Cruisers

2003BMW R 1200 CL

36 fields on record

The 2003 BMW R 1200 CL is a classic cruiser-touring bike designed for riders seeking comfort and relaxed riding posture. Its air-cooled boxer engine delivers smooth, low-end torque ideal for highway cruising, while the generous fuel capacity and comfortable seat height suit long-distance touring. Known for its distinctive styling and legendary BMW reliability, it appeals to experienced riders preferring laid-back performance.

Capacity: 1170.0 ccm
Engine: Boxer, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Wet weight: 308.0 kg
Seat height: 745 mm
Power: 61.0 HP (44.9 kW) @ 5000 RPM

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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 2003 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 →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1170.0 ccm
Power: 61.0 HP (44.9 kW) @ 5000 RPM
Torque: 97.6 Nm (10.0 kgf-m)
Engine type: Boxer, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1981 HP/kg (wet)
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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1641 mm
Overall length: 2415 mm
Overall width: 1075 mm
Overall height: 1435 mm
Seat height: 745 mm
Wet weight: 308.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.50 litres
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

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