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Custom - Cruiser · 1999

R 1200 C

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MotoLibrary Score
56 /100 Balanced
Power
61 HP
Top Speed
172 km/h
Torque
98 Nm
Engine
1170 ccm

1999 BMW R 1200 C Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around BMW's custom - cruiser motorcycle platform, the 1999 BMW R 1200 C pairs a 1170 cc (71.4 cu in) oil & 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 C measures 268 kg (591 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.23 HP/kg (4.39 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 paired with a rated consumption of 6.3 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 270 km (168 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 172 km/h (107 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 4 indexed model years from 1998 to 2003, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
52.1 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.23 HP/kg (4.39 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
3,000–5,000 rpm
Theoretical Range
~270 km (168 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 61.0 HP (44.5 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
Cooling Oil & air
Transmission
Gearbox 5-speed
Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Performance
Top Speed 172.0 km/h (106.9 mph)
0-100 km/h 5.30 seconds
60-140 km/h 12.00 seconds
Fuel Consumption 6.30 litres/100 km (15.9 km/l or 37.34 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases 146.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis
Front Travel 144 mm (5.7 inches)
Rear Travel 100 mm (3.9 inches)
Wheelbase 1650 mm (65.0 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 100/90-18
Rear Tyre 170/80-15
Front Brakes Dual disc, ABS
Front Brake Ø 305 mm (12.0 inches)
Rear Brakes Single disc, ABS
Rear Brake Ø 285 mm (11.2 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Weight incl. 268.0 kg (590.8 pounds)
Seat Height 740 mm (29.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Fuel Capacity 17.00 litres (4.49 US gallons)
Other
Starter Electric
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
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
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.
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
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