Cruisers

2004BMW R 1200 CL

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The 2004 BMW R 1200 CL is a cruiser-styled motorcycle built for riders seeking low-slung comfort and classic aesthetic appeal. Powered by a 1170cc boxer twin producing 61 horsepower, it delivers relaxed, torque-rich performance ideal for laid-back touring and highway cruising. Known for its distinctive retro design, smooth power delivery, and BMW reliability, it appeals to riders valuing comfort and style over sportiness.

Capacity: 1170.0 ccm
Engine: Boxer, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 288.0 kg
Seat height: 745 mm
Power: 61.0 HP (44.9 kW) @ 5000 RPM

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What’s new for the 2004 BMW R 1200 CL

vs the 2003

Spec	2003	2004
Torque	97.6 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.0 ft.lbs)	98.0 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.3 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM
Top speed	—	165.0 km/h (102.5 mph)
Dry weight	—	288.0 kg (634.9 pounds)

Other years 2003 2004 2005

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding40%

Daily riding60%

Touring80%

Two-up85%

Track5%

Best for: Built as a boulevard-style luxury tourer, prioritizing relaxed cruising and passenger comfort over performance.
Built for: A stately, shaft-driven boxer cruiser with a plush ride, ample torque low in the rev range, and a distinctly unhurried, cruiser-touring personality.
Not ideal for: Not for riders seeking sporty handling, quick acceleration, or any off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 745mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2004 BMW R 1200 CL, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1170.0 ccm
Power: 61.0 HP (44.9 kW) @ 5000 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 118 CO2 g/km
Torque: 98.0 Nm (10.0 kgf-m) @ 3000 RPM
Engine type: Boxer, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.10 litres/100 km (19.6 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2118 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 101.0 x 73.0 mm
Compression: 10.0:1
Cooling system: Oil & air
Fuel system: Injection
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated

Performance

Top speed: 165.0 km/h (102.5 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1641 mm
Overall length: 2415 mm
Overall width: 1075 mm
Overall height: 1435 mm
Seat height: 745 mm
Dry weight: 288.0 kg
Wet weight: 308.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.50 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 4.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine.
Front suspension: BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut
Rear suspension: Die-cast steel single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Monolever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of hydraulic handwheel
Front wheel travel: 144 mm
Rear wheel travel: 120 mm
Rake (fork angle): 33.5°
Trail: 184 mm