BMW R 1200 CL 2004 — Specifications

When BMW decided to take on the cruiser market, nobody expected to see a 324 kg ocean liner powered by a flat-twin roll in. Yet the BMW R 1200 CL, produced between 2002 and 2006, is exactly that: a Munich-born attempt to poach on Harley-Davidson's turf, somewhere between the Electra Glide and the Gold Wing. A bold gamble that still divides opinion on forums dedicated to the BMW R 1200 CL.

On paper, the brief is clear. A 1170 cc boxer twin, four valves per cylinder, 61 horsepower at 5000 rpm, and above all 98 Nm of torque from just 3000 rpm. The drivetrain runs through a five-speed gearbox and a shaft drive, true to Bavarian tradition. The three-piece composite frame uses the engine as a stressed member, while the Telelever front end and the Monolever swingarm at the rear promise quality bump absorption. In practice, that promise is kept. The suspension soaks up everything, the low 745 mm seat welcomes rider and passenger in royal comfort, and the generous windscreen cuts through the wind with formidable efficiency. For devouring hundreds of motorway miles, the 2004 R 1200 CL plays in the same league as the great touring machines.

The problem is that 61 horsepower to move over 300 kg dry is tight. Very tight. Top speed caps out at 165 km/h, and overtaking acceleration is frankly unconvincing. Against the Twin Cam of a Harley, the boxer feels restrained, almost timid. The low-end torque is welcome for smooth cruising, but the moment you want to pick up the pace, the engine runs out of breath. With fuel consumption of 5.1 litres per hundred kilometres and a 17.5-litre tank, range is decent without being generous. It's the recurring weak point that comes up in every BMW R 1200 CL review: this engine deserved at least 75 horsepower to match the chassis.

On the handling front, the 150/80 front tyre and 1641 mm wheelbase don't work miracles through tight corners. The turning circle is nerve-racking in town, and agility is clearly not on the menu. On the other hand, the dual front disc and single rear disc braking setup proves reassuring, well-modulated, and powerful. Build quality clearly surpasses that of the American competition. Plastic finish, fairing panel fitment, surface treatment: BMW showcases its expertise here and widens the gap with Milwaukee.

Priced new at 16,100 euros, the BMW R 1200 CL was aimed at touring riders who wanted a refined cruiser — those who craved the American style without the reliability and finish compromises. Today, finding a used BMW R 1200 CL takes a bit of patience. Limited production between 2002 and 2005 makes examples fairly rare on the French market. Owner reviews converge: it's an endearing machine, excessively comfortable, but frustrating in its lack of power. If you're looking for an original BMW cruiser for long rides at a relaxed pace, the R 1200 CL remains a solid choice. Provided you accept that she prefers a leisurely stroll to a full gallop.