This fabulous BMW R 12 S is a tribute to the iconic R 90 S
How good is this?! A 70s inspired BMW R 12 S has been added to the marque’s expanding Heritage range that BMW Motorrad describes as a fitting tribute to the iconic R 90 S, which in 1973 set a sporty exclamation mark for BMW Motorrad with 67hp and a top speed of 200km/h.
The new machine features a handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing like the original R 90 S that BMW claims was the first of its kind for a production motorcycle in 1973.
The R 90 S proved a successful racer that boosted BMW’s sporty image in the 1970s. Significant successes included a win in the Production TT on the Isle of Man, where Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dähne celebrated a class victory in 1976; Steve McLaughlin’s win in the prestigious 200 Miles of Daytona; and his teammate Reg Pridmore becoming the first AMA Superbike Champion in history.
The new R 12 S is based on the R 12 nineT, and the designers have done a fantastic job of evoking the spirit of the R 90 S. “The defining design elements of our R 12 S include the handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing with the tinted windshield, the seat with contrast stitching, and the Lavaorange metallic paint finish as a nod to the legendary R 90 S Daytona Orange from 1975,” explains Alexander Buckan, Head of BMW Motorrad Design. “The design is perfectly complemented by details such as the red-laid ‘S’ on the side covers, the red double line, and the brushed and clear-lacquered aluminum surfaces of the tank and seat hump.”
The 1170cc air-cooled boxer twin develops a claimed 81kW (109hp) at 7000rpm and 115Nm at 6500rpm, and the R 12 S is said to tip the scales at 220kg wet. It runs fully adjustable suspension with 120mm travel front and rear, with a 45mm fork up front and monoshock at the rear on a single-sided swingarm. Brakes are four-piston radial-mount calipers up front with 310mm discs and a two-piston caliber at the back with a 265mm disc, while the 17-inch rims wear 120/70ZR-17 and 180/55ZR-17 rubber.
The R 12 S has numerous standard product features such as the Option 719 Classic II wheels with wire spokes and shiny, naturally anodised aluminium rims. The handlebars and fork tubes are black, and there are various billet components offered as part of optional packages.
A Comfort Package is standard that includes Hill Start Control, Shift Assistant Pro, Heated Grips, and Cruise Control, and the R 12 S. comes with Headlight Pro to ensure optimum illumination of the road in corners.
As the BMW R 12 S is based on the BMW R 12 nineT, there is a comprehensive range of optional accessories such as titanium exhaust systems, soft bags, navigation preparation, Tire Pressure Control (RDC), Anti-Theft Alarm System (DWA), Intelligent Emergency Call, Connected Ride Control, and a digital micro-TFT display as an alternative to classic round instruments.
We should see the R 12 S in showrooms in the first half of 2025. Pricing is yet to be confirmed but expect it to cost more than the R 12 nineT.
