# BMW R12 (2024)
The BMW R 12 is a pair of heritage motorcycles introduced by [BMW Motorrad](https://www.edgepedia.org/bmw-motorrad) on February 29, 2024: the R 12 nineT, a Classic Roadster that succeeds the R nineT, and the R 12, a lower cruiser-styled sibling. Both are built around a 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin and share a new steel trellis frame, interchangeable fuel tanks, and styling that draws on BMW motorcycles of the 1970s.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Announcement | Introduced February 29, 2024 as the 2024 R 12 nineT and R 12 Classic Roadster and Cruiser pair[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) |
| Engine | 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer, 101 mm bore × 73 mm stroke; nineT: 109 hp at 7,000 rpm, 85 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm; R 12: 95 hp at 6,500 rpm, 81 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) |
| Frame | Newly developed one-piece trellis steel spaceframe with bolted-on rear section and airbox under the seat, replacing the R nineT's two-piece front main frame[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) |
| Seat and weight | Seat height 31.3 in (nineT) and 29.7 in (R 12); unladen weight, road-ready and fully fueled, 485 lbs and 500 lbs[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.2 gallons usable on the nineT; 3.6 gallons on the R 12[2](https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r12-ninet/technicaldata.html) • [3](https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r12/technicaldata.html) |
| US pricing | $16,295 (R 12 nineT) and $12,345 (R 12), with market launch in Q2 2024[4](https://www.cyclenews.com/2024/03/article/new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12-roadster-and-cruiser-specs-and-price/) |
| Predecessor | Replaces the R nineT, which debuted in 2013 and bowed out for 2024[5](https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/r12-ninet-2024-review) |
## Background and naming
BMW has built boxer motorcycles, with horizontally opposed cylinders, since the R 32 of 1923, and the layout has been admired for smooth running, low-end torque, and durability.[6](https://www.themanual.com/auto/2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12/) The R nineT arrived in 2013 to mark BMW's 90th year of motorcycle making, its name a reference to that anniversary, and over ten years it spawned a family of spin-off models before being retired for 2024.[5](https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/r12-ninet-2024-review) The R 12 nineT steps in during BMW Motorrad's centenary year, and its styling is intended to hark back to the R90 of 1973.[5](https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/r12-ninet-2024-review)
Design chief Edgar Heinrich's team gave the R 12 a steel teardrop tank reminiscent of the so-called "Toaster Tanks" of the 1970s BMW /5 models, while the nineT's design references the /5 and the R 90 S.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US)
## Design and engineering
**Engine.** Both models use the 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer with two overhead camshafts, four radially arranged valves, and a central counterbalance shaft.[2](https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r12-ninet/technicaldata.html) The design traces its roots to the 2007 HP2 Sport, and the changes for 2024 were made mainly to meet EU5+ emissions, achieved despite the lack of liquid cooling through a new flapless exhaust, an under-seat airbox, and restyled cylinder heads.[7](https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/bmw/r12-ninet/2024/) On the R 12 nineT, peak power of 109 hp now arrives 250 rpm sooner at 7,000 rpm, and peak torque of 115 Nm (84.8 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm is 1 Nm less than the outgoing R nineT's.[5](https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/r12-ninet-2024-review)
**Chassis.** A completely newly developed one-piece trellis steel frame replaces the previous R nineT's two-piece front main frame, eliminating previous fastenings and reducing weight; a tubular-steel rear section bolts on, and the airbox sits flat under the seat, which frees the space between the frame spars and allows interchangeable tank shapes.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) The engine acts as a structural component within the frame.[8](https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/r12-2024-review) Exhaust is a left-mounted "Twin Pipe" system with two rear silencers of reverse-cone design; on the nineT the manifolds and front silencer are chrome-plated, on the R 12 electro-polished and brushed.[9](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/india/article/detail/T0443648EN/the-all-new-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-the-all-new-bmw-r-12-launched-in-india?language=en)
**Suspension.** Both use 45 mm upside-down telescopic forks, fully adjustable for spring preload, rebound, and compression on the nineT, with 4.7 inches of travel on the nineT and 3.5 inches on the R 12.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) The rear Paralever single-sided swing arm carries a central spring strut angled diagonally compared with the previous R nineT, with revised travel-dependent damping including a hydraulic bump stop.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) Braking is by radially mounted four-piston monobloc calipers on floating 310 mm discs with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US)
## Specifications and variants
The two models share the engine and frame but differ in tune, ergonomics, and equipment. The R 12 nineT is the roadster: 109 hp, fully adjustable suspension, 17-inch wheels (120/70 ZR 17 front, 180/55 ZR 17 rear), a 59.5-inch wheelbase, 4.4-inch trail, and 27.7-degree rake.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) The R 12 is the cruiser: 95 hp, non-adjustable forks, lazier steering geometry, a 754 mm single seat, and 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels (100/90-19 front, 150/80-16 rear) with a 59.8-inch wheelbase, 5.2-inch trail, and 29.3-degree rake.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) • [7](https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/bmw/r12-ninet/2024/)
The tanks are the clearest visual divider: the R 12 carries a 14-liter steel tank shaped after the 1970s /5 toaster tanks, while the nineT uses a 16-liter aluminum tank that is 30 mm shorter and narrower at the rear than its predecessor's, improving ergonomics and giving a more front-oriented seating position.[8](https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/r12-2024-review) • [9](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/india/article/detail/T0443648EN/the-all-new-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-the-all-new-bmw-r-12-launched-in-india?language=en) Riding modes differ too: Rain, Road, and Dynamic on the nineT; Roll and Rock on the R 12. Both have Dynamic Traction Control, Engine Drag Torque Control, Keyless Ride, and LED lighting as standard, with an optional adaptive Headlight Pro and TFT display.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) The R 12 offers an optional 35 kW (48 hp) power reduction for A2-class licenses.[3](https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r12/technicaldata.html)
## By the numbers
| Measure | R 12 nineT | R 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 109 hp (80 kW) at 7,000 rpm[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) • [9](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/india/article/detail/T0443648EN/the-all-new-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-the-all-new-bmw-r-12-launched-in-india?language=en) | 95 hp (70 kW) at 6,500 rpm[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) • [3](https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r12/technicaldata.html) |
| Torque | 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) at 6,500 rpm[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) | 81 lb-ft (110 Nm) at 6,000 rpm[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) |
| Seat height | 31.3 in[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) | 29.7 in[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US) |
| Unladen weight, fueled | 485 lbs[2](https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r12-ninet/technicaldata.html) | 500 lbs[3](https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r12/technicaldata.html) |
| Usable tank volume | 4.2 gal (16 L)[2](https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r12-ninet/technicaldata.html) • [8](https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/r12-2024-review) | 3.6 gal (14 L)[3](https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r12/technicaldata.html) • [8](https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/r12-2024-review) |
| US MSRP | $16,295[4](https://www.cyclenews.com/2024/03/article/new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12-roadster-and-cruiser-specs-and-price/) | $12,345[4](https://www.cyclenews.com/2024/03/article/new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12-roadster-and-cruiser-specs-and-price/) |
| UK price | £14,420[7](https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/bmw/r12-ninet/2024/) | £11,990[7](https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/bmw/r12-ninet/2024/) |
| India (ex-showroom, CBU) | INR 2,090,000[9](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/india/article/detail/T0443648EN/the-all-new-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-the-all-new-bmw-r-12-launched-in-india?language=en) | INR 1,990,000[9](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/india/article/detail/T0443648EN/the-all-new-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-the-all-new-bmw-r-12-launched-in-india?language=en) |
## How it compares
In the UK, the R 12 nineT at £14,420 sits above the £11,995 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and the £11,779 Kawasaki Z900RS, in the ballpark of the £14,495 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro, and below Norton's £16,999 Commando 961 SP.[7](https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/bmw/r12-ninet/2024/) The R 12 cruiser is positioned against the Harley-Davidson Nightster, the Triumph Speedmaster, and the [Indian Scout](https://www.edgepedia.org/indian-scout-motorcycle); its £11,990 starting price is a £2,430 discount to the R 12 nineT and roughly £1,000 less than rivals priced £12,945 to £12,995.[8](https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/r12-2024-review)
The R 12's geometry follows cruiser-segment conventions: its 29.3-degree rake, 5.2-inch trail, and 59.8-inch wheelbase rival the Indian Scout and Harley-Davidson's Sportster S and Nightster, and its 19-inch front wheel, 16-inch rear wheel, and 29.7-inch seat height match segment standards.[10](https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2024-bmw-r-12-first-ride-review)
## Reception and market performance
The US launch was expected in Q2 2024, with bikes in dealers that spring.[4](https://www.cyclenews.com/2024/03/article/new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12-roadster-and-cruiser-specs-and-price/) In India the models launched as completely built-up units with deliveries from September 2024.[9](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/india/article/detail/T0443648EN/the-all-new-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-the-all-new-bmw-r-12-launched-in-india?language=en)
Press reception was favorable. Motorcycle News (MCN) gave the R 12 nineT an overall 5 out of 5, and aggregated owner reviews on the site rate it 5 out of 5 across ride quality, engine, reliability, and value; MCN characterizes it as essentially the R nineT with a new name, fresh styling, and an updated chassis, replacing a bike that was an instant hit on its 2013 arrival.[7](https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/bmw/r12-ninet/2024/) Ultimate Motorcycling road-tested the R 12 nineT extensively in California in November 2024, describing the standard R 12 as a sporty cruiser for urban dwellers and the nineT as the performance-oriented option in the lineup.[11](https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2024/11/09/2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-review-a-dozen-fast-facts/) RevZilla's Common Tread described the R 12 as a lower, simpler, and cheaper version carrying a waft of cruiser style, with the nineT stepping into the R nineT's role.[12](https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-first-ride-review)
## References
1. [The new 2024 BMW R 12 nineT and R 12, BMW Group PressClub USA](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0439977EN_US/the-new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12?language=en_US)
2. [Data & Equipment | R 12 nineT, BMW Motorrad](https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r12-ninet/technicaldata.html)
3. [Data & Equipment | R 12, BMW Motorrad](https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r12/technicaldata.html)
4. [New 2024 BMW R 12 nineT and R 12 Roadster and Cruiser Specs and Price, Cycle News](https://www.cyclenews.com/2024/03/article/new-2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12-roadster-and-cruiser-specs-and-price/)
5. [BMW R12 nineT (2024) – Review, Bennetts BikeSocial](https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/r12-ninet-2024-review)
6. [The new 2024 BMW R 12 nineT and R 12 motorcycles, The Manual](https://www.themanual.com/auto/2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-r-12/)
7. [2024 BMW R12 nineT Review, Motorcycle News](https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/bmw/r12-ninet/2024/)
8. [BMW R12 (2024) – Technical Review, Bennetts BikeSocial](https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/r12-2024-review)
9. [The all-new BMW R 12 nineT and the all-new BMW R 12 launched in India, BMW Group PressClub India](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/india/article/detail/T0443648EN/the-all-new-bmw-r-12-ninet-and-the-all-new-bmw-r-12-launched-in-india?language=en)
10. [2024 BMW R 12 first ride review, RevZilla Common Tread](https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2024-bmw-r-12-first-ride-review)
11. [2024 BMW R 12 nineT Review [A Dozen Fast Facts], Ultimate Motorcycling](https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2024/11/09/2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-review-a-dozen-fast-facts/)
12. [2024 BMW R 12 nineT first ride review, RevZilla Common Tread](https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2024-bmw-r-12-ninet-first-ride-review)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Transport and spaceflight › Road transport › Motorcycles › Motorcycle manufacturers and marques › European motorcycle manufacturers*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license