So what is it? It's a yellow and black 2-seater, 0-60 around 6 seconds. Limited production run of 200 units for 2001. Got 10% off some dealer-installed accessories and free stuff and dealer-prep-waiver equal to about 8% of the MSRP.
It's a 2001 R1200C "Phoenix Edition".
Yes, a cruiser. As a novice rider, I didn't want a crotch rocket. I also found out (through the MSF course) that a smaller bike is simply too small. To ride a Honda Rebel, I have to sit on the passenger seat! Even the R1100R (which my local bud Dave just bought) scrunches me up slightly. The Cruiser, especially this one with the smaller Euro handlebars, lets me stretch out enough. The ABS and Telelever safety features are what really sold me over a less-expensive Japanese bike.
Details on what makes it different from a regular R1200C are listed on this UK site (showing the "Independent", same bike but with another color option):
http://www.spc-bmw.co.uk/bmw/R1200cinde.htm
Pics:
A few that I took when I first brought it home. The blue R1100R belongs to Dave.
BMW's official pic:
http://www.bmwcruiser.com/images/independent.jpg
Interesting article comparing it to a Harley: http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mccompare/cruisers/01deucephoenix.motml
- Rob
