The BMW R 12nineT was launched here in Australia back in April with a static event in Sydney. Shortly afterwards, the World Launch was held in Spain. Here is our test on the new retro...
Producing a retro motorcycle is a balancing act. It’s not about mixing nostalgia with modernity; it’s about honouring the past yet meeting the demands of today’s market. No matter how a manufacturer navigates it, there’ll be a chorus of critics. Enter the R 12 nineT
Our test bike had the Comfort Pack (gearshift assist, heated grips, cruise control, hill start control), classic spoked wheels, a single seat hump and a digital dash, and the San Remo Green Metallic paint.
This is the first significant update to the decade-old R nineT boxer twin, and arguably, it’s the most harmonious retro blend yet from the German manufacturer. With a new, lighter chassis, thoroughly updated electronics, a sleeker design, and an extensive model configurator offering generous customisation options, it checks all the boxes. The price? $26,465 – just a touch more than its predecessor. Of course, many owners will likely inflate that number with a few must-have accessories, as is tradition for BMW owners.
Check out our gallery and info from the Aussie R 12 nineT launch event here…
To give you an idea, the configurator had certainly been hard at work on our test bike, which featured a host of options that included the Comfort Pack (gearshift assist, heated grips, cruise control, hill start control), classic spoked wheels, a single seat hump and a digital dash, and the stunning San Remo Green Metallic paint that adds to the final invoice. Go for the Option 719 Aluminium package and you’ll be forking out more. The Aussie configurator is available here…
“As BMW celebrates its centenary, it’s worth noting that this engine design traces its roots all the way back to 1923″…
Amidst all this change and the demand for customisation lies a key element—the 1170cc air-cooled boxer engine. As BMW celebrates its centenary, it’s worth noting that this engine design traces its roots all the way back to 1923. On start-up, the engine still delivers that timeless boxer rocking motion at idle as the venerable shaft-driven twin warms its cooling fins, followed by the unmistakable bark when the throttle is blipped. It’s a reminder of how refined and smooth modern, liquid-cooled BMW boxers have become, while also allowing one to appreciate the character and mechanical feel of the older design.
The R 12nineT retains the R nineT’s peak power of 109hp (80kW), but it now arrives 250rpm sooner, with peak torque at 115Nm at 6500rpm (84.8lb-ft), which is 1Nm less and 500rpm higher in the rev range. Changes to the four-valve-per-cylinder, DOHC unit are minimal, though a new airbox under the seat eliminates the air intake duct that previously ran down the right-hand side of the R nineT’s tank, and the standard exhaust has been redesigned.
The Ride
Once you’re on the move, the boxer engine’s age and character continue to shine through. There’s a slight pull from the shaft drive under heavy acceleration, and despite the optional quick-shifter (a first for this model), the gearbox isn’t exactly quick or slick by modern standards. However, the fuelling is spot-on—soft and smoothly metered in Road and Rain modes, with Dynamic mode adding just the right amount of urgency to throttle inputs without becoming overly aggressive. Improvements to the low and mid-range drive make a noticeable difference compared to the older bike.
“Improvements to the low and mid-range drive make a noticeable difference compared to the older bike”…
The power delivery from as low as 2,000rpm is now both clean and impressively strong. Even short-shifting at just 4,000rpm produces an old-school Bavarian surge that straightens your arms in a particularly satisfying way. Hustling the R 12 nineT through mountain passes in southern Spain was a torque-fuelled joy.
I found myself ignoring the new quick-shifter, instead sticking with a couple of gears too high, letting the rich and all-encompassing torque make life easy. The R 12 also enjoys a few revs and can deliver a decisive turn of speed for fast overtakes. Switch off the traction control (easily done on the move), and it will happily pop the front wheel up with effortless ease.
While the engine retains its classic charm, the chassis has been fully refreshed for 2024. The frame is lighter, though the R 12 nineT still weighs 220kg wet, only 1kg less than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended from 1487mm to 1511mm, and the steering geometry is slightly relaxed with a new rake angle of 27.7 degrees compared to the R nineT’s 26.8 degrees.
“Switch off the traction control (easily done on the move), and it will happily pop the front wheel up with effortless ease”…
The front suspension features similar but smaller diameter 45mm upside-down forks, while the rear shock, now mounted at an angle rather than upright, directly connects to the swingarm. BMW’s cornering ABS (ABS Pro) is standard, while the brakes feature four-piston radial monobloc calipers and twin 310mm discs at the front, with a two-piston caliper and a 265mm disc at the rear.
On the road, the chassis complements the engine’s relaxed demeanor. It’s not about pin-sharp or quick steering; instead, the bike rolls into corners with a natural flow. Stability is exactly what you’d expect from a long-wheelbase machine with relaxed steering geometry. The weight distribution and balance feel perfect for a spirited yet controlled ride.
However, don’t mistake this Heritage Beemer for a bike solely for the sensible rider. Like its engine, the chassis is capable of delivering a surprisingly sporty ride. Unlike other bikes in this class, ground clearance is generous, and while the suspension is tuned for comfort, it’s far from too soft or lacking in control. At 220kg (plus rider), there’s a fair amount of weight for the brakes to manage, but they offer excellent feel and stopping power, with minimal intervention from the cornering ABS, regardless of which dry weather riding mode is selected.
“Unlike other bikes in this class, ground clearance is generous, and while the suspension is tuned for comfort, it’s far from too soft or lacking in control”…
Speaking of weight, 22kg might sound intimidating to smaller riders, but the R 12 nineT’s mass is carried typically low in the chassis, resulting in a wonderfully balanced and easy low-speed handling experience. The seat height has been lowered to 795mm from the old model’s 805mm, while the reshaped tank is 30mm shorter, placing the rider closer to the 870mm-wide handlebars, enhancing the rider’s connection with the front tyre.
I felt instantly at home and comfortable for hours in the saddle. Opt for the comfort extras on the configurator, especially cruise control, and you could easily tackle 500km or more in a day. During testing, our bike returned over 4.7L/100km, so it should get close to 320km between fuel stops if speeds remain legal-ish.
As mentioned, the factory options are seemingly limitless. Our test bike was equipped with the optional 3.5-inch TFT dash, though I’d prefer the standard analog clocks for a retro machine of this type. While the R 12’s keyless ignition is convenient, you’ll still need to use a key for the fuel cap. Overall, the standard of equipment is high, the level of finish is superb, and unlike other manufacturers in this class who work hard to disguise their bikes’ radiators, BMW does not. The result is a clean, uncluttered look.
Conclusion
Admittedly, the R 12nineT won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. The rocking movement of the engine, the tug of the shaft drive, and a gearbox that’s not exactly quick may leave some potential customers unimpressed. However, for many riders, a bit of personality—reminiscent of the good old days—will be a welcome feature.
Once you adapt to its quirks, the R 12nineT proves to be an easy bike to ride. The fuelling is spot-on, and the bike is brimming with torque from the very bottom of the rev range, ready to give much ‘faster’ bikes a run for their money when you unleash its ultra-cool retro charm. The revised chassis is accommodating to shorter riders, yet it still handles like the best of the boxers, all without scraping its pegs or exhaust on the tarmac.
Yes, the R 12 nineT is an expensive motorcycle. Add a few personalised options—and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to?—and you’re looking at a serious investment. But the cost is reflected in the quality and craftsmanship. Some won’t appreciate it—that’s just the nature of retro bikes—but in a class where authenticity is the ultimate prize, the R 12 nineT’s quality, character, and mechanical intimacy will be precisely what many are seeking in a retro ride.
2024 BMW R 12nineT Specifications
Price:Â From $26,465 Ride Away. Please visit model page for full prices here.
Colours: Black Storm Metallic, Sane Remo Green Metallic, Aluminium (Option 719)
Warranty: Three-year, unlimited kilometre
Claimed power: 80kW/109hp@7000rpm
Claimed torque: 115Nm@6500rpm
Kerb weight: 220kg
Fuel capacity: 16L
Fuel Consumption (Measured): 4.7L/100km
Engine: Air/liquid-cooled fuel injected two-cylinder four-stroke boxer, 1170cccc, 12:1 compression ratio, 101 x 73mm bore x stroke, four-valves per cylinder, two camshafts, counterbalance shaft. Gearbox: Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system with quick-shifter, shaft final drive Clutch: Wet single plate clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated, Top Speed claimed 215km/h.
Chassis: Tubular space frame, cast alloy single sided swingarm.
Steering head angle: 62.3º Castor: 110.7mm
Suspension: BMW 45mm inverted forks, 120mm travel, BMW Motorrad Paralever rear, WAD spring strut, 120mm travel, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand wheel, rebound-stage damping adjustable by hand wheel.
Brakes: Twin front disc brake, floating brake discs 310mm, four-piston radial brake calipers, single rear disc brake 265mm, two-piston floating caliper, BMW Motorrad Integral ABS as standard.
Wheels & Tyres: Tubeless spoked aluminium wheels, 3.50 x 17in front, 5.50 x 17in rear, 120/70 ZR 17, 180/55 ZR 17
Dimensions:
Overall length: 2130mm
Wheelbase: 1511mm
Seat height: 795mm
Max height: 1070mm
Max width: 870mm
Instruments & Electronics: Full-colour TFT dash (optional) or analogue style (standard), Rider Modes, Cornering ABS, Cruise, Traction Control, Blutooth Connectivity.
2024 BMW R 12nineT Gallery
Ratings | Bike Review | 2024 BMW R 12 nineT Test
Retro!
The BMW R 12nineT was launched here in Australia back in April with a static event in Sydney. Shortly afterwards, the World Launch was held in Spain. Here is our test on the new retro…
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