The awesome looking retro styled BMW R 12 G/S is due to land Down Under mid year some time. Check out this cool Boxer... We can't wait to see it in the metal...
BMW Motorrad Australia keeps the new model releases coming for 2025… and has now confirmed it will launch the all-new R 12 G/S mid-year, expanding its heritage boxer range with a modern classic enduro model inspired by the iconic R 80 G/S of the 1980s.
Priced from $23,990 plus on-road costs, the R 12 G/S combines authentic off-road styling with BMW’s latest engineering, promising versatility for riders who want a capable adventure bike with old-school design cues.
Markus Lederer, Head of Boxer Series for BMW Motorrad, said the new model continues the brand’s proud off-road tradition. “With the new BMW R 12 G/S, BMW Motorrad is offering a classic enduro for puristic off-road fun,” he said. “The abbreviation G/S stands for ‘Gelände/Straße’ – Off-road/Street – signalling that this new member of the BMW R 12 family masters both in equal fashion.”
Check out our BMW news and review here…
Classic Design, Modern Capability
Visually, the R 12 G/S draws heavily on the legendary R 80 G/S, featuring cross-spoke wheels, long suspension travel, a compact cockpit fairing, and classic round headlight with BMW’s modern LED X-shaped signature.
Its one-piece tubular steel spaceframe is paired with a bolted rear subframe, while a raised and forward-positioned steering head section optimises off-road ergonomics. The bike features a flat solo seat as standard, positioned at 860mm with the 17-inch rear wheel or 875mm with the optional 18-inch rear wheel included in the Enduro Package Pro.
Heritage Boxer Power
At its heart, the R 12 G/S uses BMW’s air/oil-cooled 1,170cc two-cylinder boxer engine producing 80kW (109hp) at 7,000rpm and 115Nm at 6,500rpm. Paired with shaft drive, the engine offers proven reliability and distinctive character, while a left-side high-mounted exhaust system with conical silencer delivers classic enduro styling and a throaty boxer soundtrack.
BMW’s Shift Assistant Pro is fitted as standard in Australia, enabling clutchless upshifts and downshifts across most load and speed ranges, enhancing acceleration with minimal interruption of power delivery.
Purpose-Built Off-Road Hardware
Up front, a fully adjustable upside-down telescopic fork with 45mm inner tubes offers 210mm of suspension travel. At the rear, BMW’s Paralever swinging arm system works with an angled, fully adjustable rear shock absorber providing 200mm of travel and travel-dependent damping.
The R 12 G/S runs a 21-inch front wheel for maximum off-road capability, paired with a 17-inch rear wheel as standard or an 18-inch rear wheel in the Enduro variant for enhanced ground clearance and ruggedness.
Braking & Safety
Braking is managed by twin 310mm discs with axially mounted 2-piston floating calipers up front and a 265mm disc with 2-piston floating caliper at the rear. BMW Motorrad ABS Pro is standard, providing optimal braking performance even while cornering.
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR) are also standard inclusions, ensuring safe acceleration and stability under deceleration. Riders can select from Rain, Road, and Enduro riding modes as standard, with Enduro Pro included in the Enduro Package Pro for more aggressive off-road settings.
Ergonomics and Options for Serious Adventurers
The flat solo seat is ideal for standing during off-road riding, while the Rallye Seat option raises seat height by 20mm for taller riders or those seeking additional clearance. Enduro footrests with enlarged serrated surfaces are available in the Enduro Package Pro, providing optimal grip when tackling rugged trails.
Butted aluminium handlebars are adjustable, and the Enduro variant includes a 20mm riser for improved standing ergonomics.
Lighting & Instrumentation
The R 12 G/S features a centrally mounted round analogue instrument cluster for a classic cockpit feel, combined with modern LED lighting throughout. The headlight’s X-shaped signature delivers BMW’s distinctive modern touch, while Headlight Pro with adaptive illumination is standard on the Enduro variant and optional on the base model.
A 12V socket is included for powering accessories, and Connected Ride Control with a digital display is available as part of option packages for riders seeking integrated navigation and connectivity features.
BMW will offer the R 12 G/S in two main variants for Australia:
R 12 G/S ($23,990 plus ORC)
Standard features include:
1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine (109hp/115Nm)
Shaft drive
Cross-spoke wheels (21” front, 17” rear)
Fully adjustable 45mm USD fork (210mm travel)
Fully adjustable rear shock (200mm travel)
Shift Assistant Pro
Riding Modes (Rain, Road, Enduro)
ABS Pro, DTC, MSR
LED lighting with daytime running lights
Keyless Ride and adjustable clutch/brake levers
Seat height: 860mm (standard rear wheel)
Available colours: Night Black Matt, Light White (+$500), Sandrover Matt (Option 719)
Option Packages:
Comfort Package ($3,000) – adds Hill Start Control, Heated Grips, Cruise Control, Gear Shift Assistant Pro, Tyre Pressure Control, Headlight Pro, Connected Ride Control, digital display
Rallye Seat Bench (+20mm): $355
Anti-Theft Alarm: $395
Passenger Kit: $315
Style Option 719 Package: $2,860
R 12 G/S Enduro ($27,990 plus ORC)
Adds to the standard R 12 G/S:
Enduro Package Pro (18” rear wheel, off-road tyres, engine guard, handlebar risers, hand protection, longer sidestand)
Comfort Package as above
Riding Modes Pro
Headlight Pro
Connected Ride Control with digital display
Tyre Pressure Control
Chrome-plated header pipe
Seat height: 875mm
A Return to BMW’s Enduro Roots
BMW says the R 12 G/S has been developed for riders seeking authentic off-road fun with heritage styling and modern engineering. Inspired by the R 80 G/S that pioneered the adventure bike category in 1980, the R 12 G/S blends nostalgic design with real-world capability.
“The new BMW R 12 G/S skilfully captures the spirit of the off-road enduro with a boxer engine in the style of the R 80 G/S, and perfectly transfers it to the present day with modern technology,” said Lederer.
Customer deliveries are expected from mid-year. Riders can contact their local BMW Motorrad dealer for detailed specifications, colour availability, and pre-order options here…
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