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
Displacement1170.0 ccm (71.39 cubic inches)
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Engine DetailsTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power61.0 HP (44.5 kW)) @ 5000 RPM
Torque98.0 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.3 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM
Compression10.0:1
Bore x Stroke101.0 x 73.0 mm (4.0 x 2.9 inches)
Valves/Cylinder4
CoolingOil & air
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Performance
Top Speed172.0 km/h (106.9 mph)
0-100 km/h5.30 seconds
60-140 km/h12.00 seconds
Fuel Consumption6.30 litres/100 km (15.9 km/l or 37.34 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases146.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis
Front Travel144 mm (5.7 inches)
Rear Travel100 mm (3.9 inches)
Wheelbase1650 mm (65.0 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre100/90-18
Rear Tyre170/80-15
Front BrakesDual disc, ABS
Front Brake Ø305 mm (12.0 inches)
Rear BrakesSingle disc, ABS
Rear Brake Ø285 mm (11.2 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Weight incl.268.0 kg (590.8 pounds)
Seat Height740 mm (29.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
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.