R 1200 Avantgarde

2001 BMW R 1200 Avantgarde Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by BMW for the custom - cruiser motorcycle segment, the 2001 BMW R 1200 Avantgarde pairs a 1170 cc (71.4 cu in) air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 61 HP (44.5 kW) at 5,000 rpm while maximum torque reaches 98 Nm (72.3 lb-ft) at 3,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 52.1 HP per liter and a 2,000 rpm working window between peak torque (3,000 rpm) and peak power (5,000 rpm), the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the R 1200 Avantgarde measures 256 kg (564 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.24 HP/kg (4.2 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 740 mm (29.1 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,650 mm (65 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 17-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 172 km/h (107 mph).