Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW R1200C owners, independent repair shops, motorcycle enthusiasts seeking in-depth technical knowledge.
Key Competitors:
Harley-Davidson models, Honda Shadow series, Kawasaki Vulcan series, Yamaha V-Star series.
Design Philosophy:
Fusion of BMW's engineering prowess with classic American cruiser aesthetics, featuring the iconic Boxer engine in a custom-style package.
Unique Selling Points:
Telelever front suspension (on some variants, though R1200C often had conventional telescopic), shaft drive, distinct styling, boxer engine character.
Engine:
Full coverage: disassembly, assembly, torque specifications, valve adjustment, timing, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection (Motronic).
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox, final drive (shaft drive) inspection, maintenance, and repair procedures.
Brakes:
ABS II (if equipped), hydraulic system, brake pad replacement, caliper service, rotor specifications.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, battery, ignition system, lighting, starter motor, charging system, diagnostic codes.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame inspection, front fork (telescopic) service and overhaul, rear shock absorber (Monolever) replacement, steering head bearing adjustment.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, throttle body servicing, emissions control systems.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fenders, instrumentation, and general body panel maintenance.
Maintenance:
Routine service checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush, drive shaft lubrication, air filter cleaning/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, electrical system fault finding, engine performance issues.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, and electrical component repair.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, wear limits, and diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic owner maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics, reflecting factory standards.
Searchability:
Typically text-searchable for efficient information retrieval.
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Displacement:
1170 cc (1.17 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 73 mm
Engine Code:
M54 (specific variants may exist)
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Oil-cooled (with fan assist)
Horsepower:
Approx. 61 hp (45 kW) at 5000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (95 ROZ)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 motorcycle specific engine oil (refer to manual for exact BMW recommendations)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change
Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios available in manual, typically geared for relaxed cruising.
Final Drive Ratio:
1:3.09 (approx.)
Transmission Oil:
BMW Gear Oil (refer to manual for specific grade, often SAE 75W/90 GL-5)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.5 liters (0.53 US quarts)
Length:
Approx. 2235 mm (88.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 820 mm (32.3 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1145 mm (45.1 in) at handlebars
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1572 mm (61.9 in)
Seat Height:
Approx. 760 mm (29.9 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 205 kg (452 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 420 kg (926 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
17.0 liters (4.5 US gallons), including reserve
ABS:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II available on some models.
Braking System:
Dual 305 mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 285 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear).
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, multi-reflector turn signals and taillight.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame providing robust chassis support.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, digital odometer, trip meter, clock, and warning lights. Some models may have optional heated grips.
ABS Availability:
Optional ABS II, a significant safety feature for its time.
Diagnostic Port:
BMW's proprietary diagnostic connector, requiring specific tools for advanced fault code reading.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Check And Adjust:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Clutch Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
See engine_specs.lubrication.oil_type.
Transmission Oil Spec:
See transmission.features.transmission_oil.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Clutch Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 brake fluid (same as brakes).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, fork seals, rear shock absorber (over time).
Potential Electrical Gremlins:
As with many bikes of this era, electrical connections and grounds can sometimes require cleaning and dielectric grease application.
Transmission Noise:
Some owners report a characteristic gearbox whine, which is often normal for the design.
Fuel Sender Unit:
Can occasionally fail, leading to inaccurate fuel level readings.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Heritage Focus:
Long history of engineering innovation, particularly with boxer engines and shaft drive systems in motorcycles since the 1920s.
Development Goal:
To create a stylish, comfortable cruiser that retained BMW's characteristic engineering quality and Boxer engine character.
Predecessors:
Drew inspiration from classic cruiser designs while leveraging BMW's established Boxer platform.
Production Period:
1996-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)
Market Reception:
While not focused on 'awards' in the traditional sense, the R1200C was recognized for its unique styling and capable, if understated, performance within the cruiser segment.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally positive, particularly from owners who appreciated its distinct character and the Boxer engine's torque delivery.
