It’s hard to overlook the allure of a BMW R nineT, regardless of its form, and let me tell you, it comes in several enticing variations.
The classic R nineT made its debut in 2013, marking the inception of the BMW Motorrad Heritage world. This world has since expanded to include the Pure, Urban GS, Racer S, Sport and the Scrambler. In exciting news, BMW is set to further extend this five-bike series in 2024 with the introduction of the R 12 nineT roadster and the R 12 cruiser.
I personally think the Heritage World is BMW’s most beautiful, modern but also classic and retro range of bikes, and I can’t wait to see these two new additions in the flesh. To be fair, I’m finding the two and their many mentions of “12” a tad confusing but it’s also been a big few weeks. I’ve tried to make it as straightforward as possible below.
What you need to know about the R 12 nineT roadster
Let’s kick off with the R 12 nine T – roadster style
The original R nineT is a classic roadster and to serve it up simple – the R 12 nineT is the updated version.
Developed under the guiding principle of “The Spirit of nineT”, the R 12 nineT aims to preserve its archetypal look and customisation options. The focus on customisation remains strong. I’m not sure if you recall the world wide trend of R nineT custom jobs that were unparalleled in style and sophistication – ridable art fit for the runways of New York Fashion week, I kid you not.
What I’m excited about is the new R 12 nineT’s USB-C and 12-volt (there’s a lot of ’12s’ to scramble your brain) socket that come as standard located on each side of the two analogue round instruments for speed and rpm. Because how good is it when you can charge your phone on your motorcycle with no parts to go purchase. It just needs built in wifi and we’d rule the world.
Boasting improved ergonomics over its predecessor, the R12 nineT’s 30mm shorter and narrower fuel tank means the rider is positioned closer to the handlebars with better knee contact.
The details on the R 12 cruiser
Let’s turn our attention to the R 12. Designed as a classic cruiser for relaxed biking, as at home in urban environments as it is on winding country roads. With the motto ‘The Spirit of Easy’ – the motto doesn’t seem quite as punchy as the bike but perhaps in German it sounds way sexier.
The R 12 features a one-piece, lightweight frame as opposed to the previous R nineT series which have a front and rear main frame so less fastenings therefore reducing weight but also creating a cleaner finish.
The cruiser features the “Toaster Tank”, a nod to the BMW R75. The relaxed, low solo seat and wide handlebars are classic for cruisers and the bike feature a large 19-inch front wheel and small 16-inch rear wheel.
Both new models retain the distinctive, guttural tremble and body buzzing sensations of the robust, iconic two-cylinder boxer engine that has been synonymous with the manufacturer for a century. Models come in at 1170cc, and when you bump it up to 1200cc – that’s how you get the 12 in R 12. The R 12 nineT (roadster) will deliver 109hp and you can expect 95hp in the R 12 (cruiser) .
So what’s the spend?
R 12 nineT will start at $23,990 and the R 12 begins at $20, 210 – both with options to level up performance wise and of course spend wise.
Expect to see these in Australia early 2024.
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