BMW Goes Retro Again With New R 12 G/S, A Homage To 1980s ADV Models
The G/S continues in the lineup today, evolving into the recently updated R 1300 GS, a high-tech and highly capable platform built for exploration on and (far) off the road.
The first of BMW's modern retro machines was the beautiful and highly enjoyable R 18 (above), a low-slung (for BMW) cruiser equipped with fishtail mufflers, wide chrome handlebars, classic pinstripe paint, and a monster 1,800cc air-cooled boxer motor complete with pushrods and cooling fins. Inspired by BMW's 500cc 'R 5' boxer from the 1930s, the R 18 is a fully modernized bike with a ton of curb appeal. The R 18 remains popular and can be had in four different trims, from the beautiful stripped-down boulevard bruiser that I reviewed up to a full-on retro (but also fully modernized) touring platform.
Next up was the debut in 2024 of the new R 12 S (story below), a sporty callback to BMW's race-winning (and company-saving) R 90 S sportbike from the 1970s. Built on the R nine T platform, the R 12 S features a racy bikini fairing, sporty ergos, classic 'burnt orange' and silver/grey paint and a modern "hex head" boxer motor with all the latest tech tucked out of sight. It should be in showrooms soon.
Shortly after the R 90 S hit showrooms and saw brisk sales in the mid-1970s, BMW debuted the R 80 G/S, or 'Gelände-Strasse' ("Off road and street") in 1980. The original R 80 G/S (above) was essentially a touring model melded with a dirt bike that intrepid riders could point off the pavement if need be - a new type of riding made popular in part by the success of the late Ted Simon's book Jupiter's Travels. Jupier is the name of Simon's bike, a modified 1973 Triumph Tiger 100, and the book chronicled Simon's multi-year physical and psychological odyssey traveling the world. The Triumph Tiger was sort of the adventure bike of its day, and is still offered today, in a much more modern iteration of course.
The R 80 G/S is generally considered to be the first mass-production (and popular) purpose-built 'adventure" or ADV motorcycle, and it lives on today in the recently released R 1300 GS. Now, BMW has released a homage to the 1980s-era R 80 G/S models called the R 12 G/S. Like its forbear, it's a simplified machine riders can customize to their liking for travel on or off the road, but it's lighter and simpler than the more ADV-focused R 1300 GS. It's also much better looking, as well which is saying a lot for an ADV bike.
Simon's book, early 'scrambler' motorcycles, that first BMW R 80 G/S and a new breed of riders looking for adventure gave rise to the Adventure Motorcycle (aka "ADV") market, arguably the most popular type of motorcycle sold today, with most every major brand including at least one ADV type bike in their lineups.
The R 12 G/S will get power from the fuel-injected 109-horsepower 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer flat twin cylinder motor found in the popular R 12 nineT and other retro models. It's BMW's go-to motor for 'mid-range' boxers - the bigger R 1300 GS ges a more potent new mill. Like all big BMWs, final drive is by shaft and there are six gears to choose from. There are three ride mods as stock: Rain, Road and the off-road Enduro mode. Pop for the $900 Enduro Package Pro and a fourth mode, Enduro Pro, is unlocked. ABS, traction control, wheelie control and other high-tech helpers not even dreamed of in 1980 come standard. Lighting is LED all around.
A speedometer sits solo on the wide handlebars, tucked behind a brief bug screen as on the original. The gas tank holds just over 4 gallons of fuel, and the seat is long and flat for moving around while navigating off the pavement. There is room for a passenger as well. A more modern digital panel for the cockpit is an option.
The suspension has an average of eight inches of travel and is adjustable front and rear. The rear wheel is supported by a single arm allowing for quick wheel removal in the field for repairs. Spoke wheels on special rims allow for the latest tubeless adventure-spec tires.
'The new BMW R 12 G/S is much more than just a visual tribute to its predecessor from 45 years ago. It has everything you need for serious off-road riding today, both in terms of drivetrain and chassis,' BMW said in a press release. Pre-tariff pricing starts at $16,995 before any fees and there are three trims available as well as three color schemes, but BMW fans will likely opt for the period-correct white/blue/red seat scheme. Gold wheels are an option to really complete the look. The R 12 G/S should be available at BMW dealers later this year.
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