2026 BMW R12S Motorcycle Review

BMW’s RNineT, as first introduced in 2013, is undoubtedly one of the most successful of all retro roadsters – modern motorcycles that are inspired by and styled to evoke classic machines of the past.

That bike was replaced by the R12 NineT in 2024 and, like its forebear, has now spawned a series of variants including the R12 custom, R12G/S adventure and now this, the R12S.

It pays tribute to BMW’s 1973 R90S, which was the first production bike with a cockpit fairing and, with its enlarged engine, was its most potent so far.

The R12S is based on the modern R12 NineT, so it is competent, capable, comfortable and surprisingly versatile, but its gorgeous styling, paint job and details successfully evoke memories of the R90S. They also add a fair bit to the price.

We borrowed BMW UK’s press bike for a week to see how it measures up.

The best-selling GS adventure may be BMW’s best-known and most popular bike today, but back in the 1970s the German marque’s 1973 R90S, then 1976 R100RS were its most celebrated motorcycles.

The former, with its flashy two-tone paint, was enough to win 1976’s first AMA Superbike championship and that year’s Production TT. Fifty years on, this homage pays tribute. 

It’s based on the modern R12, so it is competent, capable, comfortable, and surprisingly versatile. But R90S inspired styling tweaks include: ‘Lavaorange’ metallic paint over brushed aluminium tank and seat hump panels as a nod to the 90S’s Daytona Orange scheme; nose fairing with tint screen; gorgeous ‘Option 719’ alloy-rimmed wire wheels; seat with contrasting stitching; bar-end mirrors plus a whole host of machined billet ‘Option 719’ bolt-ons, such as footpegs, cam box badges and more. 

The R12S is executed beautifully, impressively evokes the spirit of the 1973 R90S (but with modern comforts and performance), and also has the air of a truly premium machine.

At the time of writing, the R12S costs a fairly rich £18,850, which makes it by far the priciest of the R12 NineT family (the R12 cruiser is £12,060, the R12G/S £14,420 and the R12 NineT £14,500), but it’s also beautifully executed and probably far more than the sum of its parts.

That also does, however, raise the thought that you could also probably buy an R12 NineT and add wheels, screen, seat hump, cockpit fairing, etc, and still be under the price of the R12S, but the S does come with more than you might think, and who, in all honesty, would bother?

Like all current BMWs, the R12S is also available now from BMW’s 40-strong network of UK dealers, which includes over 30 full main dealerships. For the latest info, go to the BMW Motorrad UK website.

As already mentioned, the R12S is based on the R12NinetT, which was introduced in 2024 and was in turn an updated version of the popular air/oil-cooled, 1170cc RNineT retro roadster. 

As such, its engine is, crucially, both air and oil-cooled, dating back to the 2012 R1200GS, rather than being the later liquid-cooled type. More recent updates have been to keep it within the latest EU emissions and noise regulations, with the result being that peak power is now a worthy rather than exceptional 108bhp.

As a result, the ‘old school’ air/oil-cooled, 1170cc boxer twin is outpaced by BMW’s latest 145bhp, liquid-cooled R1300 boxer, but its 109bhp is not to be sniffed at; its meaty 85ft-lbs of torque at 7000rpm makes it flexible and relaxing, and in this ‘retro roadster’ form it’s all more than enough, characterful and familiar.

It’s all transmitted via BMW’s familiar six-speed gearbox and Cardan shaft drive, complete with signature ‘twist’ when you blip the throttle, and is further embellished by three distinct riding modes – Rain, Road and Dynamic.

It’s all rumbly familiar and effective, flexible and sufficiently fruity, with a proven reliability track record longer than most. 

As with its performance, the R12S is based on an existing bike (the R12NineT) with already decent dynamics and a proven heritage that goes back over a decade. Although its handlebars are different, all the other dimensions are the same. It’s also mostly decent stuff, in keeping with its premium price tag. So, the suspension is by Sachs and comprises fully adjustable inverted 45mm forks with a multi-adjustable rear monoshock. 

The fancy alloy-rimmed wire wheels allow quality tubeless tyres, in this case sporty Metzeler Sport M9RRs, and, due to the boxer engine layout, the bike’s CofG is reassuringly low, and its steering geometry is pretty neutral, too. 

The result is easy and intuitive from the outset. It has a refined, quality ride; plenty of quick, nimble steering thanks in part to the wide bars and all-up weight that is manageable rather than imposing and awkward. It’s neutral but with an air of premium quality; an upright roadster with a hint of sportiness and all round is very easy to get on with.

Braking is also more than sufficient. Twin 320mm discs are mounted on the front alloy-rimmed wire wheel and are gripped by twin BMW-branded, radial-mount four-piston calipers, all aided by Cornering ABS. For a retro roadster, there’s simply nothing to complain about.

The R12S may seem like an R12 NineT with fairing, wire wheels and fancy paint, but there’s more to it than that.

As well as a good selection of cosmetic Option 719 parts, it also has premium suspension and brakes, decent electronics, smart twin analogue dials, plus our test bike featured BMW’s ‘Comfort Package’, which includes Hill Start Control, Shift Assistant Pro, heated grips, and cruise control. 

There are also some further official BMW accessories you can add, such as mini luggage. A cynic might note that many of those extras are already available as accessories for the R12 NineT, so it may be possible to spec up an R12 NineT to virtually the same spec for possibly less than the R12S’s £18K.

But that ignores the R12S’s distinctive paint, which successfully evokes the spirit of the 1973 R90S (but with modern comforts and performance) and also gives it the air of a truly premium machine.

Those with reasonable memories may recall BMW’s previous attempt at a ‘sports’ variant of the RNineT, the RNineT Racer, launched in 2017. 

That bike had no nose cowling, but a frame-mounted half-fairing, and otherwise had a similar profile. Unfortunately, due to its low clip-on bars mounted under the top yoke, the Racer’s riding position was excruciating.

The R12S avoids that by effectively having a conventional roadster riding position due to straight, one-piece tubular handlebars, with the result looking sporty but in reality being comfortable and easy. 

As with most current large-capacity BMWs, the new R12S comes as new with a manufacturer-backed warranty covering all parts and labour, which is valid for three years with unlimited mileage from first registration – which is better than many rivals who offer only two years. 

The now R12 NineT has always been one of the best ‘retro roadsters’ due to its ideal blend of nostalgic style with modern performance and practicality.

Style-wise, the new R12S takes that further still. While the slightly generic, R32-inspired, black and silver of the R12 NineT is possibly a little subtle, there’s no mistaking the inspiration for the R12S. 

The result looks fabulous, has lost nothing dynamically in getting those looks, and if they and the BMW boxer/shaft drive appeal, there are few better retros available. If you want the most eye-catching German ‘retro’ around, this, almost certainly, is it.