It was the year 2013 when BMW opened a new chapter with the R nineT, the most classic of its roadsters. It quickly became a reference model on which an entire family was built, highly 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 a new chapter emerges for the BMW Motorrad Heritage family, actually two. The first is the new R 12 nineT, an evolution of the original R nineT, which maintains not only its basic design, but also its great customization possibilities, 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 curves, it may be more difficult to categorize the other new chapter, namely the new BMW R 12. It is announced with the motto “The Spirit of Easy” and presented as “a classic cruiser for a pleasant and relaxed ride”. Both the new BMW R 12 nineT and the R 12 blend the boxer engine character 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 the reduction to the essential combined with great attention to detail.
1,170 boxer engine and a completely new frame
In the centenary year of BMW Motorrad, we couldn’t fail to mention the two-cylinder boxer engine embodying the most authentic BMW spirit. The air/oil-cooled boxer engine 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 “Twin Pipe” exhaust system mounted on the left with two rear silencers in an inverted cone design integrates well into both interpretations.
The frame is new: it is a one-piece tubular steel construction with a bolted-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 previous fastenings, reducing weight and giving the new R 12 models a simpler and more classic look. The rear frame, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame. The round and classic design instruments are also new, with USB-C on the left side and 12 V on the right side as standard equipment. The digital screen is available as optional factory equipment. The round instrumentation continues to support customization, communicating through a LIN-Bus and separating the control and display units. The standard instrumentation of the new R 12 is limited to the speedometer, but the tachometer can be adapted with original BMW Motorcycle accessories.
Modular design
In the R 12 nineT, the fuel tank is made of aluminum with polished and transparent side panels, the seat and rear cowl create an ascending and dynamic “café racer” line. The ergonomics have been improved compared to 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 more forward seating position on the motorcycle. In the new BMW R 12, the steel fuel tank, reminiscent of the BMW /5 models from the 1970s, forms a descending line in combination with the standard solo seat and low, curved rear wheel cover. The large 19-inch front wheel and small 16-inch rear wheel fully embrace the cruiser style, which is also reflected in the relaxed seating position, with a low seat and wide handlebars. There are three paint options for each motorcycle.
R 12 nineT:
Basic Blackstorm metallic paint.
Additional color Metallic San Remo Green.
Option 719 “Aluminium” brushed aluminum/black night paint.
R 12:
Base paint Matte Metallic Blackstorm.
Supplementary color Metallic Aventurine Red.
Option 719 ‘Thorium’ in Metallic Avus Silver.
For more information, you can visit BMW’s official website.
