Ten years after the R nineT, which was presented on the company’s 90th anniversary, BMW is now launching its successor on the 100th: It’s called the R 12, and although the pun no longer fits the birthday, it can also be given the name nineT for reasons of recognition carry on. In addition, the Munich-based company is introducing the next model in the R-18 series with the powerful 1.8-liter boxer.
Unfortunately, they are reluctant to provide information on the R 12, but at least they have published a few pictures. This makes it clear in any case: the R 12 will not be a small-format cruiser, based on the R 18, but a puristic retro roadster that invites you to take a dynamic journey through time rather than to chug along comfortably. Because the concept was taken directly from the R nineT – and that was definitely characterized by sportiness. Only long-legged drivers seemed a bit out of place, which did not detract from the driving pleasure. The new R 12 nineT is said to be reduced to the essentials even more than the old one, has two round instruments and offers plenty of options for individualisation, also from the BMW range of accessories. The LED rear light is integrated into the seat, which makes customizing with a hatchback easier. R 12 then and now BMW does not yet go into detail about the specific engine, but notes that the R 12 model designation refers to the cubic capacity. Means: The R 12 does not get the current 1250 cc engine, but it remains with the 1200 boxer. Already ten years ago, the nineT had to apply the old machine, at that time still the air-cooled 1170 cm³ boxer from the discontinued GS, which suited it perfectly. The cardan drive anyway. What is retro today was once a milestone in motorcycle construction: the original BMW R 12, presented in 1935, was together with its sister R 17 the first production motorcycle with a hydraulically damped telescopic fork. Although it later became the standard combination of the German Wehrmacht with a sidecar, the 88 millimeters of spring travel were purely coincidental. Depending on the version, the two-cylinder boxer had 18 or 20 hp. BMW R 18 Roctane as the fifth mega cruiser With the R 18 Roctane, BMW continues to milk the cow with the 1802 cc boxer. This time it’s a matt black excavator that they fill the picture with. The engine is simply powerful, 91 hp, and with over 150 Nm of torque between 2000 and 4000 rpm (maximum 158 Nm at 3000 rpm.) A real treat for cruisers. Even the engine is coated in black metallic matt, black high-gloss cover and Dark Chrome exhaust system and star nuts complete the picture of the dark side of the force. Paintwork colour: Avus black metallic matt (optional: Mineral gray metallic matt or Manhattan metallic matt). The telescopic fork with fork sleeves carries a 21-inch wheel, and an 18-inch wheel at the rear is sprung by an adjustable central spring strut. The handlebars are coated black and particularly raised, and a windshield with additional headlights and overhead indicators can be retrofitted ex works. The feet rest on footboards. The standard suitcases each have a capacity of 27 liters. There are three riding modes “Rain”, “Roll” and “Rock”, and the switchable “Automatic Stability Control” and the engine drag torque control (MSR) are also fitted as standard. Reverse assist, Hill Start Control and heated grips are optional.
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