New BMW R 12 Classic Motorcycle Design

There are telltale differences: The R 12′s steel tank has a unique shape, in homage to the “Toaster” tanks from ‘70s-era /5 models, and the wheels are more cruiser appropriate, with a 19/16 configuration that results in a slightly longer 59.8-inch wheelbase. Both bikes are spec’d with an upside-down 45mm fork, but the R 12′s is more basic and without the adjustability of the R 12 nineT unit, and the rake is lazier. Suspension travel is less too, with 3.5 inches available front and rear, which also contributes to a lower seat height. The R 12 sports a single round instrument panel, and the new exhaust layout has a different brushed finish on the rear muffler.

The mellower mill on the R 12 serves up 95 hp at 6,500 rpm and 81 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,000 rpm, less than its nineT counterpart, but more than enough for its intended purpose. You also get just two ride modes on the R 12—Roll and Rock (as on the R 18 models)—as opposed to the three on the R 12 nineT. Roll is the mellower of the two, while Rock uncorks more power thanks to more immediate throttle response and less invasive DTC.

You’ll be able to get the R 12 in Blackstorm Metallic or Aventurin Red Metallic. There’s also the Option 719 Thorium which features Avus Silver Metallic paint contrasted with yellow striping and gold colored handlebars. Pricing is to be announced.

The R 12 nineT is the sportier of the two, both in the aesthetic sense as well as in the performance department. Edgar Heinrich, head of BMW Motorrad Design, explained the design team’s approach:

“The purist design language is dominated by the clear tank/seat/rear line, in the style of the traditional /5 or the legendary R 90 S of the ‘70s. At first glance, the tank itself is a classic BMW boxer tank, with a typical bend in the lower edge and classic knee contact.”