I bought one in 2022. It was built in 2002. So, already 20 years old! But still runs well. No corrosion, small normal age chrome degradation here and there but not much. Can be cleaned easily. The first owner bought it new back in 2002 and upgraded the suspension to the adjustable one. I don't remember the brand but it cost him around A$2500 in 2003. He did rode this bike and maintained it well. I was lucky to have it from him. It has been 2 years now and loving it!
Here’s the thing: I own many many bikes. I own one of these (wife bought it. We travelled across the US to ride and take delivery as she absolutely had to have it). The bike sucked. Royally sucked. Why? Two main issues: tall handlebars and a hidden fuel system hose leak inside the tank that made the engine run with much less power. Fast forward: fixed the fuel system. Swapped the bars for low avant-garde bars. Bike is amazing. Love it. Became one of my favorites immediately. I have several BMWs and always preferred the adventure GS models (have two). Have cafe bikes, classics… etc. nothing and I mean nothing gets more compliments and attention from people on the street. The 1200c is definitely under appreciated.
It may be underpowered by today's standards but when that bike was built other Cruisers like Harley only had about 40 something horsepower and wait even more. So it was quite adequate in power 1997 through 2002.
Well a stock 80 inch Evo motor was approximately 55hp with no modifications. But how many of these didn't get an exhaust and air cleaner upgrade. I get your point, but you are definitely exaggerating. A stage 1 Harley from this era had mid 60's hp most of the time. So actually almost exactly the same.
Count me as a member of the 'cult' - I desperately love my 2001 R1200C Montana. It's a beautiful blend of BMW nimble handling and braking for the city, but comfortable and powerful enough for American highways.
@@citylumberjack9169 I purchased a 2004 r1200c 2 years ago and it's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. The back seat folding up into a back rest is a cool feature. I had a scare on the highway where the cars in front of me skidded to a stop and I had to emergency brake. The bike with ABS stopped well short of the cars in front of me and I didn't skid and the tele-lever suspension prevented the front from diving while hard braking. I am very impressed by the bike so far. I like that the engine cruises at around 3,500 rpm at 80 or so. It's so relaxing to take on long rides.
I was surprised to see a recent review on this bike and thought you did a good job with it. I bought a 2001 R1200C in 2014 and it is a satisfying alternative to my smaller naked sports (Ducati Monster & RNineT). Puts you in a good mood with the engine character and engages when riding a slow bike fast through curvy backroads that are too easy for the others. Gets more positive attention at gas stops than any other bike I’ve owned due to the unique look and most people have never seen one in person before. It’s a keeper for me even though not my main bike.
Sadly, these bikes will disappear fast. BMW is not training mechanics in the US now for years, as they are discontinuing service for ICE engine- vehicles. One bigger problem, like transmission or engine repair, and its off the road.
I'll be riding my R1200CL from LA to Seattle on the PCH this summer... I guess I'm a cult member also. BTW - the rear suspension on the CL is adjustable, IDK about the C.
Nothing wrong with being part of that cult! And glad to hear the cl has an adjustable rear. I’m pretty sure that with a good rear suspension and stickier tires the bike I rode would have won me over. I hope you have a great trip and feel free to inbox me for great roads around SF if you’re interested.
I would love to hear the why of this motorcycle. For example an interview with the engine designer. In design meetings did they not consider a version with different power instead of different looking versions ie montauk vs whatever. I know one owner did customize his to make it faster. Seems like they aimed at a bullseye then purposely shot to the left of it. Ending up with a vehicle that makes you say , “It’s okay, HOWEVER…“ Good review wish you stated more about gas mileage.
Love my 2000 model, currently only 22K miles, but I am concerned about keeping her running. I just got turned away by my local BMW cycle dealership…they wouldn’t even do a tune-up on the bike. WTF is wrong!
I don’t get why so many people hate this bike. I’ve always dug it.
That bike is a timeless classic. It's gorgeous. I don't know what the hell some people are seeing!
I bought one in 2022. It was built in 2002. So, already 20 years old! But still runs well. No corrosion, small normal age chrome degradation here and there but not much. Can be cleaned easily. The first owner bought it new back in 2002 and upgraded the suspension to the adjustable one. I don't remember the brand but it cost him around A$2500 in 2003. He did rode this bike and maintained it well. I was lucky to have it from him.
It has been 2 years now and loving it!
That model doubled in BHP though, no?
I Ride the BMW R850R a 22 yers old bike. A big fan of the BMW. Good video.
Here’s the thing: I own many many bikes. I own one of these (wife bought it. We travelled across the US to ride and take delivery as she absolutely had to have it). The bike sucked. Royally sucked. Why? Two main issues: tall handlebars and a hidden fuel system hose leak inside the tank that made the engine run with much less power.
Fast forward: fixed the fuel system. Swapped the bars for low avant-garde bars. Bike is amazing. Love it. Became one of my favorites immediately.
I have several BMWs and always preferred the adventure GS models (have two). Have cafe bikes, classics… etc. nothing and I mean nothing gets more compliments and attention from people on the street. The 1200c is definitely under appreciated.
It may be underpowered by today's standards but when that bike was built other Cruisers like Harley only had about 40 something horsepower and wait even more.
So it was quite adequate in power 1997 through 2002.
Well a stock 80 inch Evo motor was approximately 55hp with no modifications. But how many of these didn't get an exhaust and air cleaner upgrade. I get your point, but you are definitely exaggerating. A stage 1 Harley from this era had mid 60's hp most of the time. So actually almost exactly the same.
Nice, briefly and easy explained, really nice review! Thanx!
Count me as a member of the 'cult' - I desperately love my 2001 R1200C Montana. It's a beautiful blend of BMW nimble handling and braking for the city, but comfortable and powerful enough for American highways.
Oh, and having ridden one ... the R-18 is NOT as nice as the C.
@@citylumberjack9169
I purchased a 2004 r1200c 2 years ago and it's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. The back seat folding up into a back rest is a cool feature.
I had a scare on the highway where the cars in front of me skidded to a stop and I had to emergency brake. The bike with ABS stopped well short of the cars in front of me and I didn't skid and the tele-lever suspension prevented the front from diving while hard braking.
I am very impressed by the bike so far. I like that the engine cruises at around 3,500 rpm at 80 or so.
It's so relaxing to take on long rides.
I was surprised to see a recent review on this bike and thought you did a good job with it. I bought a 2001 R1200C in 2014 and it is a satisfying alternative to my smaller naked sports (Ducati Monster & RNineT). Puts you in a good mood with the engine character and engages when riding a slow bike fast through curvy backroads that are too easy for the others. Gets more positive attention at gas stops than any other bike I’ve owned due to the unique look and most people have never seen one in person before. It’s a keeper for me even though not my main bike.
I've watched you review a few times and have to agree, it's not about the power. I still have mine from 1998, can't part with it.
I ride a Loncin 300-8 Trex which was inspired by this beast of a cruiser ❤
Great review on a cool bike.
Sadly, these bikes will disappear fast. BMW is not training mechanics in the US now for years, as they are discontinuing service for ICE engine- vehicles. One bigger problem, like transmission or engine repair, and its off the road.
I'll be riding my R1200CL from LA to Seattle on the PCH this summer... I guess I'm a cult member also. BTW - the rear suspension on the CL is adjustable, IDK about the C.
Nothing wrong with being part of that cult! And glad to hear the cl has an adjustable rear. I’m pretty sure that with a good rear suspension and stickier tires the bike I rode would have won me over. I hope you have a great trip and feel free to inbox me for great roads around SF if you’re interested.
The C is also adjustable but I agree with the video comment it bottoms out easily when you hit a pothole.
I would love to hear the why of this motorcycle. For example an interview with the engine designer. In design meetings did they not consider a version with different power instead of different looking versions ie montauk vs whatever. I know one owner did customize his to make it faster. Seems like they aimed at a bullseye then purposely shot to the left of it. Ending up with a vehicle that makes you say , “It’s okay, HOWEVER…“ Good review wish you stated more about gas mileage.
Thank you for a great video
I am in the cult too. I have a 98.
Love my 2000 model, currently only 22K miles, but I am concerned about keeping her running. I just got turned away by my local BMW cycle dealership…they wouldn’t even do a tune-up on the bike. WTF is wrong!
French shirt for the French artistic vibe of "I'm better than you because I'm chic" 😁
Well, this particular bike is not an Spitfire in enemy territory but rather a Messerschmitt or actually a Focke Wulf 190 that had a BMW Engine....
I love it.
👍
Promo-SM 🎊