BMW R 12 nineT and R 12: The Ultimate Retro Boxers

BMW Motorrad has a long and rich history of producing iconic motorcycles with boxer engines. The first one, the R 32, was launched in 1923 and marked the beginning of a century of innovation and excellence. To celebrate this milestone, BMW has introduced two new models for 2024: the R 12 nineT and the R 12. These bikes are the successors of the popular R nineT series, but with a more classic and refined design, as well as new and improved technology. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and reviews of these two new models, and see how they compare to their predecessors and competitors.

The R 12 nineT: A Classic Roadster for Dynamic Riding

The R 12 nineT is the direct descendant of the R nineT, which was introduced in 2013 as a tribute to 90 years of BMW Motorrad. The R nineT was a neo-retro roadster that combined modern performance and technology with a classic and customizable design. The R 12 nineT continues this concept but with a more refined and elegant appearance, inspired by the legendary R 90 S of the 1970s.

The R 12 nineT features a clear tank/seat/rear line, reminiscent of the traditional /5 models or the R 90 S. The tank is a classic BMW boxer tank with a typical lower edge bend and knee contact bend. The side covers in the area of the frame triangle are also in the authentic roadster look, adding to the retro charm. The LED taillight unit is now integrated into the seat, creating a clean and minimalist rear end.

The R 12 nineT is powered by the same air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder 1,170cc boxer engine as the R nineT but with some updates and improvements. The engine delivers 107 hp at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, which is essentially the same output as the previous model but with a slightly different power curve. The engine also features a redesigned intake system and a new exhaust system with a double muffler and conical end pieces, which enhance the sound and performance of the bike.

The R 12 nineT is equipped with modern suspension and brakes, which provide excellent handling and stability. The front suspension is a telescopic fork with 46 mm diameter and 120 mm of travel, while the rear suspension is a Paralever single-sided swing arm with a central spring strut and 120 mm of travel. The brakes are dual 320 mm discs with 4-piston calipers at the front and a single 265 mm disc with a 2-piston caliper at the rear. The bike also comes with ABS and ASC (Automatic Stability Control) as standard, as well as two riding modes: Rain and Road.

The R 12 nineT has a modular design that allows for a high degree of customization and personalization. The bike can be easily modified with different seats, handlebars, fenders, headlamps, and other accessories, to suit the preferences and tastes of the rider. BMW also offers a range of optional equipment and packages, such as the Comfort Package, which includes heated grips, chrome exhaust, and LED indicators, or the Dynamic Package, which includes a sports windshield, a rear luggage rack, and a tachometer.

The R 12 nineT is a bike that combines the best of both worlds: the classic and timeless style of the BMW boxer heritage and the modern and dynamic performance of a roadster. It is a bike that appeals to both nostalgic and adventurous riders who appreciate the history and the quality of BMW Motorrad.

The R 12: A Classic Cruiser for Cool and Relaxed Biking

The R 12 is a new model that joins the R 12 nineT as a more cruiser-style variation. It is based on the same platform and engine as the R 12 nineT but with a different design and configuration aimed at a more relaxed and comfortable riding experience.

The R 12 features a lower and longer silhouette than the R 12 nineT, with a larger and rounder tank, a flatter and wider seat, and a swept-back handlebar. The bike also has a larger front fender and a longer rear fender, as well as a single muffler instead of a double one. The overall look of the R 12 is more reminiscent of the classic cruisers of the 1950s and 1960s, such as the R 50/2 or the R 69 S.

The R 12 is powered by the same air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder 1,170cc boxer engine as the R 12 nineT but with a lower output and a different tuning. The R 12 is available in two versions: a 94 hp version that peaks at 6,500 rpm and delivers 81 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm, and a 47 hp version that peaks at 5,250 rpm and delivers 72 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. The lower power and torque of the R 12 are meant to provide a smoother and more relaxed ride, as well as to comply with the European A2 license regulations.

The R 12 is equipped with suspension and brakes similar to the R 12 nineT but with a different setup and geometry. The front suspension is a telescopic fork with 46 mm diameter and 110 mm of travel, while the rear suspension is a Paralever single-sided swing arm with a central spring strut and 100 mm of travel. The brakes are dual 320 mm discs with 4-piston calipers at the front and a single 265 mm disc with a 2-piston caliper at the rear. The bike also comes with ABS and ASC (Automatic Stability Control) as standard, as well as two riding modes: Rain and Road.

The R 12 has a less modular design than the R 12 nineT but still offers some options and accessories for customization and personalization. The bike can be fitted with different seats, handlebars, windshields, and luggage systems to suit the needs and preferences of the rider. BMW also offers a range of optional equipment and packages, such as the Comfort Package, which includes heated grips, chrome exhaust, and LED indicators, or the Touring Package, which includes a large windshield, a rear luggage rack, and a tachometer.

The R 12 is a bike that offers a more classic and relaxed riding experience, with a cruiser-style design and a smooth and torquey engine. It is a bike that appeals to riders who enjoy cruising on country roads or city streets with a cool and laid-back attitude.