2024 BMW R 12 and R 12 nineT Get a Powerful New Frame to Hold the Boxer Engine in Check

Yet BMW surprised me this week with the release of not one, but two revised motorcycles from its lineup, one meant to tackle the needs of buyers in the market for a roadster, and the other dedicated to cruiser fans. And I'm talking here, obviously, about the new versions of the BMW R 12 nineT and the BMW R 12.

The unveiling not only comes at a time of celebration for Motorrad as a whole, but it also perfectly marks ten years since the introduction of the original R nineT back in 2013. So, double the reasons to properly enjoy the moment.

The changes are not limited to a new paint job and a few visual upgrades here and there, but go a lot deeper for both models, marking an important evolution in the lives of the two motorcycles.

We'll start with what was retained from what came before, and that obviously is the 1,170cc air- and oil-cooled engine that's common across several BMW platforms. Deployed on the R 12 nineT, it cranks out a total power of 109 hp and 115 Nm of torque, while on the R 12 it is only good for 95 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque.

The powerplant does breathe in through a completely new airbox, now located under the seat. Exhaling is handled by a twin-pipe exhaust system with a reverse cone design.

The chassis that holds the powerplant is not like the previous one, which had both a front and a rear main frame. This time, BMW chose to go for a one-piece tubular bridge steel spaceframe that comes with an integrated (read bolted) rear frame.

This approach allowed for the elimination of the fastenings used on the previous models, and that in turn led to a reduction in weight for the two models (BMW does not specify by how much).

The frame is supported at the front by upside-down telescopic forks (fully adjustable on the R 12 nineT), with a Paralever swinging arm backing the rear. Braking power on both machines is ensured by radially mounted four-piston monobloc brake calipers.

On top of these major changes, as another novelty linking the two models, there are new classic round instruments installed at the front, but also USB-C and a 12 V socket offered as standard. Also, both models will be made available in three color choices. Read on to see what color goes where, and what separates the two new BMW motorcycles.

2024 BMW R 12 nineT

The classic roadster that is the R 12 nineT will offer in 2024 model year guise, on top of all of the above, two analog round instruments that are used to show speed and rpm. These can be customized and work in conjunction with control and display units.

BMW installed the USB-C port on the left side and the 12V socket on the right side for the onboard network on this bike.

The middle of the frame is dominated by an aluminum fuel tank flanked by brushed, brushed, and clear-coated side panels. Compared to its previous incarnation, the fuel tank is 30 mm shorter at the rear, allowing for the rider to be closer to the handlebars. Improved knee contact and a more front-oriented seating position have also been achieved this way.

The 2024 BMW R 12 nineT will be offered by BMW in Blackstorm metallic in the standard configuration but also has on the table the San Remo Green metallic and the mighty Option 719, which offers a combination of brushed aluminum and Night Black solid paint.

2024 BMW R 12

The classic cruiser in the offering only benefits from a single instrument up front, namely the speedometer (others, like the rev counter, can be installed tank as extras).

The fuel tank on this version is not made of aluminum but of steel, and its supposed to be a nod to the toaster tanks BMW used back in the 1970s for the likes of the /5 models. Visually, the shape of the tank fits right in with the low and curved rear wheel cover.

The R 12 was propped on very disproportionate wheels, with the one at the front measuring 19 inches, and the one at the back just 16. This approach gives it a very aggressive, almost custom look, enhanced by the low seat and wide handlebars.

There are three colors on the table for this motorcycle as well, with the same Blackstorm metallic used as the stock color. This R 12 however can also be had in Aventurine Red metallic, and the Option 719 variant which in its case comes in Avus Silver metallic.

The German bike maker did not specify when the two new R 12 bikes will become available, and it also didn’t make any mention of price.