BMW R 1200 CL reviews

This is the most comfortable seat on a bike that I've ever owned...and I owned a 1987 Suzuki Cavalcade 1400 LE. Highway miles just flow under the tires with ease and it handles the back roads with precision. At 65 bhp., you will need to downshift a couple of gears to crank up rpm. during passing. But the six speed tranny makes for easy riding up and down hills. Show less

I have been riding for more than 35 years and have owned all kinds of motorcycles from a Honda CL 160 all the way up to my 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic to which I added many extras to try and make it a touring bike. Now that I have the BMW R 1200 CL, it cannot hold a candle in comparison. The Vulcan is not nearly as comfortable even with a $400 custom Bill Mayer touring seat, and suspension wise, forget about it. I prefer the Vulcan for around town cruising and the R 1200 LC for longer trips and it really shines on twisty curvy roads, a delight to drive. The Vulcan cannot handle twisties like the BMW. There are so many finely engineered mechanical features on this model BMW, they are really too numerous to try and mention them all. I really appreciate the nice layout of the dash with attention to details like two tripometers, tachometer, and that classic looking analog clock (a nice old school touch.) The cruise control is easy to use and helps on longer trips. I haven't had a chance to use the heated grips or heated seat yet because I live in So. California where it will seldom be needed. I like the easy adjustment of the suspension system with just a twist of the knob you are ready for two up riding and another twist to go back to single riding. There is ample room for any junk you just have to carry around. I use the the top trunk for registration/insurance papers, leathers, jacket and would still have room for a few small grocery items (i.e. a 6 pack). I like the slighly less than roomy saddle bags and how they easily lock. Even with the CD stereo unit built into the right side bag there is still room to hold a helmet, gloves and small clothing items. The stereo system is not audiophile quality, but OK and I enjoy having the weather station at my fingertips. The controls are easy to use and accessible while riding and not becoming distracted. I can hear the system OK even at 70 mph, especially when playing CDs. Parked I can give a concert at tailgate parties! I was happy to find my R 1200 CL and purchase it as a pre-owned bike. The previous owner must have been a dedicated rider as the bike was very well maintained and I plan to keep her that way. I get a lot of compliments on the bike and that wild looking metallic blue really stands out in a crowd. I am very happy with this motorcycle. Show less

I have had my R1200CLC for just over 2 years, I am more than happy with the performance of this machine. I generally use the machine for touring this bloody big country I live in and I have to say its performance is fantastic. The comfort levels are great, to the point that my wife accompanies me on all my rides now, something that she wasn't keen to do on previous machines. The braking ability of this machine is phenomenal, especially when you live in a country where kangaroos and emus feature high on the road kill register. Economy (m.p.g.) is a plus, it can be some distance between petrol stations. I have fitted a towbar and now tow a Shadow Trailer when we go camping (Shadow Trailers are built in South Australia, check them out) and it can be fully laden and not be a drag on the machine. I applaud BMW on this machine. Show less

This is my first big bike. I got accustomed to the handling right away. Smooth and easy to handle except for low speed parking lot manuvers. Speedo is approximately 10% off. I like the low seat, it fits like a glove. Show less

Been riding this bike from March 2005-new. I've ridden this fabulous bike across Canada, down to CA through WA, ID, NV [ during March of this year-2006]. A very satisfying smily ride. Wish I had cruise, they didn't bring the CL into Canada with cruise otherwise it's a "ride all day" and still be pleasant to your riding mates when the day is over. Only gripe is that it's an "oddball" so acccessories like a Throttle Meister aren't available. But for the in seam challenge with a desire for a cruiser with some real handling ability nothing else is like it. Show less

The best touring bike I have ever owned. This machine is comfortable on the longest of trips. The only complaint is I have trouble hearing the stereo on highways. Am I the only one? This bike when parked has passersby all over me talking about the machine. It is a real eye catcher. Show less

An excellent motorcycle. Highway driving is a pleasured. The engine specs (61HP) seems low yet this bike feels like it has much more. Some reviews claim that this bike has no passing power, nothing can be further from the truth, lots of passing power at any speed. Very light weight bike compared to other cruisers on the market. Driving at 120 to 130KM/hr just feels great. Claimed top speed (160Km/hr) is also incorrect, this bike will easily exceed 180Km/hr. This bike is comfortable to ride. Stopping/Breaking is unmatched by any other cruiser I've ever driven and the suspension, front and rear, is perfect for my weight. No flexing of the frame at any speed . Headlights are bright and excellent for night riding. I do find the engine a bit noisy but the exhaust and wind noises are so minimal it's hard to complain. The windshield design is a bit strange, it works well for deflecting the wind yet I found the rain to be a problem. The front end stability is more than impressive with no diving under any braking. Low speed handling takes a little getting use to. Brakes are great yet extremely sensitive and also take a bit of getting use to. Gas mileage(>55 Mpg)is very good. What I like the most about this bike is that it attract a lot of attention, is very different and there are not many of these bikes around. Overall I am extremely satisfied with this bike and I would recommend it. Show less

The bike has been everything I could have hoped for. I commute with it and use it for pleasure. Love the 6th gear, heated seat, heated grips, ABS brakes, comfort, and 4 headlights. Show less

The only two things I can think of that are even remotly negative are the fork mounted fairing (causes bike to be a little clunky and awkward but only at parking lot speed) and the lack of a good (meaning economical) place to put highway pegs. I love this bike and can cruise all day long and still be ready to ride some more. Show less

With over 35 years of riding everything from dirt bikes to small Hondas to Harleys, this is my first bike and I know I will keep it for a long time. I commute over 100 miles a day (round trip), mostly on a turnpike. I just get up to speed, set the cruise control, turn up the radio and enjoy the ride. Brakes are fantastic, heated seats and grips are very fun, even in south Florida I used them a couple times. With my wife on the back we have enjoyed several nice trips. Handles nice, although parking lot speed can be a handful at times. Show less