The Revolutionary 1998 R1200C Cruiser

Note: The BMW Cruiser models were discontinued after model year 2004.

1998 R1200C Classic

In 1997, BMW introduced itsR1200C Cruiser, shown above with Tucson's Catalina Mountains in the background. Realizing that the majority of motorcycles sold in the United States were cruiser style bikes, BMW AG decided to bring out one of its own — but in its own distinctive style. Although shunned by some BMW purists, the Cruiser has sold well and developed an enthusiastic following. Check the Chromeheads web site. Eventually, the so-called Classic Cruiser developed some spin-off cousins, the Phoenix and the Montana, which came with extra amenities.

Left photo:   Shortly after the R1200C was introduced, a cream-colored example became famous when ridden by a helmetless and gloveless “James Bond” in the film, Tomorrow Never Dies.

For the 2003 model year, BMW went one step further when it introduced the R1200CL Luxury Cruiser (photos below), which came with standard saddle bags, top case, and handlebar-mounted fairing.


R1200C Specifications

Engine 
Type Air cooled/Oil cooled twin cylinder
Bore x Stroke 101 mm x 73 mm
Displacement 1170 cc
Horsepower 61 bhp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 70.85 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Valves 2x34 mm intake / 2x29 mm exhaust
Valve Timing Intake opens 17 degrees after TDC;
Intake opens 15 degrees after BDC;
Exhaust opens 15 degrees after BDC;
Exhaust opens 17 degrees before TDC.
Valves Per Cylinder Four
Engine Oil Capacity 4 quarts of SF, SG motor oil, also w/CC or CD
Engine Oil Filter Spin-on Micronic filter cartridge
Carburetion Ignition Fuel injection and electronic ignition MA 2.4 controlled by Bosch Motronic MA 2.4
Fuel Demand Unleaded, middle-grade premium, 90 AKI
Fuel Tank Steel tank with enclosed fuel pump & filter
Fuel Capacity 4.5 U.S. gallons including 1 gal. reserve
Air Filter Paper-type element, circular
Charging System 14 V, 50 Amp Alternator (700 W)
Battery BMW Mareg, 12 V/19 Amp/h low maintenance
Cooling System Combined air/oil cooled
Drivetrain 
Primary Drive Helical-cut gears with tensioner
Clutch 1165 mm dry, single plate with diaphragm spring
Gear Ratios 1st: 2.05:1
2nd: 1.60:1
3rd: 1.27:1
5th: 0.80:1
Drive System Enclosed driveshaft with one universal joints and integral torsional damper
Final drive Spiral bevel gears, 2.54:1 ratio (33/11)
Frame and Suspension 
Frame Cast aluminum front frame section
Front Suspension Telelever with central suspension strut. Linear-rate coil spring. Single-tube gas-filled.
Travel Dimensions Front 5.67 inches total travel
Rear Suspension BMW Monolever swingarm & shaft drive, central spring strut with coil spring and two-tube shock
Travel Dimensions Rear 3.94 inches total travel, preload mechanically adjustable
Brake System 
Brake System BMW / FAG anti-lock brake system - ABS II
Front Brakes Two 4-piston fixed calipers, wear compensation
Front Rotors Dual 12.0 inch floating rotors
Actuation Method Front Hydraulic, DOT 4 fluid type
Rear Brakes One 2-piston caliper, floating mount
Rear Rotor Single 11.2 inch rotor
Actuation Method Back Hydraulic, DOT 4 fluid type
Wheels and Tires 
Front wheel 2.50 x 18, cross spoke
Rear wheel 4.00 x 15, cross spoke
Front tire 100/90 - ZR 18 tubeless
Rear tire 170/80 - ZR 15 tubeless
Dimensions 
Overall length 92.13 inches (2340 mm)
Overall width 41.34 inches (1050 mm) (over mirrors)
Wheelbase 64.96 inches (1650 mm) (unladen)
Ground clearance 6.77 inches (172 mm) (unladen)
Seat Height 29.1 inches (740 mm)
Handlebar Height 30.51 inches (775 mm)
Steering Angle 60.5 degrees
Wet Weight 565 lbs.
Maximum Load 1,313 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating


Below is an R1200C that has been fitted with a Steib S500 sidecar byBlue Moon Cycle. Somehow, the Cruiser lends itself nicely to use with a sidecar.