BMW Brings Out New R 12 S Sports Bruiser

The BMW R 90 S was the first production bike in the 1970s to sport a handlebar mounted fairing bike.

By Sutanu Guha

Last updated: November 29, 2024 | 2 min read

The BMW R 90 S was the first production bike in the 1970s to sport a handlebar-mounted fairing bike.

In this article

BMW has decided to take a piece of its history and present it in 2024 in a modern avatar. Meet the brand’s latest R 12 S, which will be sold in limited numbers, and thereby will come with quite the exclusive brag. It boasts of a body design which pays tribute to its first production motorcycles that sported a handlebar mounted semi-fairing design: the R 90 S. Not only that, the R 90 S was also BMW’s fastest bike of its time, which could reach speeds up to 200 kmph.

bmw r 12 s (2).png — **The OG R 90 S which inspired the new BMW R 12 S**

At its core, the new BMW R 12 S, is essentially the latest R 12 nineT underneath. So, the bike continues to be built around the same steel trellis frame with bolted on rear, suspended by a fully adjustable 43 mm USD fork and monoshock. The brakes are also the same dual-310 mm/ 265 mm front and rear disc, available with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro as standard. And powering it is also the same 1,170 cc, air-cooled, boxer twin engine that produces 107 bhp and 115 Nm output.

bmw r 12 s.png — **The new BMW R 12 S is essentially the R nineT here**

What’s New?

For a more heritage-oriented, retro aesthetic look, the new BMW R 12 S equips aluminium-hub wire spoke tubeless wheels as standard. The tail has also been chopped for that 70s sport bike vibe, along with a semi-digital analogue cluster. The bike’s aesthetic looks fitting to feature in a progressive rock album from the 70s. Hidden neatly, though, BMW also has a fully digital cockpit option as well, for someone who would like to stay up to date. In addition to that, features like Hill Start Control, Gear Shift Assist Pro, traction control, heated grips, cruise control, and an adaptive cornering headlight unit helps keep the bike modern.

bmw r 12 s (4).png — **The handlebare mounted fairing design is the biggest attention grabber here**

But what really grabs the attention is the new rounded mini-fairing windscreen that is finished in a lavish Lava Orange paint. Giving it a more premium appeal beyond that metal finish, are a bunch of billet accessories, exclusive badgings and that red double pinstripe round.