PRESS KIT MODEL YEAR 2003: THE 2003 BMW R 1200 CL: FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF HOLIDAY CRUISE

1) 2003 R 1200 CL Story (Download 1): - The R 1200 CL Engine: Gearing For The Long Haul: Page 3 - The CL Chassis: Wheeled Luggage Never Worked This Well: Page 4 - The CL Bodywork: Dressed To The Nines: Page 5 - Options & Accessories: More Personal Than A Monogram: Page 6 - The BMW Warranty: Three Years Down The Road You're Covered, No Matter Where Or When: Page 6 2) 2003 R 1200 CLC Specifications (Download 2) 3) 2003 R 1200 CL Specifications (Download 3).

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, August 25, 2002 ... Some people consider a six-day
cruise as the perfect vacation. Other's might agree, as long as the days are
marked by blurred fence posts and dotted lines instead of palm trees and ocean
waves. For them, BMW introduces the perfect alternative to a deck chair - the R
1200 CL.

Motorcyclists were taken aback when BMW introduced its first cruiser in 1997,
but the R 1200 C quickly rose to become that year's best-selling BMW. The
original has since spawned several derivatives including the Phoenix, Euro,
Montana and Stiletto. This year, BMW's cruiser forms the basis for the most
radical departure yet, the R 1200 CL. With its standard integral hard
saddlebags, top box and distinctive handlebar-mounted fairing, the CL
represents twin-cylinder luxury-touring at its finest, a completely modern
luxury touring-cruiser with a touch of classic BMW.

Although based on the R 1200 C, the new CL includes numerous key changes in
chassis, drivetrain, equipment and appearance, specifically designed to enhance
the R 1200's abilities as a long-distance mount. While it uses the same
torquey, 1170cc 61-hp version of BMW's highly successful R259 twin, the CL
backs it with a six-speed overdrive transmission. A reworked Telelever
increases the bike's rake for more-relaxed high-speed steering, while the
fork's wider spacing provides room for the sculpted double-spoke, 16-inch wheel
and 150/80 front tire. Similarly, a reinforced Monolever rear suspension
controls a matching 15-inch alloy wheel and 170/80 rear tire. As you'd expect,
triple disc brakes featuring BMW's latest EVO front brake system and fully
integrated ABS bring the bike to a halt at day's end-and set the CL apart from
any other luxury cruiser on the market.

Yet despite all the chassis changes, it's the new CL's visual statement that
represents the bike's biggest break with its cruiser-mates. With its
grip-to-grip sweep, the handlebar-mounted fairing evokes classic touring bikes,
while the CL's distinctive quad-headlamps give the bike a decidedly avant-garde
look - in addition to providing standard-setting illumination. A pair of
frame-mounted lowers extends the fairing's wind coverage and provides space for
some of the CL's electrics and the optional stereo. The instrument panel is
exceptionally clean, surrounded by a matte gray background that matches the
kneepads inset in the fairing extensions. The speedometer and tachometer flank
a panel of warning lights, capped by the standard analog clock. Integrated
mirror/turnsignal pods extend from the fairing to provide further wind
protection. Finally, fully integrated, color-matched saddlebags combine with a
standard top box to provide a steamer trunk's luggage capacity.

The CL's riding position blends elements of both tourer and cruiser, beginning
with a reassuringly low, 29.3-inch seat height. The seat itself comprises two
parts, a rider portion with an integral lower-back rest, and a taller passenger
perch that includes a standard backrest built into the top box. Heated seats,
first seen on the K 1200 LT, are also available for the CL to complement the
standard heated grips. A broad, flat handlebar places those grips a comfortable
reach away, and the CL's floorboards allow the rider to shift position easily
without compromising control. Standard cruise control helps melt the miles on
long highway stints. A convenient heel/toe shifter makes for effortless
gearchanges while adding exactly the right classic touch.

The R 1200 CL backs up its cruiser origins with the same superb attention to
cosmetics as is shown in the functional details. In addition to the beautifully
finished bodywork, the luxury cruiser boasts an assortment of chrome
highlights, including valve covers, exhaust system, saddlebag latches and frame
panels, with an optional kit to add even more brightwork. Available colors
include Pearl Silver Metallic, Capri Blue Metallic and Mojave Brown Metallic,
this last with a choice of black or brown saddle (other colors feature black).

The R 1200 CL Engine: Gearing For The Long Haul

BMW's newest tourer begins with a solid foundation-the 61-hp R 1200 C engine.
The original, 1170cc cruiser powerplant blends a broad powerband and
instantaneous response with a healthy, 72 lb.-ft. of torque. Like its forebear,
the new CL provides its peak torque at 3000 rpm-exactly the kind of power
delivery for a touring twin. Motronic MA 2.4 engine management ensures that
this Boxer blends this accessible power with long-term reliability and minimal
emissions, while at the same time eliminating the choke lever for complete
push-button simplicity. Of course, the MoDiTec diagnostic feature makes
maintaining the CL every bit as simple as the other members of BMW's stable.

While tourers and cruisers place similar demands on their engines, a touring
bike typically operates through a wider speed range. Consequently, the R 1200
CL mates this familiar engine to a new, six-speed transmission. The first five
gear ratios are similar to the original R 1200's, but the sixth gear provides a
significant overdrive, which drops engine speed well under 3000 rpm at 60 mph.
This range of gearing means the CL can manage either responsive in-town running
or relaxed freeway cruising with equal finesse, and places the luxury cruiser
right in the heart of its powerband at touring speeds for simple roll-on passes.

In addition, the new transmission has been thoroughly massaged internally, with
re-angled gear teeth that provide additional overlap for quieter running.
Shifting is likewise improved via a revised internal shift mechanism that
produces smoother, more precise gearchanges. Finally, the new transmission
design is lighter (approximately 1 kg.), which helps keep the CL's weight down
to a respectable 679 lbs. (wet). The improved design of this transmission will
be adopted by other Boxer-twins throughout the coming year.

The CL Chassis: Wheeled Luggage Never Worked This Well

Every bit as unique as the CL's Boxer-twin drivetrain is the bike's chassis,
leading off-literally and figuratively-with BMW's standard-setting Telelever
front suspension. The CL's setup is identical in concept and function to the
R 1200 C's fork, but shares virtually no parts with the previous cruiser's. The
tourer's wider, 16-inch front wheel called for wider-set fork tubes, so the top
triple clamp, fork bridge, fork tubes and axle have all been revised, and the
axle has switched to a full-floating design. The aluminum Telelever itself has
been further reworked to provide a slightly more raked appearance, which also
creates a more relaxed steering response for improved straight-line stability.
The front shock has been re-angled and its spring and damping rates changed to
accommodate the new bike's suspension geometry, but is otherwise similar to the
original R 1200 C's damper.

Similarly, the R 1200 CL's Monolever rear suspension differs in detail, rather
than concept, from previous BMW cruisers. Increased reinforcing provides
additional strength at the shock mount, while a revised final-drive housing
provides mounts for the new rear brake. But the primary rear suspension change
is a switch to a shock with travel-related damping, similar to that introduced
on the R 1150 GS Adventure. This new shock not only provides for a smoother,
more controlled ride but also produces an additional 20mm travel compared to
the other cruisers, bringing the rear suspension travel to 4.72 inches.

The Telelever and Monolever bolt to a standard R 1200 C front frame that
differs only in detail from the original. The rear subframe, however, is
completely new, designed to accommodate the extensive luggage system and
passenger seating on the R 1200 CL. In addition to the permanently affixed
saddlebags, the larger seats, floor boards, top box and new side stand all
require new mounting points.

All this new hardware rolls on completely restyled double-spoke wheels (16 x
3.5 front/15 x 4.0 rear) that carry wider, higher-profile (80-series) touring
tires for an extremely smooth ride. Bolted to these wheels are larger disc
brakes (12.0-inch front, 11.2-inch rear), with the latest edition of BMW's
standard-setting EVO brakes. A pair of four-piston calipers stop the front
wheel, paired with a two-piston unit-adapted from the K 1200 LT-at the rear. In
keeping with the bike's touring orientation, the new CL includes BMW's latest,
fully integrated ABS, which actuates both front and rear brakes through either
the front hand lever or the rear brake pedal.

The CL Bodywork: Dressed To The Nines

Although all these mechanical changes ensure that the new R 1200 CL works like
no other luxury cruiser, it's the bike's styling and bodywork that really set
it apart. Beginning with the bike's handlebar-mounted fairing, the CL looks
like nothing else on the road, but it's the functional attributes that prove
its worth. The broad sweep of the fairing emphasizes its aerodynamic shape,
which provides maximum wind protection with a minimum of buffeting. Four
headlamps, with their horizontal/vertical orientation, give the CL its unique
face and also create the best illumination outside of a baseball stadium (the
high-beams are borrowed from the GS).

The M-shaped windshield, with its dipped center section, produces exceptional
wind protection yet still allows the rider to look over the clear-plastic
shield when rain or road dirt obscure the view. Similarly, clear extensions at
the fairing's lower edges improve wind protection even further but still allow
an unobstructed view forward for maneuvering in extremely close quarters. The
turnsignal pods provide further wind coverage, and at the same time the
integral mirrors give a clear view to the rear.

Complementing the fairing, both visually and functionally, the frame-mounted
lowers divert the wind blast around the rider to provide further weather
protection. Openings vent warm air from the frame-mounted twin oil-coolers and
direct the heat away from the rider. As noted earlier, the lowers also house
the electronics for the bike's optional alarm system and cruise control. A pair
of 12-volt accessory outlets are standard.

Like the K 1200 LT, the new R 1200 CL includes a capacious luggage system as
standard, all of it color-matched and designed to accommodate rider and
passenger for the long haul. The permanently attached saddlebags include
clamshell lids that allow for easy loading and unloading. Chrome bumper strips
protect the saddlebags from minor tipover damage. The top box provides
additional secure luggage space, or it can be simply unbolted to uncover an
attractive aluminum luggage rack. An optional backrest can be bolted on in
place of the top box. Of course, saddlebags and top box are lockable and keyed
to the ignition switch.

Options & Accessories: More Personal Than A Monogram

Given BMW's traditional emphasis on touring options and the cruiser owner's
typical demands for customization, it's only logical to expect a range of
accessories and options for the company's first luxury cruiser. The CL fulfills
those expectations with a myriad of options and accessories, beginning with
heated or velour-like Soft Touch seats and a low windshield. Electronic and
communications options such as an AM/FM/CD stereo, cruise control and onboard
communication can make time on the road much more pleasant, whether you're out
for an afternoon ride or a cross-country trek - because after all, nobody says
you have to be back in six days. Other available electronic features include an
anti-theft alarm, which also disables the engine.

Accessories designed to personalize the CL even further range from cosmetic to
practical, but all adhere to BMW's traditional standards for quality and fit.
Chrome accessories include engine-protection and saddlebag - protection hoops.
On a practical level, saddlebag and top box liners simplify packing and
unpacking. In addition to the backrest, a pair of rear floorboards enhance
passenger comfort even more.

The BMW Warranty: Three Years Down The Road You're Covered, No Matter Where Or
When

BMW riders have a well-deserved reputation as long-distance travelers, and BMW
of North America rewards their purchase decision with an appropriate warranty.
All new BMW motorcycles are covered by a 3-year/36,000 mile limited warranty.
Included during the warranty period is enrollment in the BMW Motorcycle
Roadside Assistance Plan. For 24-hours a day, 365 days per year, assistance is
just an 800 number away. Coverage in the BMW Roadside Assistance plan can be
continued after the warranty expires for a fee of $35.00 per year.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America has been present in the United States since 1975. Since
then, the BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales
and financial service organizations for the BMW and MINI brands; a South
Carolina manufacturing operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA, an industrial design firm in
California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations
throughout the country. The BMW Group is represented in the U.S. through
networks of 340 BMW car, 327 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle, 148 BMW Motorcycle
retailers and 64 MINI car dealers. BMW US Holding Corp., the Group's
headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff
Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet
at http://www.bmwusa.com http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com and
http://www.miniusa.com.

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Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available
to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub at the following address -
www.press.bmwgroup.com.

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