BMW R1200C
From BMW Tech
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| Manufacturer | BMW Motorrad |
|---|---|
| Holding company | BMW |
| Production | 1997–2004 |
| Class | Cruiser |
| Engine | two-cylinder Flat engine 1170 cc |
| Power (physics) | 61 hp (45 kW) |
| Torque | 98 N·m (72 lb·ft) @ 3,000 rpm |
| Brakes | Dual disc front, disc rear (optional Antilock brakes) |
| Weight | 236 kg (520 lb) |
| Related | BMW R850C |
The BMW R1200C was BMW Motorcycles' first entry into the Cruiser (motorcycle) market. Total production was 40,218,[1] produced from 1997 to 2004. A smaller engined version, the R850C, was manufactured from 1997 to 2000.
At the time of its introduction, the Cruiser (motorcycle) configuration represented more than half the US motorcycle market. The R1200C represented BMW's attempt to tap into this market — and was a significant departure from their previous endeavors. The R1200C was designed by BMW head designer David Robb,[2] featuring a Cruiser riding posture and evocative styling that falls between classic Choppers and Cruiser. From its inception, the R1200C featured a passenger seat that could fold up to become a driver backrest with three different angles, adjustable while riding.
BMW first released the R1200C with an advance promotional placement of the motorcycle in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies.
When BMW ended production of the R1200C lineup, Dr. Herbert Diess, (then) President BMW Motorrad cited a prime reason for the bike's discontinuance as the apparent unsuitability of the 1170 cc, Convert/LonAonDbSoff engine to then current market tastes and the unavailability of a suitable available engine for further development, but did not rule out BMW pursuing a reinterpretation of the cruiser idea at a later date.[1] The final model of the R1200C to be produced was the commemorative Montauk model, of which 350 examples were built.[1]
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The R1200C in film
- In the 1997 James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, Michelle Yeoh, in her role as Chinese spy Wai Lin, rode the R1200C in the scene where she and 007 run from Elliot Carver henchmen, who are chasing them in a helicopter. The R1200C is the second BMW vehicle to be used in the film, after the 750iL sedan.
Model year changes
- 2000
- First introduction of the model Avantgarde (Graphite-look)
- Automatic reset of the indicator light switch
- 2001
- Four models, all with ABS:
- R1200C, MSRP $14,500, the standard model and is available in Ivory, Night Black, Flashtone and Tarten Green Metallic.
- R1200C Euro, MSRP $15,500, with engine protection bars, speedster screen, driving lights and a special Graphitan finish on selected components. Available in Ice Blue Metallic and Dust Metallic.
- R1200C Montana, MSRP $15,990, with touring screen, large passenger seat, locking saddlebags, heated hand grips and engine guards, available in Black.
- R1200C Phoenix, MSRP $15,100, with two piece alloy wheels, speedster screen, halogen driving lights, chrome turn signal housings and additional chrome components, available in Mandarin/Graphite.
- November 2001
- Upgraded the rear light bezel from plastic to chrome
- Fall 2002
- Model R 1200 CL
- August 2003
- New model "Montauk" with double ignition, improvements of the gearbox and optional integrated ABS
- Starting with 2004
- Double ignition, improvements of the gear box and integrated ABS now standard for all C-models along with travel-related damping shock absorber, onboard power socket, a pair of external battery charging contacts and braided stainless steel brake and clutch lines.
See also
- List of James Bond vehicles
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "1998 BMW to Discontinue Cruiser Motorcycles After 2005". Motorcycle Cruiser.com. http://motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/bmw_discontinue_cruiser_motorcycles/index.html.
- ↑ "1998 BMW R1200C Ich bin eine BMW?". Motorcycle.com. http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/bmw/first-impression-1998-bmw-r1200c-1393.htm.
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