Six months in the past, BMW Motorrad gave us a style of the primary main overhaul to the immensely in style R nineT—the renamed BMW R 12 nineT. Since then, murmurs have endured that the R 12 nineT gained’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].
Yes, cruiser. Despite the legacy of the oft-maligned BMW R1200C and the lackluster reception that the R18 has acquired, BMW is insistent that what the folks need is a boxer-powered cruiser. That stated, the R 12 may be their sharpest stab on the style but… supplied that you just’re joyful 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 method 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.
If you missed our earlier protection of the brand new R 12 nineT, we’ll carry you up to the mark. The 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’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 primary body with a bolt-on subframe. BMW’s proprietary Paralever shaft drive-slash-swingarm nonetheless does responsibility out again, however the single shock it attaches to has been positioned at a much more diagonal angle. This not solely appears to be like neater, however it presumably additionally permits BMW to fettle chassis geometry to swimsuit totally 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 nearly 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. Together 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 top 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 lowered to 90 mm. The entrance wheel is greater 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 top is 754 mm.
Both bikes put on alloy wheels in commonplace 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 commonplace. The R 12 weighs 227 kilos [500 lbs] moist, whereas the R 12 nineT suggestions 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 minimize 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 two bikes additionally function totally different bodywork. On the R 12 nineT, the redesigned tank, seat, and tail hump minimize a way more traditional silhouette than the nineT used to, with a near-perfect fly line operating by way of the bike. The redesign additionally places the handlebars nearer to the rider—a mod that the earlier mannequin sorely wanted.
Moving the R 12, you get a extra compact, tapered gasoline tank, impressed by the toaster tanks on traditional /5 boxers. The bikes share the identical triangular facet covers, however the R 12’s seating association could be very totally 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. Combined 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 lots prettier than the late-90s design of the R1200C. On the opposite, the R 12’s comparatively excessive (for a cruiser) stature, distinctively trendy swingarm, and sporty foot peg positioning are at odds with its cruiser costume. Besides, we’re undecided anybody even requested for a cruiser model of the R nineT.
Time will inform how the market reacts to the R 12. Meanwhile, the best way that BMW has dressed these two bikes speaks volumes about how malleable the brand new platform is. The actual story right here is that BMW was capable of put two totally different gasoline tanks on two variations of the identical bike—one thing that wasn’t beforehand doable with the R nineT.
The outgoing R nineT Roadster, Scrambler, and Urban G/S have been all caught with similar bodywork. It restricted not solely how a lot BMW may restyle every bike, but additionally how a lot work customizers needed to do in the event that they needed to construct actually distinctive customized R nineTs. By constructing an easier body, and retaining the nineT’s bolt-on-and-off subframe design, BMW has left the door broad open for personalization.
The similar sentiment may not maintain for the R 12’s up to date electronics. The LED lighting suite on each variations is good, however lovers of recent traditional bikes may 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 subsequently straightforward to customise. But we’re not solely positive how a lot freedom that gives you, and the way a lot of it you may swap out earlier than issues cease turning on.
But for those who like trendy 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 trendy) TFT show out there ex-works. USB-C and 12 V charging sockets are included, as is a keyless ignition and Bluetooth connectivity.
Other 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 Option 719 elements.
There’s no phrase on precisely when the R 12 nineT roadster and R 12 cruiser will go away the manufacturing facility, nor what they’ll value. We do know that every will are available in a ‘base’ colorway, with two further liveries out there for an extra charge.
Whether or not you’re on board with BMW’s newest try at constructing a cruiser, the actual query right here is what number of extra R 12 variations we’ll see. An R 12 Scrambler looks like a no brainer, and we are able to’t assist however really feel that the bike’s streamlined body has nice potential for a really low-slung bobber.
Only time will inform.
Source: BMW Motorrad
Source: www.bikeexif.com