New Retro Roadsters: BMW has introduced two new models to its retro roadster line-up, the R 12 and R 12 nineT. These models are set to replace the R nineT. The R 12 is a middleweight cruiser, positioned below the R 18, while the R 12 nineT is a neo-retro roadster.
The Spirit of nineT: The R nineT, launched by BMW Motorrad in 2013, was more than just a classic-style roadster. It combines classic motorcycle design with modern technology, high craftsmanship and diverse customization options. The R nineT soon expanded into a whole model family for the BMW Motorrad Heritage world.
Seamless Transition: The new BMW R 12 nineT was developed with the guiding principle of “The Spirit of nineT”. The goal was to seamlessly follow in the successful footsteps of the R nineT, carrying forward its archetypal look, timelessness and high customization qualities. The new R 12 nineT, as a classic roadster, aims to make a stylish impression in urban environments and provide dynamic riding fun on winding country roads.
The Spirit of Easy: The new BMW R 12 comes under the motto “The Spirit of Easy”, perfectly embodying a classic cruiser for cool and relaxed biking. Each bike, the BMW R 12 nineT and R 12, comes in three attractive colour options.
Stylish Appearances: The R 12 nineT is available in base paint finish Blackstorm metallic, surcharge colour San Remo Green metallic and Option 719 “Aluminium” in brushed aluminium / Night Black solid paint. The R 12 is available in base paint finish Blackstorm metallic, surcharge colour Aventurine Red metallic and Option 719 “Thorium” in Avus Silver metallic.
R 12 Features: The R 12 features an air/oil-cooled, 1,170cc, horizontally opposed (boxer) twin engine that produces 95hp at 6,500rpm and 110Nm at 6,000rpm. The engine is housed in a new tubular bridge steel space frame and acts as a stressed member. The R 12 uses a non-adjustable USD fork and a paralever rear suspension.
Cruiser Wheel Sizes: The R 12 has typical cruiser wheel sizes, with a 19-inch rim at the front and a 16-inch rim at the rear. The tyre sizes are 100/90-19 at the front and 150/80-16 at the back. The braking hardware is potent, with twin 310mm discs at the front mated to radially mounted 4-pot callipers and a 265mm disc at the rear with a 2-piston calliper.
R 12 nineT Features: The R 12 nineT is essentially an updated version of the R nineT. It produces the same 109hp (peak) as the R nineT, but at 250rpm earlier, at 7,000rpm. Peak torque is slightly lower, at 115Nm. The R 12 nineT weighs 220kg, 1kg less than the R nineT, with a 16-litre fuel tank (2 litres smaller than the R nineT). The seat height has been reduced to 795mm from the R nineT’s 805mm.
Updated Braking System: While the 4-piston radially mounted callipers are the same, the front discs on the R 12 nineT have shrunk slightly to 310mm, down from the 320mm units on the R nineT. This shouldn’t affect the riding experience too much. The R 12 nineT uses a fully adjustable USD fork and paralever rear suspension. Electronic aids include cornering ABS, traction control and three riding modes – Rain, Road and Dynamic.
Coming to India: BMW, which sells almost all of its large motorcycles in India, is likely to bring both two new models - R 12 and R 12 nineT - into the country soon.