2014 BMW R 1200 CL
Summary:
Not fast, but very fun and comfortable
General Comments:
These motorcycles have received generally poor reviews from journalists and other BMW riders due to poor acceleration, and I would have to agree on that point. These bikes are not for the typical BMW rider; the horsepower/weight ratio is low. I weigh 270lbs and I feel that the acceleration is a little doggy, but this motorcycle is for cruising and long distance travel. This is by far the most comfortable bike I have ever owned or ridden (including my brother's 2014 Ultra).
These bikes are awesome in turns as well as on the open road. If you are into a super fast ride, this is not the bike for you. If you are into cruising at speeds 55-80mph, I would strongly recommend this unit. The cruise control and stereo system work great, and the gas mileage is superb (I get about 47-48 MPG).
I purchased my 2004 R1200CL for $5,500 recently, and have put about 1800 miles on it in about two weeks (one 350 mile trip in 6 hours). I only stopped for gas and was not at all sore (remember, I'm a big guy, 270lbs).
Before purchasing my R1200CL, I test rode a 2004 Ultra Classic and a 2002 Goldwing; both bikes had much more power, but averaged about 5 MPG less, not to mention the asking prices for those bikes were around $12,500 (more than twice that of most CLs). I found the Harley gave off way too much heat at stop lights, and I felt the Goldwing was a little too big for zipping through the twisty roads of western Wisconsin.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th August, 2014