In a rare occasion, BMW Motorrad Australia decided to buck the trend of on-the-road bike launch and instead host the debut of their new R12 and R12 nineT at one of Australia’s most iconic moto destinations – Deus Ex Machina in Sydney. The RnineT range and Deus have many style and function synergies, it was the perfect venue for tear the covers off the new R12 and R12 nineT Deus over delivered with a magnificent spread, free flowing bar featuring local brews and a rock band reminiscent of the ’80s – with eye liner, ripped shirt and of course tattoos. Not to mention an incredibly talented artist, busy hand painting an R12.
The big reveal was hosted by BMW Motorrad Australia Head of Marketing, Joel Simondson, as VIPs, dealers and media were reminded of what the difference between the two bikes were and the already lengthy original line of RnineTs. Just so you don’t get your Rs, your 9s, Ts or your 12s confused we covered the basics late last year but there is only so much you can get from a press release so it’s great to be able to bring you more detail.
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Some information I enjoyed from the evening was the reminder of the five year warranty which is impressive as most motorcycle warranties sit around two years. Plus fixed price servicing for new and used (up to 10 years old) motorcycles. I know this has nothing to do with the new bikes but if I was to buy the R12 then this is a tasty carrot. It was also nice to see the BMW GS Safari has made it to 30 years. I’ve taken part in a number of these mega adventures on a few R1250 GS’s and what BMW do for their customer is perfect balance of comfort and adventure under the watchful eye of off-road pros Chris Urquhart, Shane Booth and the infamous Miles Davis who comes along to pop wheelies.
But I digress.
Let’s start with the R12. Very different, easy rider vibes from the stiffer, more aggressive R12 nineT – think cruiser mode without getting all Harley. From the shape and lines of the tank to the relaxed riding style aka ‘uphill riding’ style with the 19-inch front wheel and the lower seat height. As opposed to the R12 nine T which has ‘downhill cafe racer’ style, body forward and rearward facing feet.
They’ve kept the classic toaster tank (a nod to their R75) and the iconic, air cooled boxer engine is still a key feature which BMW are continuing to refine rather than move away from like other manufacturers. Although the R12 has less output than the R12 nineT, it stays in line with the cruiser style of increased torque and acceleration in the lower revs.
The R12 comes in at 220kg and the nineT at 227kg. Expect 95hp from the R12 with a 14L tank verse 109hp with a 16L tank for the R12 nineT.
The R12 comes standard with keyless ride and two riding modes – Roll (your everyday cruise) and Rock (more throttle response to better send it and an increased body rumbling purr).You have the option to option up with the HL (HighLine) where quick shift, heated grips, cruise control, tyre pressure control, hill start assist, design option exhaust and passenger kit are possible. You also get the Connected Ride Control which brings you into the 21st century and means Bluetooth mobile connection with BMW ConnectedRide App. Control your phone through the multi controller wheel on the handle bars. This ‘connectivity’ is new to the generally stripped back, classic style of a cafe racer but BMW have kept the round instruments. There is also option of the tidy, modern, digital display.
Three colours – black storm metallic, aventurine red metallic (+$925) and 719 Avus Silver Metallic from $27, 590 which includes the 719 series billet packs, seat and spoked wheels.
Go basic and the R12 starts at $20,120. Bump it up to HL and it starts from $23,260.
Moving on the R12 nineT and the most noticeable optimisations are the suspension and engine. Three riding modes here – rain, road, dynamic to fully engage the boxer engine.
Expect the same HL upgrade options except for the design exhaust and no passenger kit here.
The key for both these bikes is the focus on customisation. When striped back, the flat structure is designed to be customised. Mind you, when I’ve spent that much coin on a motorcycle, I’d possibly have run out of money for any customisations or I’d already be quite happy with the bike as it is. But options like freedom in choice of seats, side lines and tank shapes are made easy through the flatly arranged rear shock absorber and flat airbag under the seat bench. Also the one piece trellis frame rather than the separate control head and motor frames.
There are a few accessories available on the R12 and I did enjoy the Urban commuter luggage which is new, a range of side bags and tank bags. Another new option is the cylinder head cover protection which makes total sense because if you’ve had a boxer engine before you know that thing can sometimes stick out like a sore thumb in tight situations.
Pick it up in Black Storm metallic, San Remo green metallic (+$385) or go large with 719 aluminium. I must say the 719 is by far my pick of the lot. The 719 aluminium (unfortunately) starts at $30,590. It’s a liability having good taste. However this price does include the 719 series of billet pack, aluminium windshield and spoked wheels.
The R12 nineT starts at $23,990 and the R12 nineT HL begins at $26,990.
So there you have it – the evolution continues.
I look forward to hearing what you out on the streets think of it. So let me know in the comments what you think of this new BMW bikes.
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