It’s fair to say the new R 12 has snuck in under the radar a little in BMW’s 2024 line-up. While the all-new R 1300 GS stole the headlines, and the fully revised and updated R 12 NineT retro roadster stole many hearts, this cruiser version of the latter largely arrived unnoticed – which is probably part of the reason why it impresses so much.
It's intended as a smaller, more entry-level, cruiser sibling to the R 18, which we’ve reviewed elsewhere on the site. But where the R 18 was an all-new, heavyweight boxer take on the US V-twin theme, the R 12 is based on the new R 12 NineT retro roadster but has a retuned engine (also making it potentially A2 compliant), cruiser style 19/16in cast wheels (in place of the NineT’s 17s); cruiser style rear ‘fender’ and single seat, more basic, shorter travel suspension and a laid-back riding position courtesy of higher bars and more forward pegs.
In truth, the result remains more roadster than cruiser but the retuned, more grunty, engine is a joy, it’s very customisable and, in base spec, the fact that it’s nearly £2500 less than the NineT makes it tempting indeed.
Performance and handling
Probably the area where the R 12 impresses most of all, not least because it’s supposedly a cruiser, is its performance The reworked engine has already proved its mettle in the new NineT and, in this slightly retuned ‘cruiser’ form, is arguably better still. Peak power may be down slightly but there’s bags of grunty acceleration, a fruity, meaty ‘vibe’ and, by having ‘only’ 94bhp, it is now able to be restricted to 47bhp ‘A2’ form, too. On top of that, there are two riding modes, renamed somewhat cheesily ‘Rock’ and ‘Roll’ with ‘Eco’ available as an optional extra. For a so-called ‘cruiser’ it’s a brilliant performer.
The fine-handling chassis also betrays the bike’s cruiser status. Although the R 12 has more basic, shorter-travel suspension than its roadster brother, it still has pretty good kit. The ride is controlled and sufficiently plush while the handling is beautifully neutral and nimble. On fast A-roads the R 12’s a sweeping delight and only when pushed hard on B-roads (in a way most cruiser bikes wouldn’t be ridden) does the slightly soft rear start to wander and wallow.
The brakes are almost ‘super naked good’, too. The R 12’s twin front discs and meaty radial four piston calipers are identical to those on the NineT and have just as much power and finesse.
As a roadster/cruiser hybrid, the R 12’s a pretty comfortable place to be. The bigger front wheel, higher ‘bars, more forward placed pegs and different seat give it a more cruiser gait – but not by much. As such, the R 12’s a slightly more laid-back roadster and as such easy to get on with, with a low seat and natural riding position that’s fun both around town and through the twisties. Of course, there’s no weather protection and the single seat excludes passengers, but this is a bike that’s been conceived to be modified by owners, so pillion seats, screens and a myriad of cosmetic add-ons are available as optional extras through BMW’s accessory brochure.
Practicality-wise, as a premium BMW cruiser, the R 12 doesn’t sound like the most versatile of machines but being on the more roadster side of things means it’s a good general-purpose motorcycle. Being a BMW it has a wealth of accessory options available, meaning touring screens, luggage, heated grips, pillion seats and more are all available (albeit at an extra cost). On top of all that, the R 12’s affordable base price (for a BMW) means it’s not quite as precious as it might otherwise be, with the result that we can easily see one giving great service as both a commuter-cum-city bike as well as a satisfying weekend toy.
As for equipment, with the R 12 it’s really a case of how much – or little – you want. As standard, the R 12 is pretty basic and comes in plain black paint with a solo seat, no screen and fairly basic round instrument ‘clock’ with built in LCD digital display. But being a bare bones cruiser, that ‘minimalism’ actually suits it. It is very customizable and you do want extra riding modes, wire wheels, a slimline TFT dash with Bluetooth, heated grips and a whole raft of ‘Option 719’ cosmetic goodies, they’re all available as factory fit extras.
What’s it cost and should I buy?
In base trim the R 12 currently starts at a £11,990, which is a tempting £2500 less than the new R 12 NineT. But it’s also worth pointing out that our fully loaded test bike, with extra modes, heated grips, raft of cosmetic ‘Option 719’ parts and more, added up to £15,695. That said, in our view, the base spec actually suits its cruiser/bobber style pretty well, so we’d be tempted to leave it basic apart from, perhaps, the heated grips.
All of which alludes to why the R 12 is so tempting. If you fancy roadster styled boxer, it’s the cheapest BMW currently offers. On top of that, it’s also the only one currently restrictable into A2 form. While if you fancy a flavour of cruiser style, are a BMW fan and want a bike to accessorise, it’s again the obvious choice – just don’t go too mad with the accessory catalogue!
2024 BMW R 12 specification
Price: £11,990
Engine: 1170cc boxer twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, oil/air cooled
Power: 95bhp (70.1kW) @ 6,500rpm
Torque: 110Nm (81lb-ft) @ 6000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, shaft final drive
Frame: Tubular steel space frame
Suspension: (F) Non-adjustable 45mm USD fork, (R) Preload-adjustable mono shock.
Wheels: Cast aluminium, 19”/16”
Tyres: (F) 100/90 x 19, (R) 150/80 x 16
Brakes: (F) 2 x 310mm discs, four-piston Brembo radial calipers, (R) 265mm disc, 2-piston Brembo caliper. Cornering ABS as standard equipment
Weight: 227kg (kerb)
Wheelbase: 1,519mm
Seat height: 754mm
Fuel tank: 14 litres
Fuel consumption: 50mpg (tested)
Service intervals: 6000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 36 months unlimited mileage
Contact: www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk
Words: Phil West
Photos: BMW
