engine
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes	Twin 305mm discs
Rear brake	285mm disc
Front tyre size	100/90 x 18
Rear tyre size	170/80 x 15

See all BMW R1200C motorcycles for sale

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R1200C

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£7,991

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R1200C

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£9,999

BMW
R1200C

18979 miles

£7,991

BMW
R1200C

22400 miles

£7,793

Owners' Overall Rating (1 review)

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Better than HD 1200

flyingdragons9999

Average rating

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Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
Value
Engine

Engine capacity is still too small to qualify as a real road cruiser. The pipe sound is not outstanding enough. Sex appeal not enough!

24 April 2007

Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
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User's Badge

slower says

Dragon

How can you say that a 1200cc is too small in terms of capacity for this type of bike.

What rubbish.

Clearly you do not know much about bikes.

So what about Harleys 1200cc sportster, or even their baby 883.

What about Honda's 750 Shadow.

Oh there are lot's more examples of 1200cc and below cruisers that disprove your ill informed ignorant comment - IDIOT.

07 January 2012 02:38

User's Badge

easyridertezsays

YES MY FAV BIKE NEXT INLINE >RODE 8 OF THEM GREAT MACHINES''

the BEST CRUISER YET> 10/10

28 December 2008 08:03

User's Badge

gizzabreak says

Better than a Harley

No not really but definately different. I do not feel the R1200C suffers as a result of too few cubes as the previous comment suggests. There are plenty of examples of smaller engined cruisers that are perfectly adequate, including Harleys own 883 Sportster. Handling is good provided you don't have the terrible high rise bars that the classics come fitted with, which do make the front end feel very remote and don't worry about pitted chrome all over the place. They all do that. ABS can be a bit hit and miss at this age as BMW's systems don't seem to last forever. The system is however very battery charge sensitive. If it isn't working check the battery first before being tempted to splash out £100's on a new ABS unit though as a weak one is usually the cause 9 times out of 10. It's an OK cruiser but lacks the all important noise and attitude of it's competition which is actually better on a long trip as these so called character attributes can become intrusive after a few hundred miles. I really like my 98 model and have no plans to sell it. It's a really good two up tourer.

06 February 2008 22:28