General Comments:

I bought this bike after the first ride. I have an R100 as well with a lot of miles. Each time I ride, I'm so glad I bought it. I like twisties and this bike will do them and make you smile. I ride with friends with RTs, LTs and the like; I lead the way a lot. 70,000 miles and she rides like day one. It has enough speed to gain performance awards (tickets), which I have received in several states. Long distance is the best. Never felt the ride was too long. 1,000 mile days.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I bought this motorcycle from a friend of mine in North Carolina. Formerly had a BMW 1150 RT and wanted something better for cruising with my wife. I read a lot of reviews - most of which were very negative. Ugly... little acceleration... low on power... blah, blah. It was only at my friend's strong recommendation that I decided to travel from Indiana to NC to get the bike and ride home. I am so, so glad I ignored the reviews. This bike is fantastic for both me and my wife. It is not the fastest bike out of the hole - but does it need to be? Plenty of power and never a problem.

Also - absolutely the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. The unique fairing/windshield provides unbelievable wind protection. Have ridden in the rain on a few occasions and only the bottom of my legs see rain - face shields stay nearly dry. The seat is as comfortable anything I have ridden. Rode from NC to IN in a day and half and could have kept riding. Handling is great. It is a heavy bike and you duck walk if you need to move it around with your feet - but very well balanced, so if you are careful - no issues.

Don't listen to the reviews. Ride one and realize there are no other touring bikes that give you the value for the money of this.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I love this bike. After owning over a dozen street bikes over the last 40 years, I find this bike (at my age) to be an unusual taste. No it's not the fastest or quickest, the handling is not bad (especially compared to the top heavy feel of the Honda Interstate I've been riding the last few years), gas mileage is good (42 MPG), and it's very comfortable and easy to work on. But this bike really just puts a smile on my face as it reminds me why I love to ride. I love the feel and sound of the torquey flat twin, the brakes are the best of any bike I've ever owned, the transmission shifts smoothly, and it just feels good going down the road.

Yeah I read how the moto-journalists all panned the R1200CL when it first came out, but I have a mind of my own, and after riding it I realized they spend too much time buzzing around on 150 HP bikes that go 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. I'm past that in my life, and enjoy comfort and quality over pure speed. I'll be riding this BMW for a long time, as she has grown on me with her quirky ways. She may not be a beauty to everyone, but she has a great personality that I enjoy!