In 1973 the R 90 S set a sporty benchmark for BMW Motorrad with 67hp and a top speed of 200km/h. The original R 90 S had a distinctive design with a handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing and a red 90 emblem, designed by Chief Designer Hans A. Muth… Press: BMW Motorrad Aus

The new BMW R 12 S transfers the spirit of the R 90 S into the present day, based on the R 12 nineT platform. Key design elements include the handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing, seat with contrast stitching, and Lava orange metallic paint.  The R 12 S comes with generous standard equipment, including Option 719 Classic II wheels, Billet packs Shadow and Shadow II, Headlight Pro and Shift Assistant Pro.

A comprehensive program of optional equipment and accessories are available for further customisation and just 30 examples are bound for Australia with customer deliveries expected in Q1, with the model priced from $31,990.

Tony Hatton on his way to second overall in the Castrol 6 Hour aboard a BMW Boxer.

The model that inspired it, the R 90 S, is backed by storied pedigree. Chief Designer at the time, Hans A. Muth, expressed the sporty ambitions of the motorcycle with the design language. One of its details – a handlebar fairing designed according to aerodynamic aspects – was a world first for a production model. The R 90 S also integrated a red-laid 90 in the R 90 S emblem of the engine.

Racing successes helped the BMW R 90 S to achieve an iconic profile. It began at the Production TT on the Isle of Man, where Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dähne celebrated class victory in 1976. In the same year, Steve McLaughlin also won the prestigious Daytona 200, while his teammate Reg Pridmore became the first AMA Superbike Champion in history. For this reason, an R 90 S is today as it was then a particularly sought-after BMW motorcycle.

Locally, the R 90 S became a regular winner and front-runner in the hands of Metzeler sponsored legend Tony Hatton, who finished second with Kenny Blake on one in the 1976 Castrol 6 Hour. Helmut Dähne teamed up with Bryan Hindle to take on the Castrol 6 Hour at Amaroo Park too, and Joe Eastmure and Dave Burgess raced one. The bike has huge heritage here Down Under…

Even more so than the Concept Ninety study presented by BMW Motorrad in May 2013, the new BMW R 12 S takes up the spirit of the R 90 S in its overall concept as well as in many details. Based on the R 12 nineT, it embodies an authentic and sporty retro bike and utilises several ingredients that make up a skilful homage to the R 90 S.

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