The first image of the future BMW R 12 cruiser motorcycle has emerged, following a homologation process in Australia.
The image, published by Motorrad, gives us the first visual contact with the cruiser which is announced (not by BMW itself, which has not officially confirmed the existence of this model) as the smaller brother model of the already established BMW R 18 cruiser.
Despite its relatively poor quality, the image reveals that BMW has kept the shape of the rear of the R 18 for the R 12, while the handlebar has a flatter shape than expected from a cruiser.
However, the R 12 follows many suggestions from one of the manufacturers best known for its cruiser models: Harley-Davidson, particularly its lower displacement models. For example, Motorrad says that the R 12 is configured to weigh 229 kg, which puts it 13 kg above the lightest of Harley’s models, the Nightster (216 kg); while the front wheels of 19 inches and the rear of 16 inches have tires with the same dimensions as the Nightster, Street Bob, and Softail.
Furthermore, BMW will use the 1,170cc boxer engine found in the current R 12 NineT, producing 109 hp (80 kW) at 7250 rpm. Max torque 116 Nm at 6,000 rpm.
Source:https://www.bmw-motorrad.pt
The Motorrad also informs that the R 12 will use dual front discs with ABS and EBV, while the weight will be almost identical to the R 12 nineT, despite a slightly longer wheelbase for the upcoming cruiser.
We are still awaiting official confirmation from BMW regarding the existence of the R 12. Therefore, there is no information about its unveiling, or when it can be expected to arrive at dealerships.
