| 1997–2005 BMW R1200C |
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| Performance |    |
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| It's not a monster, but it is smooth, fairly grunty down low, and very responsive, with seamlessly programmed fuel injection. Low-key, but easily up to any kind of riding you can throw at it. |
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| Handling | |
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| It's no racer, but the Big 'C' has more ground clearance and handles better than the vast majority of other cruisers (and better than any other non-paralever Beemer). Fairly compliant ride over uneven pavement. |
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| Looks | |
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| This one is totally garofalo: I could as easily give it a 5 or a 0, depending on the day and my mood. I love the individual bits and its uniqueness, but the overall look is cluttered. It is what it is. |
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| Reliability | |
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| Well built and can rack up many miles without falling to pieces. Typically BMW. |
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| Practicality | |
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| Low center of gravity, light steering, and nicely centralized mass hides most of the (considerable) weight. Good ergonomics (other than than the 'too-far' pullback bars) make it comfortable enough to tour on. Odd front end provides solid feel out on the highway. |
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| Desirability | |
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| Despite many Beemer purists' distain for it, the R1200C provides a pretty nice cruiser experience that won't get old after just a season or two. But the cost for used ones remains too high. |
