RoadTest/ BMW R 1200 C Montauk: BMW has been producing cruisers aimed primarily at the US market since 1997, the year the genre made a spectacular appearance in Tomorrow Never Dies.
This US-style cruiser is BMW's interpretation of the "American" motorcycle, a machine which combines the spirit of the cowboy's horse with the locomotive. Its semi-naked look, bulk and laid-back style suit the burger-nourished, beer-bellied rider, though in fairness our 6-foot 13-stone tester found it manageable and comfortable.
The Montauk offers relaxed cruising with supreme power and performance reserves. The flat fork, high-rise handlebar with fully adjustable clutch and brake levers, long wheelbase and saddle-style seat with a low height of just 740mm (29.1") are typical of the breed.
The engine is the signature BMW Boxer, flat-twin, tweaked to give cruiser-style power delivery by an increase in displacement. The power curve gives maximum torque of 98Nm (72 lb-ft) at just 3,000rpm, with torque remaining above 90Nm (66 lb-ft) all the way between 2,500 and 4,500rpm. Such is the torque that it will go from 50 km/h to 160 km/h in top gear.
The chrome twin short tailpipes exhaust system, meets the European 80dB(A) standard, with a pleasant sotto voce burble at 3,750rpm.
The long wheel-base allows the saddle to be set well back, providing ample space for the largest of riders. Foot-rests are set forward and, interestingly, inclined aft by around 15°, making for much greater comfort. Pillion foot-rests are similarly inclined.
Vertically slot-mounted twin headlights can easily be adjusted to throw the beams in either direction.
A real cruiser must look good. The Montauk's Telelever front suspension arm, chrome finned cylinders, sidepanels and extensive use of alloy and chrome wherever possible result in an eye-catching, yet functional machine.
For solo riding the pillion cushion can be turned and hand-adjusted into one of three positions to make a rider' backrest. In this position it reveals a cast aluminium unit, finished in pearl gloss chrome which serves as a luggage rack.
Lockable saddlebags in water-repellent, impregnated leather, complete with water-tight, hard-wearing, inner bags are available.
BMW's EVO front-wheel brake system, powered by an electric servo motor, coupled with the optional ABS is simply a masterpiece of braking design. Dual spark ignition, braided brake hoses and contact points for emergency jump-starting emphasise the premium quality.
Our machine handled well by cruiser standards. The ride certainly is relaxed and laid-back as custom and tradition demand.
The overall width - 1,120mm mirror to mirror - and high-set handgrips ensure that the slipstream is forced up your jacket sleeves. Nice on a hot day but, in anything less than an Irish heatwave, gauntlets are advised.
The small screen is really more a matter of style than function. We were surprised to see the somewhat pessimistic low-fuel light come on after just 115 miles (185km). For all its apparent bulk, the tank capacity is 17.5 litres. It says something for the rider comfort of this machine that having to stop to re-fuel interrupted the flow.
In the past we found the gearbox and change mechanism on R type engines somewhat crude. Now, the five-speed gearbox (updated in autumn 2003 with changes in the gearshift kinematics, optimised gearshift operation and high-rise teeth on fourth and fifth gears) has resulted in much appreciated shift comfort, precision and lower running noise.
Straight line performance is effortless. Cornering is, judged by any cruiser standard, surprisingly good - better in fact than any other cruiser-style machine we've ridden in recent years. That said, it's not cutting-edge, sports-bike handling. Nor would anyone attracted to this type of machine expect or want that.
This really is a machine for those to whom the great American dream matters . . . the looks, the style, the deep-throated, throbbing rumble of the exhaust, the visions of wide open prairie and the big sky country.
It's very much what German engineers think the all-American cruiser should be like. We think they've got it right. This is civilised and refined cruising.
Tech Spec
ENGINE: 1170cc, 4-stroke, 8-valve, fuel-injected, flat-twin; compression 10:1; torque 98 Nm at 3,000 rpm & 61bhp at 5,000rpm; dual ignition, automatic choke; 5-speed gearbox, shaft drive.
FRAME: Composite frame, cast aluminium front section, load bearing engine; Telelever front suspension 144mm travel, Monolever rear 120mm travel; wheel-base 1,641mm; brakes - front 4-piston 305mm, rear 2-piston 285mm; cast alloy wheels - front 16", rear 15"; tyres - front 150/80, rear 170/80; Bridgestone Exedra G 702
DIMENSIONS: Seat height 740-790mm; weight 265Kg; fuel 17.5 litres
PERFORMANCE: Fuel consumption - 5.1L/100km at 90km/h, 6.2L/100km at 120km/h; acceleration 0-100km/h 5.8 seconds; standing-start km 27.9 seconds; top speed 168km/h
PRICE: €16,300 + €1,150 for ABS; 24-months unlimited-mileage warranty