BMW R1200C - DID JAMES BOND MAKE THIS AWFUL BIKE COOL?

[@dennismundt7378]

I see this motorcycle as a real motorcycle. It has only the essentials on the motorcycle that you need. You don’t have to lubricate a chain or change a belt, and since the engine is air-cooled, there is no danger of frost where other motorcycles are water-cooled. There are only a few warning lights on the handlebars that indicate what the motorcycle needs in time. While other manufacturers were still playing with carburetors at the time, this motorcycle already had fuel injection. You don’t need more than that to ride. Despite its age, this motorcycle will get you to your destination with the right care. And let’s be honest. I don’t need an animated display that could greet me with an anime character. I don’t need a connection or link to the world on the motorcycle. And I don’t need a driving mode or driving assistance mode where I have to adjust the motorcycle to my current state of the day in the form of “Soft”, “Hard”, “Rock” or “Eco”. Anyway, I’m curious if the new motorcycles will last as long as this BMW. This motorcycle is not outdated and does not overwhelm anyone while driving. This BMW also has its fan community.

[@got2kittys]

They are designed for one thing, a cruiser machine. At that, they're excellent. Not a race bike, certainly no dirt machine, but specifically designed. It's really good for what it's made for. Styling aside, it's a BMW. Fine engineering. Quality builds. And, the boxer engine is great.

[@demosthenescotto2190]

I own a 98 with 41,000 miles. Never a problem. Just now the chrome is beginning to peel on the back rim. After 25 years I'm not complaining. She's a excellent bike that I'll ride until I can't right Thank you for your video. Ride safe look twise.

[@bullpencycles]

Thanks for watching!

[@nokandu5684]

Please read my comment.. Your dam right

[@AmbrosiasRideOuts]

I love my BMW R1200c. She's a member of the family had her since new 1998, affectionately known as Ambrosia. She needs some TLC which I am doing.

[@bullpencycles]

How did you come up with that for a name? Wondering is all.

[@AmbrosiasRideOuts]

@@bullpencycles The colour always reminded me of Rice Pudding and Ambrosia is a worldwide brand who make rice pudding 😊

[@nickkudlik6362]

I purchased one in 1998 brand new, I’ve only put 3600 miles on it in 25 years! My 32 year old son loves the thing rides it maybe 4 times a year! Never getting rid of it never had an issue with it

[@nokandu5684]

Didn't watch your video.. But I wanted to read the comments. If you think it's ugly, to each his own. I thought the handle bars looked ridiculous, I changed for police bars on my 98. This bike is a dream , all the weight is very low and the para lever suspension is incredible. Take it out for a couple of panic stops. I've had several BMW's . My advice.. Ride one PS They are f#@king beautiful and people turn their heads when it starts. Kingston New York

[@bullpencycles]

It does ride nicely.

[@nokandu5684]

@@bullpencycles I hope you keep it

[@deregulatethisnow4555]

I purchased a 2004 r1200c 2 years ago. It's the best bike I've ever owned. I had to do an emergency stop on the freeway and this stopped faster than all the cars. The ABS made it so I didn't skip the tires at all. It's so comfortable cruising at 80mph at 3,500 rpm for hours!

[@Papa_Kilo]

Despite the fact I am English I really wasnt a fan of James Bond. However I love the 1200c, they hold their value really well, crazy prices at the moment, around £6000 ($8000) here in England

[@bullpencycles]

Yeah, I understand they bring more overseas.

[@rockingv]

Hi , I passed my test aged 51 and bought one of these, got it written off by a car thief. Replaced it same type ran it for 60k miles in 10 yrs sold when arthritis caught up with me. Lost £200 on the deal. Overall impression? I wish I was 51 again! I''m English too.

[@fearsomename4517]

I never owned a BMW but the oldest bike I rode was an original paint 1931 BMW left hand clutch right hand tank shift. Not sure of the model but rode it around Oley. It's worth a small fortune.

[@MsDenver2]

I don’t think it’s ugly , it’s just different but the finish on it is gorgeous 👍🏍

[@bullpencycles]

I think time helped it

[@ruimiguelteixeira4058]

It's a cruiser. That is what it is for. It is wonderful bike. And it is a beautifull ... only in America can u think that this bike is ugly....

[@torchmd]

I agree. I love mine. I have never understood those who say it’s “ugly”. I think it beautiful. It is a very comfortable cruiser. I did do some mods to it 😊. I changed out the carb for an injection system off an R1150RTP, and swapped the 5 speed for the 6 speed from the same bike. (Internals are the same, with addition of 6th). I love this bike. Love…

[@pnwoods]

Many thanks for your video. There's one available, locally, ... and I always liked their looks, ... but, your rundown on maintenance costs was like a shot over the bow. On top of that, the asking price is $5800. ... Reckon you just saved me a chunk of change. ... Am obliged. Stay well.

[@bullpencycles]

You're welcome

[@paulc43]

There is a really nice one in Cali for 2800

[@davidmontgomery8943]

For 2½ years now I've owned a 03 CLC which is built on the cruiser platform. It's no screamer by any stretch of the imagination (being on par with my old 82 Harley FLH Shovelhead) but if I wanted to break the sound barrier I would have bought a bike with an afterburner. It suits me... very well. In 6th gear with the engine turning 3,000 rpm (torque peak) I'm going 65 mph. When people ask me how fast it goes I tell then, "the speed limit."

[@jontnoneya3404]

Interesting that you thought it was ugly - I thought it was amazing looking. I LOVE the looks of this bike. Still do!! I've got a 2001 model that's been sitting for over 10 years in my garage and doesn't run. I was going to start working on it but the cost of some of these repairs, ugh. I'll likely pass. I'm not even sure how much I could get for it salvage. I've heard they're still really popular bikes overseas but I'm not about to ship it over there. How do I get rid of this boat anchor?

[@bullpencycles]

I think maybe a BMWOA type group, or if salvage, find an ebayer that deals in parting out bikes in your location

[@jontnoneya3404]

@@bullpencycles Thanks - I mean it's in good condition, garage kept, 15k miles on it, never laid down, never crashed. Just hasn't been run and ridden in 10+ years so it needs a lot of work.

[@Ohyesverygood]

@@jontnoneya3404I’ve been looking at getting one. I would love to take it off your hands. Where in the US are you located?

[@Ohyesverygood]

@@jontnoneya3404I have to agree with you this bike is absolutely gorgeous.

[@jontnoneya3404]

@@Ohyesverygood - Oklahoma City

[@wizpin]

I am that (only) person who liked it back then, but never owned one. Now one is for sale near me, so I was looking for a review. Thanks and greetings from Spain.

[@ewadge]

I adored mine but when something went wrong with the bike I couldn’t find a mechanic who wanted to touch it. Finally found someone and spent an awful lot of money for the work and I got it sold. It’s back up for sale and I would love to have it back but I’m scared about maintaining it.

[@bullpencycles]

Yes. I totally understand. Thats most modern BMWs once they begin to age. Bummer. Wish you luck in selling or keeping.

[@mariorjcorbin]

This motorcycle gets an A for originality and courage for being something that other companies continuously fail to do. I am not a fan of some of its quirks personally, but its an incredibly capable machine and surprisingly comfortable. I would own one for no other reason than its art on wheels.

[@ronaldwehe9353]

Do you still have that bike I'm interested

[@bullpencycles]

Nope. Sorry

[@Zippytie]

GREAT DELIVERY , just bought a very rough one of these , stored for 10 years in a leaky garage , alloy wheels corroded , front fork stanchions , handlebars , crash bars all very crusty , plan on minimal expenditure and leaving crusty , only 5874 miles , non runner , expect seized calipers , horrible tank , knackered fuel pump and probably siezed engine and clutch , should be fun !

[@dalewyatt1321]

Saw your Mecham (?) auction video and subscribed because you knew your stuff and you didn't hold back with criticism. I was a senior official at GP's (500cc etc) & MotoGP, where course cars are BMW, a sponsor. These bikes weren't moving, hence the 007 product placement and they had 2 bikes tour the world doing stunts at GP's. (stunt bikes at GP's?, never before and never since). They did wheel stands blah blah on the track and when parked in the pits I had a look. To help wheel stands etc. they had gone on a diet. 1 disc, no gauges etc. Headlight was empty with thin plastic lense and on it went. Didn't help sales.

[@bullpencycles]

Thank you. I have some pointing out my mistakes. I screw up sometimes too, but its unintentional.

[@dell5338]

Great video. How do you remove the chrome and polish the rims thanks in advance

[@bullpencycles]

I sent the wheel out to woody's wheels. They disassemble, then goes to go to chrome shop to have the chrome stripped. Anyone can polish it, but if you know how to re-lace it. Cant say I ever laced a side spoke myself. Woody's did the whole deal then

[@dell5338]

@@bullpencycles thanks

[@dell5338]

So is the wheel stainless steel underneath the chrome

[@bullpencycles]

Aluminum

[@abcanimal]

Me personally, I like this bike. When I was a kid, I watched Pierce Brosnan flick this thing around on the streets of Thailand and it was so cool. Yes, it's a bit ugly and cumbersome but still cool.

[@bobbymaiu745]

Nice bike insane engineering

[@citylumberjack9169]

FIRMLY in the 'love this bike' category. My '01 has 35k miles on it.

[@bullpencycles]

Very nice!

[@johncranwell3783]

Now, this is an excellent review for which I am immensely grateful for. Thank you. I have a 1980 BMW R 80/7…. i’ve had it since it was about three years old and what a lovely old machine very safe in every aspect, maintenance, predictability pleasure, the Lord having come from the British motorcycling scene…. Having had a break to bring up her family, I’ve decided with a little bit more time on my side to re-indulge myself in motorcycling …. And have been swinging around with an idea of buying a Royal Enfield 650… but of course with the outlay and the depreciation. I started looking at secondhand bikes and the 1200 C custom, popped back into my mind…. I remember when these came out, thinking how ugly they were what are BMW doing? however, as you say they have kind of matured and look pretty damn good…. And I kind of get the love hate feeling you have with this bike and as per usual the parts are so damn expensive….. so perhaps I might head for year-old 650 Royal Enfield, that seems like it would perform like my old PSA, 650…. We’ll see. Thank you again for your review, and I really liked that genuine kind of old school honesty … nothing, polished just how it is, and I got that completely. Cheers John North Wales, UK

[@bullpencycles]

Thank you

[@brunosousa1977]

And the good about it its gonna get expensive . Becouse of that disign . Amazing ride

[@KerpeDell]

if this bike is ugly you are superbly beautiful. which I doubt, even while a baby.

[@wayne3340]

I understand what you're saying about the looks but I don't really see an ugly Harley wannabe. I think more about a Moto Guzzi America when I think wannabe Harley. I actually find Harleys ugly so I appreciate that this doesn't look like one. Cheers

[@WeAreInYourWall]

It’s beautiful if you think otherwise it’s you have bad taste lol.

[@talltimbot]

Regulation crew cut

[@gofigure84]

Someone messed that up with the ape hangers

[@bullpencycles]

I think they came different ways

[@gofigure84]

@@bullpencycles I don't believe, and highly doubt BMW offered any that high as a factory option. Any longer ones would have been angled more to the rider vs up. BMW is about performance and ride not that type of style.

[@Timeline916]

You should keep it

[@bullpencycles]

Sitting without running is really hard on these fuel injection bikes. I just did the fuel pump. It needs to be ridden, or it will foul again

[@nokandu5684]

Just watched your video..

[@bullpencycles]

Thank you.

[@jeffreytaylor6083]

I just purchased a 2001 with 20,000 for 5,200.00 The bike is immaculate and been highly maintained.

[@bullpencycles]

Highly maintained and ridden is the main thing! Good bikes!

[@prettycoolguy2850]

Fun fact: terrible suspension on this bad boy

[@bullpencycles]

I thought the front worked well, but I put seals in.

[@atomicdmt8763]

nice looking....

[@bullpencycles]

Thank you. Did not think so when they came out

[@nizarkailani6463]

No don't do cheerful please it's coming across wrong . .

[@bullpencycles]

Oooh, a challenge! Hmm. Gotta work on my acting skills!

[@HorstLandau]

Germans can‘t build choppers. It‘s only a cow !

[@bullpencycles]

Do you like the new R18?

[@zakarianalshik4462]

he i wont buy this motorred

[@Truetoo102]

I'm sorry, but that is the dorkiest motorcycle ever.

[@shakey2634]

Short answer? NO. It's still the ugliest bike BMW ever made.

[@bullpencycles]

I used to think that, but we could maybe do a video on the ugliest BMWS. I think several would make the list

[@shakey2634]

@@bullpencycles Ha! Too true!

[@nicholasmumola]

Beauty is only in the eyes of the beholder. I own a 2001 1200C and not one person that sees it says that it's ugly. They don't even realize that it's a 25 YO motorcycle. They think it just came out LOL😂

[@shakey2634]

@@nicholasmumola That says a lot about how you treat your equipment!