2024-01-12 19:00:00
The R Nine T launched 10 years ago has evolved into a complete range over the years. Scrambler, Pure, Urban GS, etc. there are numerous variations with varying degrees of success.
For the 100th anniversary of the brand and with the same nomenclature as for the R18, BMW is launching the R12 but it is not at all a cruiser.
New HP2 Sport frame and engine
The old two-part front and rear frame of the R Nine T gives way to a one-piece frame that BMW announces is lighter. It definitely changes the appearance of the machine.
The R12s offer another style even if we remain in the same universe as the previous Nine Ts launched 10 years ago. A tubular steel rear buckle is bolted to the main frame to support the saddle and the entire rear part of the new R12s.
We obviously keep the gimbal as on all R series machines, that doesn’t change.
We find the 1170 cc air/oil cooled flat twin engine with a new air intake system located under the saddle. On the previous generation, there was a sort of air inlet pipe on the side of the tank, this unsightly appendage disappeared with the arrival of the R12.
The exhaust with its two silencers is on the left of each machine. The R12 and the R12 Nine T are distinguished by the power of their engine. The more accessible R12 has 95 hp at 6500 rpm and the R12 Nine T has 109 hp at 7000 rpm.
Both have driving modes, but they are not the same. Rain, Road and Dynamic for the R12 Nine T, more dynamic in spirit, and Roll and Rock for the R12 which is more in the spirit of a cruiser even if you are on the handlebars of a roadster.
Two motorcycles with two different philosophies
Two different philosophies and very different prices too, as we will see. The R 12 Nine T takes up the idea of customization that can be done by drawing from the catalog of the German brand.
It’s the more high-end of the two with the more dynamic engine too. The dashboard consists of a tachometer and a needle rev counter for the R12 NineT while the R12 does not have the optional rev counter.
If you prefer digital, it is possible to choose a rectangular digital counter but this does not necessarily fit very well with the spirit of these machines which take care of the style.
The instrumentation isn’t the only thing that sets these two R12s apart. The Nine T benefits from a brushed aluminum tank with the most beautiful effect and a single saddle with an optional backrest.
Equipment…and prices
The Nine T’s fork is also fully adjustable. The “simply” R12 has a teardrop-shaped steel tank, wide handlebars, a low saddle height and 19 and 16 inch rims. The mind behind the wheel would seem to be quite different, says BMW.
As we have seen for several years now, a lot of equipment is now standard on BMW motorcycles: cornering ABS, driving modes, traction and engine brake torque control, USB-C and 12V socket, LED headlights. LED (optional adaptive cornering lights), keyless start, etc.
All this at a price: 14,990 euros for the BMW R 12 and 18,290 euros for the R 12 NineT. They are available in A2 version free of charge when ordering.
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