BMW was unable to avoid the trend towards chopper and cruiser models in the 1990s and therefore decided to develop BMW's own interpretation of the cruiser phenomenon. The platform was formed by the twin-cylinder Boxer engine with four-valve technology, which had to undergo some amendments in order to deliver typical cruising ride pleasure with a low level of revs. The BMW R 1200 C styled in a cruiser design with modern BMW chassis and brake technology was launched in 1997 and represented one of the most responsive cruisers in the competitive environment. The "Avantgarde" and "Independent" versions followed subsequently.