With the announcement of the ubiquitous GS 1300, you would almost forget that BMW is also introducing other new models. The R12 and R12 ninet have also been presented.
From its market introduction in 2013, the BMW R nineT immediately captured the imagination, including the undersigned. The sympathetic looks combined with the roar of a boxer engine can thrill you. Since 2013, many variants of the R nineT have been pushed onto the market, such as a Scrambler, Urban G/S or my favorite, the Option 719.
In 2023 it is time to follow up on this with the introduction of the R12 and R12 nineT.
In terms of specifications, the sportier R12 nineT states that the full-power model delivers 107 hp, at 7,000 rpm, from its 1,170cc air-cooled boxer engine. That is the same power as the previous model, albeit a fraction lower in the speed range. Torque peaks at 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm, again almost the same as the current generation motorcycle, but this time it peaks 500 rpm higher.
For Europe, BMW is also releasing a limited version of the R12 nineT, with 94 hp, so that people with an A2 driver's license can drive it and have it limited to 47 hp. What a sin in my eyes.
The 'other' model, the R12, only gets the 94 and 47 hp versions. The 94 hp model reaches its peak at 6,500 rpm and has a maximum torque of 110 Nm at 6,000 rpm. In contrast, the limited 47 hp machine has a maximum of 5,250 rpm and reaches 98 Nm, peaking at 3,000 rpm.
All top speeds of the motorcycles are in line with their power outputs. The BMW R12 nineT is of course the fastest, with a top speed of 216 km/h, while the 94 hp version reaches 209 km/h.
The R12 is slightly slower, peaking at 203 km/h, while the limited 47bhp versions of both bikes top out at around 160 km/h.
In terms of dimensions, the R12 nineT is slightly longer than its predecessor. It is now 213 cm long, while the width of 87 cm is almost identical to the current model. There is about a centimeter difference in height, namely 107 cm.
A second variant with a height of 111.5 cm suggests that a hood will be optional.
The wheelbase of both the R12 and R12 nineT is the same, at 152 cm, an increase from 148.6 cm for the existing R nineT.
Both the R12 and the R12 nineT share the same exhaust system with two exhausts.
In addition, their weights are similar, with the R12 nineT weighing 222 kg and the R12 weighing 229 kg.
An Option 719 version of R12 nineT will also be immediately available upon introduction.
Just give me the last one please, and forget the wrapping paper!