BMW

BMW R 12 S 2025: A fitting homage to the iconic R 90 S

With the BMW R 12 S, BMW Motorrad is expanding its Heritage range with a fitting homage to the iconic R 90 S, which in 1973 set a sporty exclamation mark not only in terms of riding dynamics for BMW Motorrad but with 67 hp and a top speed of 200 km/h.

In addition, the then Chief Designer Hans A. Muth skilfully expressed the sporting ambitions in the design language and sent the BMW R 90 S, as the world's first production motorcycle, with a handlebar fairing designed in line with aerodynamic aspects and a red '90' on the R 90 S engine emblem, successfully racing for the favour of buyers.

The racing successes helped the BMW R 90 S to achieve an iconic image... It was not long before the image of the R 90 S also benefited from its racing successes. For example, at the Production TT on the Isle of Man, where Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dähne celebrated a class victory in 1976. In the same year, Steve McLaughlin also won the prestigious Daytona 200, and his teammate Reg Pridmore became the first AMA Superbike champion in history. For this reason too, an R 90 S is today, 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 to the here and now... More than the Concept Ninety study presented by BMW Motorrad in May 2013, the new BMW R 12 S takes on the spirit of the R 90 S in its overall concept as well as in many details and skilfully transfers it to the present day. Based on the R 12 nineT, it embodies an authentic retro and sporty motorcycle and uses several ingredients that make up a skilful homage to the R 90 S.

“The defining design elements of our R 12 S include the handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing with tinted windscreen, the seat with contrast stitching and the Lavaorange metallic paint finish as a tribute to the legendary R 90 S Daytona Orange from 1975. The design is perfectly complemented by details such as the red S on the side covers, the red double line and the brushed aluminium and clear lacquered surfaces of the tank and seat lug,” explains Alexander Buckan, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad. 

Generous standard equipment with the Option 719 Wheel Classic II, Billet Shadow and Shadow II packages, Headlight Pro, Shift Assistant Pro and much more...The claim to a retro sports bike 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 bright anodized aluminum rims as well as other high-quality components. The handlebars and fork tubes are painted in black, and the components of the Billet Shadow and Shadow II packages define particularly high-quality technical details. The components of the Billet Shadow package are the left and right ignition coil covers, the oil filler screw and the cylinder head covers coated in Avus black metallic matt. 

The Billet Shadow II package includes the footrest system including foot brake and gear levers, the pillion footrests, the handbrake and clutch levers, the expansion tank caps for the front brake and clutch as well as the handlebar end mirrors. Further standard features include the Comfort Package, which includes Hill Start Control, Shift Assistant Pro, Heated Grips and Cruise Control. For even greater safety during night riding, the adaptive cornering light Headlight Pro ensures better illumination of the road when cornering.

Extensive range of optional equipment ex works and original BMW Motorrad accessories for individualisation...The BMW R 12 S is based on the BMW R 12 nineT and therefore all accessory products such as titanium exhaust systems, soft bags or navigation preparation can also be used for this motorcycle. For example, the already expressive dynamism of the lines can be further enhanced by the short tail, which is available as an original BMW Motorrad accessory, and the black number plate holder attached to the swingarm. Additional factory-fitted options are also available, such as Tyre 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.

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