- The new bike delivers 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb-ft of torque.
- A beautiful combination of blue and chrome parts makes the R 12 S stand out.
- US prices start at $21,590, excluding destination.
The BMW R 90 S is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports motorcycles ever released and 51 years after it first hit the market, the German brand has launched a modern homage to it, known as the R 12 S.
Bringing a 50-year-old design into the 21st century is no easy feat but BMW has managed to do it successfully. Like the R 90 S, the new R 12 S features a large single round headlight housed within a sleek cowling and a curved screen. It’s also been fitted with Option 719 Classic II wheels with wire spokes, similar to those found on the R 90 S.
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BMW has then added a series of black components for the motorcycle that gives it a rather sinister look, including the ignition coil covers, cylinder head covers, footrests, brake and shift levers, and the expansion tank. A Lava Orange Metallic paint scheme inspired by the original is also available.
Found beneath the retro-inspired surfaces of the R 12 S is a 1,170 cc two-cylinder engine that produces 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) of torque at 6,500 rpm. This engine has been paired with a six-speed manual transmission with a single-disk dry clutch. BMW says the new bike needs just 3.6 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) and won’t stop accelerating until it reaches 134 mph (215 km/h).
Other key components of the new bike include upside-down 45 mm forks at the front that offer adjustment for the compression, rebound, and spring preload. The rear suspension is also adjustable and braking power is provided by twin 310 mm front rotors with 4-piston calipers and a 265 mm disc at the rear with a 2-piston caliper.
Despite the bike’s classic looks, there are plenty of modern features as standard, including Hill Start Control, Gear Shift Assist Pro, heated grips, cruise control, and an adaptive cornering headlight.
US buyers will be able to pick up the keys to the 2025 R 12 S during the first quarter of next year, with prices starting at $21,590, excluding destination.
