Retro-inspired but genuinely capable, the 2026 BMW R 12 G/S blends classic Paris-Dakar attitude with modern performance in a charismatic middleweight adventure package...

BMW has reached deep into its heritage archive with the BMW R 12 G/S, reviving the spirit of the original desert racers while delivering a modern riding experience. Sitting between scrambler cool and GS Adventure muscle, it delivers boxer character and a modern charm…

The 2026 BMW R 12 G/S might wear retro colours, but this is no fashion exercise. From the first glance in its blue, white and red livery, it channels pure Paris-Dakar energy without looking like a nostalgia prop. It captures the spirit of BMW’s original G/S beautifully, yet feels tight, modern and purpose-built rather than decorative.

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Throw a leg over and the intent becomes even clearer. This sits neatly between scrambler cool and full-blown GS Adventure bulk. It’s noticeably less imposing than a big GSA, both physically and dynamically, yet far more serious than most scramblers pretending to be dirt-capable. For riders who admire BMW’s big adventure bikes but don’t want their size, this feels like a sweet spot.

“For riders who admire BMW’s big adventure bikes but don’t want their size, this feels like a sweet spot.”

The heart of the bike is BMW’s 1170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin, and it remains the defining feature. Producing 80kW at 7000rpm and 115Nm at 6500rpm, it delivers strong, usable performance without feeling intimidating. Power comes on in a friendly, predictable way, which is especially appreciated once the surface turns loose. It’s engaging, full of character and oozes mechanical charm – everything you want from a big boxer.

At 229kg wet it’s certainly not lightweight, but the mass disguises itself well once moving. Balance is excellent and the chassis feels narrower and more manageable than the numbers suggest. As always with these engines, that low centre of gravity helps enormously.

The tubular-steel bridge frame and massive engine make for a hefty 229kg wet weight but the G/S is nimble and light feeling on the move.

Ergonomically, the R 12 G/S suited me well at 187cm tall. There’s plenty of room to move around, both seated and standing. It genuinely feels like a large-capacity dirt bike, or a proper scrambler built for taller riders. The seat is firm – borderline hard on longer sealed-road stints – but that firmness works in its favour off-road, providing better feedback and control when shifting weight or riding on the ‘pegs.

The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combination gives the BMW genuine off-road credibility. On faster gravel roads it feels planted and confidence inspiring. An off-road run from Kulnura through to St Albans Road on the NSW Central Coast really highlighted the bike’s strengths – smooth, flowing dirt where the chassis settled beautifully and the engine could stretch its legs.

Rake is 26.9º, trail is 120mm and wheelbase is 1580mm. The R 12 G/S is a massive dirt bike but looks in proportion.

With 210mm of front suspension travel and 200mm at the rear, the R 12 G/S is properly equipped for general dirt roads, though it’s not limitless. Ride it within its design brief and it performs well, but increase the pace over rough terrain and you’ll find the boundaries. It will bottom if pushed too hard, reminding you this isn’t a high-speed desert racer, but it is only 10mm short of the GSA at the back and matches it travel-wise up front. It rewards a smoother, more measured style of off-road riding.

 

 

Fuel range is another reminder of its positioning. The 15.5-litre tank is adequate rather than generous. Compared to a GS Adventure it feels modest, though in fairness most scramblers carry similar volumes if not less in the name of style. It’s a compromise that fits the bike’s middle-ground mission, still, expect over 300km from a full tank of fuel.

The 15L fuel tank is not huge but look how nicely it blends in with the style of the bike. Anything bigger would ruin the looks and you still get a 300km range.

Enduro mode sharpens things up nicely. Throttle response becomes more immediate and the engine feels livelier, though you need to be smooth with your right hand as the rear can step out quickly. On faster, open dirt roads the electronics provide a welcome safety net. Tighter fire trails and smaller tracks were manageable, but I preferred the flowing, open sections where the bike could breathe.

Switch to Road mode and the R 12 G/S is surprisingly entertaining on sealed surfaces. Even on full knobby Michelin Anakees it can be hustled along with enthusiasm. The new frame delivers excellent feel and the geometry balances stability with agility. Wide handlebars make quick direction changes easy, and only at extreme lean do the tyres begin to squirm slightly. Rain mode, tested only in dry conditions unfortunately, softens throttle response and increases intervention for slippery conditions.

The R 12 G/S is a pleasure to ride on tarmac. Here I am on my way through the Yarramalong Valley, NSW, on an early Sunday morning run. The small flyscreen deflects air at high speeds, the small dash is hard to read though.

Braking performance is solid, provided you use both ends effectively. The twin 310mm front discs and twin-piston calipers require a firm squeeze but offer good feel and control. The rear is useful off-road and in tighter situations. The exhaust note deserves mention too – a satisfying bark under load and lovely pops on upshifts courtesy of the excellent quick-shifter.

“The 2026 BMW R 12 G/S is stylish, capable and genuinely enjoyable across a wide range of conditions”…

That quick-shifter works beautifully on-road, and fuelling is impressively smooth given Euro 5 compliance. The clutch is light at the lever, though I did experience occasional slip and a burnt friction material smell during slower technical off-road sections, largely due to the tall final gearing requiring more clutch work than ideal. The compact dash is a little hard to read but intuitive to navigate.

An off-road run from Kulnura through to St Albans Road on the NSW Central Coast really highlighted the bike’s strengths, in the tighter parts, the taller gearing meant the clutch had to be worked hard and ended up slipping.

Ultimately, it’s the engine character that defines the R 12 G/S. It’s engaging, charismatic and fun in a way few modern bikes manage. BMW has successfully blended heritage styling with genuine usability and modern electronics without losing the soul of the boxer platform.

The 2026 BMW R 12 G/S is stylish, capable and genuinely enjoyable across a wide range of conditions. It’s not a GS Adventure, and it’s not a soft scrambler either. Instead, it carves out its own distinctive space, and for many riders, that balance may be exactly the point.

 

2026 BMW R 12 G/S Specifications

bmwmotorrad.com.au

Price: From $26,540 R/A
Claimed Power: 80kW@7000rpm
Claimed Torque: 115Nm@6500rpm
Wet Weight: 229kg
Fuel Capacity: 15.5L
Fuel Consumption (Tested): 5.2L/100km
Fuel Range: + 300km

Engine: Air/oil-cooled flat-twin boxer, four-stroke, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, EFI, ride-by-wire, 1170cc, 101mm x 73mm bore x stroke, 12.0:1 compression ratio, Euro 5 compliant. Gearbox: Six-speed. Final Drive: Shaft drive. Clutch: Wet multiplate, hydraulic actuation.

Chassis: Frame, Tubular-steel bridge frame with bolt-on rear sub-frame and single-sided Paralever swingarm.
Rake: 26.9° Trail: 120mm
Suspension: 45mm USD forks, fully adjustable, 210mm travel (front); fully adjustable monoshock with Paralever linkage, 200mm travel (rear).
Brakes: 310mm twin front discs, twin-piston Brembo calipers, ABS Pro; 265mm rear disc, single-piston caliper, ABS Pro.
Wheels & Tyres: 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels; Michelin Anakee tyres, 90/90-21 (front), 150/70-18 (rear).

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1580mm
Seat Height: 860mm
Overall Length: 2250mm
Overall Width: 970mm
Overall Height: 1256mm
Ground Clearance: 240mm

Instruments & Electronics: Analogue-style circular display with digital inset, LED lighting, Rain, Road and Enduro riding modes, ABS Pro, traction control, gear position indicator, trip computer and onboard settings menu.

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