BMW R 12 S

From a press release issued by BMW Motorrad:

With the BMW R 12 S, BMW Motorrad expands its Heritage range with a fitting 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 sporting riding dynamics. Chief Designer at the time, Hans A. Muth, skillfully expressed the sporting ambitions in the design language, 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.
Racing successes helped the BMW R 90 S to achieve an iconic image.

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

The BMW R 12 S transfers the spirit of the R 90 S into the here and now.
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 as well as in many details and transfers it skillfully 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 skillful 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.

Option 719 Wheel Classic II, Billet Packs Shadow and Shadow II, Headlight Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, and much more.
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 in finished in black, and the components of the Billet packs Shadow and Shadow II 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 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 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.
Comprehensive list of Original BMW Motorrad Accessories for customization.

The BMW R 12 S is based on the BMW R 12 nineT, and therefore all accessories, such as titanium exhaust systems, soft bags, or the navigation preparation can be added. Additional factory-installed options such as Tire Pressure Control (RDC), Anti-Theft Alarm System (DWA), Intelligent Emergency Call, Connected Ride Control, and the digital display with micro-TFT display as an alternative to the classic round instruments.

R 12 S Standard Equipment
Like all 2025 model year BMW motorcycle models, the new R 12 S includes the Ultimate Care Break-In Service, or “600 Mile Service” as standard. This included service further provides BMW customers with a truly premium experience. Time and mileage limits apply – maximum 6 months from the in-service date or maximum 750 miles – whichever comes first.
1,170 cc 2-cylinder air/oil-cooled Boxer engine 6-speed gearbox, DOHC cylinder head with 4 radially arranged valves, 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, 12V Socket, Speedometer and Revolution counter, Electronic Immobilizer, LED turn indicators, LED Headlight and tail light, USB Port, On-Board Computer, Ride Modes, Adjustable handbrake and clutch levers, Keyless Ride, Chrome plated Header, Aluminum Fuel Tank, Intelligent Emergency Call, Ultimate Care Break-In Service.

R 12 S Daytona Package
- Lava Orange Metallic Paint.
- Cockpit Fairing.
- Short rear tail with integrated LED lighting.
- Black license plate frame attached to swing arm.
- Option 719 Classic II Wheels.
- Hill Start Assist.
- Headlight Pro.
- Shift Assistant Pro.
- Single Seat and Rear Hump Cover.
- Heated Grips.
- Cruise Control.

Billet Pack Shadow.

- Milled Shadow ignition coil covers, oil filler plug, Avus Black Metallic Matte cylinder head covers.
- Billet Pack Shadow II Milled shadow foot shift and brake levers, rider and passenger footrest systems, hand brake and clutch levers, brake reservoir cover, bar end mirrors.