After dropping subtle hints last year, BMW has officially introduced its latest additions to the Heritage lineup: the 2024 R 12 and R 12 nineT. These models, despite their complex names, maintain the sleek aesthetics of their predecessor, the R nineT.
Initially introduced in 2013, the R nineT blended classic motorcycle design with modern technology and customizable features. The Heritage line expanded, but a noticeable design gap existed between the roadsters and the R 18 cruiser. The new R 12 and R 12 nineT aim to bridge this gap by preserving the look and customization options of the R nineT while incorporating significant redesigns.
Both motorcycles share a 1,170cc boxer engine, suspended from a fresh steel trellis frame with a bolted-on rear section. The bikes feature a six-speed transmission and shaft drive for power delivery. The R 12 nineT roadster maintains an urban vibe, akin to the R nineT, while the R 12 configuration exudes a more laid-back, classic cruiser atmosphere.
Key Shared Features:
- 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine with updated components
- Redesigned airbox and exhaust
- Six-speed transmission and hydraulic clutch
- Dynamic Traction Control and Engine Drag Torque Control
- Dual 310mm front discs with four-piston calipers, 265mm rear disc with two-piston caliper
- BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, full LED lighting, keyless ride, USB, and 12V power sockets
- One-piece steel trellis frame for a cleaner look and reduced weight
- Unique features: R 12's "Toaster" tank shape and cruiser-appropriate wheels
Distinguishing Features (R 12):
- 95 hp at 6,500 rpm and 81 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,000 rpm
- Two ride modes: Roll and Rock
- Available in Blackstorm Metallic, Aventurin Red Metallic, and Option 719 Thorium
Distinguishing Features (R 12 nineT):
- Sportier aesthetic and performance
- 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,500 rpm
- Three ride modes: Rain, Road, and Dynamic
- Adjustable 45mm fork with rebound and compression settings
- Available in Blackstorm Metallic, San Remo Green Metallic, and Option 719 Aluminum
Both models offer optional upgrades such as heated grips, Hill Start Assist Pro, Cruise Control, Option 719 packages, Shift Assist Pro, and various cosmetic, performance, and functional accessories. The R 12 and R 12 nineT are set to be available in early 2024, with pricing details yet to be announced.
In addition to the shared and distinguishing features, the R 12 and R 12 nineT models continue to embody BMW Motorrad's commitment to rider comfort, performance, and style.
R 12 Specifics:
The R 12's design pays homage to the iconic "Toaster" tanks from the '70s-era /5 models, showcasing a distinctive steel tank shape. The cruiser-appropriate wheels with a 19/16 configuration result in a slightly longer 59.8-inch wheelbase, contributing to a laid-back, classic cruiser vibe. The R 12's suspension setup, with a less adjustable 45mm fork and reduced travel, ensures a lower seat height, enhancing the cruiser's relaxed riding experience.
The R 12's 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine delivers 95 hp at 6,500 rpm and 81 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,000 rpm. The bike offers two ride modes: Roll and Rock. Roll provides a mellow riding experience, while Rock unleashes more power with immediate throttle response and less invasive Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).
The R 12 is available in Blackstorm Metallic, Aventurin Red Metallic, and the visually striking Option 719 Thorium, featuring Avus Silver Metallic paint contrasted with yellow striping and gold-colored handlebars.
R 12 nineT Enhancements:
The R 12 nineT, being the sportier variant, boasts a purist design language dominated by a clear tank/seat/rear line, reminiscent of traditional /5 models or the legendary R 90 S of the '70s. The aluminum tank with brushed and clear-coated panels leads to a tail hump, creating a visually appealing profile.
This model rolls on 17-inch cast alloy wheels front and rear, resulting in a slightly shorter wheelbase compared to the R 12. The adjustable 45mm fork with rebound and compression settings, along with a paralever swingarm linked to the rear shock, provides a more dynamic and customizable riding experience. The R 12 nineT's engine is tuned for increased performance, delivering an impressive 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,500 rpm.
In terms of aesthetics, the R 12 nineT features dual round instruments, different handlebars, smoked rear turn signals, and a twin-pipe exhaust system with chrome-plated pipes and a polished rear muffler.
The R 12 nineT is available in Blackstorm Metallic, San Remo Green Metallic, and Option 719 Aluminum, offering riders a variety of visually appealing options.
Both models, with their unique characteristics and shared advancements, signify BMW's continued dedication to offering a diverse range of motorcycles that cater to riders seeking distinctive styles and performance attributes. With availability slated for early 2024 and pricing details yet to be disclosed, these cruisers are poised to make a significant impact in the motorcycle market.
Technology and Options:
Building on BMW's commitment to cutting-edge technology, both the R 12 and R 12 nineT come equipped with advanced features. The inclusion of Dynamic Traction Control and Engine Drag Torque Control ensures a smooth and controlled riding experience, enhancing safety and performance. The braking system, consisting of dual 310mm discs with radially mounted four-piston calipers up front and a 265mm disc with a two-piston caliper setup at the rear, delivers reliable stopping power.
Standard features such as BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, full LED lighting, keyless ride, USB, and 12V power sockets underline the brand's dedication to providing riders with modern conveniences and safety enhancements.
Customization and Accessories:
Both models continue the tradition of offering a plethora of customization options. Riders can choose from a range of optional upgrades, including heated grips, Hill Start Assist Pro, Cruise Control, Option 719 packages, and Shift Assist Pro. These customizable features allow riders to tailor their motorcycles to suit individual preferences, whether for enhanced comfort, performance, or aesthetics.
In keeping with BMW Motorrad's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, a variety of cosmetic, performance, and functional accessories are available. These accessories allow riders to personalize their bikes further, reflecting their unique style and preferences.
Availability and Anticipation:
The R 12 and R 12 nineT are set to hit the market in early 2024, creating a buzz of anticipation among motorcycle enthusiasts. The unveiling of these models reinforces BMW's position as a brand that seamlessly combines heritage with innovation, catering to a diverse range of riders.
While pricing details are yet to be announced, the anticipation surrounding these cruisers suggests that they will be welcomed by riders seeking a blend of classic design, modern technology, and the ability to personalize their riding experience.
As BMW Motorrad continues to push boundaries and set new standards in the motorcycle industry, the R 12 and R 12 nineT stand as testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to providing riders with exceptional machines that deliver both style and performance. The unveiling of these cruisers marks an exciting chapter in BMW's storied history and sets the stage for a new era of riding experiences.
Riding Experience:
Beyond the technical specifications and customization options, the R 12 and R 12 nineT promise an exhilarating riding experience. The melding of classic design elements with modern technology creates a harmonious balance, allowing riders to embrace the nostalgia of cruising while enjoying the performance capabilities of contemporary motorcycles.
The distinct riding characteristics of each model cater to different preferences. The R 12, with its relaxed, classic cruiser vibe, beckons riders to unwind on the open road. The laid-back configuration and unique "Toaster" tank shape pay homage to motorcycle design from the '70s, providing a visual link to the past while delivering a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience.
On the other hand, the R 12 nineT, with its sportier demeanor, invites riders to explore the thrill of dynamic handling and responsive performance. The purist design language, coupled with the sport-tuned engine and adjustable suspension, promises an engaging and spirited ride. The three available ride modes, Rain, Road, and Dynamic, cater to varying riding conditions and preferences, offering a versatile experience for riders of different skill levels.
Design Philosophy:
Edgar Heinrich, head of BMW Motorrad Design, emphasized the purist design language of the R 12 nineT, drawing inspiration from iconic models like the /5 series and the legendary R 90 S from the '70s. This commitment to a clear tank/seat/rear line speaks to the brand's dedication to timeless aesthetics and rider-centric design.
The aluminum tank, brushed and clear-coated for a distinctive appearance, showcases BMW's attention to detail and craftsmanship. The unique combination of design elements, from handlebars to exhaust systems, contributes to the overall visual identity of the R 12 nineT, reflecting the brand's heritage while embracing modern trends.
Community and Lifestyle:
BMW Motorrad has cultivated a community of enthusiasts who share a passion for the brand's motorcycles. The introduction of the R 12 and R 12 nineT models not only adds to the diverse lineup but also enriches the riding lifestyle for BMW aficionados. The shared experiences of cruising on these bikes, whether on solo journeys or within the larger community, become a part of the broader narrative of BMW Motorrad enthusiasts.
The availability of these models in various color options further enhances the personal connection riders can establish with their bikes. Whether opting for the classic Blackstorm Metallic, the vibrant Aventurin Red Metallic, or the visually striking Option 719 Thorium, riders can express their individuality through their choice of motorcycle aesthetics.
As the motorcycle world eagerly awaits the release of the R 12 and R 12 nineT in early 2024, BMW Motorrad's commitment to innovation, design, and rider experience remains at the forefront. These cruisers represent more than just machines; they embody a lifestyle, a connection to the past, and a vision for the future of motorcycling.
In the tradition of BMW Motorrad, where each model tells a story and contributes to the rich legacy of the brand, the R 12 and R 12 nineT are poised to make their mark. Whether it's the relaxed cruising on the R 12 or the dynamic performance of the R 12 nineT, these motorcycles offer riders a canvas upon which to paint their unique riding adventures and become a part of the ever-evolving narrative of BMW Motorrad.
