Three section
composite frame consisting of front &
rear section, load bearing engine
Front Suspension
Motorrad Telelever, stanchion
∅35mm, central strut
Front Wheel Travel
145 mm / 5.7 in
Rear Suspension
Die cast aluminium single sided swinging arm
with BMW Motorrad Monolever, WAD strut (travel related damping), spring
preload adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of hydraulic
handwheel.
Rear Wheel Travel
110 mm / 4.3 in
Front Brakes
2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes
Single ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Front wheel
2.50 x 18, 5-spoke alloy
Rear wheel
4.00 x 15, 5-spoke alloy
Front Tyre
100/90-18
Rear Tyre
170/80-15
Trail
86mm / 3.4
in
Dimensions
Length 2415 mm / 95.0 in
Width 1075 mm / 42.3 in
Height 1435 mm / 56.1 in
Wheelbase
1641mm /
64.6 in
Seat Height
745 mm / 29.3 in
Dry Weight
289 kg / 637 lbs
Wet Weight
308 kg / 679 lbs
Fuel Capacity
17.5 Litres / 4.5 gal
Consumption Average
5.1 L/100 km / 19.8 km/l / 46.5 US mpg
Standing
¼ Mile
14.7 sec
Top Speed
164.8 km/h / 102.4 mph
.
Although based on the R 1200 C,
the new CL includes numerous key
changes in chassis, drivetrain, equipment and appearance, specifically
designed to enhance the R 1200’s abilities as a long-distance mount. While
it uses the same torquey, 1170cc 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 tire. Similarly, a reinforced
Monolever rear suspension controls a matching 15-inch alloy wheel and 170/80
rear tire. As you’d expect, triple disc brakes featuring BMW’s latest EVO
front 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
avant-garde 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 optional stereo. The
instrument panel is exceptionally clean, surrounded by a matte gray
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,
color-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, 29.3-inch 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 K 1200 LT, 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 miles on long highway
stints. A convenient heel/toe shifter makes for effortless gearchanges while
adding exactly the right classic touch.
The R 1200 CL
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 brightwork. Available colors include
Pearl Silver Metallic, Capri Blue Metallic and Mojave Brown Metallic, this
last with a choice of black or brown saddle (other colors feature black).
The R 1200 CL Engine: Gearing For The Long Haul
BMW’s newest tourer begins with a solid foundation-the
61-hp R 1200 C engine. The original, 1170cc cruiser powerplant blends a
broad powerband and instantaneous response with a healthy, 72 lb.-ft. of
torque. Like its forebear, the new CL provides its peak torque at 3000
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 R 1200 CL mates
this familiar engine to a new, six-speed transmission. The first five gear
ratios are similar to the original R 1200’s, but the sixth gear provides a
significant overdrive, which drops engine speed well under 3000 rpm at 60
mph. 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 powerband 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 gearchanges.
Finally, the new transmission design is lighter (approximately 1 kg.), which
helps keep the CL’s weight down to a respectable 679 lbs. (wet). The
improved design of this transmission will be adopted by other Boxer-twins
throughout the coming year.
The CL Chassis: Wheeled Luggage Never Worked This Well
Every bit as unique as the CL’s Boxer-twin drivetrain 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
R 1200 C’s fork, but shares virtually no parts with the previous cruiser’s.
The tourer’s wider, 16-inch front wheel called for wider-set fork tubes, so
the top triple clamp, fork bridge, fork tubes and axle have all been
revised, and the axle has switched to a full-floating design. The aluminum
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 R 1200 C’s damper.
Similarly, the R 1200 CL’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 R 1150
GS Adventure. This new shock not only provides for a smoother, more
controlled ride but also produces an additional 20mm travel compared to the
other cruisers, bringing the rear suspension travel to 4.72 inches.
The Telelever and Monolever bolt to a standard R 1200 C
front frame that differs only in detail from the original. The rear
subframe, however, is completely new, designed to accommodate the extensive
luggage system and passenger seating on the R 1200 CL. In addition to the
permanently affixed saddlebags, the larger seats, floor boards, 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 tires for an extremely smooth ride.
Bolted to these wheels are larger disc brakes (12.0-inch front, 11.2-inch
rear), with the latest edition of BMW’s standard-setting EVO brakes. A pair
of four-piston calipers stop the front wheel, paired with a two-piston
unit-adapted from the K 1200 LT-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.
The CL Bodywork: Dressed To The Nines
Although all these mechanical changes ensure that the new R
1200 CL 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 baseball stadium (the high-beams are
borrowed from the GS).
The M-shaped windshield, with its dipped center 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 maneuvering in
extremely close quarters. The turnsignal 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 wind blast 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 K 1200 LT, the new
R 1200 CL includes a capacious luggage system as standard, all of
it color-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
aluminum luggage rack. An optional backrest can be bolted on in place of the
top box. Of course, saddlebags and top box are lockable and keyed to the
ignition switch.
Options & Accessories: More Personal Than A Monogram
Given BMW’s traditional emphasis on touring options and the
cruiser owner’s typical demands for customization, it’s only logical to
expect a range of accessories and options for the company’s first luxury
cruiser. The CL fulfills those expectations with a myriad of options and
accessories, beginning with heated or velour-like Soft Touch seats and a low
windshield. Electronic and communications options such as an AM/FM/CD
stereo, cruise control and 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.