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Custom - Cruiser · 2005

R 1200 C Classic

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MotoLibrary Score
54 /100 Balanced
Power/Weight
0.25 hp/kg
Top Speed
168 km/h
Torque
98 Nm
Engine
1170 ccm

2005 BMW R 1200 C Classic Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around BMW's custom - cruiser motorcycle platform, the 2005 BMW R 1200 C Classic utilizes a 1170 cc (71.4 cu in) oil & air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 60.3 HP (44 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 51.5 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 C Classic measures 238 kg (525 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.25 HP/kg (3.95 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 17.5-liter (4.6 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.6 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 380 km (236 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 168 km/h (104 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 2004 to 2005, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
51.5 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.25 HP/kg (3.95 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
3,000–5,000 rpm
Theoretical Range
~380 km (236 mi)
Engine
Displacement 1170.0 ccm (71.39 cubic inches)
Engine Type Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Engine Details Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power 60.3 HP (44.0 kW)) @ 5000 RPM
Torque 98.0 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.3 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM
Compression 10.0:1
Bore x Stroke 101.0 x 73.0 mm (4.0 x 2.9 inches)
Valves/Cylinder 4
Fuel System Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition
Cooling Oil & air
Transmission
Gearbox 5-speed
Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Clutch Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated
Performance
Top Speed 168.0 km/h (104.4 mph)
Fuel Consumption 4.60 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.13 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases 106.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis
Frame Type Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine.
Rake 29.5°
Trail 86 mm (3.4 inches)
Front Suspension BMW Motorrad Telelever
Front Travel 35 mm (1.4 inches)
Rear Suspension Die-cast steel single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Monolever
Rear Travel 135 mm (5.3 inches)
Wheelbase 1650 mm (65.0 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 100/90-ZR18
Rear Tyre 170/80-ZR15
Front Brakes Double disc
Front Brake Ø 305 mm (12.0 inches)
Rear Brakes Double disc
Rear Brake Ø 285 mm (11.2 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 238.0 kg (524.7 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.2535 HP/kg
Seat Height 740 mm (29.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Height 1130 mm (44.5 inches)
Overall Length 2340 mm (92.1 inches)
Overall Width 1050 mm (41.3 inches)
Fuel Capacity 17.50 litres (4.62 US gallons)
More from BMW
Buying Checklist

Before You Compare This Bike

Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.

Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
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Weight
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Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

🟡
Intermediate
Requires some riding experience.
✌️
Best For
Cruising & Touring
📏
Seat Height
74 cm / 29.1 in
⚖️
Handling
Heavy bike — requires confident handling
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