The R 12 nineT and R 12 seamlessly continue the tradition started in 2013.
When the R nineT was first showed to the world, BMW Motorrad presented more than just a classic-style roadster in 2013. From the very beginning it combined classic motorcycle design and modern technology with high craftsmanship and diverse customization options. Shortly afterwards, the R nineT was enriched with attractive derivatives, giving rise to a whole model family for the BMW Motorrad Heritage world.
Therefore, the guiding principle for the new BMW R 12 nineT during development was “The Spirit of nineT”, with the goal of seamlessly following in the footsteps of the successful R nineT and carrying forward its archetypal look, timelessness, and high customization qualities.
While the new R 12 nineT as a classic roadster aims to make a stylish impression in urban environments as well as provide dynamic riding fun on winding country roads, the new BMW R 12 comes under the motto “The Spirit of Easy” – perfectly embodying a classic cruiser for cool and relaxed biking.
“With the new BMW R 12 nineT as a Classic Roadster and the R 12 as a Classic Cruiser, we are seamlessly continuing what began in 2013 with the R nineT. Thanks in particular to the new frame concept, we have achieved an even more classic and purist design.”
“The air/oil-cooled boxer engine with new airbox, which has its roots in the legendary sport boxer of the HP 2 Sport from 2007, ensures confident propulsion. With its four radially arranged valves, it is one of BMW’s absolute engine icons,” said Josef Miritsch, Head of Air-Cooled Boxer Series BMW Motorrad.
Featuring 1,170cc of engine capacity, this air-cooled boxer twin engine delivers 109hp at 7,000rpm in the R 12 nineT and 95hp at 6,500 in the R 12. A new airbox now features and is fully integrated under the seat.
The left-mounted “Twin Pipe” exhaust system with two rear silencers with reverse cone design caters to both the desire for a classically designed, sporty roadster and a cruiser.
The centrepiece of these new models is the completely newly developed tubular bridge steel spaceframe. This frame differs from the previous generations, which had a front and rear main frame.
As a result, the new frame eliminates the need for previous fastenings, reducing weight and giving the new models a cleaner and more classic appearance. The rear frame, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame.
The new R 12 nineT comes equipped with two analogue round instruments for speed and RPMs, a USB-C port on the left side, and a 12V socket on the right side for the onboard network. The round instruments continue to support customization by communicating via a LIN-Bus and separating the control and display units.
The standard instrumentation for the new R 12 is limited to the speedometer, but the rev counter can be retrofitted with genuine BMW Motorcycle accessories. A digital display is also available as optional equipment from the factory.
On the R 12 nineT roadster, the aluminium tank with brushed and clear-coated side panels, the seat, and the tail hump create a rising, dynamic line. The improved ergonomics compared to its predecessor are mainly due to the 30mm shorter and narrower fuel tank in the rear area, putting the rider closer to the handlebars, and benefiting from improved knee contact and a more front-oriented seating position on the motorcycle overall.
The steel tank on the R 12 cruiser is reminiscent of the so-called “Toaster Tanks” of the 1970s BMW /5 models and emphasises the typical design language of a cruiser in a classic teardrop shape and forms a descending line in combination with the standard solo seat and the curved, low-mounted rear wheel cover.
The large 19-inch front wheel and the small 16-inch rear wheel complement this harmoniously. The classic cruiser design is also reflected in the relaxed seating position with low seat height and wide handlebars.
Here are some more highlights of both models:
- Upside-down telescopic forks at the front and Paralever swinging arm with rear spring strut now arranged at an angle with revised travel-dependent damping. The upside-down telescopic fork is fully adjustable on the R 12 nineT.
- Radially mounted 4-piston monobloc brake callipers, steel flex brake lines and floating 310 mm brake discs.
- BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for safe braking even when cornering.
- Standard riding modes “Rain”, “Road” and “Dynamic” in the R 12 nineT and “Roll” and “Rock” in the R 12.
- Powerful LED light units as standard and adaptive Headlight Pro as optional equipment ex works.
More to come when these 2024 models come to Singapore. Watch this space.
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