With BMW Motorrad turning 100 this year, it’s only natural to expect a range of limited edition centenarian models. But this is one we really didn’t see coming. Meet the new BMW R 12 nineT—the evolution of the much-loved model R nineTten years after its debut.
Confusing nomenclature aside, there’s a lot to love about this face-enhanced nineT. For starters, BMW has managed to keep the R 12 nineT air- and oil-cooled, despite ever-tightening emissions regulations. Second, those with a keen eye will notice that the R 12 nineT has a very different contour compared to its predecessor.
BMW doesn’t say much about the boxer engine of the R 12 nineT, other than that it has a redesigned airbox and exhaust, and still has a displacement of around 1,200 cc (hence the ’12’ name). Visual gifts include the lack of prominent air intakes located along the fuel tank of the current nineT, redesigned valve caps and some smaller engine trim.
The R 12 nineT still runs with upside-down forks up front, BMW’s exclusive ‘Palever’ single-sided swingarm at the rear and 17-inch spokes wheels at both ends. Brembo four-piston monolithic brake calipers are mounted radially at the front, connected to steel braided brake lines.
But the biggest changes are visual. The ‘old’ R nineT is still an attractive bike, but it’s much more angular than most vintage style bikes. For the R 12 nineT, BMW designers accentuated the boxer’s silhouette with a new bodywork.
Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad said: “The pure design language is dominated by the clear fuel tank/seat/rear line, in the style of the traditional /5 or the legendary R90S. of the 70s. “At first glance, the fuel tank itself is a classic BMW boxer, with the typical curved bottom lip and classic knee contact.”
The new fuel tank of the R 12 nineT is reminiscent of the memorable BMW R100R Classic, and the new side panels have a much more classic feel than the subframe splints on the old model. The saddle and tailgate are also new, as is the plastic trim that hides the subframe (a detail we can’t live without). And the new exhaust cans look Damned good for OEM parts.
BMW says the goal here is a “pure, classic design”. And while the R12 nineT is undeniably a modern motorcycle, it is certainly leaner than the R nineT. Other details include redesigned front fender mounts, LED headlights and tweaks to the twin dials.
Ease of customization is still top of mind for the R 12 nineT. To our eyes, the chassis appeared to have been redesigned as well—but the subframe was still a bolted part, making it easier to tweak. The LED taillights are also part of the saddle and not the license plate mount, making the ‘tidy tail’ transition less of a hassle, and since we didn’t see any passenger latch mounts, they I assume they are removable.
BMW will certainly have a wide range of accessories available for the R 12 nineT. Until then, they’re keeping its price, power and weight a secret, and whether we’ll ever see its Scrambler and Urban G/S versions again.
Until then, who’s the first custom shop you’d want to see to customize the new BMW R 12 nineT?
Image provided by BMW Motorrad
