Any vehicle featured in a James Bond movie is good enough for me. The BMW R1200C was the model that reintroduced BMW to the majority of the motorcycling public. It hailed a new era for the company and challenged conventional thinking. The C was a cruiser that did not look like a Harley, heaven forbid. To be quiet honest, it looked good. Very good. The C won many customers for the German company and its success has not been unfounded. 

The C was introduced in 1998 and soon made a very good name for itself. Soon, however, the distinction had to be made. The Independent, a chromed-up model, and the Avante Garde was recently launched, with the original model, now know as the Classic still looming in the background. However, BMW have decided to move the posts with their 2003 offering of the R1200CL. 

The C was generous in its cruising ability and put Harley-Davidson’s, and the like, to shame, but BMW decided that what the C really needed was the ability of comfortable long-distance cruising. The answer was the CL. A fully dresses and accessorised version of the popular and somewhat weird retro. 

The basic C structure remains, but the most noticeable difference must surely be the new, rather large, bar-mounted fairing. On a motorcycle being able to do way over 150km/h, this screen should be a welcomed addition for those long trips. Apparently, the screen offers phenomenal wind and water buffeting performance, with your view staying perfectly clear due to the cut out in the middle. Other cosmetic differences are that of the included hard luggage and a more substantial pillion seat, with added backrest for the lazy rider or pillion. The fairing is in trend with BMW’s strange design philosophies and the four studded headlamps are sure to raise a few eyebrows. 

The ride should be equally pleasant due to the hefty list of optional accessories accompanying the CL. The wide bars come with heated grips and seats as well as the inclusion of a full AM/FM-stereo radio/CD-player for the easily bored rider and pillion.

The list of engineering novelties is just as impressive and should ensure that the CL is a formidable cruiser/tourer. The standard BMW Telelever and Monolever suspension is as much an engineering success as it is an engineering miracle. The long struggles of finding a viable alternative to the telescopic forks have resulted in only BMW being able to do so.

The basic workings of the Telelever suspension system is simple. Weight is kept to a bear minimum due to the fact that the telescopic forks used does not incorporate any springs or any form of damping. There is only one fork yoke, and is attached to the top of the fork tubes, with a swing-arm attached to the outer tubes. The swing-arm features a single spring and damper unit, located just above it. The swing-arm pivots on the engine casting and thus minimises the usual flapping of conventional forks as well as naturally counter-acting dive under braking. You see, simple. The Telelever front suspension offers 144mm of travel, but due to its unusual workings, most of the time, the suspension remains virtually constant throughout its travel. The rear Monolever unit offers 120mm of travel. 

The CL has inherited the original 1170cc unit of the original model, and is claimed to produce 72Nm at 3000 rpm and calling up 61 horses in the process. The opposed twin air/oil-cooled power unit is an old study of engineering, but it has been proved to work. Thankfully. 

The CS also features two 4-piston fixed calliper, 268mm discs at the front as their BMW Evo braking system as well as a single 250mm, 2-piston calliper disc at the rear. The braking of BMW has been exemplary in the past and coupled with the CL’s brilliant suspension, the braking of the CL should not be disappointing. It might not be a racer, but the CL will allow spirited riding – if your pillion can handle it. The CL also features BMW’s Integral ABS system to avoid any avoidable lock-up situations. 

The BMW stable is filled with prime stallions and the CL promises to be a race-winning champion. A motorcycle of impeccable breed and outstanding manners. If the CL is anything like the C, then BMW is in for a rather lucrative time. The CL has opened old doors for BMW and returns them to their touring roots. A unique cruiser has become an unique tourer. It will definitely challenge the opposition. It is a motorcycle bred for people who were born to ride.