The 2024 BMW R 12 nineT is the latest addition to BMW’s traditional motorcycle range, combining classic design elements with modern technology and performance. This classic style roadster helps celebrate the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad.
Horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engines are as synonymous with BMW as V-Twins are with Harley-Davidson. The Boxer is a hallmark of BMW, long known for its distinctive aesthetics and linear power delivery. The 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer is proudly displayed on the R 12 nineT.
The R nineT was introduced in 2013, attracting the attention of riders who wanted the look of a classic cafe racer but with modern performance and capabilities. More than 110,000 cars were sold out of BMW dealerships.
Related: Review of the BMW R nineT 2023 100 year version
For 2024, the model has changed its name to include a displacement reference, “12” being added to this R 12 nineT. With a new exhaust and different modifications, the low-slung boxer produces 107 horsepower and is fitted to a new monocoque frame. The chassis is shared with the new Cruiser R 12 ($12,345), reduced to 95 horsepower to meet European A2 licensing requirements. Both engines have similar torque curves below 6,000 rpm.
TAKE OFF
BMW R 12 nineT | Device
The R 12 nineT starts at $16,990 including a $695 destination charge. Adding optional equipment can quickly shift MSRP. The Select package adds $1,524 to the price and includes an up/down quickshifter, cruise control, heated handlebars, Hill Start Assist Pro and Connected Ride Control with Bluetooth interface.
Spending another $2,275 will access the attractive 719 Options package. It has a red frame and is brightly decorated with a glossy finish on the aluminum tank, windshield, rear fender and tail hump (a $1,020 option). It also features many machined billet aluminum components, including the cylinder head cover, adjustable hand and foot controls, handle-end mirror and expansion tank cover, along with a seat and system. other exhaust systems.
But please wait a little longer! A minimalist 3.5-inch TFT instrument panel can be added for $145, but BMW wants to give buyers the option of newly designed twin-circle analog gauges, which are perhaps better suited to what the nineT takes. Classic inspiration. Tubeless spoked wheels are a $695 option to replace standard cast aluminum rims, if that’s the look you prefer.
All versions of the nineT include keyless ignition, IMU to notify traction control and cornering ABS, riding modes (Dynamic, Road and Rain), full LED lighting, charging port USB-C and 12-volt outlet.
BMW R 12 nineT | Test drive
The set of nineTs sitting in front of our Spain hotel looks fantastic, especially with the aluminum tail covers combined with the bare aluminum edges of the fuel tank. The bikes look both classy and classic.
With a seat height of 31.3 inches, the nineT is quite easy to sit on and keep its 485 lb curb weight upright. Its 4.2-gallon fuel tank is 1.2 inches shorter and is also narrower between the knees than before to place the rider closer to the handlebars. The driving position is sporty but not too restrictive, a good compromise for a cafe racer like this. The digital dashboard fitted to our bike is small but usable.
Firing the engine is accompanied by the usual opposed torsion-twin unit that shifts the car to the right, with the new exhaust system emitting the traditional boxer sound. It’s not pretentious but it sounds authoritative.
The linear powerband gives its rider a good grunt regardless of engine speed, and it really comes alive in the mid-range. Peak torque of 85 lb-ft arrives at 6,500 rpm and its peak power of 107 horsepower arrives at 7,000 rpm with the ability to rev 1,500 rpm before hitting redline at 8,500 rpm. minute. Owners will want to burn premium fuel, as I heard hints of a warning whine when applying heavy throttle input in higher gears.
The NineT continues to use a single-plate dry clutch, which can be overloaded if the rider slips too much, and it requires quite a bit of pulling power despite being hydraulically actuated. The transmission’s operation feels archaic compared to most modern transmissions, requiring significant lever travel to shift to the next gear. BMW’s Shift Assist Pro feature is a first for a nineT, but it shifts gears with a wobble that’s not appropriate for a high-end roadster like this. For the smoothest shifting, I did it manually.
The wide handlebars provide good leverage over the lazy 27.7-degree rake with 4.4 inches of trail and a long 59.5-inch wheelbase. As sporty as the nineT is, it’s not quite as nimble, which makes me wonder whether a standard steering damper is even necessary. Adding input through your feet is somewhat hindered by the slippery footrests.
Suspension from the fully adjustable 45mm upside-down fork is excellent. The rear dampers – which also have 4.7 inches of travel – have been retuned to operate better without linkage and to use travel-dependent damping. The axle drive arrangement adds weight relative to the chain, making the rear end less responsive when absorbing bumps. A hydraulic preload adjustment knob is conveniently located near the rider’s right knee, while an adjustable rebound damping screw is located on the shock.
When riding a debonair bike like the nineT, the rider wants a smooth look, but re-pressing the throttle from a closed throttle can be abrupt and I ended up over-braking the engine while decelerating. On the plus side, the radially mounted four-piston monobloc calipers and twin 310mm floating rotors do a good job of reducing the speeds the nineT can achieve.
BMW R 12 nineT | Return to the barn
I felt conflicted about the R 12 nineT as I drove it back to the hotel. There is no doubt that this is a special machine and it is reminiscent of classic motorcycle designs with its minimalist and elegant lines. I sincerely appreciate its form factor and can imagine it sparkling in my personal garage.
On the other hand, its powertrain feels dated, which came into relief when driving the sparkling M 1000 XR on the same day. The nineT has a classic feel and it makes this reviewer want to paint it with the same brush as when reviewing older Moto Guzzis, highlighting the bike’s rich personality and ignoring its flaws. It.
Related: Review of BMW M 1000 XR 2024
The R 12 nineT stands out as a beautifully crafted motorcycle that pays homage to BMW’s rich heritage while incorporating modern technology. With a blend of classic aesthetics and cutting-edge features, nineT offers both character and capability. It won’t be the most cost-effective bike in your garage, but it might be your favorite.
Technical specifications of BMW R 12 nineT 2024
- Basic price: $16,990
- Price as tested: $20,554
- Guarantee: 2 years, not yet introduced. mile
- Website: BMWmotorcycles.com
ENGINE
- Type: Air/oil cooled, longitudinally symmetrical twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
- Move: 1,170cc
- Diameter x piston stroke: 101×73.0mm
- Horse power:107 @ 7,000 rpm (factory requirement)
- Torque:85 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm (factory requirement)
- Compression ratio:12.0:1
- Check valve. Period:6,000 miles
- Fueling:EFI w/ throttle-by-wire, twin throttle bodies
- Transmission process:6-speed single disc dry clutch, hydraulically driven
- Final drive:Parallel shaft
CHASSIS
- Frame:Steel pipe
- The standard long:58.5 inches.
- Rake/Trail:27.7 degrees/4.4 inches.
- Seat height:31.3 inches.
- Suspension, front:46mm upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 4.7 inches of travel
- Behind:Single shock, adj. rebound damping and preload, 4.7 inches of travel
- Brakes, front:Twin 310 mm discs with 4-piston radial brake calipers and cornering ABS
- Behind:Single 265 mm disc with 2-piston brake caliper and cornering ABS
- Wheels, front:Tubeless wire spokes, 3.5 x 17 (tested)
- Behind:Tubeless spokes, 5.5 x 17 (tested)
- Tires, Front:120/70-ZR17
- Behind:180/55-ZR17
- Wet Weight:485 lb (factory requirement)
- Fuel quantity:4.2 gallons.
