Both bikes share the same same 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin engine but in different states of tune.
BMW has revamped its retro roadster lineup internationally with two new models – R12 and R12 nineT, which replace the R nineT. The R12 is a middleweight cruiser that sits below the gargantuan R18 in the lineup, while the R12 nineT is a neo-retro roadster.
- Same chassis on both but different suspension and wheels
- Keyless ignition, all-LED lighting standard on both
- Both bikes have an extensive range of factory accessories available
BMW R12: new cruiser sitting below the R18
In the R12, the air/oil-cooled, 1,170cc, horizontally opposed (boxer) twin makes 95hp at 6,500rpm and 110Nm at 6,000rpm. A new tubular bridge steel space frame nestles this tried-and-tested mill, which is actually a stressed member of it. A non-adjustable USD fork and a paralever rear suspension handle suspension duties on the R12.
Wheel sizes are typical cruiser with a 19-inch rim up front and a 16-inch one at the rear. Tyre sizes are 100/90-19 up front and 150/80-16 out back. Braking hardware is surprisingly potent for what is meant to be a relaxed bike, with twin 310mm discs up front mated to radially mounted 4-pot calipers and a 265mm disc at the rear with a 2-piston caliper.
Cornering ABS and traction control are standard here along with two riding modes – Roll and Rock.
BMW R12 nineT: neo-retro roadster revamped
The R12 nineT is essentially the updated version of the R nineT, although it is unclear whether it will replace it. While the R12 nineT makes the same 109hp (peak) as the R nineT, it arrives 250rpm earlier, at 7,000rpm. Peak torque is down by 1Nm and now stands at 115Nm. Weight has gone down by 1kg and the R12 weighs 220kg, with its 16 litre fuel tank brimmed (2 litres smaller than the R nineT). Seat height has reduced to 795mm from the R nineT’s 805mm.
While the 4-piston radially mounted calipers are the same, the front discs have shrunk slightly to 310mm, down from the 320mm units on the R nineT. Considering this is more of a relaxed roadster, this shouldn’t affect the riding experience too much. A fully adjustable USD fork and paralever rear suspension handle suspension duties here. Electronic aids include cornering ABS, traction control and 3 riding modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic.
Considering BMW retails nearly its entire big-bike lineup in India, expect both of these new models to make their way here in due course.