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2003 BMW R 1200CL Overview
For 2003, BMW offers the R 1200CL as a touring motorcycle with 1170 cc on tap. The 2003 BMW R 1200CL is built around a Two cylinder boxer engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.0:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 101 x 73 mm. Out on the road, the R 1200CL delivers 44.5 kW @ 5000 rpm of peak power and 98 Nm @ 3000 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 164.8 km/h. In everyday use, the 2003 R 1200CL tips the scales at 308 kg, carries a 17.5-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 745 mm and spans a 1641 mm wheelbase. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2003 BMW R 1200CL spec sheet below.
2003 BMW R 1200CL compared with other bikes in the Touring category
Measured against other bikes in the Touring category in our database (up to 414 models, one entry per model), the 2003 BMW R 1200CL comes out as follows.
- With 145 W/kg, the R 1200CL has the 8th lowest power-to-weight ratio of 117 bikes in the Touring category, 43% below the category average of 254 W/kg.
- Power output of 44.5 kW is lower than that of 176 of the other 218 bikes in the Touring category.
- Only 113 of the other 413 bikes in the Touring category have a lower torque than the 98 Nm of the R 1200CL.
- Narrowing the field to the 20 models within five model years of it, the power-to-weight ratio of 145 W/kg is lower than that of 17 of the other 19.
2003 R 1200CL - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the R 1200CL is 44.5 kW @ 5000 rpm and 98 Nm @ 3000 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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Strong front braking: The disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
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Accessible seat height: At just 745 mm, flat-footing at a stop is easy for most riders - a genuine confidence builder for less experienced owners.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the R 1200CL - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Air cooling on the R 1200CL keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on SOHC-equipped engines like the R 1200CL's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x Ø305mm discs, 4 piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by Motorrad Telelever, stanchion Ø35mm, central strut up front and Die cast aluminium single sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Monolever, WAD strut at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Shaft final drive on the R 1200CL removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
Frame & chassis check
The Three section composite frame consisting of front & rear section, load bearing engine chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The R 1200CL's 308 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
R 1200CL - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2003 BMW R 1200CL with its 1170 cc touring should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. 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 23 years old, this touring is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 1200CL settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the R 1200CL's 1170 cc two cylinder boxer - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With a 10.0:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the R 1200CL's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
Valve clearance service
There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if an R 1200CL's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.
2003 BMW R 1200CL - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2003 BMW R 1200CL have?
The 2003 BMW R 1200CL uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2003 BMW R 1200CL?
The 2003 BMW R 1200CL has a factory-quoted top speed of 164.8 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2003 BMW R 1200CL weigh?
The 2003 BMW R 1200CL weighs 308 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2003 BMW R 1200CL make?
The 2003 BMW R 1200CL produces 44.5 kW @ 5000 rpm of power and 98 Nm @ 3000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2003 BMW R 1200CL?
The 2003 BMW R 1200CL has a 17.5-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 291-350 km between stops.
Is the 2003 BMW R 1200CL suitable for shorter riders?
The 2003 BMW R 1200CL has a seat height of 745 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2003 BMW R 1200CL have?
The 2003 BMW R 1200CL uses 2 x Ø305mm discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and single Ø285mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2003 BMW R 1200CL use?
The 2003 BMW R 1200CL runs 100/90-18 front and 170/80-15 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2003 BMW R 1200CL have?
The 2003 BMW R 1200CL is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
BMW R 1200CL Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1200CL was produced across 2 model years (2004-2006). 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 |
2006 |
| Dry Weight |
289 kg / 637.1 lbs |
289 kg / 637 lbs |
| Engine Type |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
| Brakes - Front |
2 x Ø305mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single Ø285mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
Single ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
| Suspension - Front |
Motorrad Telelever, stanchion Ø35mm, central strut |
Motorrad Telelever, stanchion ∅35mm, central strut |
| Fuel System |
Injection |
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition |
| Gearbox |
5-speed |
6-speed |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio |
0.1981 HP/kg |
0.2095 HP/kg |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
44.5 kW / 61 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque
98 Nm / 10.0 kgf-m / 72.27 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Top Speed
164.8 km/h / 102.4 mph
Fuel Capacity
17.5 Litres / 4.5 gal
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Full 2003 BMW R 1200CL Specifications
Year
2003 - 04
Make
BMW
Model
R 1200CL
Colours
Silver, Blue, Brown
Make Model
BMW R 1200CL
Seat Height
745 mm / 29.3 in
Wheelbase
1641 mm / 64.6 in
Height
1435 mm / 56.1 in
Length
2415 mm / 95.0 in
Width
1075 mm / 42.3 in
Dry Weight
289 kg / 637.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity
17.5 Litres / 4.5 gal
Wet Weight
308 kg / 679 lbs
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer
Stroke
73.0 mm
CO2
118.3 CO
Fuel Control
SOHC
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.98 x 2.87 in
Bore x Stroke (mm)
101.0 x 73.0 mm
Displacement (cc)
1170 cc
Displacement (ci)
71.4 cu-in
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
Cooling System
Air/Oil cooled
Fuel Consumption
5.1 L/100 km / 19.8 km/l / 46.5 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
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 & rear section, load bearing engine
Suspension - Front
Motorrad Telelever, stanchion Ø35mm, central strut
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 - Rear
110 mm / 4.3 in
Charging System
14 V 50 Amp Alternator (700 W)
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.0 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
285 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
305 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
11.2 inches
Brakes - Front
2 x Ø305mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single Ø285mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
100/90-18
Tyres - Rear
170/80-15
Wheels - Front
2.50 x 18, 5-spoke alloy
Wheels - Rear
4.00 x 15, 5-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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