![]()
No images available
Tap to enlarge
![]()
2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk Overview
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk is a custom / cruiser motorcycle built around 1170 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The bore and stroke measures 101 x 73 mm. 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk delivers 98 Nm @ 3000 of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 168 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2004 R 1200C Montauk tips the scales at 245 kg, carries a 17.50-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 790 mm and spans a 1,641 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category
Here is how the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk stacks up against other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1316 models.
- Seat height of 790 mm is taller than that of 1293 of the other 1315 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
- Only 199 of the other 469 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a higher top speed than the 168 km/h of the R 1200C Montauk.
- Narrowing the field to the 575 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 790 mm is taller than that of 571 of the other 574.
2004 R 1200C Montauk - Pros & Cons
Strengths
-
🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
-
🛑
Strong front braking: The double disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
-
⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.
Considerations
-
ℹ️
Age-related wear: As with any used R 1200C Montauk, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Valve clearance checks
SOHC valve actuation on the R 1200C Montauk means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.
Brake disc and pad wear
The double disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the R 1200C Montauk runs BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut and Die-cast steel single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Monolever; WAD strut at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine. - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Handling the weight at a standstill
At 245 kg, the R 1200C Montauk is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.
R 1200C Montauk - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk with its 1170 cc custom / cruiser, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 22 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 1200C Montauk should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the R 1200C Montauk's 1170 cc two cylinder boxer, four-stroke. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 10.0:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The R 1200C Montauk's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used R 1200C Montauk. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.
2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk have?
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk uses a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1170 cc of displacement.
What is the top speed of the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk?
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk has a factory-quoted top speed of 168 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk weigh?
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk weighs 245 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much torque does the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk produce?
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk produces 98 Nm @ 3000 of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk?
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk has a 17.50-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 291-350 km between stops.
Is the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk suitable for shorter riders?
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk has a seat height of 790 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk have?
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk uses double disc at the front and single disc at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk use?
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk runs 150/80-VR16 front and 170/80-VR15 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
BMW R 1200C Montauk Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1200C Montauk was produced across 2 model years (2004-2005). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2004 |
2005 |
| Dry Weight |
245 kg / 540.1 lbs |
245 kg / 540.1 lbs |
| Engine Type |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer |
| Top Speed |
168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph |
168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph |
| Seat Height |
790 mm / 31.1 in. |
790 mm / 31.1 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons |
17.5 Litres / 4.5 gal |
| Frame Type |
Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine. |
Three section composite frame consisting of front & rear section, load bearing engine |
| Brakes - Front |
Double disc |
Double disc |
| Wheelbase |
1,641 mm / 64.6 in. |
1,641 mm / 64.6 in. |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Torque
98.00 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.3 ft.lbs) @ 3000
Top Speed
168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph
Weight
245 kg / 540.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity
17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons
Advertisement
Full 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk Specifications
Seat Height
790 mm / 31.1 in.
Wheelbase
1,641 mm / 64.6 in.
Height
1,340 mm / 52.8 in.
Length
2,370 mm / 93.3 in.
Width
1,120 mm / 44.1 in.
Dry Weight
245 kg / 540.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity
17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons
Bore x Stroke (in,)
4.0 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
101.0 x 73.0 mm
Displacement (cc)
1170.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
71.39 cubic inches
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control
SOHC
Fuel System
Injection
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Fuel Reserve
4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
Valve System
4
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox
5-speed
Frame Type
Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine.
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut
Suspension - Rear
Die-cast steel single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Monolever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of hydraulic handwheel
Wheel Travel - Front
144 mm / 5.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
100 mm / 3.9 in.
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.0 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
305 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
11.2 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
285 mm
Brakes - Front
Double disc
Brakes - Rear
Single disc
Tyres - Front
150/80-VR16
Tyres - Rear
170/80-VR15
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
Advertisement