BMW Debuts New R 12 Cruiser for 2024

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BMW Debuts New R 12 Cruiser for 2024

BMW has revealed the new R 12 nineT (left) and R 12 (right) models for 2024. (BMW/)

BMW dropped more than a couple of hints last year that we might see a midsize cruiser model joining its Heritage lineup, and wouldn't you know, the brand is staying true to its word. Say hello to the new

2024 R 12 and R 12 nineT, which despite their word salad monikers, look to continue the clean lines of their R nineT predecessor.

With the original R nineT in 2013, BMW combined classic motorcycle design and modern tech with a host of customizing options. There's now a whole family of these roadsters in the Heritage line, but any casual observer could see there was a big disconnect between them and the R 18 cruiser in terms of design language and configuration. The R 12 and R 12 nineT are here, apparently, to remedy the situation by carrying on the look and custom possibilities of their forebear, but with some key redesigns. Both bikes share the same 1,170cc boxer engine, but it's hung from a new steel trellis frame with a bolted-on rear section, with a six-speed transmission and shaft drive to put down the power. Of the two, the R 12 nineT roadster hews to the same urban feel as the R nineT, while the R 12 configuration is more laid-back, embracing a relaxed, classic cruiser vibe.

Related: New BMW Cruisers

The new 2024 R 12 cruiser shares its boxer engine and new frame with the R 12 nineT, but rolls with a differently shaped steel tank and a more sedate engine tune. (BMW/)

2024 BMW R 12

Let's dig into the shared elements first. Both bikes are powered by the same 1,170 air/oil-cooled boxer derived from the OG R nineT's opposed twin, with the same bore and stroke, though it has been updated to meet emissions standards and also sports redesigned cylinder head covers. The airbox has been redesigned and relocated underneath the seat, and the exhaust has been tweaked as well. Both come equipped with a six-speed transmission and a hydraulic clutch, with shaft drive to lay down the power. Dynamic Traction Control and Engine Drag Torque Control also appear on the duo, as does the same braking arrangement; dual 310mm discs and radially mounted four-piston calipers up front, with a 265mm disc, two-piston caliper setup out back. BMW Motorrad ABS Pro is standard as is full LED lighting, keyless ride, USB and 12V power sockets, and adjustable hand levers.

Both bikes even look similar and share the same new one-piece steel trellis frame, which delivers a cleaner look and saves weight over the original R nineT's two-piece unit. The steel trellis rear subframe is still a separate piece that's bolted to the frame.

LED lighting comes standard on both bikes, but BMW says you can accessorize the new R 12 in a head-spinning number of ways. (BMW/)

There are telltale differences: The

R 12′s steel tank has a unique shape, in homage to the "Toaster" tanks from '70s-era /5 models, and the wheels are more cruiser appropriate, with a 19/16 configuration that results in a slightly longer 59.8-inch wheelbase. Both bikes are spec'd with an upside-down 45mm fork, but the R 12′s is more basic and without the adjustability of the R 12 nineT unit, and the rake is lazier. Suspension travel is less too, with 3.5 inches available front and rear, which also contributes to a lower seat height. The R 12 sports a single round instrument panel, and the new exhaust layout has a different brushed finish on the rear muffler.

The mellower mill on the R 12 serves up 95 hp at 6,500 rpm and 81 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,000 rpm, less than its nineT counterpart, but more than enough for its intended purpose. You also get just two ride modes on the R 12—Roll and Rock (as on the R 18 models)—as opposed to the three on the R 12 nineT. Roll is the mellower of the two, while Rock uncorks more power thanks to more immediate throttle response and less invasive DTC.

You'll be able to get the R 12 in Blackstorm Metallic or Aventurin Red Metallic. There's also the Option 719 Thorium which features Avus Silver Metallic paint contrasted with yellow striping and gold colored handlebars. Pricing is to be announced.

The 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser in Aventurin Red Metallic and an accessory windscreen. (BMW/)

Although it also gets the new one-piece frame, the sportier R 12 nineT inherits most of its predecessor's streetwise attitude, with more power, 17-inch wheels, and a taller seat than the R 12. (BMW/)

2024 BMW R 12 nineT

The 

R 12 nineT is the sportier of the two, both in the aesthetic sense as well as in the performance department. Edgar Heinrich, head of BMW Motorrad Design, explained the design team's approach:

"The purist design language is dominated by the clear tank/seat/rear line, in the style of the traditional /5 or the legendary R 90 S of the '70s. At first glance, the tank itself is a classic BMW boxer tank, with a typical bend in the lower edge and classic knee contact."

The 2024 R 12 nineT roadster offers adjustability on its 45mm fork, and gets a different tank than the R 12 cruiser, recalling /5 models of the '70s. (BMW/)

All that plays out in the new aluminum tank which features brushed and clear-coated panels leading back to a tail hump, but the chassis elements differ too, with the R 12 nineT rolling on 17-inch cast alloy wheels front and rear, giving it a slightly shorter wheelbase than the R 12. Its 45mm fork is adjustable for rebound and compression and offers a more robust 4.7 inches travel, and is paired with a paralever swingarm linked to the rear shock which features rebound damping and spring preload adjustability.

Accessories galore are available for both models, including this mint Akro pipe. (BMW/)

The R nineT gets a performance boost as well, with a different engine tune that results in an impressive 109 hp available at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,500 rpm. You can tweak engine performance via three ride modes, with Rain, Road, and Dynamic on offer. The cockpit looks different too, with the R 12 nineT sporting dual round instruments, different handlebars, as well as smoked rear turn signals and a twin pipe exhaust system with chrome-plated pipes and front muffler along with a polished rear muffler.

The 2024 R 12 and R 12 nineT will be available early next year, says BMW, with pricing yet to be announced. (BMW/)

As with the R 12, there are a host of optional upgrades available, things like heated grips, Hill Start Assist Pro, Cruise Control, Option 719 packages, Shift Assist Pro, and a pile of other cosmetic, performance, and functional accessories.

The R 12 nineT will be available in Blackstorm Metallic and San Remo Green Metallic, both with gold-colored forks and black frames, or an Option 719 Aluminum in brushed aluminum with black fork, red frame, and a clear-coat brushed aluminum fuel tank with matching tail cover. The bikes will be available in early 2024, with pricing to be announced.

2024 BMW R 12 / R 12 nineT  Specs

MSRP:	NA
Engine:	DOHC, air/oil-cooled boxer twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	1,170cc
Bore x Stroke:	101.0 x 73.0mm
Compression Ratio:	12.0:1
Horsepower (Claimed):	95 hp @ 6,500 rpm / 109 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque (claimed):	81 lb.-ft. @ 6,000 rpm / 85 lb.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/shaft
Fuel System:	Electronic fuel injection
Clutch:	Dry, single disc; hydraulically operated
Frame:	Steel trellis bridge
Front Suspension:	45mm inverted fork; 3.5 in. travel / 45mm inverted fork, fully adjustable; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Monoshock; adjustable rebound and preload 3.5 in travel / adjustable rebound and preload, 4.7 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston radial-mount calipers, dual 310mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston floating caliper, 265mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast; 19 x 2.75 in. / 16 x 4 in.; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 5.5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	100/90-19 / 150/80-16; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17
Rake/Trail:	29.3°/5.2 in.; 27.7°/4.4 in.
Wheelbase:	59.8 in. / 59.5 in.
Seat Height:	29.7 in. / 31.3 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.7 gal. / 4.2 gal.
Claimed Curb Weight:	500 lb. / 485 lb.
Contact:	bmwmotorrad.com

Source: BMW Debuts New R 12 Cruiser for 2024

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