BMW Motorrad has revealed two new retros for the international market – the R12 and the R12 nineT. The former is a middleweight 'classic cruiser' that slots below the German company's R 18 bike, while the latter is a 'classic roadster' that retains the DNA of the R nineT cruiser but comes with significant updates. The new models share the same air/oil-cooled, 2-cylinder boxer engine, providing what the company says powerful and characterful performance. Though the motor is the same, it is tuned differently for each bike. In the BMW R 12, the 1,170cc engine makes 94bhp at 6,500rpm and 110Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm. The BMW R 12 nineT, on the other hand, belts out 108bhp at 7,000rpm and 115Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. The bore and stroke figures are 101mm and 73mm, respectively, while the maximum engine speed is 8,500rpm.
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Transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed gearbox and drive shaft, transmitting power to the rear wheel. The cruiser gets two riding modes – Rock and Roll, while the roadster is available with three riding modes – Rain, Road, and Dynamic. The standard equipment on both bikes includes dynamic traction control, engine drag torque control, and cornering ABS.
2024 BMW R 12, R 12 nineT: Chassis
As opposed to a two-piece front main frame, both models use a new one-piece tubular bridge steel space frame with a bolt-on rear sub-frame. However, the retro-inspired motorcycles differ in terms of suspension. The BMW R 12 features a non-adjustable 45mm upside-down fork at the front, while the rear end comes with a mono-shock and Paralever swingarm. If you choose the R 12 nineT, you will get a fully adjustable 45mm upside-down front fork as well as a Paralever rear suspension. As for the braking hardware, the new R 12 and the R 12 nineT get twin 310mm discs with two radially mounted 4-piston callipers at the front and a single 265mm disc with a 2-piston floating calliper at the rear. These discs come mounted on cast light-alloy wheels.
The two bikes are further differentiated in terms of wheel size. Complementing the character of the cruiser, the R 12 bike comes with 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels and has a 1,520mm-long wheelbase. The roadster, meanwhile, gets 17-inch wheels on both ends and receives a 1,511mm-long wheelbase.
2024 BMW R 12, R 12 nineT: Styling, Features
BMW states that the 2024 BMW R 12 and the R 12 nineT are a blend of the torquey character of the boxer engine and the design language of traditional motorcycle eras with innovative technology and a modular concept that offers the rider maximum customisation options. The design highlights of the R 12 include a classic teardrop-shaped fuel tank similar to the 'Toaster Tanks' of the 1970s BMW /5 models, a standard single-piece seat (754mm), wide handlebars, low-mounted rear fender, integrated functional turn signals, and an LED headlamp, rounded-off with a single round gauge for speed.
In comparison, the R 12 nineT sports a 30mm fuel tank, brushed and clear-coated side panels, smoked rear turn signal lenses, and a compact tail section, complemented by two analogue round instruments, a USB-C port, as well as a 12V socket. The 795mm seat height, in combination with the shorter fuel tank, is said to offer improved riding ergonomics and a more front-oriented seating position when compared to the R nineT.
Common bits on both bikes include an angled rear mono-shock, an airbox positioned under the seat, an exhaust system with rear stacked mufflers, all-LED lighting, a standard keyless ride system, optional Connected Ride Control, and an eCall system.
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Both retro motorcycles can be had in 3 colour options. sBlackstorm Metallic, Aventurine Red Metallic, and Option 719 Thorium are offered with the R 12, while the R 12 nine T comes in Blackstorm Metallic, San Remo Green Metallic, and Option 719 Aluminium colours. Unveiled for the international market, the new BMW R 12 and the R 12 nineT are expected to arrive on Indian shores sooner or later.
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