BMW Motorrad has unveiled the new R 12 nineT and R 12, two models that celebrate the 100th anniversary of the brand and the legacy of the iconic boxer engine. The R 12 nineT is a purist, powerful classic roadster that offers a wealth of customization options, while the R 12 is a classic cruiser that combines a relaxed riding position with a distinctive design. Both models feature an air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder boxer engine with a displacement of 1,170 cc and a power output of 107 hp. The R 12 nineT and R 12 are expected to hit the market in the second half of 2023.
The R 12 nineT: A Neo-Retro Roadster with a Focus on Customization
The BMW R 12 nineT is the successor to the R nineT, which was launched in 2013 as a celebration of 90 years of BMW Motorrad. The R nineT was a neo-retro roadster that combined modern technology with a classic design and modular concept, allowing riders to personalize their bikes with various accessories and parts. The R nineT also spawned several spin-off models, such as the R nineT Urban G/S, the R nineT Scrambler, and the R nineT Pure.
The R 12 nineT continues the same theme but with a more classic and reduced design language that pays homage to the traditional BMW motorcycles of the 1970s, such as the R 90 S. The R 12 nineT features a clear tank/seat/rear line, a classic BMW boxer tank with a typical bend in the lower edge and knee contact, and side covers in the area of the frame triangle in the authentic roadster look. The R 12 nineT also has a redesigned front fender, an LED main headlamp with a black-surround light guide element, and two round instruments in the traditional style of days gone by. The LED rear light unit is integrated into the seat, which makes it easy to realize a “short tail” look.
The R 12 nineT also has a redesigned intake system and a left-side exhaust system with a double muffler and conical end pieces. The exhaust system is said to produce a rich and distinctive sound that matches the bike's character. The R 12 nineT also features high-quality suspension and brake components, such as upside-down telescopic forks at the front and Paralever at the rear and radially mounted 4-piston monobloc calipers with steel braided brake lines. The R 12 nineT also has standard ABS and ASC (Automatic Stability Control) for enhanced safety and riding dynamics.
The R 12 nineT is designed to offer a high degree of freedom for customization, as the R nineT did before it. The R 12 nineT features a one-piece tubular space frame with a bolted-on rear frame, which allows for easy modifications and replacements. The R 12 nineT also has a wide range of original BMW Motorrad accessories and parts that can be used to change the appearance and performance of the bike, such as different seats, handlebars, wheels, tanks, headlights, and more. The R 12 nineT also has a 12 V socket and a USB port for connecting devices and charging batteries.
The R 12 nineT is available in two color options: Black Storm Metallic and Option 719 Cosmic Blue Metallic / Light White. The Option 719 color scheme is a special edition that features a white tank with blue stripes and a blue seat with white stitching. The Option 719 color scheme also comes with a special badge on the tank and the side covers, as well as a chrome-plated exhaust system.