BMW reveals R 12 G/S
With the new R 1300 GS moving BMW’s signature adventure bike into even more technically sophisticated territory, there’s an opening for something less advanced, but still powerful and capable, as an alternative to the F 900 GS. BMW are filling that opening with the ‘R 12 G/S’.
A more genuine take on the original R 80 G/S (Gelände/Strasse = Off-road/Street) formula than the R nineT Urban GS from 2017, the R 12 G/S uses the existing R 12 platform and boxer engine, but the frame is modified, fully-adjustable long-travel suspension is fitted, and there’s a specific tyre and wheel package. These and other changes are aimed at making the bike more capable off-road without impacting on-road practicality and performance.
An optional ‘Enduro Package Pro’ moves the needle further toward off-road, adding a larger rear wheel, knobby tyres, engine bash plate, handguards, handlebar risers, longer side stand and a fourth riding mode.
According to Markus Lederer, Head of Boxer Series at BMW Motorrad, the R 12 G/S is “a classic enduro for puristic off-road fun” and a model that’s been eagerly awaited.
Unveiled in March, the R 12 G/S is due for Australian release in the second half of 2025.
Boxer Base
The boxer twin engine that’s been a signature of the GS range since the R 80 GS from 1980 – the original enduro with a boxer - is retained for the R 12 G/S. In this application, the air/oil cooled 1,170cc engine produces 80kW at 7,000rpm and 115Nm at 6,500rpm. These outputs are greater than what the R 12 cruiser (70kW at 6,500rpm and 110Nm at 6,000rpm) offers, but equal the R 12 nineT roadster’s performance. A further difference is the high-mount nearside exhaust silencer.
The boxer twin drives the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and Cardan shaft drive in BMW’s proven Paralever swingarm. The Shift Assistant Pro up-and-down quickshifter is a factory option.
Frame Mods, Specific Suspension
The tubular steel space frame is mostly carried over from the existing R 12, but the G/S gets a repositioned steering head – higher and further forward. In addition to altering the rake, increasing the wheelbase and providing a wider steering range, this allows for longer front suspension and a 21-inch front wheel to be fitted. Marzocchi 45mm USD forks are fully adjustable and offer 210mm of travel.
At the rear, the Paralever mounts a monoshock with full adjustability and 200mm of travel. A 17-inch rear wheel is standard, but this can be upgraded to 18 inches as part of the Enduro Package Pro.
Ground clearance of 240mm rises to 255mm when the 18-inch rear rim is added. Wheels are aluminium spoke type, with 90/90-21 and 150/70 R 17 tyres as standard.
For the brakes, the R 12 G/S mounts a pair of 310mm discs up front with Brembo two-piston floating calipers, while at the back, a BMW two-piston caliper on a 265mm disc handles the stopping. Lean angle optimised ABS Pro is standard.
At 229kg wet, the R 12 G/S is just 2kg heavier than the R 12, but 9kg heavier than the R 12 nineT.
Ergos for Off-road
With a seat-peg-handlebar position optimised for controlled riding when sitting or standing, the R 12 G/S also has a fuel tank shape that provides support and good knee grip. Model-specific footpegs have a serrated profile for better grip when standing but remain practical for road use. Choose the Enduro Package Pro and the pegs are both larger and grippier.
Wide, adjustable handlebars with a minimal bend are standard. To this 20mm risers added for the optional Enduro Package.
Set up for solo riding, the R 12 G/S comes with an enduro-specifc flat seat as standard, but the optional Pillion Package adds a seat more suitable for two-up riding, plus pillion pegs. Seat height is 860mm, which increases to 875mm with the Enduro Package Pro, while a Rallye Seat option kicks height up to 880mm (895mm with Enduro Package Pro).
There are eyelets on the steel rear subframe to tie down gear, while several luggage options will be available from launch, including tankbags, panniers and backpacks offering up to 16-litre capacity.
Other practical accessories include an engine bash plate, cylinder head protectors, auxiliary lighting, handguards, heated grips, a handlebar phone/GPS mount and lightweight battery. No mention has been made of a long-range tank option to improve the factory fuel capacity of 15.5 litres, but that may be added to the Original BMW Motorrad accessories catalogue in the future.
Tech, Instruments, Electrics
As standard, tech on the R 12 G/S is limited to the aforementioned ABS Pro, plus Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and engine drag torque control. DTC can be switched off, but it appears the ABS Pro cannot be disengaged for off-road use.
Three selectable riding modes – Rain, Road and Enduro – adjust throttle response and ABS intervention. An ‘Enduro Pro’ mode is added with the Enduro Package Pro. Switchgear is fairly simple and easy to navigate.
A full LED lighting package is standard, comprising a retro-look round headlight (with an ‘X’ light signature), a dynamic tail light nestled under the tail unit, and triangular indicators. An adaptive headlight is available with the Headlight Pro option.
The headlight fairing serves as a shroud for the instrument pod that combines an analogue speedometer with warning lights and an LCD insert for - presumably - odometer, gear position and other essentials, like a clock and fuel level. A 12V socket sits to the right of this pod.
TFT instrumentation is optional, as is tyre pressure control, Intelligent Emergency Call and BMW Motorrad’s Connected Ride Control system. An optional Comfort Package adds cruise control, hill start control, a quickshifter and heated grips.
The R 12 G/S is equipped with a Bluetooth interface for connecting to the BMW Motorrad Connected app that allows bike data, weather and navigation info to be displayed on the rider’s phone. When a phone is mounted to the bike, riders can scroll through the app data via the left-hand switchblock.
A proximity key allows keyless riding, although a traditional key is still needed for the steering lock and fuel cap.
Three Colour Options
The R 12 G/S will launch with three colour options – Night Black Matt, Light White and Sandrover (tan). Each offers specific decals and complementary colours for things like the seat and fork lowers. For the Australian market, the Sandrover option carries ‘R 12 G/S Enduro’ identification and includes handguards and Option 719 Aragonite cosmetic parts as standard.
Night Black Matt is the subtlest choice, with black applied to the tank, bodywork, mudguards, headlight fairing and fork lowers. The frame and seat are black, with the engine predominantly black, too. Light White is bolder, with hints of the BMW ‘M’ performance family thanks to the red seat and blue/purple decals on the tanks and headlight fairing.
Sandrover picks out the frame in red and adds red and black accents to the tank, seat, fork lowers and headlight fairing. With this option, ‘G/S’ identification decals are moved from the airbox cover to the fuel tank.
Option 719 cosmetic accessories for all colour choices include cylinder head covers, footpegs and levers, to name a few. Gold anodised rims, chrome manifolds, black coil covers and other cosmetic options will also be available.
Coming Soon
While an Australian delivery date for the R 12 G/S has yet to be confirmed, it’s expected to reach local BMW Motorrad dealerships early in Q3, 2025. Pricing has yet to be announced, too, but is likely to start at around $24,000. If accurate, this will place the upcoming model neatly between the $29,900 R 1300 GS and $21,750 F 900 GS (approx. ride away pricing).
Further details and confirmed pricing on the BMW R 12 G/S are expected closer to local release.
