BMW is bringing back the classic-inspired G/S with the new bike built upon the new R 12 platform and bringing the heat in terms of off-road ability
As the originators of the adventure motorcycle class with the iconic R 80 G/S , BMW are undoubtedly masters of the versatile motorcycle. Just look at the all-conquering R 1300 GS range to see what they can do when they throw everything, including the kitchen sink at a concept.
However, one area where BMW has had mixed success is the modern classic genre, with bikes either being a hit like the original R nineT or a miss like the R nineT Urban G/S. It's that last bike that BMW looks to have righted a wrong with the debut of the new R 12 G/S.
"With the new BMW R 12 G/S, BMW Motorrad is offering a classic enduro for puristic off-road fun, Markus Lederer, Head of Boxer Series explains. "The abbreviation borrowed from the legendary R 80 G/S stands for 'Gelände / Straße' (Off-road / Street) and signals that the new member of the BMW R 12 family masters both equally. We know that numerous fans have been eagerly waiting for this motorcycle."
BMW have done things right this time around, giving fans a bike that not only has that coveted classic enduro look, but it has the spec to make it properly capable off the beaten track as well.
Taking the classic aesthetic of the original Paris Dakar Warrior - the R 80 G/S - the new R 12 G/S brings together a modern 1200 cc boxer twin with 109hp and 115Nm of stump-pulling power mated to modern suspension components.
While ground clearance hasn't been stated in the official spec sheet, suspension consists of adjustable 45mm upside down forks with adjustable spring, rebound and compression dampening, while the rear end is supported by an aluminium Paralever swinging arm with directly linked WAD spring strut, rebound and compression damping. Wheel travel is listed at 210mm and 200mm, respectively, sothe odds are good that the R 12 G/S suspension will easily soak up those large bumps when riding off-road.
Depending on which option box you tick, seat height varies from 860mm to 875mm, making the R 12 G/S tall but not ungainly.
Wet weight is as you'd expect for a bike of its class, with BMW claiming 229 kilos ready to ride. While some will say that is pretty heavy, don't forget this is still a 1200cc class machine and not a competition enduro.
Fuel capacity is listed at 15.5 litres and with a claimed fuel consumption of 5.1 litres per 100km the bike should be capable of 300km adventures.
BMW seems to have recognised that off-road riders want the ability to fit gnarly tyres, so the new R 12 G/S is offered with cross spoked wheels in the base specs of 21 and 17-inch rims while the Enduro Package Pro version gets an 18-inch rear rim.
BMW Motorrad NZ is yet to announce local pricing and arrival, but we look forward to seeing another off road ready modern classic out in the wild in the near future!
Highlights of the new BMW R 12 G/S:
• Classic, purist enduro design.
• Original air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine with 80 kW (109 hp) at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm at 6,500 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 310 mm 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 12 V 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 customization optional equipment available through the premium quality Original BMW Motorrad accessories range.