Having a CL (I just lurk here primarily reading Stereo/iPod integration since we have the same radio) and having only ridden an LT as a loaner I can say the LT, for the most part, blows the CL away. The CL does have its quirky charms however.
- Handling the LT is better in almost every aspect with exception of maybe parking lot (sub 10mph) speeds. The CL is still very tippy and very heavy, but a tad bit easier, maybe due to the shorter wheel base. I also appreicate the fact I can actually see what the front wheel is doing. I felt the LT had a tad of low-speed front wheel 'wobble'.
- The CL does have what feels like a rear end 'wobble' at speed and it can be disconcerning, that may just be a by-product of not having the suspension adjusted correctly, but I'm to lazy to adjust it everytime I go 1up vs. 2up. That's where the R1200RT's ESA would be nice.
- No adjustable sheild and some find the "W" shield annoying (I think it's cool, it makes the bike look like Batman's bike)
- Speed is not what it does well. It does OK, but don't expect a passing gear to throw you back like the LT's 4 can. The 6th gear will let it loaf along at 75mph at 3k RPM.
- Gas mileage and tank size, frankly, suck. I get mid 30's MPG and refill at 130-140 miles. Not gassed for the long haul, that's for sure.
- CL has the same annoying noises that an LT does, squeaky breaks, rear rotor rattle, plus the addition of a louder air-cooled engine with valve tick.
- If you are taller (34" inseam) the boxer engine will limit you ability to stretch and you'd probably hit the knee pads. This bike was built for a 5'9" - 6' person.
- Very limited run of these things and are now discontinued. That means very limited aftermarket support and add-ons.
- The "cruiser" vibration and sound feel forced on the C's. I read that BMW purposefully put the engine "off balance" to create a cruiser shake. Coming from a V-Twin, the Boxer is much smoother than a V-Twin but no where near an LT or even an RT's smooth boxer. It will smooth out at higher RPMs, however.
- The Chrome on the C's from BMW is crap compared to US chrome. Due to environmental restrictions their German chrome is much weaker and will pit easily.
- PTTR, if you've never been on a boxer engine, don't set the cruise and try to take your hands of the grips, the bike will DIVE for the right ditch. BMW will not acknowledge the problem.
however:
- A CL can be found for a song right now. Silver '03's seem to be the most readily avaiable and can be found under 9k.
- Maintenence without the tuperware would possibly be cheaper and easier, but you still can't go it 100% alone because of the ABS3 breaks, like the LT.
- While it doesn't "speak to the soul" like some say a Harley V-Twin does (I don't get that, but whatever) it does have a look unlike anything else on the road. Everyone breaks their neck to get a look. No offense, but an LT is what people EXPECT a BMW to look like (LT or RT anyway) the CL is definately unique.
- You get something that has a Cruiser design while still keeping the BMW niceties such as ABS Breaks, Telever and all the farkles.
If its not the 'cruiser' look you are exclusively looking for, you may want to look at the R1200RT. Now that's a bike that would be fun to ride solo. I'd like to look at one, but the wife would probably not approve of the passenger ero's.