Yep, it’s back to the 80s with the unveiling of the new BMW R 12 G/S that harks back to the legendary BMW R 80 G/S… but with modern tech
It might seem like we’ve gone back to the 80s but it was only this morning that the wraps came off the new BMW R 12 G/S, a new off-road enduro machine in the style of the original R 80 G/S but equipped with present day modern technology. The unveiling of this new model follows on from the last year’s reveal of the BMW R 12 S.
The new BMW R 12 G/S is powered by a 1170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine that makes a claimed 80kW (109hp) at 7000rpm and a maximum torque of 115Nm at 6500 rpm. While that might sound a little old school, the R 12 G/S scores plenty of tech including cornering ABS and TC, as well as rider-selectable modes including Rain, Road and Enduro. The new BMW R 12 G/S also comes with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard, which can be switched off completely for off-road use, as well as engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard. A Shift Assistant Pro quickshifter is available as option to allow for clutchless shifting.
A one-piece tubular bridge steel spaceframe is at the heart of the new BMW R 12 G/S. The rear subframe, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame. It features the cross-spoke wheels you would expect of a fully fledged enduro, with a 21-inch wheel at the front and a 17-inch wheel at the rear. An 18-inch rear wheel is available as part of the Enduro Package Pro for even greater off-road capability.
Suspension is by way of a fully adjustable 45mm upside-down telescopic fork up front providing 210 mm of travel, and a Paralever swinging arm at the rear with an angled spring strut with travel-dependent damping and full adjustability, and 200 mm travel.
The new R 12 G/S has twin 310mm discs up front gripped by axially mounted two-piston calipers. There’s a single 265mm disc at the rear with a two-piston caliper. BMW Motorrad ABS Pro is fitted as standard.
As well as a centrally positioned round instrument display the new BMW R 12 G/S is fitted with a round LED headlight an iconic light signature in the shape of an ‘X’. Headlight Pro (adaptive headlight) is offered as an option. Other lighting is all LED and there’s a 12V socket for on-board power supply on the right-hand side of the cockpit.
Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date but for now you can register your interest at the BMW Motorrad Australia website. The new BMW R 12 G/S will be offered in three colour schemes:
BMW R 12 G/S basic version
Night black matt paint for front wheel cover / cockpit fairing / fuel tank / airbox cover / rear end.
Seat: Black.
Decals: Airbox cover.
BMW R 12 G/S optional colour
Light white paint for front wheel cover / cockpit fairing / fuel tank / airbox cover / rear end.
Seat: Red.
Decals: Fork protectors / fuel tank / cockpit fairing / airbox cover.
BMW R 12 G/S Option 719 Aragonit
Sandrover matt paint / Racing red matt paint / Mineral grey metallic matt for fuel tank / front wheel cover / cockpit fairing / airbox cover / rear end.
Seat: Black / Sandrover / Red.
Decals: Fork protectors / fuel tank / cockpit fairing.
BMW R 12 G/S Highlights
• Classic, purist enduro design.
• Original air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine with 80kW (109hp) at 7000 rpm and 115Nm at 6500 rpm.
• Left-hand single-flow exhaust system with high-mounted rear silencer and conical tailpipe.
• One-piece tubular spaceframe with raised and forward-positioned steering head section. Bolted-on rear frame.
• Fully adjustable upside-down telescopic fork at the front and Paralever swing arm with angled, also fully adjustable rear shock absorber with revised travel-dependent damping.
• 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel as standard. 18-inch rear wheel as part of the ‘Enduro Package Pro’ optional equipment.
• Axially mounted 2-piston floating calipers, steel flex brake lines and 310mm brake discs.
• BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for safe braking even when leaning into corners.
• Rain, Road and Enduro riding modes as standard. Additional Enduro Pro riding mode available as optional equipment.
• DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard.
• Classic round instrument panel and 12V socket. Digital display available as optional equipment ex works.
• Powerful LED light units as standard and adaptive Headlight Pro as optional equipment ex works.
• Keyless Ride for conveniently activating the locking functions via radio as standard.
• Three attractive colors for a stylish look.
• Tailored range of ex works customisation optional equipment available through the premium quality Original BMW Motorrad accessories range.
