BMW introduces 2024 R 12 cruiser and R 12 nineT roadster

Despite the name change, much of the model’s boxer engine remains unchanged in 2024. Both cylinders retain a 101 mm bore and 73 mm stroke, which maintains the R nineT’s 1,170 cc capacity. Air/oil-cooling, dual-overhead cams, and radially oriented valves carry over, as well. Slight changes consist of a new under-seat airbox, a rerouted twin-pipe exhaust system, and redesigned cylinder head covers.

In the roadster, BMW says the opposed twin still generates 109 horsepower (at 7,000 rpm) and 85 foot-pounds of torque (at 6,500 rpm). BMW engineers retuned the R 12’s mill for the cruiser crowd, though, with power peaking at 95 ponies (at 6,500 rpm) and torque maxing out at 81 foot-pounds (at 6,000 rpm).

Both models tame the punchy boxer with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Drag Torque Control. The R 12 nineT offers Dynamic, Road, and Rain ride modes while the R 12 adopts the “Rock” and “Roll” modes launched on the R 18. Customers hoping to squeeze every ounce of performance out of the Beemer can also spring for the Shift Assistant Pro (BMW-speak for quickshifter) accessory.

Fork in the road

Whereas two front sections previously comprised the R nineT’s trellis frame, the new platform features a simplified one-piece unit. According to BMW, that cuts down on the number of fasteners required, which reduces weight, in turn. 

On the R 12 nineT, a 45 mm fork offers full adjustability up front. Out back, a preload- and rebound-adjustable shock connects directly to the firm’s Paralever swingarm. BMW now mounts the shock diagonally and impedes bottoming with a hydraulic bump stop. Together, the suspension yields 4.7 inches of travel at both ends.

Toss in a set of 17-inch wheels and the 2024 nineT arrives with a 59.5-inch wheelbase, 27.7-degree rake, and 4.4 inches of trail. Maybe most importantly, the roadster lists a 31.3-inch seat height, a welcome figure considering its 485-pound wet weight. 

The cruiser also touts a 45 mm inverted front end but doesn’t bother with the compression, rebound, or preload adjustability found on the nineT. However, the R 12 cribs the rebound- and preload-adjustable shock from its café-styled cousin. Despite sharing similar building blocks, the boxer-powered bobber only provides 3.5 inches of wheel travel both fore and aft.

Its 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels lend to a cruiser-worthy stance, while its 29.7-inch seat height accommodates riders of even the shortest inseams. As cruisers go, the R 12 tips the scales at 500 pounds. Its 59.8-inch wheelbase, 29.3-degree rake, and 5.2-inch trail also hint at the model’s stability-over-agility approach. 

What the two R 12s do share is a braking system. The front employs radially mounted four-piston calipers and twin 310 mm discs while the rear resorts to a two-piston floating caliper and a 265 mm rotor. BMW offers its lean-dependent ABS Pro as standard on both models.

So extra

The R 12 and R 12 nineT stay close to their retro roots when it comes to instrumentation. The former presents a single analog gauge, while the latter sports a round speedometer and tachometer. Customers looking for a more modern dash can upgrade to BMW’s 3.5-inch micro TFT display. Still, that’s just a drop in the model's add-on accessories bucket.

Adding BMW’s Hill Start Assist Pro, Adaptive Headlight Pro, and Connected Ride Control Bluetooth interface all increasing the R 12 and R 12 nineT’s asking price. Fortunately, the brand’s Intelligent Emergency Call is included (in eligible markets). 

The R 12 nineT comes in Blackstorm Metallic, San Remo Green Metallic, and Option 719 "Aluminum" (brushed Aluminum/Night Black). The R 12 also offers three color options with Blackstorm Metallic, Aventurine Red Metallic, and Option 719 "Thorium" (Avus Silver Metallic). 

BMW hasn’t revealed pricing for either model yet, but it plans to announce that information closer to the R 12 and R 12 nineT’s market launch in Q1 2024.

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