| 1997–2005 BMW R1200C |
|---|
| Performance |    |
|---|
| It's not a monster, but it is smooth, fairly grunty down low, and very responsive, with seamlessly programmed fuel injection. Low-key, but easily up to any kind of riding you can throw at it. |
|
| Handling | |
|---|
| It's no racer, but the Big 'C' has more ground clearance and handles better than the vast majority of other cruisers (and better than any other non-paralever Beemer). Fairly compliant ride over uneven pavement. |
|
| Looks | |
|---|
| This one is totally garofalo: I could as easily give it a 5 or a 0, depending on the day and my mood. I love the individual bits and its uniqueness, but the overall look is cluttered. It is what it is. |
|
| Reliability | |
|---|
| Well built and can rack up many miles without falling to pieces. Typically BMW. |
|
| Practicality | |
|---|
| Low center of gravity, light steering, and nicely centralized mass hides most of the (considerable) weight. Good ergonomics (other than than the 'too-far' pullback bars) make it comfortable enough to tour on. Odd front end provides solid feel out on the highway. |
|
| Desirability | |
|---|
| Despite many Beemer purists' distain for it, the R1200C provides a pretty nice cruiser experience that won't get old after just a season or two. But the cost for used ones remains too high. |
| Overall | |
|---|
| I didn't like the R1200C when it came out, yet I had a perverse fascination with it. A decade later, I am no less fascinated, and increasingly fond of it. Might consider it for myself if I found a nice one at an affordable price. |
TOMORROW: Suzuki V-Strom 650
0 Comments »
Leave Feedback
You must be logged in to post a comment.