Half roadster, half homage, and all heart—the R 12 S hits differently.
- BMW unveils the R 12 S as a modern homage to the iconic R 90 S.
- Done with retro-correct Lavaorange metallic paint, billet detailing, and high tech but available as standard rider aids.
- Still air/oil-cooled, still boxer-powered and this time laden with heritage.
The BMW R 12 S Isn’t New—But It Still Feels Fresh
BMW first showed off the R 12 S late last year—a bike whose design is retro-inspired, with modern mechanics—and unlike a lot of other bikes that try to straddle two eras, it somehow pulls off both without feeling like it’s trying too hard.
Is it revolutionary, you might ask? Well, perhaps not. But what the R 12 S does is answer a very specific desire: a motorcycle that has lineage, styling that feels retro, and performance that’s technically sound and genuinely powerful. A combination you don’t come across too often.
Backstory: The Spirit of the R 90 S Reborn
In 1973, the R 90 S caused a stir for a few good reasons. It was one of the fastest production motorcycles of its time, could crack 200 km/h, and introduced the world’s first factory fairing designed for aerodynamics. It also picked up wins at Daytona and the Isle of Man, sealing its legend status early.
Design: Loud Paint, Real Metal, No Apologies
The R 12 S looks like something you’d want to both admire and ride hard with the wind in your hair—the kind of bike your uncle might’ve loved back in the ’70s, if he had taste, money, and a decent upper body workout.
The Lavaorange paint is straight out of Daytona ’75. The fairing is small but legit, and the tank is brushed aluminum—not wrapped, not coated—just metal you can actually touch. There’s contrast stitching on the seat and a red “S” on the side. It’s low-key detail overload in the best way.
And then there’s the hardware: BMW gave it the Option 719 Classic wire-spoke wheels, plus parts from the Billet Pack Shadow and Shadow II. In plain English? Lots of machined metal, blacked-out lever blades, premium pegs, and bar-end mirrors that actually look like they belong.
Engine: The Boxer Is Still a Vibe
At the heart of the R 12 S is BMW’s long-running 1170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin. If you’ve ridden an R nineT, this powerplant will feel familiar—but it’s never felt quite this locked in. It produces 95 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque, which might not sound outrageous on paper, but in practice, it’s more than enough to keep things interesting.
Is it smooth? Not really. It rocks at idle and growls when you push it. But that’s part of the point—and the charm.
BMW includes Shift Assistant Pro as standard, so you get seamless up and down clutchless shifting, and the Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR) keeps things smooth when you’re backing off the throttle or banging down gears without touching the clutch. No drama, just crisp changes, even when you’re riding aggressively.
Suspension and Handling: This Isn’t Just for Show
This isn’t a track bike, and that’s fine—it doesn’t want to be. But compared to the standard R 12, this “S” is much sharper.
Lower clip-on style bars, rear-set pegs, and tighter geometry give it a more aggressive riding posture and significantly more responsive handling.
The suspension is fully adjustable front and rear. It’s firm without punishing you and perfectly suited for canyon carving, quick weekend blasts, or even carving through city traffic—assuming you don’t mind looking cooler than everyone else at the light.
Braking is handled by radial-mounted calipers, with ABS Pro for lean-sensitive control, and BMW’s excellent Headlight Pro adds adaptive lighting in corners, which actually makes a noticeable difference on twisty night rides.
Tech and Comfort: It Has What You Need (and Maybe a Bit More)
Despite the retro skin, the R 12 S comes decently loaded out of the crate:
- Cruise Control – standard
- Heated Grips – standard
- Hill Start Control – standard
- Quickshifter – yes, standard again
- Ride Modes, MSR, and Traction Control – all baked in
- Headlight Pro – adaptive lighting in corners
Still want more? You can opt for Tire Pressure Monitoring, Connected Ride Control, a digital micro-TFT display, NAV prep, and other goodies.
And because it shares its backbone with the R 12 and R nineT family, loads of parts and accessories will bolt right on—including short tail kits and louder exhausts if the factory note is too polite for your taste.
Verdict: BMW’s Retro Done Right
The R 12 S knows what it is. It isn’t pretending to be a stripped-down ‘70s bike. And it’s definitely not built to be anyone’s first motorcycle.
But if you’ve been riding for a while, want something fast enough for daily fun, cool enough for weekends, and built with the kind of mechanical honesty that’s getting harder to find? This is your bike.
It’s a boxer. It’s a brute. It’s a callback. And it works.
2025 BMW R 12 S – Key Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin |
| Power | 95 horsepower |
| Torque | 81 lb-ft |
| Weight | ~490 lbs (est.) |
| Suspension | Fully adjustable front and rear |
| Brakes | Radial calipers + ABS Pro |
| Lighting | Adaptive cornering headlight |
| Quickshifter | Shift Assistant Pro (std) |
| Wheels | Wire spoke, Option 719 Classic II |
| Price (Est.) | ~$21,590 USD |
| Availability | Mid-to-late 2025 |
Final Thoughts
It won’t be for everyone. But if you’re the kind of rider who gets it, then the R 12 S is kind of impossible not to love.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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