"With the new BMW R 12 G/S, BMW Motorrad is offering a classic enduro for puristic off-road fun. The abbreviation borrowed from the legendary R 80 G/S stands for 'Gelände / Straße' (Off-road / Street) and signals that the new member of the BMW R 12 family masters both equally. We know that numerous fans have been eagerly waiting for this motorcycle."
Markus Lederer, Head of Boxer Series.

The new BMW R 12 G/S: Classic enduro design inspired by the legendary BMW R 80 G/S. Ideal ergonomics for ambitious off-road riding.

BMW Motorrad and off-road sport. This motorsport success story runs like a red thread through the company's history. The high-torque boxer engine, in combination with the cardan drive, has proven its winning ability and durability in countless competitions.

However, it was not until 1980 that BMW Motorrad took the concept of an enduro with a boxer engine into series production. The BMW R 80 G/S was born. A series-production off-road bike that had never been seen before. Blessed with off-road expertise, touring ability and dynamic on-road qualities in equal measure. In short: The abbreviation G/S (“Gelände / Straße” meaning off-road / street) summed up the all-round qualities of the new motorcycle perfectly.

The new BMW R 12 G/S skilfully captures the spirit of the off-road enduro with a boxer engine in the style of the R 80 G/S in terms of design and perfectly transfers it into the present day with modern technology, long suspension travel, cross-spoke wheels, and a small, compact cockpit fairing.

The BMW R 12 G/S will be available in South Africa from the third quarter of 2025. 

Three different seat options, sure-footed enduro footrests and handlebar risers for dedicated off-road adventurers.

The new BMW R 12 G/S comes with a flat solo seat as standard (standard seat height with 17" rear wheel: 860mm / seat height in the Enduro Package Pro with 18" rear wheel: 875mm). Flat and straight, it is ideal for enduro riding - even in a standing position. The optional Pillion Package includes a seat for two (standard seat height with 17" rear wheel: 860mm / seat height in the Enduro Package Pro with 18" rear wheel: 875mm). The rider's seat height is increased by 20mm with the Rallye Seat option (standard seat height with 17" rear wheel): 880mm / seat height in the Enduro Package Pro with 18" rear wheel: 895mm). The new R 12 G/S comes as standard with two practical steel eyelets on the rear frame, which can be used as lashing points.

The basic version of the new BMW R 12 G/S is equipped with a footrest system designed primarily for on-road use, but also suitable for off-road use thanks to its serrated profile. As part of the "Enduro Package Pro", the R 12 G/S is equipped with an enduro footrest system which, thanks to the enlarged contact area of the footrest body in combination with three rows of spikes, provides optimum grip for enduro riding.

The butted aluminum tubular handlebars allow further ergonomic adjustment. The optional Enduro Package includes a 20 mm riser.

A powerful boxer engine with a superior power and torque output and a single-flow exhaust system.

Ever since the first BMW motorcycle - the R 32 - was launched in 1923, BMW Motorrad boxer engines have been synonymous with unmistakable, original and authentic design, a full torque curve and a unique sound character. The same is true of the new BMW R 12 G/S. The air/oil-cooled 101mm bore, 73mm stroke, 1,170 cc capacity boxer engine from numerous BMW motorcycle models delivers 80kW at 7,000rpm and maximum torque of 115Nm at 6,500rpm. The left-hand exhaust system with high-mounted rear silencer meets the requirements of a classic enduro.

Standard riding modes "Rain", "Road" and "Enduro" as well as additional riding mode "Enduro Pro" as part of the Enduro Package Pro. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and engine drag torque (MSR) control as standard.

The new BMW R 12 G/S already features the "Rain", "Road" and "Enduro" riding modes as standard. The new R 12 G/S also comes with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard, which ensures a high level of riding safety when accelerating. For off-road use, DTC can be switched off completely on the new BMW R 12 G/S. In addition, the 12 G/S is equipped with engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard.

Optional factory-installed Shift Assistant Pro for upshifting and downshifting without clutch operation for better dynamics, mor comfort and acceleration with almost no interruption to pulling power.

The Shift Assistant Pro, available as optional equipment ex works for the new BMW R 12 G/S, allows for clutchless shifting at almost all load and speed ranges. It offers increased dynamic performance and comfort compared to manual shifting, with extremely short shift times that enable acceleration with minimal interruption of pulling power.

One-piece tubular bridge steel spaceframe with bolted-on rear frame provides the ideal basis for an enduro. Optimised steering head section for perfect off-road ergonomics and a wide steering angle.

The one-piece tubular bridge steel spaceframe of the R 12 family is at the heart of the new BMW R 12 G/S. The rear frame, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame. The steering head is slightly higher and further forward on the new BMW R 12 G/S.

Large 21-inch front wheel as standard for optimum off-road performance. Optional Enduro Package Pro with 18-inch instead of 17-inch rear wheel for maximum off-road performance.

The new BMW R 12 G/S with its cross-spoke wheels is a fully fledged enduro. Accordingly, it is equipped with a 21-inch wheel at the front. A 17-inch wheel is fitted as standard at the rear. An 18-inch rear wheel is available as part of the Enduro Package Pro for even greater off-road capability.

Fully adjustable upside-down telescopic fork at the front and Paralever swingarm with angled, also fully adjustable rear shock absorber paired with long spring travel for superior off-road capability.

In addition to a stiff and stable main frame as the basis, long suspension travel is essential for ambitious off-road riding.
On the new R 12 G/S, the front wheel is guided by fully adjustable upside-down telescopic fork with a 45 mm diameter and a generous 210mm of travel.

As with the other models in the BMW R 12 family, the rear wheel is guided by a Paralever swinging arm. Suspension and damping are provided by a 200mm travel, angled spring strut with travel-dependent damping and full adjustability.

Powerful braking system in conjunction with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for safe braking even when cornering.

The front wheel of the new R 12 G/S is fitted with a twin disc brake with two axially bolted, 2-piston floating calipers and a disc diameter of 310mm. A single disc brake with 265mm diameter and 2-piston floating caliper is used on the rear wheel.

The new R 12 G/S is already equipped with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro (part-integral) as standard. ABS Pro also offers more safety when braking in bends by enabling ABS-assisted braking when leaning into corners.

Classically designed, centrally positioned round instrument and 12V socket.

The new BMW R 12 G/S is equipped as standard with a centrally positioned round instrument and a 12V socket for the on-board power supply on the right-hand side of the cockpit.

Powerful LED light units as standard and Headlight Pro as optional equipment ex works.

The new BMW R 12 G/S features a compact LED round headlight with a diameter of 5 ¾" and an iconic light signature in the shape of an "X" as standard. Furthermore, the turn indicator and control lights of the new R 12 G/S also use LED technology.

The adaptive headlight, part of Headlight Pro optional equipment, offers even more safety when riding at night.

Three attractive colours for the new BMW R 12 G/S.

BMW R 12 G/S basic version.

Night black matt paint for front wheel cover / cockpit fairing / fuel tank / airbox cover / rear end.

Seat: Black.

Decals: Airbox cover.

BMW R 12 G/S optional colour.

Light white paint for front wheel cover / cockpit fairing / fuel tank / airbox cover / rear end.

Seat: Red.

Decals: Fork protectors / fuel tank / cockpit fairing / airbox cover.

BMW R 12 G/S Option 719 Aragonit.

Sandrover matt paint / Racing red matt paint / Mineral grey metallic matt for fuel tank / front wheel cover / cockpit fairing / airbox cover / rear end.

Seat: Black / Sandrover / Red.

Decals: Fork protectors / fuel tank / cockpit fairing.

Highlights of the new BMW R 12 G/S:

• Classic, purist enduro design.

• Original air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine with 80kW (109hp) at 7,000rpm and 115Nm at 6,500rpm.

• Left-hand single-flow exhaust system with high-mounted rear silencer and conical tailpipe.

• One-piece tubular spaceframe with raised and forward-positioned steering head section. Bolted-on rear frame.

• Fully adjustable upside-down telescopic fork at the front and Paralever swing arm with angled, also fully adjustable rear shock absorber with revised travel-dependent damping.

• 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel as standard. 18-inch rear wheel as part of the "Enduro Package Pro" optional equipment.

• Axially mounted 2-piston floating calipers, steel flex brake lines and 310mm brake discs.

• BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for safe braking even when leaning into corners.

• "Rain", "Road" and "Enduro” riding modes as standard. Additional "Enduro Pro" riding mode available as optional equipment.

• DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard.

• Classic round instrument panel and 12V socket. Digital display available as optional equipment ex works.

• Powerful LED light units as standard and adaptive “Headlight Pro” as optional equipment ex works.

• Keyless Ride for conveniently activating the locking functions as standard.

• Three attractive colours for a stylish look.

• Tailored range of ex works customisation optional equipment available through the premium quality Original BMW Motorrad accessories range.

Munich. With the BMW R 12 S, BMW Motorrad is expanding its Heritage range with a fitting tribute to the iconic R 90 S, which in 1973 not only set a sporty exclamation mark for BMW Motorrad with 67 hp and a top speed of 200 km/h in terms of riding dynamics.

Moreover, the then Chief Designer Hans A. Muth skillfully expressed the sporty ambitions in the design language and sent the BMW R 90 S, as the world's first production motorcycle, with a handlebar fairing designed according to aerodynamic aspects and a red-laid "90" in the R 90 S emblem of the engine, successfully into the race for the buyers' favour.

Racing successes helped the BMW R 90 S to achieve an iconic image.
It did not take long for the image of the R 90 S to also benefit from racing successes. For example, at the Production TT on the Isle of Man, where Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dähne celebrated a class victory in 1976. In the same year, Steve McLaughlin also won the prestigious 200 Miles of Daytona, and his teammate Reg Pridmore became the first AMA Superbike Champion in history. Also for this reason, an R 90 S is today, as it was then, one of the particularly sought-after BMW motorcycles.

The BMW R 12 S transfers the spirit of the R 90 S into the here and now.
More than the Concept Ninety study presented by BMW Motorrad in May 2013, the new BMW R 12 S takes up the spirit of the R 90 S in its overall concept as well as in many details and transfers it skillfully into the present day. Based on the R 12 nineT, it embodies an authentic and sporty retro bike and utilises several ingredients that make up a skillful homage to the R 90 S.

"The defining design elements of our R 12 S include the handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing with the tinted windshield, the seat with contrast stitching, and the Lavaorange metallic paint finish as a nod to the legendary R 90 S Daytona Orange from 1975. The design is perfectly complemented by details such as the red-laid 'S' on the side covers, the red double line, and the brushed and clear-lacquered aluminium surfaces of the tank and seat hump," explains Alexander Buckan, Head of BMW Motorrad Design.

Generous standard equipment with Option 719 Wheel Classic II, Billet packs Shadow and Shadow II, Headlight Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, and much more.
The claim to a sporty retro bike is underlined by the R 12 S with numerous standard product features such as the Option 719 Classic II wheels with wire spokes and shiny, naturally anodised aluminium rims, as well as other high-quality components. The handlebars and fork tubes are in black, and the components of the Billet packs Shadow and Shadow II set particularly high-quality technical accents. Components of the Billet pack Shadow are the left and right ignition coil covers, the oil filler screw, and the cylinder head covers coated in Avus black metallic matt. The Billet pack Shadow II includes the footrest system including foot brake and gear shift levers, the pillion footrests, the hand brake and clutch levers, the expansion tank covers for the front brake and clutch, as well as the handlebar end mirrors.

Further standard features include the Comfort Package, which includes Hill Start Control, Shift Assistant Pro, Heated Grips, and Cruise Control. For even more safety during night rides, the adaptive cornering light Headlight Pro ensures better illumination of the road in corners.

Comprehensive programme of optional equipment from the factory and Original BMW Motorrad Aaccessories for customisation.
The BMW R 12 S is based on the BMW R 12 nineT, and therefore all accessory products such as titanium exhaust systems, soft bags, or the navigation preparation can also be used for this motorcycle. For example, the already expressive dynamism of the lines can be further enhanced with the short rear end, which is available as an
Original BMW Motorrad Accessory, and the black licence plate holder attached to the swingarm. Additional factory-installed options are also available, such as Tyre Pressure Control (RDC), Anti-Theft Alarm System (DWA), Intelligent Emergency Call, Connected Ride Control, and the digital display with micro-TFT display as an alternative to the classic round instruments.

The BMW R 12 S will be available in South Africa from the first quarter of 2025.

"With the new BMW R 12 nineT as a Classic Roadster and the R 12 as a Classic Cruiser, we are seamlessly continuing what began in 2013 with the R nineT. Thanks in particular to the new frame concept, we have achieved an even more classic and purist design.  The air/oil-cooled boxer engine with new airbox, which has its roots in the legendary sport boxer of the HP 2 Sport from 2007, ensures confident propulsion. With its four radially arranged valves, it is one of BMW's absolute engine icons."
Josef Miritsch, Head of Air-Cooled Boxer Series BMW Motorrad.

The new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12: a classic roadster for dynamic riding on country roads and a classic cruiser for cool, relaxed biking.
With the R nineT, BMW Motorrad presented more than just a classic-style roadster in 2013. From the very beginning it combined classic motorcycle design and modern technology with high craftsmanship and diverse customisation options. Shortly afterwards, the R nineT was enriched with attractive derivatives, giving rise to a whole model family for the BMW Motorrad Heritage world.

That is why, for the new BMW R 12 nineT, the guiding principle during development was “The Spirit of nineT”, with the goal of seamlessly following in the footsteps of the successful R nineT and carrying forward its archetypal look, timelessness, and high customisation qualities. While the new R 12 nineT as a classic roadster aims to make a stylish impression in urban environments as well as provide dynamic riding fun on winding country roads, the new BMW R 12 comes under the motto “The Spirit of Easy” - perfectly embodying a classic cruiser for cool and relaxed biking.

Great freedom of choice when it comes to design, model diversity and customising.
The new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12 are classic roadsters and cruisers that combine the authentic and beefy character of the boxer engine and the design language of traditional motorcycle eras with innovative technology and a modular concept that offers the rider maximum customisation options. Reduction to the essentials and attention to detail were key priorities in the development of the design, resulting in a strong emotional appeal.

Authentic and beefy boxer engine featuring redesigned airbox and twin-flow rear silencer.
For the past 100 years, the two-cylinder boxer engine and the use of a propeller shaft drive have been synonymous with BMW motorcycles. In line with this legacy, the new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12 models, presented in the “100 Years of BMW Motorrad” anniversary year, further emphasise this distinctive powertrain configuration, following the recent unveiling of the new BMW R 1300 GS. The air/oil-cooled boxer engine with a capacity of 1,170 cc already familiar from numerous BMW Motorrad models, delivers 80 kW at 7,000 rpm in the R 12 nineT and 70 kW at 6,500 rpm in the R 12. As part of the complete redesign of the chassis, the new R 12 models also feature a new airbox. This is now fully integrated under the seat. The left-mounted “Twin Pipe” exhaust system with two rear silencers with reverse cone design caters to both the desire for a classically designed, sporty roadster and a cruiser.

New, one-piece tubular bridge steel spaceframe with bolted-on rear frame.
The centrepiece of the new BMW R 12 models is the completely newly developed tubular bridge steel spaceframe. This frame differs from the previous R nineT series, which had a front and rear main frame. As a result, the new frame eliminates the need for previous fastenings, reducing weight and giving the new R 12 models a cleaner and more classic appearance. The rear frame, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame.

New classic round instruments as well as USB-C and 12 V socket as standard equipment. Digital display available as optional equipment ex works.
The new R 12 nineT comes equipped with two analogue round instruments for speed and rpms, a USB-C port on the left side, and a 12V socket on the right side for the onboard network. The round instruments continue to support customisation by communicating via a LIN-Bus and separating the control and display units. The standard instrumentation for the new R 12 is limited to the speedometer, but the rev counter can be retrofitted with genuine BMW Motorcycle accessories.

The new R 12 nineT and R 12 are available as a roadster and cruiser, each offering a classic design and optimal ergonomics.
On the the R 12 nineT the aluminium tank with brushed and clear-coated side panels, the seat, and the tail-hump create a rising, dynamic line. The improved ergonomics compared to its predecessor are mainly due to the 30 mm shorter and narrower fuel tank in the rear area. The rider is closer to the handlebars, benefits from improved knee contact, and has a more front-oriented seating position on the motorcycle overall.

On the new BMW R 12, the steel tank, reminiscent of the so-called “Toaster Tanks” of the 1970s BMW /5 models, emphasises the typical design language of a cruiser in a classic teardrop shape and forms a descending line in combination with the standard solo seat and the curved, low-mounted rear wheel cover. The large 19-inch front wheel and the small 16-inch rear wheel complement this harmoniously. The classic cruiser design is also reflected in the relaxed seating position with low seat height and wide handlebars.

Three attractive paintwork options for making stylish appearances as Classic Roadster and Classic Cruiser.
Each bike, the BMW R 12 nineT and R 12, comes in three attractive colour options.

R 12 nineT: Base paint finish Blackstorm metallic.
                    Surcharge colour San Remo Green metallic.
                    Option 719 "Aluminium" in brushed aluminium / Night Black solid paint.

R 12:           Base paint finish Blackstorm matt metallic.
                    Surcharge colour Aventurine Red metallic.
                    Option 719 "Thorium" in Avus Silver metallic.

Highlights of the new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12:

• Classic, purist design as a roadster and cruiser.

• Beefy air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder boxer engine.

• Workmanship with great attention to detail.

• Designed for customising.

• R 12 nineT with 80 kW (109 hp) at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

• R 12 with 70 kW (95 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 110 Nm at 6,000 rpm.

• Left-side exhaust system with double silencer and conical end pieces.

• New airbox, now integrated under the seat.

• One-piece tubular spaceframe with bolted-on rear frame.

• Fully adjustable upside-down telescopic forks at the front and Paralever swinging arm with rear spring strut now arranged at an angle with revised travel-dependent damping.

• Radially mounted 4-piston monobloc brake callipers, steel flex brake lines and floating 310 mm brake discs.

• Powerful braking system in conjunction with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for safe braking even when cornering.

• Tailored customisation options available through the genuine BMW Motorrad accessories, known for their premium quality.

• Standard riding modes "Rain", "Road" and "Dynamic" in the R 12 nineT and "Roll" and "Rock" in the R 12.

• DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and engine drag torque control as standard.

• New classic round instruments as well as USB-C and 12 V socket. Digital display available as optional equipment ex works.

• Powerful LED light units as standard and adaptive Headlight Pro as optional equipment ex works.

• Keyless Ride is standard.

• Three attractive paintwork options for making stylish appearances as Classic Roadster and Classic Cruiser.

• Tailored range of ex works customisation optional equipment available through the genuine BMW Motorrad accessories, known for their premium quality.