BMW reveals exclusive 2025 R 12 S

With the BMW R 12 S, BMW Motorrad expands its Heritage range with a 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 sporty riding dynamics.

Chief Designer at the time, Hans A. Muth, expressed his ambitions in the design, 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 new BMW, and the model became very popular with buyers at the time.

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.

More than the Concept Ninety study presented by BMW Motorrad in May 2013, the new BMW R 12 S takes up the spirit of the R 90 S in its overall concept and in many details and transfers it 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 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.

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 finished in black, and the billet components 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 the 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 a 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.

The BMW R 12 S is based on the BMW R 12 nineT; therefore, all accessories, such as titanium exhaust systems, soft bags, or navigation preparation, can be added. The bike features a 1,170 cc 2-cylinder air/oil-cooled boxer engine 6-speed gearbox, DOHC cylinder head, 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, and more.

The BMW R 12 S will have an MSRP of $21,590 and be available in 2025, according to BMW Motorrad’s website.