The Spirit of R nineT Rides Again

BMW has formally introduced its R 12 cruiser, based on the new R 12 nineT.

The latter machine, a roadster, was unveiled in May as an updated R nineT. The original launched in 2014 to commemorate BMW Motorrad’s 90th anniversary; hence the nineT nomenclature.

Using an 1170cc air-cooled boxer twin, a host of variants emerged, including the retro-cool Urban G/S. The R nineT was updated in 2021 to meet Euro5 regs.

The R 12 nineT has replaced the original, its 1170cc engine getting a new underseat airbox, updated exhaust and fresh rocker covers.

There’s a new lighter two-piece steel frame too, a repositioned rear shock, an aluminium tank and three riding modes: Rain, Road and Dynamic.

The R 12 nineT roadster delivers peak power of 81kW at 7000rpm and torque of 115Nm at 6500rpm. Soon it will be joined by the new “Spirit of Easy” R 12 cruiser packing similar mechanicals. The 1170cc air/oil-cooled engine has been detuned so torque is more to the fore. Its power figure is 71kW while twist of 110Nm arrives at 6000rpm. Ride modes are limited to ‘Rock’ and ‘Roll’. Each bike has a six-speed gearbox and shaft drive. The left-mounted “Twin Pipe” exhaust system with two rear silencers and reverse cone design is common to both roadster and cruiser.

The frame of the cruiser is the same but rake angle is 29.3 degrees, suspension travel is 90mm and wheels are 19 inches up front and 17 inches rear. The roadster runs 17s both ends.

The 14-litre steel tank is different too, as are fenders, dials and high-rise handlebars. On both the riding position is slightly more front oriented, the bars closer, knees gripping the tank better. The rider sits lower on the cruiser while bars are also wider.

Suspension for both consists of an USD 45mm telescopic front fork that offers rebound and compression adjustability (R 12 nineT) and an aluminum Paralever swingarm with a central shock and rebound damping adjustability.

Up front is a pair of radially mounted four-piston fixed calipers acting on 310mm floating brake discs. 

The R 12 cruiser gets a single round gauge for speed while the R 12 nineT comes with a double round gauge set-up including rev counter. A simplified digital display is an option, while various screens and accessories will also be available. Dynamic Traction Control and Engine Drag Torque Control come standard on both bikes. So too do keyless ride, USB-C and 12V sockets, LED lighting all around, and BMW’s Intelligent Emergency Call feature. 

BMW Connected Ride is an available option, allowing the rider to connect a smartphone via Bluetooth. 

Both the R 12 and the R 12 nineT will come in three color options. 

Pricing will be announced in Q1 of 2024.