BMW R1200C (1998-1999) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1998, the German motorcycle maker released the BMW R1200C, a motorcycle created by BMW to take head-on Harley-Davidson's supremacy in the cruiser market. It debuted in 1997 and was manufactured until 2004.

The BMW R1200C was a cruiser-styled motorcycle made by BMW from 1997 to 2004. It was made in over 40,200 units, including a smaller displacement model under the R850C designation, produced from 1997 to 2000.

Designed by David Robb, the head designer of BMW, the R1200C was BMW's attempt to tap into the cruiser market. One notable feature of the R1200C was the passenger seat, which was foldable into a rider backrest with three-way adjustable angles.

The 1998 model came in the same shape and form as the previous one, packing the same technical, visual, and performance specifications without significant modifications.

The motorcycle packed standard fittings, like a round headlight with a chromed housing, a pulled-back handlebar, a two-piece dual seat, a chromed exhaust system, and wire-spoke wheels.

The bike was built around a three-section composite frame with a Telelever suspension system on the front and a Paralever on the rear.

Two 305 mm discs, four-piston calipers on the front, and a 285 mm disc with a dual-piston caliper handled the bike's braking power.

As for the power figures, the 1998 BMW R1200C had its soul brought to life by a 1,170cc four-stroke air/oil-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine that delivered an output power of 61 hp at 5,000 rpm and 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) torque at 3,000 rpm.