Some people consider a bike-day cruise as the perfect vacation. Other’s might agree, as long as the days are marked by blurred fence posts and dotted lines instead of palm trees and ocean waves. For them, BMW introduces the perfect alternative to a deck chair, the R1200CL.

Motorcyclists were taken aback when BMW introduced its first cruiser in 1997, but the R1200C quickly rose to the occasion. This year, BMW’s cruiser forms the basis for the most radical departure yet, the R1200CL. With its standard integral hard saddlebags, top box and distinctive handlebar-mounted fairing, the CL represents twin cylinder luxury-touring at its finest, a completely modern luxury touring-cruiser with a touch of classic BMW.

Although based on the R1200C, the new CL includes numerous key changes in chassis, drivetrain, equipment and appearance, specifically designed to enhance the R1200’s abilities as a long-distance mount. While it uses the same torquey, 1 170 cc 61-hp version of BMW’s highly successful R259 twin, the CL backs it with a six-speed overdrive transmission.

A reworked Telelever increases the bike’s rake for more-relaxed high-speed steering, while the fork’s wider spacing provides room for the sculpted double-spoke, 16-inch wheel and 150/80 front tyre. Similarly a reinforced Monolever rear suspension controls a matching 15-inch alloy wheel and 170/80 rear tyre. As you’d expect, triple brake system and fully integrated ABS bring the bike to a halt at day’s end and set the CL apart from any other luxury cruiser on the market.

Yet despite all the chassis changes, it’s the new CL’s visual statement that represents the bike’s biggest break with its cruiser-mates. With its grip-to-grip sweep, the handlebar-mounted fairing evokes classic touring bikes, while the CL’s distinctive quad-headlamps give the bike a decidedly avantgarde look – in addition to providing standard-setting illumination. A pair of frame-mounted lowers extends the fairing’s wind coverage and provides space for some of the CL’s electrics and the standard for SA stereo.

The instrument panel is exceptionally clean, surrounded by a matte grey background that matches the kneepads inset in the fairing extensions. The speedometer and tachometer flank a panel of warning lights, capped by the standard analog clock. Integrated mirror/turnsignal pods extend from the fairing to provide further wind protection. Finally, fully integrated, colour-matched saddlebags combine with a standard top box to provide a steamer trunk’s luggage capacity.

The CL’s riding position blends elements of both tourer and cruiser, beginning with a reassuringly low seat height. The seat itself comprises two parts, a rider portion with an integral lower-back rest, and a taller passenger perch that includes a standard backrest built into the top box. Heated seats, first seen on the K1200LT, are also available for the CL to complement the standard heated grips. A broad, flat handlebar places those grips a comfortable reach away, and the CL’s floorboards allow the rider to shift position easily without compromising control.

Standard cruise control helps melt the km’s on long highway stints. A convenient heel/toe shifter makes for effortless gear changes while adding exactly the right classic touch.

The R1200CL backs up its cruiser origins with the same superb attention to cosmetics as is shown in the functional details. In addition to the beautifully finished bodywork, the luxury cruiser boasts an assortment of chrome highlights, including valve covers, exhaust system, saddlebag latches and frame panels, with an optional kit to add even more bright work. Available colours include Pearl Silver Metallic, Capri Blue Metallic and Mojave Brown Metallic, this last with a choice of black or brown saddle (other colours feature black).

Engine

BMW’s newest tourer begins with a solid foundation, the 61-hp R1200C engine. The original, 1 170 cc cruiser power plant blends a broad power band and instantaneous response with a healthy, 72 lb.-ft. of torque. Like its forebear, the new CL provides its peak torque at 3 000 rpm, exactly the kind of power delivery for a touring twin.

Motronic MA 2.4 engine management ensures that this Boxer blends this accessible power with long-term reliability and minimal emissions, while at the same time eliminating the choke lever for complete push-button simplicity. Of course, the MoDiTec diagnostic feature makes maintaining the CL every bit as simple as the other members of BMW’s stable.

While tourers and cruisers place similar demands on their engines, a touring bike typically operates through a wider speed range. Consequently, the R1200CL mates this familiar engine to a new, six-speed transmission. The first five gear ratios are similar to the original R1200’s, but the sixth gear provides a significant overdrive, which drops engine speed well under 3 000 rpm at 95 km/h. This range of gearing means the CL can manage either responsive in-town running or relaxed freeway cruising with equal finesse, and places the luxury cruiser right in the heart of its power band at touring speeds for simple roll-on passes.

In addition, the new transmission has been thoroughly massaged internally, with re-angled gear teeth that provide additional overlap for quieter running. Shifting is likewise improved via a revised internal shift mechanism that produces smoother, more precise gear changes.

Finally, the new transmission design is lighter (approximately 1 kg), which helps keep the CL’s weight down to a respectable 308 kgs (wet). The improved design of this transmission will be adopted by other Boxer-twins throughout the coming year.

Wheeled Luggage Never Worked This Well

Every bit as unique as the CL’s Boxer-twin drive train is the bike’s chassis, leading off; literally and figuratively; with BMW’s standard-setting Telelever front suspension. The CL’s setup is identical in concept and function to the R1200C’s fork, but shares virtually no parts with the previous cruiser’s.

The tourer’s wider, 16-inch front wheel called fro wider-set fork tubes, so the top triple clamp, for bridge, fork tubes and axle have all been revised, and the axle has switched to a full-floating design. The aluminium Telelever itself has been further reworked to provide a slightly more raked appearance, which also creates a more relaxed steering response for improved straight-line stability. The front shock has been re-angled and its spring and damping rates changed to accommodate the new bike’s suspension geometry, but is otherwise similar to the original R1200C’s damper.

Similarly, the R1200CL’s Monolever rear suspension differs in detail, rather than concept, from previous BMW cruisers. Increased reinforcing provides additional strength at the shock mount, while a revised final-drive housing provides mounts for the new rear brake. But the primary rear suspension change is a switch to a shock with travel-related damping, similar to that introduced on the R1150GS Adventure. This new shock not only provides for a smoother, more controlled ride but also produces an additional 20 mm travel compared to the other cruisers, bringing the rear suspension travel to 120 mm.

The Telelever and Monolever bolt to a standard R1200C front frame that differs only in detail from the original. The rear sub frame, however, is completely new, designed to accommodate the extensive luggage system and passenger seating on the R1200CL. In addition to the permanently affixed saddlebags, the larger seats, floorboards, top box and new side stand all require new mounting points.

All this new hardware rolls on completely restyled double-spoke wheels (16 x 3.5 front / 15 x 4.0 rear) that carry wider, higher-profile (80-series) touring tyres for an extremely smooth ride. Bolted to these wheels are larger disc brakes (305 mm front, 285 mm rear), with the latest edition of BMW’s standard-setting EVO brakes. A pair of four-piston callipers stop the front wheel, paired with a two-piston unit; adapted from the K1200LT; at the rear.

In keeping with the bike’s touring orientation, the new CL includes BMW’s latest, fully integrated ABS, which actuates both front and rear brakes through either the front hand lever or the rear brake pedal. Whilst I personally don’t like these systems, they do work and work well.

Dressed To The Nines

Although all these mechanical changes ensure that the new R1200CL works like no other luxury cruiser, it’s the bike’s styling and bodywork that really set it apart. Beginning with the bike’s handlebar-mounted fairing, the CL looks like nothing else on the road, but it’s the functional attributes that prove its worth.

The broad sweep of the fairing emphasizes its aerodynamic shape, which provides maximum wind protection with a minimum of buffeting. Four headlamps, with their horizontal / vertical orientation, give the CL its unique face and also create the best illumination outside of a cricket stadium (the high-beams are borrowed from the GS).

The M-shaped windshield, with its dipped centre section, produces exceptional wind protection yet still allows the rider to look over the clear-plastic shield when rain or road dirt obscure the view. Similarly, clear extensions at the fairing’s lower edges improve wind protection even further but still allow an unobstructed view forward for manoeuvring in extremely close quarters. The turn signal pods provide further wind coverage, and at the same time the integral mirrors give a clear view to the rear.

Complementing the fairing, both visually and functionally, the frame-mounted lowers divert the windblast around the rider to provide further weather protection. Openings vent warm air from the frame-mounted twin oil-coolers and direct the heat away from the rider. As noted earlier, the lowers also house the electronics for the bike’s optional alarm system and cruise control. A pair of 12-volt accessory outlets are standard.

Like the K1200LT, the new R1200CL includes a capacious luggage system as standard, all of it colour-matched and designed to accommodate rider and passenger for the long haul. The permanently attached saddlebags include clamshell lids that allow for easy loading and unloading. Chrome bumper strips protect the saddlebags from minor tipover damage. The top box provides additional secure luggage space, or it can be simply unbolted to uncover an attractive aluminium luggage rack. An optional backrest can be bolted on in place of the top box. Of course, saddlebags and top box are lockable with the same key used for the ignition switch.

More Personal Than A Monogram

Given BMW’s traditional emphasis on touring options and the cruiser owner’s typical demands for customisation, it’s only logical to expect a range of accessories and options for the company’s first luxury cruiser. The CL fulfils those expectations with a myriad of options and accessories, beginning with a heated or velour-like Soft Touch seats and a low windshield.

Electronic and communications fitted as standard such as an AM / FM / CD stereo, cruise control and optional onboard communication can make time on the road much more pleasant, whether you’re out for an afternoon ride or a cross-country trek; because after all, nobody says you have to be back in six days.

Other available electronic features include an anti-theft alarm, which also disables the engine.

Accessories designed to personalize the CL even further range from cosmetic to practical, but all adhere to BMW’s traditional standards for quality and fit. Chrome accessories include engine-protection and saddlebag-protection hoops. On a practical level, saddlebag and top box liners simplify packing and unpacking. In addition to the backrest, a pair of rear floorboards enhance passenger comfort even more.