It’s been virtually 10 years since BMW Motorrad launched the R nineT. Technologically the Boxer-powered Roadster wasn’t something groundbreaking. Its engine was a 1170cc model of the BMW’s oilhead flat-twin. It had fairly commonplace USD telescopic forks, a run-of-the-mill BMW paralever rear finish and spoked 17-inch wheels. However regardless of this, the R nineT was an progressive machine within the bike trade.

What made the BMW R nineT particular was what it provided homeowners in the best way of customisation. With a specifically designed wiring harness, an simply detachable bolt-on subframe and plug and play lighting equipment, BMW overtly inspired customisation of the R nineT. They after all provided a spread of their very own bolt-on conversion elements, however the true enjoyable started after they teamed up with customized workshops to create some truly unique R nineT customs. In consequence, the R nineT grew to become an immediate hit and has loved sturdy gross sales for the final decade. However now 10 years on, BMW has determined it’s time for an replace.

At BMW Motorrad’s current 100-year anniversary the producer unveiled the most important replace to the R nineT providing since its launch.

“The R nineT and its customising idea established the brand new Heritage expertise for BMW Motorrad’s ninetieth birthday and has change into an indispensable cornerstone of our mannequin vary,” says Dr Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad. “The brand new R 12 nineT constantly continues the profitable heritage story surrounding the legendary BMW boxer engines with an much more basic, decreased design language, even larger levels of freedom with regards to customizing and, final however not least, new and progressive know-how.”

As Dr Schramm identified, this new mannequin is rather more than only a revised identify and a few fancy bolt-on upgrades. It’s infact a big overhaul of the nineT platform which ought to have followers of the unique bike moderately excited. Thus far the German producer has solely launched restricted particulars concerning the specs of the brand new mannequin, however right here’s what we all know thus far…

BMW R 12 nineT styling

“The purist design language is dominated by the clear tank/seat/rear line, within the fashion of the normal /5 or the legendary R 90 S of the 70s. At first look, the tank itself is a basic BMW boxer tank, with a typical bend within the decrease edge and basic knee contact. The brand new R 12 NineT additionally options facet covers within the space of the body triangle within the genuine Roadster look – one other memory of BMW bikes of the Seventies.” says Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad.

Though the R 12 nineT bares a robust resemblance to the outgoing mannequin the styling modifications are vital. With this new mannequin, BMW has taken a extra angular strategy. In consequence, the brand new bodywork feels extra 80s to me than the basic easy traces of the unique nineT. The gasoline tank bares a robust resemblance to the Eighties R100 GS, proper all the way down to the excessive placement of the BMW roundels. As for the tail, I believe it’s a lifeless ringer for a K75 caboose.

The bike in these press photographs is ready up for solo driving with a wasps tail cowl and bum cease seat. There are not any passenger pegs to talk of, however it’s doubtless this configuration makes use of aftermarket elements the model is certain to supply prospects. It’s extra doubtless that the R 12 nineT will probably be offered with a two-up saddle and pillion gear. The facet covers Heinrich talked about are a particular enchancment over the earlier mannequin’s silver brackets and the entrance fender stays, though nonetheless unmistakably trendy, have a extra basic look.

One change I overtly welcome is the elimination of the ‘snorkel’ air consumption on the righthand facet of the present R nineT. This modification leaves extra of the Boxer twin in view, which isn’t a nasty factor. Moreover, the paint finishes seem extra black than gray on the R 12 nineT. BMW has clearly pulled again on using silver elements which supplies this new mannequin a considerably extra aggressive look.

BMW R 12 nineT efficiency

The engine powering the R12 nineT would be the very newest iteration of the producer’s 1200cc oilhead boxer. That is the place the R 12 naming conference comes into play, and is one thing they’re now making use of to different fashions of their heritage lineup. BMW has reworked the exhaust for the R 12 including in sharper bends and a crossover pipe which to me makes the headers look a bit like a set of crash bars. Below the stomach of the bike is the standard ‘bread field’ catalytic converter and the system is capped off with a pair of glossy chrome reverse megaphone mufflers. As for energy, torque and what sort of mileage the engine will provide it’s all nonetheless below wraps. The present R nineT places out 109hp and whereas it will be good to see a determine nearer to say the 136bhp of the R 1250 R, it’s extra doubtless issues will stay comparatively the identical.

By way of dealing with the suspension setup seems once more to be similar to the present mannequin. We are able to, after all, count on to get the newest up to date 2024 model of the forks and paralever. Whether or not there will probably be a Pure model of the R 12 with commonplace forks and a cheaper price tag is but to be revealed. The Brembo brakes seem comparable too and so they’re attached utilizing braided metal traces. One different change that BMW has hinted at is the chassis. As to how totally different the R 12 body is to the earlier mannequin it’s but to be revealed, however they’ve promised a full specification listing in mid-2023.

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BMW R 12 nineT commonplace gear

As you’d count on BMW has additionally up to date the usual gear on the 2024 R 12 nineT. Beginning with the lighting you possibly can count on to get a full set of LED equipment together with the headlight and tail mild which is now constructed into the tail unit. The cockpit is dominated by the newest model of the mannequin’s twin, classic-looking spherical analogue gauges. An LCD display screen on the face of every dial relays data to the rider such because the velocity, present gear, journey data, experience modes and extra. Spoked 17-inch wheels can even come as commonplace.

Customising the brand new BMW R 12 nineT

“As is custom, enticing customization choices are provided as a part of the unique BMW Motorrad accent vary,” says Edgar Heinrich. So, just like the present mannequin, there are positive to be a plethora of Choice 719 elements accompanying the discharge of this bike.

The relative ease with which the unique R nineT could possibly be customised was instrumental to its success. BMW Motorrad hasn’t missed this reality so the custom continues with the R 12 nineT. Much like the unique mannequin the R 12 has specifically designed wiring harnesses which make duties like altering the flip indicators hassle-free. The rear subframe additionally stays a bolt-on merchandise so it too may be swapped with aftermarket variations to fully restyle the rear finish.

If BMW makes use of the identical tactic they did again in 2014 with the discharge of this bike, we’re positive to be seeing some cool collaborations with customized workshops too. That is maybe probably the most thrilling facet of this new mannequin launch for us. Hopefully, BMW won’t disappoint.

BMW MOTORRAD