BMW Goes Back In Time With The R12 G/S

Retro motorcycles are in style these days. So are adventure bikes. So, BMW has done the logical thing and combined these ideas with the R12 G/S.

This is based off the R12 NineT platform, the last air/oil-cooled boxer that BMW sells. You might remember that BMW used to have the Urban G/S based off the older R NineT motorcycle. That was a very street-focused machine, more of an urban scrambler. With a 21-inch front wheel, the new R12 G/S is instead made to go off-road, and the marketing material makes that clear.

BMW’s PR says the new machine looks like the original R80 G/S with its high front fender, spoked wheels, small fairing and retro livery. But there’s more to it than just a visual makeover:

“... the new BMW R 12 G/S is much more than just a visual tribute to its predecessor from 45 years ago. It has everything you need for serious off-road riding today, both in terms of drivetrain and chassis.

After all, the drivetrain and chassis are complemented by the equally important ergonomics that play a decisive role in off-road riding. The ergonomic handlebar-footrest-seat triangle is designed so that the footrests are positioned precisely under the seat point. An aluminum tube handlebar, positioned high and close to the rider, ensures an ideal riding position, whether sitting or standing. The shape of the 4.1-gallon steel fuel tank is designed accordingly. The sides of the fuel tank match the width of the seat and widen slightly towards the front. This side contour provides optimum support and good knee grip on the fuel tank.”

In other words: This bike is built to ride in the dirt. In fact, it may actually be more dirt-worthy than BMW’s flagship R 1300 GS.

In its base model form, the R 12 G/S has a 17-inch rear wheel, just like the KLR and DR650 dual sports. But if you pay for the Enduro Pro package, you get an 18-inch rear wheel, which jacks up ground clearance and seat height by a little bit, and also allows more choice of dirt-friendly tires.

The R 12 G/S comes with a fully-adjustable fork and Paralever rear suspension. A flat solo seat is standard, making it easy to scoot your weight fore or aft for off-roading, but you can opt for a dual-saddle variant, or a taller offroad-oriented seat.

The bike may be a retro, but the electronics package is very up-to-date. The 1170cc engine makes 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, so it’s not super-powerful monster, but the combination of Rain, Road and Enduro riding modes (which moderate engine output and the interference from leaning-sensitive traction control) should help you keep things under control, as well as Enduro Pro mode if you’ve opted for the upgrade package.

The bike’s other electronic wizardry includes Keyless Ride, all-round LED lights ABS Pro (leaning sensitive), and Engine Drag Torque Control that manages rear wheel slip while engine braking. There’s Shift Assist Pro available as an option (letting you shift without using the clutch), along with Hill Start Assist Pro and Headlight Pro (that “sees into” corners while riding at night. An old-school round dash with 12V plug-in on side is standard, but you can pay extra and get a 3.5-inch TFT screen.

The R 12 G/S comes in a basic black paint scheme, but you can upgrade the finish for extra money. See the options below:

The BMW R 12 G/S (standard).
Night Black Matte Paint.
Black Frame, Gold Forks and Black Seat.
G/S Graphics on Airbox Cover.

BMW R 12 G/S (optional).
Light White Paint.
Black Frame, Gold Forks and Red Seat.
G/S Graphics on Fork Protectors, Fuel Tank, Cockpit Fairing, and Airbox Cover.

BMW R 12 G/S Option 719 Aragonit (optional).
Sand Rover Matte / Racing Red Matte / Mineral Grey Metallic Matte Paint.
Red Frame, Black Forks and Black / Sand Rover / Red Seat.
G/S Graphics on Fork Protectors, Fuel Tank, and Cockpit Fairing.

Canadian MSRP is unknown for now but the bike does appear on the BMW-Motorrad.ca website.