BMW Motorrad has launched two new fashions, the R12 nineT roadster priced at £14,420 and the R12 cruiser priced at £11,990, heralding the start of a recent period for the German heritage vary. This announcement comes a decade after the debut of the preliminary R nineT retro in 2013, showcasing BMW’s dedication to revitalizing its lineup.
Each fashions, making their UK public debut on the Bike Dwell present in Birmingham’s NEC, function an up to date model of the DOHC 1170cc boxer twin engine from the non-shiftcam R1200GS, making certain Euro5+ compliance. The R12 nineT retains a semblance of the unique R nineT’s look however boasts a brand new body, superior electronics, and high-quality chassis parts, promising the trademark BMW composure in dealing with, braking, and turning.
Whereas each fashions share the 1170cc motor with a brand new airbox placement, revised cylinder head covers, and a twin-exit exhaust, the R12 cruiser is A2 license-restrictable, distinguishing it from the R12 nineT. The roadster model generates an extra 13.4bhp, aligning it with rivals like Triumph’s Pace Twin 1200 and Kawasaki’s Z900RS.
Expectations are excessive for BMW to develop the vary additional, given the model’s historical past of introducing variants such because the Racer, Scrambler, and City G/S previously.
Underpinning each R12 variants is a brand new two-piece tubular bridge metal house body, that includes absolutely adjustable 45mm upside-down forks and four-piston Brembo monobloc brake calipers. The design departure from the outdated nineT collection is obvious within the lighter and cleaner-looking body.
Distinct driving experiences are crafted with the R12 providing 90mm of entrance journey, contrasting with the R12 nineT’s 120mm. Variations lengthen to the steering head angle, with the R12 that includes a flatter 60.7 levels in comparison with the roadster’s 62.3 levels. The R12’s wheelbase is 9mm longer at 1520mm, complemented by a 19-inch entrance wheel and a 16-inch rear, whereas the R12 nineT runs on 17-inch rims and weighs seven kilos much less at a claimed 220kg.
The rear of each fashions options an aluminum paralever swingarm, a single disc, and a 265mm two-piston brake caliper. The R12 boasts a 14-liter gasoline tank, whereas the R12 nineT gives a bigger 16-liter tank, albeit 30mm narrower and shorter than earlier than.
Technological enhancements embrace customary cornering ABS, a number of driving modes, and traction management. The R12 nineT gives ‘Rain,’ ‘Street,’ and ‘Dynamic’ modes, whereas the R12 cruiser options ‘Rock’ and ‘Roll’ choices. Each fashions could be outfitted with a quickshifter, with extra options like hill begin help, LED cornering lights, and a 3.5-inch TFT show obtainable as choices.
The BMW R12 vary units the stage for the model’s heritage lineup, with the promise of additional variants to return. The R12 nineT is predicted to be obtainable in three completely different energy outputs, catering to European rules and A2 license necessities. The introduction of those fashions follows BMW’s profitable entry into the cruiser phase with the R18 in 2020, reaffirming the model’s dedication to exploring new avenues on the earth of motorcycling.
The revealing of BMW’s R12 nineT and R12 cruiser not solely marks the evolution of the long-lasting heritage vary but additionally signifies the model’s dedication to mixing basic aesthetics with trendy know-how. As the primary fashions in a brand new technology, these bikes showcase BMW’s dedication to staying on the forefront of bike design and efficiency.
Each the R12 nineT and R12 cruiser, making their debut on the Bike Dwell present, exemplify BMW’s consideration to element in sustaining the spirit of the unique R nineT whereas integrating up to date developments. The Euro5+ compliant DOHC 1170cc boxer twin engine, a stalwart from the R1200GS lineage, ensures that these fashions not solely meet stringent emissions requirements but additionally ship an exhilarating and responsive driving expertise.
Whereas the R12 nineT retains the timeless look of the unique R nineT, a more in-depth look reveals a brand new body, superior electronics, and premium chassis parts. These enhancements contribute to the bikes’ poised dealing with and efficiency, hallmarks of the BMW driving expertise.
The choice to supply the R12 cruiser as an A2 license-restrictable choice provides versatility to BMW’s lineup, catering to a broader vary of riders. With its distinct design and cruiser-style stance, the R12 cruiser goals to compete with iconic fashions like Harley-Davidson’s Nightster, additional diversifying BMW’s portfolio.
The shared 1170cc motor, that includes a brand new airbox and exhaust configuration, ensures a strong and environment friendly efficiency throughout each fashions. The potential for additional additions to the R12 vary, following the legacy of the Racer, Scrambler, and City G/S, opens the door to thrilling potentialities for riders in search of diverse experiences inside the heritage class.
The introduction of a two-piece tubular bridge metal house body, accompanied by top-tier suspension parts, displays BMW’s dedication to delivering not only a visually interesting however a dynamically superior driving platform. The emphasis on creating distinct driving experiences, with variations in entrance journey, steering head angles, and wheelbases, demonstrates BMW’s dedication to catering to completely different rider preferences.
Technological integration is one other robust swimsuit of the R12 vary, with customary options like cornering ABS, a number of driving modes, and traction management. The provision of choices similar to a quickshifter, hill begin help, LED cornering lights, and a TFT show underscores BMW’s dedication to providing cutting-edge know-how as a part of the driving expertise.
Because the R12 nineT and R12 cruiser pave the best way for the way forward for BMW’s heritage vary, riders can anticipate a collection of thoughtfully crafted variants. The R12 nineT, with its three completely different energy outputs catering to European rules and A2 license necessities, exemplifies BMW’s strategic method to interesting to a various rider demographic.
In abstract, the R12 vary not solely signifies a recent chapter in BMW’s heritage lineup but additionally reinforces the model’s capacity to innovate and adapt to the evolving calls for of the motorbike market. Whether or not riders search the basic roadster styling of the R12 nineT or the laid-back cruiser expertise of the R12 cruiser, BMW gives a compelling mix of custom and modernity, setting the stage for an thrilling period in heritage motorcycling.