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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 44.5 kW @ 5000 rpm of peak power and 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 255 kg, carries a 17.50-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 790 mm and spans a 1,641 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 45.7 kg lighter than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2004 R 1200C Montauk - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk makes 44.5 kW @ 5000 rpm with 98 Nm @ 3000 of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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⚙️
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
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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
Heat management in traffic
R 1200C Montauk's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.
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 255 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, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. 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 on any R 1200C Montauk. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. 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. It is air/oil cooled.
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 255 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk make?
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk produces 44.5 kW @ 5000 rpm of power and 98 Nm @ 3000 of torque. These are peak figures.
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.
What gearbox does the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk have?
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
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
Power
44.5 kW / 61 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque
98.00 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.3 ft.lbs) @ 3000
Top Speed
168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph
Fuel Capacity
17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons
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Full 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk Specifications
Year
2003 - 05
Make Model
BMW R 1200C Montauk
Seat Height
790 mm / 31.1 in.
Seat Height
740 mm / 29.1 in
Wheelbase
1,641 mm / 64.6 in.
Wheelbase
1650 mm / 64.9 in
Ground Clearance
172 mm / 6.77 in
Height
1,340 mm / 52.8 in.
Height
1130 mm / 44.4 in
Length
2,370 mm / 93.3 in.
Length
2340 mm / 92.1 in
Width
1,120 mm / 44.1 in.
Width
1050 mm / 44.3 in
Dry Weight
245 kg / 540.1 lbs
Dry Weight
236 kg / 482 lbs
Fuel Capacity
17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons
Fuel Capacity
17.5 Litres / 4.5 gal
Wet Weight
255 kg / 565 lbs
Fuel Control
SOHC
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)
71.39 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1170.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)
101.0 x 73.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
4.0 x 2.9 inches
Displacement
1170 cc / 71.4 cu in.
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System
Injection
Bore x Stroke
101 x 73mm
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Cooling System
Air/Oil cooled
Fuel Consumption
5.9 L/100 km / 17.0 km/l / 40 US mpg
Fuel Induction
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel injection
Fuel Reserve
4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
Ignition
Digital CDI Bosch Electronic
Lubrication
Wet sump
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Battery Capacity
BMW Mareg, 19.5 Amp/h low maintenance
Clutch
Dry, single plate, hydraulic operated
Final Drive
Shaft
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gear Ratios
1st 2.045 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.267 / 4th 1.038 / 5th 0.800:1
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Frame Type
Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine.
Frame Type
Three section composite frame consisting of front & rear section, load bearing engine
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut
Suspension - Front
Motorrad Telelever, stanchion ∅35mm, 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
Suspension - Rear
Die cast aluminium single sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Monolever, WAD strut (travel related damping), spring preload adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of hydraulic handwheel.
Trail
86 mm / 3.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front
145 mm / 5.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front
144 mm / 5.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
100 mm / 3.9 in.
Charging System
14 V 50 Amp Alternator (700 W)
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 - Front
2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single disc
Brakes - Rear
Single ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
150/80-VR16
Tyres - Front
100/90-18
Tyres - Rear
170/80-VR15
Tyres - Rear
170/80-15
Wheels - Front
2.50 x 18, three spoke alloy
Wheels - Rear
4.00 x 15, three spoke alloy
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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