2004 BMW R 1200CL Specifications

Name: 2004 BMW R 1200CL
Brand: BMW

Touring • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2004 BMW R 1200CL Overview

For 2004, BMW offers the R 1200CL as a touring motorcycle with 1170 cc on tap. The 2004 BMW R 1200CL is built around a Two cylinder boxer engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.0:1. 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 2004 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. That's roughly 16.1 kg lighter than the average touring motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2004 BMW R 1200CL spec sheet below.

2004 R 1200CL - Pros & Cons

Strengths

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.
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.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

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 ∅305mm 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 ∅35mm, 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 2004 BMW R 1200CL should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. 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 a R 1200CL's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. 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 a 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.

2004 BMW R 1200CL - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2004 BMW R 1200CL have?

The 2004 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 2004 BMW R 1200CL?

The 2004 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 2004 BMW R 1200CL weigh?

The 2004 BMW R 1200CL weighs 308 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2004 BMW R 1200CL make?

The 2004 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 2004 BMW R 1200CL?

The 2004 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 2004 BMW R 1200CL suitable for shorter riders?

The 2004 BMW R 1200CL has a seat height of 745 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2004 BMW R 1200CL have?

The 2004 BMW R 1200CL uses 2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and Single ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2004 BMW R 1200CL use?

The 2004 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 2004 BMW R 1200CL have?

The 2004 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
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

Weight

308 kg / 679 lbs

Fuel Capacity

17.5 Litres / 4.5 gal

Full 2004 BMW R 1200CL Specifications

Year 2004

Year 2003 - 04

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

Dry Weight 289 kg / 637 lbs

Fuel Capacity 17.5 Litres / 4.5 gal

Wet Weight 308 kg / 679 lbs

Top Speed 164.8 km/h / 102.4 mph

Max Power 44.5 kW / 61 hp @ 5000 rpm

Max Torque 98 Nm / 10.0 kgf-m / 72.27 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.1981 HP/kg

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.2118 HP/kg

Standing Start ¼ Mile 14.7 sec

Stroke 4

Engine Type Two cylinder boxer

Fuel Control SOHC

Engine Type Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke

CO2 118.3 CO

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 ∅35mm, 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 - Rear Diameter (mm) 285 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 11.2 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 305 mm

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 12.0 inches

Brakes - Front 2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single ∅285mm 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.