2025 BMW R12S Review

With its comprehensive standard equipment, the R12S lets you relive the spirit of the 1970s with its aesthetic, while enjoying state-of-the-art technology. Of course, the iconic bike is also powered by the legendary boxer engine, which has been thrilling fans with its punch for decades.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2025 BMW R12S: TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND.

Introducing the 2025 BMW R12S…

Modern art meets an icon: the R 12 S from BMW Motorrad

The R 12 S brings legendary genetics to the streets in a modern and stylish way. It combines the shapes and colors of the ultimate racing bike from the 1970s, the R 90 S, with modern technology, comfort, and riding dynamics, as well as extensive standard equipment. Based on the R 12 nineT, it gives you a unique riding experience with an unmistakable boxer punch – pure #Soulfuel. Let’s paint the town orange.

With its comprehensive standard equipment, the R 12 S lets you relive the spirit of the 1970s with its aesthetic, while enjoying state-of-the-art technology. Of course, the iconic bike is also powered by the legendary boxer engine, which has been thrilling fans with its punch for decades.

With the BMW R 12 S, BMW Motorrad expands its Heritage range with a fitting tribute to the iconic R 90 S, which in 1973, set an exclamation mark for BMW Motorrad with 67 hp, a top speed of 124 mph (considered the “sound barrier” for motorcycles at the time), double disk front brakes and sporting riding dynamics.

Chief Designer at the time, Hans A. Muth, skillfully expressed the sporting ambitions in the design language, marking the R 90 S as the world’s first production motorcycle with a handlebar fairing designed according to aerodynamic principles. A red “90” in the R 90 S emblem of the engine, subtly pointed to the capabilities of the new BMW and the model became very popular with buyers at the time.

2025 BMW R12S Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

109 hp
485 lbs weight, fully fueled/road-ready
85 lb-ft max. torque at 6,500 rpm
31.3 inch seat height

2025 BMW R12S Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Modern art meets an icon
The form and details clearly reflect the design language of the 1970’s. Every detail expressed passion and exclusivity. With bright Lava Orange Metallic paint, the bike brings its unique style to the streets.

Let’s paint the town orange
The stylish color scheme and exclusive details are a nod to the R 90 S. The black fork and handlebars, as well as the cockpit fairing with a dark, tinted windscreen, all create strong contrasts. The Shadow & Shadow II Billet packs and the silver spoked wheels are exclusive to the R 12 S. The airbox badge with the red S serves to prove how fun and stylish this bike truly is.

Sporty, dynamic, stylish: Single seat bike
The stylish and sporty character of the R 12 S is emphasized by the single-seat rear with paint in Lava Orange Metallic and red double linework on brushed aluminum.

Your throne: the seat
On the black seat with orange contrast stitching, you can conquer the streets in comfort.

Aerodynamic eye-catcher: the front
All eyes on the captivating design: The front trim panel in a bright color extends forwards dynamically.

Pomp and circumstance: Option 719 Classic II wheel
The Option 719 Classic II wheel in natural aluminum with a glossy, anodized finish is available exclusively for the R 12 S. The silver spoked wheel rounds out the high-quality aesthetic.

Up to date: comfort and visibility
With adaptive headlights, the Headlight Pro ensures optimal visibility in any lean angle. Thanks to the comfort package, you can enjoy confidence and comfort on the road.

Modern retro: the dual round instrument
Precise measurements with the stylish dual round instrument.

S means fun: Airbox badge with a red S
Like with our legendary role model, the S signifies fun, sportiness, and an appreciation for special things in life.

Exclusivity in detail: Billet pack
The Shadow & Shadow II Billet packs are exclusive to the R 12 S and create sophisticated highlights, including the black cylinder head cover and the brake and clutch levers.

” It’s a boxer baby! ”
That boxer feeling
Even the engine is legendary. Today, as ever, the boxer is the drive of choice when you’re looking for a unique riding experience. With the three riding modes, RAIN, ROAD, and DYNAMIC, you can adapt your riding experience to suit your preferences.

An incomparable riding experience
The ergonomics, which are based on the R 12 nineT, allow you to maintain a dynamic sitting posture. ABS Pro and DTC provide support on the road. The features of the comfort package are included as standard and give you a more intensive riding experience: from Shift Assistant Pro to Hill Start Control. In colder temperatures, the heated grips keep your hands nice and warm. There’s only one problem: it’s hard to drag yourself off this bike.

3 year warranty
Ride on & on & on.

Get up to 3-years or 36,000 miles warranty on all new motorcycles.

Racing successes helped the BMW R 90 S to achieve an iconic image.

It did not take long for the image of the R 90 S to also benefit from racing successes. At the 1976 Production TT on the Isle of Man, Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dähne celebrated a class victory. In the same year, Steve McLaughlin (No. 83) won the prestigious 200 Miles of Daytona on a Butler & Smith prepared R 90 S, and his teammate Reg Pridmore (No. 163) went on to become the very first AMA Superbike Champion in history, with McLaughlin finishing the season in second place. Today, the R 90 S is, as it was then, one of the most sought-after BMW motorcycles.

The BMW R 12 S transfers the spirit of the R 90 S into the here and now.

More than the Concept Ninety study presented by BMW Motorrad in May 2013, the new BMW R 12 S takes up the spirit of the R 90 S in its overall concept as well as in many details and transfers it skillfully into the present day. Based on the R 12 nineT, it embodies an authentic and sporty retro motorcycle and blends several ingredients that make up a skillful homage to the R 90 S.

“The defining design elements of our R 12 S include the handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing with the tinted windshield, the seat with contrast stitching, and the Lava Orange Metallic paint finish as a nod to the legendary R 90 S Daytona Orange from 1975. The design is perfectly complemented by details such as the red-laid ‘S’ on the side covers, the red double coach line, and the brushed and clear-lacquered aluminum surfaces of the tank and seat hump,” explains Alexander Buckan, Head of BMW Motorrad Design.

European model with shown above. U.S. model includes standard short rear tail with swing arm mounted license plate frame.

U.S. model with standard short rear tail and swingarm mounted license plate frame.

Option 719 Wheel Classic II, Billet Packs Shadow and Shadow II, Headlight Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, and much more.

The claim to a sporty retro motorcycle is underlined by the R 12 S with numerous standard product features such as the Option 719 Classic II wheels with wire spokes and naturally anodized aluminum rims. The handlebars and fork tubes are in finished in black, and the components of the Billet packs Shadow and Shadow II make for attractive accents. Components of the Billet Pack Shadow are the left and right ignition coil covers, the oil filler screw, and the cylinder head covers coated in Avus Black Metallic Matte. The Billet Pack Shadow II includes the footrest system with foot brake and gear shift levers, the pillion footrests, the hand brake and clutch levers, the expansion tank covers for the front brake and clutch, as well as the handlebar end mirrors.

Further standard features include Hill Start Control, Gear Shift Assist Pro, Heated Grips, Cruise Control and short rear tail with swing arm mounted license plate holder. For even more safety during night rides, the adaptive cornering light Headlight Pro ensures better illumination of the road in corners.

Comprehensive list of Original BMW Motorrad Accessories for customization.

The BMW R 12 S is based on the BMW R 12 nineT, and therefore all accessories, such as titanium exhaust systems, soft bags, or the navigation preparation can be added. Additional factory-installed options such as Tire Pressure Control (RDC), Anti-Theft Alarm System (DWA), Intelligent Emergency Call, Connected Ride Control, and the digital display with micro-TFT display as an alternative to the classic round instruments.

R 12 S Standard Equipment

Like all 2025 model year BMW motorcycle models, the new R 12 S includes the Ultimate Care Break-In Service, or “600 Mile Service” as standard. This included service further provides BMW customers with a truly premium experience. Time and mileage limits apply – maximum 6 months from the in-service date or maximum 750 miles – whichever comes first.

1,170 cc 2-cylinder air/oil-cooled Boxer engine 6-speed gearbox, DOHC cylinder head with 4 radially arranged valves, Shaft Drive, Cast aluminum wheels, BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, BMW Motorrad Paralever, Twin disc front brake with radial brake caliper, DTC Dynamic Traction Control, Rear Preload Adjustable, Steering Stabilizer, Upside down fork with adjustable rebound, compression and preload, 12V Socket, Speedometer and Revolution counter, Electronic Immobilizer, LED turn indicators, LED Headlight and tail light, USB Port, On-Board Computer, Ride Modes, Adjustable handbrake and clutch levers, Keyless Ride, Chrome plated Header, Aluminum Fuel Tank, Intelligent Emergency Call, Ultimate Care Break-In Service.

R 12 S Daytona Package

Lava Orange Metallic Paint.
Cockpit Fairing.
Short rear tail with integrated LED lighting.
Black license plate frame attached to swing arm.
Option 719 Classic II Wheels.
Hill Start Assist.
Headlight Pro.
Shift Assistant Pro.
Single Seat and Rear Hump Cover.
Heated Grips.
Cruise Control.
Billet Pack Shadow.
- Milled Shadow ignition coil covers, oil filler plug, Avus Black Metallic Matte cylinder head covers.
Billet Pack Shadow II
- Milled shadow foot shift and brake levers, rider and passenger footrest systems, hand brake and clutch levers, brake reservoir cover, bar end mirrors.

2025 BMW R12S – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $21,590 USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $24,550 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: from £18,460 GBP (total selling price)

Engine
Capacity		cc	1,170
Bore/stroke		mm	101.0 x 73.0
Output		hp	109 @ 7,000 rpm
Torque		ft-lbs.	85 @ 6,500 rpm
Type			Air/oil-cooled two cylinder boxer motor
Compression			12.0:1
Fuel			Premium unleaded 95 RON
Valves per cylinder			4
Ø intake / exhaust valve dia.		mm	39.0 / 33.0
Ø throttle valve		mm	50
Engine control			BMS-O with throttle-by-wire
Emission control			Closed loop 3-way catalytic converter EU5+
Electrical system
Generator		W	660
Battery		V/Ah	12 / 10
Headlight			LED Headlight Pro
Rear light			LED
Starter		W	1,200
Power transmission
Clutch			Single-disk dry clutch, hydraulically operated
Gearbox			Constant-mesh 6-speed manual, cardan drive shaft
Transmission ratios		I	2.375
II			1.696
III			1.296
IV			1.065
V			0.939
VI			0.848
Primary ratio			1.737
Secondary ratio			2.910
Chassis
Frame construction type			Steel trellis frame
Front wheel suspension			Upside-down 45 mm forks, compression, rebound and spring preload adjustable
Rear wheel suspension			Cast aluminum single-sided swingarm with Paralever brace, central progressive shock, rebound and spring pre-load adjustable
Spring travel, front/rear	inches		4.7 / 4.7
Wheel castor	inches		4.35
Wheelbase	inches		59.5
Steering head angle	degrees		27.7
Brakes, front			Twin 310 mm floating disks with 4-piston monobloc radial brake calipers
Brakes, rear			Single 265 mm disk with 2-piston floating caliper
ABS			BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, partial integral
Wheels			Option 719 Classic II aluminum spoked
Wheel size front / rear	inches		3.50 x 17 / 5.50 x 17
Tire size front / rear	inches		120/70 ZR17 / 180/55 ZR17
Dimensions and weights
Total length	inches		83.8
Total width incl. bar end mirrors	inches
Seat height	inches		31.3
DIN unladen weight, road ready	lbs.		485
Permitted total weight	lbs.		948
Fuel tank capacity	gallons		4.2
Performance figures
Acceleration 0-62 mph	seconds		3.6
Top speed	mph		134 mph

2025 BMW R12S – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

Engine

Rated output

80 kW (109 hp) at 7,000 rpm, A2: 70 kW (95 hp) at 6,500 rpm, OE power reduction: 35 kW (48 hp) at 5,250 rpm

Emission control

Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter

Type

Air/oil-cooled two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine with two overhead camshafts, four radially arranged valves and central counterbalance shaft

Bore x stroke

101 mm x 73 mm

Capacity

1,170 cc

Max. torque

115 Nm at 6,500 rpm, A2: 110 Nm at 6,000 rpm, OE power reduction: 98 Nm at 3,000 rpm

Compression ratio

12.0 : 1

Mixture control

Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wire

Exhaust emission standards

EU 5+

Performance / fuel consumption

Maximum speed

215 km/h

Fuel consumption per 100 km based on WMTC

5.1 l

Fuel type

Super unleaded (max. 15% ethanol, E15), 95 ROZ/RON, 90 AKI

CO2 emission based on WMTC

119 g/km

Electrical system

Alternator

Permanent magnet alternator with 660 W (nominal power)

Battery

12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free

Power transmission

Clutch

Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated

Gearbox

Claw-shifted 6-gear gearbox with separate transmission housing

Drive

Cardan

Traction control

BMW Motorrad DTC

#Soulfuel

Chassis / brakes

Frame

Tubular space frame

Front wheel location / suspension

Upside-down fork, diameter 45 mm, spring pre-load adjustable, rebound and compression adjustable

Rear wheel location / suspension

Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with Paralever brace, central progressive spring strut, spring pre-load adjustable, rebound damping adjustable

Suspension travel, front / rear

120 mm / 120 mm

Wheelbase

1,511 mm

Castor

110.7 mm

Steering head angle

62.3°

Rim, front

3.50 x 17″

Rim, rear

5.50 x 17”

Tire, front

120/70 ZR17

Tire, rear

180/55 ZR17

Brake, front

Twin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 310 mm, 4-piston Monobloc radial brake caliper

Brake, rear

Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, 2-piston floating caliper

ABS

BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro (partial integral)

Dimensions / weights

Seat height at unladen weight

795 mm

Inner leg curve at unladen weight

1,765 mm

Usable tank volume

16 l

Reserve

approx. 3.5 l

Length

2,130 mm (over rear wheel)

Height

1,070 mm (without mirror)

Width

870 mm (above hand lever)

Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled

220 kg

Permitted total weight

430 kg

Payload (with standard equipment)

211 kg

1) According to Guideline (EU) 168/2013 with all operating fluids, with standard equipment and refuelled with min. 90% of the usable fuel tank capacity.

2025 BMW R12S – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

Engine