2027 BMW R12S Review

Published Jul 3, 2026 by Michael Le Pard

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2027 BMW R12S: SET AN EXCLAMATION MARK.

Introducing the 2027 BMW R12S…

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 BMW and the model became very popular with buyers at the time.

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.

2027 BMW R12S Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Colors:        Black Storm Metallic (n/c) unchanged.

Imperial Blue Metallic ($275) replaces San Remo Green                       Metallic.

Option 719 Aluminum ($2,195) unchanged.

Standard Equip:   1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin. 109 hp and                                         85 lb.-ft of torque.

BMW Motorrad ABS Pro.

DTC Dynamic Traction Control and Dynamic                                         Engine Brake Control.

Keyless Ride.

Full LED lighting.

Aluminum fuel tank.

Intelligent Emergency Call.

Optional Equip:           Premium Package $2,000 (increase from $1,320).

• Connected Ride Control added.

• Optional equipment: Comfort Package with new content
  M Endurance Chain.

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

2027 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 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 2027 model year BMW motorcycle models, the 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.

2027 BMW R12S – Totalmotorcycle.com Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $17,295 plus destination in USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $ See Dealer CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: from £ See Dealer GBP (total selling price)

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).