BMW Motorrad has just presented its new R 12 S, a frame that comes to expand the Heritage range of the German firm and as a well-deserved tribute to the iconic R 90 S, which in 1973 was not only a sporting milestone for the brand, with 67 HP and a maximum speed of 200km/hbut also in terms of driving dynamics.
Furthermore, the then Chief Designer Hans A. Muth expressed the sporting ambitions in the design language of the BMW R 90 S, equipping a front fairing designed to improve aerodynamics and a red “90” on the R 90 S engine emblem. The model soon also benefited from successes in competition.
For example, at the Isle of Man Production TT, where Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dähne celebrated their class victory in 1976. That same year, Steve McLaughlin also won the prestigious Daytona 200, and his teammate Reg Pridmore team became the first AMA Superbike Champion in history. For this reason too, an R 90 S is today, as it was then, one of the most coveted BMW motorcycles.
BMW R 12 S 2025 in detail
The new BMW R 12 S takes up the spirit of the R 90 S both in its general concept and in the details, and skillfully transfers it to the present day. Based on the R 12 nineT, it embodies a retro, authentic and sporty motorcycle and uses several ingredients that pay clever homage to the R 90 S. Alexander BuckanHead of Design at BMW Motorrad, explains about it: “Defining design elements of our R 12 S include the handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing with tinted windscreen, the seat with orange contrast stitching and the Lava Orange metallic paint finish as a nod to the legendary R 90. S 1975 Daytona Orange.”
Concludes: “The design is perfectly complemented by details such as the red “S” on the side covers, the double red line and the brushed and lacquered aluminum surfaces of the tank and seat support.” In technical terms we find the same platform used by the R 12 nineT, powered by the well-known air/oil cooled boxer engine. 1,170 cc.
This is associated with a six-speed transmission, offering a final power of 109 HP at 7,000 rpm. The declared maximum torque reaches 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm. In the cycle part, its spaceframe chassis with a one-piece tubular steel bridge with a bolted rear frame stands out. In the suspensions, the brand relies on a 45 mm diameter inverted fork, adjustable shock pretensioning, adjustable extension and compression damping.
At the rear, the R 12 S has a single-sided cast aluminum swingarm with the well-known Paralever system. Braking is provided, at the front, with a double 310 mm floating disc and 4-piston radial calipers. Likewise, in terms of equipment, the R 12 S has numerous standard features, such as Option 719 II wheels, with wire spokes and natural anodized bright aluminum rims, as well as other high-quality components.
The handlebars and fork tubes are black, and the components of the “Billet Shadow and Shadow II” packages provide particularly high-quality technical accents. The components of this package are, the left and right ignition coil covers, the oil filler screw and the cylinder head covers coated in Avus black metallic matte.
The “Billet Shadow II” package includes the footrest system, foot brake and gear shift levers, passenger footrests, parking brake and clutch levers, front brake surge reservoir covers and the clutch, as well as the mirrors at the end of the handlebar.
Other standard features of the R 12 S are the comfort package, which includes hill start control, shift assistant Pro, heated grips and cruise control. To further increase safety during night trips, the Faro Pro’s adaptive turn signal ensures better illumination of the road when cornering.
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 navigation preparation, can also be used for this motorcycle. For example, the already expressive dynamism of the lines can be further enhanced by the short rear section, which is available as an Original BMW Motorrad Accessory, and the black license plate holder fixed to the swingarm.
Other factory-installed options are also available, such as Tire Pressure Monitoring (RDC), Anti-Theft Alarm System (DWA), Intelligent Emergency Call, Connected Ride Control and digital display with micro-TFT screen as an alternative. to the classic round instruments.
The BMW R 12 S has an official price that starts from 23,125 euros and is only available in color Lava Orange Metallic. For more information and details you can visit the brand’s official website or any authorized distributor in our country.
