Motorcycle Review BMW R1200C
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- Опубліковано 1 сер 2024
- This is a review of BMW's 1998 R1200C. An often over looked cruiser motorcycle, that can usually be found with low miles, and a low price tag.
One thing I forgot to mention in the video is that if you are shopping for a 1200C make sure you find one that already has the luggage system on it. A quick search of eBay reveals they cost around $900 for a set, and they usually come from a totaled bike and are in need of some serious repairs.
Power increases significantly with a K&N air filter. I put one on last year, after 12 years of ownership, and I can't believe the difference. Also, the boxer motor side firing pistons combined with the forward rolling motion of the wheels provides a gyroscopic effect at speeds above 50 which allow the rider to lock into turns on twisties in a way a V-twin simply cannot. I agree it's kind of a pig at low speed, 90 degree turns but it cannot be beat at speed in the twisties. I live near two mountain ranges and love love love riding through them on this bike. Cheers!
I just bought a R1200C yesterday for 5K with 20K on the odometer in absolute mint condition
and it is AWESOME !! if you buy one be prepared for a lot of torque..:)
I love the way the front of that bike looks, and the flip up passenger seat is awesome too.
This review was a turning point when I was choosing my latest bike.
I have recently bought a 1200c here in the UK. Great bike, excellent and honest review.
Just want to leave my comments on the clunkiness of the gearbox (not bad but compared to the new bikes...) and how well built it actually is. Once you ride this bike you can see how German everything is!
Great review man, big thanks!!
what beautiful scenery you have near you, good review throughout...
Wow... That's nice looking. This should not have been discontinued.
I had the R1200CLC...very nice bike but like so many say it was WAY underpowered for a touring/cruiser. I put a Zteknic exhaust and it sounded way better....The cruiser is a cool bike and fun for it's intended purpose.
Top notch review!!
1st video of yours I've watched for a couple years now. Really enjoyed it. And I'm not in to cruisers at all :D great review!
Did you miss all the video from when I lived in Panama? Boy have you got some catching up to do.
That bike sounds and looks great! I would imagine that the motor would run forever if taken care of, if it's like any of the other BMW's that I know. A former neighbour had one that was an early 80's model I think, still runs great with high miles. He just changes the oil, and rides the heck out of it.
Nice Review!
Great bike, love that chassis twist when you rev it or crank it over. The BMW boxer 1100/1200 is an awesome engine.
Good honest review thanks I have Softail as toy love it but fancy something really different
It's the ride...and the journey.....would love to have one...
I have one a long time already.
Fantastic bike and I keep it forever.
Try one you are going to be surprised with the torque in this machine.
And you can ride them hard if you want,also in the moutains suspension is great.
BMW is not only looks...like other Cruisers,this one is also fun to ride.
No other cruiser can keep up with you in the European mountains (if you know how to ride).
Easy to maintane,regular oil change, and valve adjustments every 2 years.
I see some guys here talking worried about repairs,what repairs.....
This engin is still running good over 150 years.
Germans make good quality bikes and cars,the best...(well Japanese to)
I am not German ;-)
I
If you want a cruiser that looks as far from a Harley-Davidson as possible while still being a cruiser, look no further than European manufacturers like Triumph (Thunderbird), Moto Guzzi (California) and even Ducati (Diavel).
It's a shame BMW gave up on the R1200C. No one's ever going to beat H-D in terms of cruiser sales so the trick is not to try - the successful European cruisers are marketed on being different and standing out from the crowd. It's a way to entice people who like cruisers but don't want to buy into the whole Harley image. That represents a largely ignored portion of the motorcycling community.
The R1200C was a gorgeous bike. I'd love to see it make a comeback in a modernised form.
that is the only beemer i would definitely buy in my life, so sad they dont make them anymore
Nice. . .just bought a year 2000 model with 15k, bags, ABS and a Corbin seat. It's a creamy ride, and necks snap trying to figure out what it is.
My Dad rides this Bike. He loves the hell out of it to.
Beautiful bike, still cost around $20.000 for 1998 model year in my country tho.
Thanks for the review, I myself have been looking at these lately a lot on craigslist for some reasonable prices and very low mileage and to put the cherry on top nothing looks like it out there or sounds like for that matter.
The only gripes i have heard about it is that the ABS Block if not used tends to ruin itself for lack of activation and is a rather expensive and or repair (probably needs a special tool too to activate and bleed the ABS Unit) and then you have that Clutch that you have to basically drop half of the engine unit to replace it and seems like a rather involved and expensive procedure you can't do on your back porch like a typical wet clutch on a Japanese or American Cruiser.
Though on the plus side, if the ABS craps out on any models up thru 2000, you don't have to replace the (expensive) ABS module, and the front & rear brakes will still function like a 'normal' bike.
@@matonmongo True, one of my subscribed channels shows how to eliminate it completely and no ABS light left on.
@@GIGABACHI Thx JB, will check it out, I've been gettin' kinda tired of looking at that light! ;-)
@@matonmongo The name of the channel is Chris Harris. He may come across as bitchy and crabby but he knows his way around air/oil cooled boxers. 👍🏻
Thank you very much for this review. Very helpful, also did all of these bikes come stock with ABS?
I think it was an option. Be sure to do your research and figure how to tell if it does have ABS before buying one.
Really strange front suspension set up. Doesn't look bad at all for a cruiser though. I'm usually a fan of sport bikes and adventure bikes. Also, wow, it sounds pretty nice!
I have a R1200c. Nice bike. However it’s a Cruiser. Not a sport bike or a touring bike. Just don’t expect it to be what it’s not
I bought my '98 1200rc for 5k w/ 14k miles 7 years ago....I love the fact that is is unlike anything else on the road. It fits my needs perfectly of 90 minute rides over country roads and I'm very happy w/ the machine, plenty of low end torque. However to be truthful....I don't think it is the most comfortable bike; vibration level, handle bar placement, only five gears and relatively light weight (525lbs) in my opinion means it is not suitable for the hwy and I can't image riding all day on it.
As mentioned....perfect for my needs but it does have it's weak spots.
Nifty bike. I didn't know bmw did a cruiser. A whole lot of moto for 4000
You lost your front right hand indicator, sometime on that ride. I am about to lose my left one and my right one is held on with rubber and cable ties. I love my R1200c (1998), but BMW made them pretty shoddy cosmetically IMO. Mine cost $5500 AUD ($4300 USD). Yours was a real bargain!! Well done! :)
Shorter bars and I'd be interested in a bike like that. Wasn't the HD Sportster 60hp, so that seems appropriate for a cruiser.
Those are the stock bars for that bike. They look high, but when you are riding they are about shoulder height.
My 02 avant garde came with factory mid height bars
1. ABS. 2. Shaft drive. 3. Telelever/paralever suspension so it doesn't dive or squat when you get on said (Brembo) brakes. 4. These are admittedly rather...agricultural in appearance. BUT, they look MUCH better in person and really don't photograph well, IMO. 5. If you can ignore the tiresome cat calls (get a Harley! / take those BMW stickers off, squid!) from the lummoxes, it can be a great bike, either your only one, or your coffee catcher. You WILL have the only one.
Lavaman3682,
I don’t think it had the paralever, because the shaft was too long and it wasn’t necessary.
Not a bad looker!
It’s my favourite too
This is an old video but still an excellent and relevant review. Some in Philadelphia is selling 2002 for $4000 with 20K miles. I'm offering $2000. I wonder how comfortable the passenger seat is though.
Did you get it for $2000?
@@Robosan4000 nope. It's still for sale too but he isn't budging on the price
Very good review and honest. I like the fact that you are American but don’t idolize any American brand just because is American. HD it’s a decent brand not the best for sure and this 1200C it’s a gorgeous bike but like you said not enough power but who cares.. . I got the 1199 and a customized wide rear v-rod and I’m thinking to get the 3rd one ... 1200c .
They are cool looking...Like right out of the James Bond Movie. My neighbor Troy has one. He has the parts ordered (Throttle Body, Cams, Etc.) to bring it up to the R1200GS H.P. spec which I believe is 105. I am looking forward to a road test.
Wow that would be incredible. Any idea how much all that cost him?
I will find out. He will be taking it to the Bavarian Motorcycle Workshop which is on about 300W and 400N SLC. When it is done maybe we could all get together for a ride. I am sure that he would let us try it out.
Dr. Dual Sport I'd love to get together for a ride. Keep an eye on my facebook page. I organize rides when I have time and will invite everyone there.
Dr. Dual Sport facebook.com/pages/Halfthrottle/132549380123050?ref=hl
Just love those weird bikes.
Nice review but with respect, I'd just like to add to your comment about the low power which is a major safety issue for me. It's a beautiful looking bike for sure but I reluctantly sold mine due to the low power output and the less than adequate cornering. As anyone familiar with the AMA safety course might remember, sometimes keeping safe means speeding away from a bad situation. I found that around 60 miles an hour the bike had very little left to give. That's not a good situation on a highway. I sincerely believe that this is one of the reasons why BMW gave up on the model. The sales up to that point were quite impressive. It 's a really nice ride on a scenic route but this isn't the bike for a long haul. My old bmw r1100r took me across the country (US) without any difficulty but I'd be a little apprehensive about doing the same on the R1200c. Not sure you'll get a low mileage one for 4K but bargains come up from time to time. If you love the look and design buy one but make sure you're aware of its limits. True of any bike I suppose.
Your 1200c was broken... Likely clogged catalytic converter, bad fuel pump or pressure regulator, clogged injectors, or clogged fuel filter. My 98 1200C zooms wonderfully out of blind spots... It has a ton of torque and while the top speed is low, it gets there FAST. My previous bike was a V Star 1100 and this bike is easily 2/3 more torquey.
I agee. Something was wrong with your bike. Mine is great, not like my k1200r, but its no slouch.
Very nice
I love this bike I have my my self its a a 202 I will probably never get rid of it 4 round 18 years I love the looks that I get from it it's just a great bike bar none I'm a die-hard BMW guy iPhone 5 BMWs what can I say. BMW is the best bike on the market.
Nice review. I think you should go for external mic for your videos in future.
Yeah we really needed a mic out there when we were riding. Would be nice to hear the motor and the wind rushing by.
halfthrottle Yep. And if you will also use it in a closed space like your garage, i think this 'far away' voice effect will disappear too.
halfthrottle just a suggestion, your video is cool i like it anyway!
NVK85 I have a shot gun mic on the camera in the garage which I think does pretty good. Not sure I care enough to go through the added trouble of setting up a lapel mic for a video like this.
4 grand for that bike seems like the deal of the century! My biggest concern would be, as with all European bikes, the repair costs if something were to go wrong. That's from a standpoint of near poverty, though :-)
Especially a European bike they don't make anymore... Parts are pretty damn expensive.
In BMW case it's quite different story. You can still get parts to very old ones without problems.
Misinformed. The c shares a lot of mechanical components as the rt. They sold a million of those.
For the record, this bike was not a failure. BMW just decided to pull the marketing plug on it. It sold well until that point.
Is that a true story? Nice review.
I forgot my microphone when we went for this ride, but I did have another P.I. story I wanted to have ready for today.
Hi. Super random, but has your brother ever considered selling the bike now? I’ve been having a very hard time finding a r1200c anywhere
Actually yes. I think he does want to sell it. Send me an email. Halfthrottle.com@gmail.com
The handlebar adjustment on the bike in this video is way too high. The BMW recommendation is 1.5 - 2" clearance from the handgrip to the gas tank when bars are fully locked left or right. They are not meant to be "ape hangers", but rather pulled back bars. That could be your issue with cornering. These bikes are AMAZING at corners at all speeds due to the suspension. They climb and stick to the road like no other bike I've owned (Yamaha, HD Sportster, HD Low Rider, and Road King)
As far as power and torque, I have had one of these bikes for almost a year, after 5 years on a HD police Road King with a 103 ci motor. I have realized the power in the C is just as good, but in lower gear, ie: I go up to 70 mph in 4th gear, and have plenty of power to pass and quickly accelerate. I only shift to 5th gear at 75+ mph. This took a lot of getting used to after riding Harleys for 20 years where the RPM's are typically kept lower.
Far as I know those are the stock bars and they've never been moved. I sat on the bike today and tried to imagine the bars being lower/closer to me on the bike and thought it would feel very awkward. If I get bored one day I may try the adjustment, but they seem to be in the ideal position now.
wow, thats plenty of movement when torqued
Yeah it liked to jump around a bit.
Not cornering well? As opposed to what? A supersport, maybe. But compared with any pig which almost all Harley are this feels like a supermotard. Brakes beat hands down any cruiser I have ridden on. And if it has the ABS brakes then it pisses from high above on any Porkster which cost twice as much.
Actually we just put new tires on it, and she feels much better. I think the pressure was a bit low in the old ones. Still doesn't corner as well as my R1200GS though. That is what I was comparing it to, because it's really all I know.
R1200GS is a different class. Of course it corners better than a cruiser. That bike is made to tackle almost all types off surfaces and position on it favours the speedy cornering. I didn't seen any cruiser yet that handle as good as this. Maybe the smaller Shadows but I would trade their nimbleness for the brakes on the R12C.
The lean angle on the c is crazy low for a cruiser. I would drag the boards but the pegs? Not yet
It looks better through a fisheye lens.
Great video, but I might recommend some subtle background music.
Fun fact : the r1200c engine was sapose to run like a Harley so bmw detuned it so it can run like one. This is why at every bmw place we don’t talk about the r1200c....
I Rode 8''my next bike
Moto Guzzi California is another great cruiser that doesn't look like a Harley.
Moto Guzzi has some great looking bikes.
You should have to clean it...
It is weird looking, but im all about weird. im looking at a 2002 one of these right now. $4000
+Jojo Gun Fang It's just different looking. It has it's own style, and some people think that makes it weird. But different is okay. I think the 1200C is a beautiful bike.
Tell your brother to head over to www.chromeheads.org . Great community over there, plenty of tech stuff and a bunch of nice guys. Wondering how your brother feels starting out on such a large displacement bike? I'm sure the low seat hight inspires confidence, but still…
Looks like a great resource, thanks for sharing. He passed the riders safety course. It's a large displacement, but people complain about it being underpowered. And I wanted him to choose something he wouldn't grow out of to quickly. This is his first bike, and could also be his last bike as he could own it forever.
Liked your video, bike sounds disgusting.
It's ugly as fuck....but I kinda want one
The worst bike BMW ever made, however that doesn't make it a bad bike persay.
Horrible.