Bodywork and Design:
Unique face, visual presence and suitcase integrated.
Presence, powerful appearance and luxurious character, these words can be used to briefly and accurately describe the impact of the BMW R 1200 CL. This motorcycle is characterized by the handlebar-mounted touring fairing, the lines of which are continued in the separate side fairing parts on the tank, so that in the side view it almost gives the impression of an integrated fairing. It offers the rider a high degree of comfort thanks to good wind and weather protection. A total of four headlights integrated into the fairing, two for the low beam and two for the high beam, give the motorcycle an unmistakable, unique face and an impressive visual effect that has never been seen on any motorcycle before. Of course, the four headlights also provide excellent road illumination. The aerodynamic design of the fairing windshield with its wave-like cut-out upper edge is particularly imaginative. It directs the flow in such a way that the driver is effectively protected. At the same time, however, the center retraction allows the driver to look unhindered across the windshield, giving him an unobstructed field of vision of the road, regardless of wetness and soiling of the windshield. The powerful appearance of the motorcycle is matched by the front mudguard, which is pulled down deep to the side of the rim. It offers good splash protection and, together with the voluminous front tire, emphasizes the dominance of the front end, which nevertheless exudes composure and elegance. The telelever, which is flatter than on the other models, emphasizes the cruiser character even more. The rear section is dominated by the integrated hard-top cases, which are firmly attached to the vehicle, and the removable top case on the curved luggage bridge, which also serves as a pillion grab handle. Case and Topcase are painted in vehicle color and form thus a harmonious whole with the vehicle. The wide, stepped comfort seats for driver and front passenger with the characteristic rear support also set accents.
Luxury through exclusive colors, noble surfaces and materials. The R 1200 CL will initially be offered in three exclusive colors:
pearl silver metallic and capri blue metallic, each with black seats and mojave brown metallic with brown seat cover (optionally also in black). Elegance of colors is supported by careful selection of materials and perfect finish of surfaces and joints. For example, the luggage rack is made of die-cast aluminum and painted in white aluminum, the handlebars are chrome-plated and the upper instrument cover is also painted in white aluminum. The front fairing is fully covered with an inner cover, and the knee pads of the side fairings are covered with the same material as the seats. All this underlines the claim to luxury and perfection.
Drive now with new, quieter six-speed transmission Boxer engine unchanged. While the boxer engine with 1170 cm³ has been taken over unchanged from the previous R 1200 C – and the performance data have remained the same with 45 kW (61 hp) and 98 Nm torque at 3 000 min1 – the transmission of the R 1200 CL is new. Derived from the well-known gearbox of the other Boxer models, it now also has six gears and has been fundamentally revised. The main innovation is the use of a so-called high-gear system. This provides smoother tooth engagement and significantly reduces the running noise of the gears. The long ratio, designed as overdrive, sixth gear allows low-speed driving on long stages on the flat and reduces consumption and noise there. Instead of a gearshift, there is a rocker switch for gear changes with a casual kick. Shifting comfort, low noise, low revs and yet sufficient power – features that perfectly match the car's character of enjoyment. It almost goes without saying that the R 1200 CL, like every new BMW motorcycle launched worldwide since 1997, is equipped as standard with the latest exhaust gas purification technology with a regulated three-way catalytic converter. It has become a matter of course at BMW. Chassis elements for even more comfort New telelever and rear suspension strut with travel-dependent damping.
A cruiser-typical feature is the front wheel alignment stretched forward with a flat angle to the road and large overtravel. In addition, the still unique BMW Telelever has been redesigned for the R 1200 CL. Fork stems are further apart to accommodate the beefy 150 mm wide front tire. A shock absorber with travel-dependent damping is used for the rear wheel suspension, which is characterized by outstanding comfort properties. The total suspension travel increased by 20 mm compared to the other cruiser models to now 120 mm. The spring base adjustment to adapt to the load condition is done hydraulically via a conveniently accessible handwheel. Rear swingarm optimized and rear frame new. The rear swingarm with rear axle housing, the BMW Monolever, was reinforced and adapted to accommodate a larger rear brake. The reinforced rear frame is completely new to accommodate running boards, luggage racks, luggage rack and the new seats as well as the modified side pillar. The cast aluminum front frame was taken over from the previous R 1200 C with minor modifications.
Cast aluminum wheels, seats, running boards and handlebars all new. The visual impression of a motorcycle is also determined to a large extent by its wheels. The R 1200 CL has avant-garde new cast aluminum wheels with 16-inch (front) and 15-inch (rear) rim diameters that accommodate voluminous 150/80 front and 170/80 rear tires. The seats are designed separately for the driver and front passenger to meet different needs. The wide comfort saddle for the rider, for example, has an integrated pelvic support and provides excellent support. The seat height is 745 mm. The passenger seat is also designed with comfort in mind and is positioned slightly higher than the driver's seat. This gives the passenger a better view past the driver and allows him to enjoy the scenery while cruising undisturbed. Generous cruiser-type running boards for the driver contribute to relaxed sitting. The pillion footrests, derived from the K 1200 LT, also provide very good support and, together with the favorable knee bend angle, also allow the pillion rider to tour without fatigue. The wide, chrome-plated handlebar not only conveys a cruiser feel; the height and offset angle are designed to prevent tension even on long journeys. Hand levers and switches with the proven and independent BMW operating logic were taken over unchanged from the other models.
Hightech with the brakes. BMW EVO brakes and, as an optional extra, Integral ABS.
Safety has traditionally been a top priority at BMW. This is why the R 1200 CL features the EVO brake on the front wheel, which has already been tried and tested in other BMW motorcycles and is characterized by improved braking performance. The unique BMW Integral ABS is available as an option, in line with the character of the motorcycle in the fully integral version. That is, regardless of whether the hand or foot brake lever is used, the braking force is always applied optimally to both wheels. In the front wheel a double disk brake with 305 mm disk diameter and in the rear wheel the single disk brake system taken over from the K 1200 LT with a disk diameter of 285 mm decelerates. Advanced Electrics: Quad headlights, low-maintenance battery and electronic speedometer.
Four headlights, two each for low beam and high beam, give the bike a uniquely striking face from the front. The cross arrangement – the low beam headlights sit next to each other and the high beam headlights in between and on top of each other – provides a high signaling effect during the day and excellent road illumination in darkness. A new feature is the low-maintenance, completely encapsulated gel battery, which no longer needs to be refilled with water. A second power socket comes as standard. The instruments are also new. The tachometer and speedometer are electronic and the dials are redesigned, as is the analog clock.