It was 2013 when BMW opened a new chapter with the R nineT, the most classic of its roadsters. It quickly became a benchmark model on which an entire family was built, much appreciated not only by lovers of the classic in the strictest sense of the word, but also by those who seek not only the classic look, but also the performance and technology of the most modern motorcycles. Today sees the start of a new chapter for the BMW Motorrad Heritage family, two in fact. The first is the new R 12 nineT, an evolution of the original R nineT, which retains not only its basic design, but also its great possibilities for customization, as well as its timeless spirit.
If the new R 12 nineT clearly presents itself as a classic roadster that promises great fun in the bends, it is perhaps more difficult to frame the other new chapter, namely the new BMW R 12. It is advertised with the motto “The Spirit of Easy” and presented as “a classic cruiser for pleasant and relaxed riding”. Both the new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12 blend the character of the boxer engine with a design that navigates between different eras and a linear construction that allows for a great deal of customization. The starting point for this design was a reduction to the essentials combined with great attention to detail.
1,170 boxer engine and a completely new chassis
In BMW Motorrad’s centenary year, we couldn’t fail to mention the twin-cylinder boxer engine embodying the most authentic BMW spirit. The air/oil-cooled boxer has a displacement of 1,170 cc and is already familiar: it delivers 80 kW (109 hp) at 7,000 rpm in the R 12 nineT and 70 kW (95 hp) at 6,500 rpm in the R 12. As part of the complete redesign of the frame, the new R 12 models also feature a new airbox. This is now fully integrated under the seat. The left-mounted “Twin Pipe” exhaust system with two rear silencers in an inverted cone design integrates well with both interpretations.
The frame is new: it’s a one-piece tubular steel construction with a bolt-on rear frame. This frame differs from the previous R nineT series, which had a front main frame and a rear main frame. As a result, the new frame eliminates the need for the previous mountings, reducing weight and giving the new R 12 models a simpler, more classic appearance. The rear frame, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame. The round, classically designed instruments are also new, with USB-C on the left and 12 V on the right as standard. The digital display is available as optional factory equipment. The round instrumentation continues to support customization, communicating via a LIN-Bus and separating the control and display units. The standard instrumentation on the new R 12 is limited to the speedometer, but the rev counter can be adapted with original BMW Motorcycle accessories.
Modular design
On the R 12 nineT, the fuel tank is made of aluminum with polished and transparent side panels, the seat and rear overhang create a dynamic “café racer” rising line. Ergonomics have been improved over the previous model with a shorter fuel tank and 30 mm narrower at the rear. The rider is closer to the handlebars, benefits from better knee contact and has a seating position further forward on the bike. On the new BMW R 12, the steel fuel tank, reminiscent of the tanks on BMW /5 models from the 1970s, forms a descending line in combination with the standard single seat and the low, curved rear wheel cover. The large 19-inch front wheel and small 16-inch rear wheel fully follow the cruiser style, which is also reflected in the relaxed seating position, with low seat and wide handlebars. There are three paint options for each bike.
R 12 nineT:
Basic paint Blackstorm metallic.
Additional color San Remo Green metallic.
Option 719 “Aluminium” brushed aluminum/night black paint.
R 12:
Base paint Blackstorm metallic matt.
Additional color Aventurine Red metallic.
Option 719 ‘Thorium’ in Avus Silver metallic.
For more information, please visit the official BMW website.