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Six months in the past, BMW Motorrad gave us a style of the primary main overhaul to the immensely fashionable R nineT—the renamed BMW R 12 nineT. Since then, murmurs have persevered that the R 12 nineT received’t be the one new bike launched on the up to date heritage boxer platform. The Bavarian powerhouse has simply confirmed this, with the revealing of the brand new BMW R 12 cruiser [above].
Sure, cruiser. Regardless of the legacy of the oft-maligned BMW R1200C and the lackluster reception that the R18 has obtained, BMW is insistent that what the individuals need is a boxer-powered cruiser. That stated, the R 12 could be their sharpest stab on the style but… offered that you just’re pleased to play quick and free with the definition of ‘cruiser.’
As has been the customized with BMW’s heritage bikes (and competing bikes just like the Harley-Davidson Evo Sportster and Triumph Bonneville), each R 12 variants are basically the identical bike, dressed two methods. The way in which we’re studying it, the R 12 nineT roadster [above] is the flagship of the vary, whereas the R 12 cruiser is available in as a stripped-down, easier-going, and presumable cheaper sibling.
In the event you missed our earlier protection of the new R 12 nineT, we’ll carry you up to the mark. The brand new R 12 platform makes use of just about the identical 1,170 cc air- and oil-cooled boxer powerplant because the outgoing R nineT, able to 105 hp at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. But it surely’s been repackaged in a brand new chassis, with a number of notable adjustments past simply its new valve covers.
The R 12 platform makes use of a brand-new tubular metal major body with a bolt-on subframe. BMW’s proprietary Paralever shaft drive-slash-swingarm nonetheless does obligation out again, however the single shock it attaches to has been positioned at a much more diagonal angle. This not solely seems neater, however it presumably additionally permits BMW to fettle chassis geometry to go well with completely different variations of the R 12.
The R 12’s air field has been relocated to beneath the seat, so the nineT has misplaced its distinctive ‘snorkel.’ The exhaust is new too, that includes a pair of conical mufflers that just about look too good to swap out.
From right here, the 2 fashions’ spec sheets diverge. The R 12 nineT roadster will get absolutely adjustable 45 mm upside-down forks and a rear shock that’s adjustable for preload and rebound, with 120 mm of suspension journey at each ends. Along with its 3.50×17” (entrance) and 5.50×17” (rear) wheels, it has a 1,511 mm wheelbase, a rake of 110.7 mm, a steering head angle of 62.3 levels, and a seat peak of 795 mm.
The R 12 cruiser boasts the identical type of suspension because the R 12 nineT, however with fewer adjustment choices and with journey diminished to 90 mm. The entrance wheel is larger and narrower (2.75×19”), whereas the rear wheel is smaller and narrower (4.00×16”). The wheelbase is 1,520 mm, the rake is 132.5 mm, the steering head angle is 60.7 levels, and the seat peak is 754 mm.
Each bikes put on alloy wheels in normal trim (spoked hoops are non-obligatory), with twin radially-mounted four-piston brake calipers gripping 310 mm discs up entrance, braided metal brake traces, and cornering ABS as normal. The R 12 weighs 227 kilos [500 lbs] moist, whereas the R 12 nineT ideas the scales at 220 kilos [485 lbs].
It’s additionally price noting that the R 12’s engine is down-tuned from the flagship mannequin’s. It’s been reduce all the way down to 95 hp at 6,500 rpm and 110 Nm at 6,000 rpm, presumably to slot in with the ‘easygoing’ ethos that it’s gunning for.
The 2 bikes additionally characteristic completely different bodywork. On the R 12 nineT, the redesigned tank, seat, and tail hump reduce a way more traditional silhouette than the nineT used to, with a near-perfect fly line working by the bike. The redesign additionally places the handlebars nearer to the rider—a mod that the earlier mannequin sorely wanted.
Shifting the R 12, you get a extra compact, tapered gas tank, impressed by the toaster tanks on traditional /5 boxers. The bikes share the identical triangular aspect covers, however the R 12’s seating association could be very completely different. BMW’s materials exhibits the R12 in numerous guises, together with a model with a bobbed seat and the tiniest rear cowl, and a model that proudly wears a beneficiant cruiser-like rear fender.
We’re not clear on which is the default setting, however we’re fairly positive it’s the latter. Mixed with the R 12’s excessive handlebars and chunky stepped seat, the bike has a pseudo-vintage Sportster vibe that we’re fully ambivalent about.
On the one hand, it’s a heck of rather a lot prettier than the late-90s design of the R1200C. On the opposite, the R 12’s comparatively excessive (for a cruiser) stature, distinctively fashionable swingarm, and sporty foot peg positioning are at odds with its cruiser costume. Moreover, we’re unsure anybody even requested for a cruiser model of the R nineT.
Time will inform how the market reacts to the R 12. In the meantime, the best way that BMW has dressed these two bikes speaks volumes about how malleable the brand new platform is. The true story right here is that BMW was capable of put two completely different gas tanks on two variations of the identical bike—one thing that wasn’t beforehand potential with the R nineT.
The outgoing R nineT Roadster, Scrambler, and City G/S have been all caught with an identical bodywork. It restricted not solely how a lot BMW may restyle every bike, but in addition how a lot work customizers needed to do in the event that they needed to construct actually distinctive customized R nineTs. By constructing a less complicated body, and retaining the nineT’s bolt-on-and-off subframe design, BMW has left the door broad open for personalisation.
The identical sentiment won’t maintain for the R 12’s up to date electronics. The LED lighting suite on each variations is good, however lovers of contemporary traditional bikes would possibly balk on the built-in traction management, dynamic torque management, and myriad using modes. The R 12 nineT will get 4 using modes out of the field, whereas the R 12 borrows the R 18’s dismally-named ‘Rock’ and ‘Roll’ using modes.
BMW does say that the R 12’s LIN-Bus system makes the digital system modular, and due to this fact straightforward to customise. However we’re not totally positive how a lot freedom that gives you, and the way a lot of it you’ll be able to swap out earlier than issues cease turning on.
However for those who like fashionable tech in your bike, the excellent news is that BMW has thrown some spicy non-obligatory extras into the combination. If the analog dials (only a speedo on the R12; a speedo and tach on the R 12 nineT) are too retro, there’s a slim (and really fashionable) TFT show accessible ex-works. USB-C and 12 V charging sockets are included, as is a keyless ignition and Bluetooth connectivity.
Different non-obligatory extras embrace a quick-shifter, hill begin management, and heated grips. BMW additionally has an intensive vary of bolt-on bits, together with their top-shelf CNC-machined Choice 719 components.
There’s no phrase on precisely when the R 12 nineT roadster and R 12 cruiser will go away the manufacturing unit, nor what they are going to price. We do know that every will are available in a ‘base’ colorway, with two additional liveries accessible for an extra charge.
Whether or not or not you’re on board with BMW’s newest try at constructing a cruiser, the true query right here is what number of extra R 12 variations we’ll see. An R 12 Scrambler seems like a no brainer, and we will’t assist however really feel that the bike’s streamlined body has nice potential for a really low-slung bobber.
Solely time will inform.
Supply: BMW Motorrad
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