Classic DNA Meets Modern Grit

The new BMW R 12 G/S isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—and that’s precisely why it hits so hard. While the R 1300 GS continues to dominate the ADV mainstream with radar units and TFT dashboards the size of a Kindle, the R 12 G/S quietly pays homage to the original G/S formula: accessible, air-cooled fun wrapped in iconic Bavarian styling.

This bike shares its 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine with the R 12 nineT but dials in the geometry, ergos, and aesthetic to speak directly to G/S purists. The R 12 G/S doesn’t chase ADV excess, but make no mistake—this is a capable off-roader with real engineering behind the vintage styling. From the long-travel suspension to the 19/17 wheel combo and available Enduro Package, it’s built for riders who want to get off the pavement without getting lost in menus.

BMW R 12 G/S Features at a Glance

• 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine
• 95 hp and 85 lb-ft (110 Nm) of torque
• Steel space frame and double-loop construction
• Paralever rear swingarm, Telelever front suspension
• Riding Modes: Rock, Roll, Rain
• Optional features: Cruise Control, Comfort Package, aluminum engine protection, Off-Road Package
• 19″ front wheel / 17″ rear for versatile tire options

Design & Stance

The silhouette is unmistakably G/S—short front fender, single round headlight, exposed driveshaft, and that signature tank line. But everything’s refined. The 19-inch front wheel and upright bars strike a perfect balance between vintage dual-sport proportions and everyday usability. The polished aluminum tank panel is a callback, not cosplay.

Details like the brushed aluminum intake covers, heritage-style badging, and machined engine components show that BMW wasn’t phoning this in. Even the steel trellis frame feels more elemental than industrial—pared back and proud of it.

BMW calls it “a high-performance off-roader with a unique style”—and the G/S earns that title not through brute strength, but through clarity of intent.

“A high-performance off-roader with a unique style.” – BMW Motorrad

Standard Suspension + Enduro Package Pro

The fully adjustable suspension offers 8.2″ of front and 7.8″ of rear travel, backed by 9.4″ of ground clearance. The flat bench seat and tank cutouts encourage standing off-road, and geometry is spot-on for light trail use.

For more serious terrain, opt for the Enduro Package Pro—BMW’s only model with an 18″ rear wheel. It adds knobby tires, a large engine guard, handguards, handlebar risers, enduro pegs, and a longer side stand. The dedicated ENDURO PRO ride mode rounds out the off-road upgrade.

Performance That Respects the Format

BMW rates the R 12 G/S at 109 hp and 85 lb-ft of torque, and while those numbers aren’t record-breaking, they’re perfectly tuned for this format. The throttle response is immediate but manageable, and the ride-by-wire system stays out of your way. With a low seat height and curb weight under 530 lbs, it’s incredibly approachable for new riders and veteran purists alike.

Where the R nineT might come off a little squat or street-oriented, the R 12 G/S feels properly lifted and ready to move. The long-travel suspension, tubular crash bars, and minimal bodywork make it clear: this isn’t just a style piece—it’s functional, too.

Color Options

BMW offers the R 12 G/S in three distinct trims:

• Light White: A tribute to the original G/S, with a red bench seat, white tank, and light/dark blue graphics.
• Option 719 Aragonite: Sandrover Matte paint with Racing Red and Mineral Grey accents for an upscale adventure vibe.
• Night Black Matte: Pure stealth, with a tone-on-tone black finish and minimal contrast for a modern, stripped-back look.

Who It’s For

This is the bike for people who want a timeless boxer twin without the complexity of the new GS line. It’s for riders who remember the R 80 G/S—or at least wish they did—and want something with analog character and modern reliability. If you’ve ever looked at a custom scrambler and thought, “Why can’t they just build them like that from the factory?”—well, BMW finally has.

Final Thoughts

In a world of ever-expanding dashboards and techno-loaded ADVs, the BMW R 12 G/S is a breath of fresh, air-cooled air. It’s not the most powerful, it’s not the most advanced—but it might be the most honest. And that alone makes it one of the most compelling motorcycles in BMW’s 2025 lineup. T

Want One?
The 2026 BMW R 12 G/S has an MSRP of $18,220 as shown and is set be available in 2025. Head over to the BMW Motorrad website, where you can learn much more and configure your own.