BMW Motorrad debuts the new R 12 nineT and R 12 – a roadster for dynamic driving on country roads and a classic cruiser for leisurely travel.
The R nineT's pedigree stretches back to the not-so-distant development of 2013. Over the course of 10 years, the bike was enriched with attractive derivatives and became the basis for the entire BMW Motorrad Heritage model family.
While the new R 12 nineT, in classic roadster styling, makes a stylish impression in urban environments and provides dynamic driving pleasure on winding country roads, the new BMW R 12 will captivate the market with the slogan “Spirit of Lightness”, which is typical for lovers of cruising and relaxing travel.
The developers claim that the new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12 combine the powerful character of a boxer engine and the design style of traditional motorcycle eras with today's innovative technologies and a modular concept. At the same time, the driver receives maximum personalization opportunities.
1170 cc boxer engine. already familiar from many BMW Motorrad models, it delivers 80 kW (109 hp) at 7,000 rpm for the R 12 nineT and 70 kW (95 hp) at 6,500 rpm for the R 12.
The new R 12 nineT is equipped with two analogue round instruments for measuring speed and revs, a USB-C port on the left side and a 12V socket on the right side for on-board power supply. Photo: bmwgroup.com
After a complete redesign of the chassis, the new R 12 models have undergone some external changes.. The most striking feature is the left-side “Twin Pipe” exhaust system with two reverse-cone rear mufflers, which gives off a pleasant rumbling sound from the twin-cylinder engine.
The centerpiece of the new BMW R 12 models is a completely new developed tubular steel axle frame. It differs from the previous R nineT series, which had a front and rear main frame. As a result, the new frame eliminates the need for previous mountings and reduces weight.
The new R 12 nineT is equipped with two analogue round instruments for measuring speed and revs, a USB-C port on the left side and a 12V socket on the right side for on-board power supply. The round devices continue to support settings by communicating via LIN-Bus and separating the control and display units.
Standard instrumentation on the new R 12 is limited to the speedometer, but the tachometer can be upgraded with Genuine BMW Motorcycle Accessories.
The centerpiece of the new BMW R 12 models is a completely new developed tubular steel axle frame, different from the previous R nineT series, which had a front and rear main frame. Photo: bmwgroup.com
On the R 12 nineT, the aluminum tank with brushed and transparent side panels, seat and tail hump creates an upward dynamic line. The rider is closer to the handlebars, has better contact with the knees and has a more oriented seat position on the bike overall.
On the new BMW R 12, the steel tank, reminiscent of the so-called Toaster Tanks of the BMW/5 models of the 1970s, emphasizes the typical cruiser design language in the classic teardrop shape. The classic cruiser design is also reflected in the relaxed seating position with a low seat height and wide handlebars.
Both versions are available in three attractive colors. BMW Motorrad kept silent about the price of newcomers.