First Look: 2004 BMW Montauk Motorcycle

The plusher saddle, raised headlight and new windscreen configuration help distinguish the Montauk from BMW's other cruiser motorcycles, but the wheels from the R 1200 CL might be the big functional change.

The newest member of BMW's R1200 C cruiser motorcycle family is the Montauk. Built on the familiar BMW cruiser platform, the new motorcycle uses the larger wheels and tires (150/80-16 front and 170/80-15 rear) from the 1200 CL touring cruiser introduced for 2003. The legs of BMW Telelever front suspension have been widened and the Monolever rear suspension was reconfigured to make room for the new wheels. The side panels are also a new shape. Up front, the large, round headlight has been raised slightly to make room for a smaller driving light stacked just below it. A new windscreen wraps around the lighting and instruments. A higher handlebar, similar to that on the Phoenix, is used with heated grips, and the Comfort Seat, an option on other R1200 C models, is standard on the Montauk. It has a taller, narrower passenger section.

As with other 2004 model-year R1200 motorcycles (some already in showrooms), the R1200 Cruisers will get the new Two-Spark engine, revised five-speed gearbox and EVO braking system. BMW claims that the two-spark ignition system provides a 5% improvement in fuel mileage, better engine response and reduced emissions but no power increase. The suggested price is $14,990 in the Arctic Blue shown here, Champagne Metallic, or Black Sapphire Metallic. It is expected in dealers in October 2003. BMW's hard luggage is available as an option.

The Montauk is apparently named after a town with a famous lighthouse on eastern Long Island. The town in turn was named for Montauk Sachem, the leader of the Algonquian people living there when Europeans first showed up in the 17th century.

For more information, visit BMW's motorcycle web site.

Art Friedman

Email Friedman at Art.Friedman@primedia.com or at ArtoftheMotorcycle@hotmail.com.