When you have more than 100 years of heritage to reflect on, you’d better be good at making retro-styled, modern motorcycles. BMW really nailed the formula when it came out with the original R nineT more than a decade ago, and as it expanded that lineup it tried a few variations that resonated with fans like the R nineT Urban G/S. While that latter motorcycle had the visual appearance of the company’s famous R 80 G/S, it didn’t really walk the walk and live up to the bike that arguably created the entire open-class adventure market. But for 2026, the brand-new R 12 G/S looks to carry forward the nostalgic image in a package that is actually designed for off-highway riding.
This machine is powered by the same air-and-oil-cooled 1170cc engine that powers the R 12 nineT and other models in the company’s Heritage lineup. The chassis features fully adjustable suspension front and rear, off-road-sized wheels and tires, and a full suite of rider aids tailored for on- and off-road exploration.
“With the new BMW R 12 G/S, BMW Motorrad is offering a classic enduro for puristic off-road fun,” said Markus Lederer, head of boxer series. “The abbreviation borrowed from the legendary R 80 G/S stands for ‘Gelände / Straße’ (Off-road / Street) and signals that the new member of the BMW R 12 family, masters both equally. We know that numerous fans have been eagerly waiting for this motorcycle.”
Unlike the latest R 1300 GS models, the R 12 G/S uses the tried-and-true air/oil-cooled boxer engine that, as mentioned, also powers the R 12 nineT. This engine has 101 by 73mm bore and stroke dimensions for a 1170cc capacity. Claimed output is 109 hp at 7000 rpm and 85 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6500 rpm. The cylinder heads have a pair of chain-driven overhead cams with lightweight finger followers actuating four valves per cylinder. Power is sent through a six-speed transmission to a shaft final drive. Shift Assist Pro is available as an option for clutchless shifting.
Induction is managed by EFI with 50mm throttle bodies and ride-by-wire control. A traditional-looking left-hand exhaust silencer is mounted high and out of the way, while under the engine is a prechamber with the catalytic converter.
While the engine might be considered a throwback compared to the unit in the new R 1300 GS, the R 12 G/S comes equipped with a modern rider-aid package. All versions of the G/S come standard with three ride modes: Rain, Road, and Enduro. Upgrade to the Enduro Package Pro ($895) and the Enduro Pro mode is unlocked. Inside of those preset modes the rider can adjust the sensitivity of the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which can also be turned off completely, the MSR Engine Drag Torque Control that aids the clutch to prevent the rear wheel from locking during abrupt downshifts, and wheelie control.
Rain mode offers softer throttle response and maximum traction control, Road has more direct throttle response and middle-of-the range TC, while Enduro has smoother throttle response but minimal TC, MSR, and wheelie control. Those who want total control off-road, will want to opt for the Enduro Package Pro and the Enduro Pro mode. This mode allows the rider to dial up the engine response to the level that’s available in Road, have minimal traction control and front-wheel ABS, and disable the rear ABS and MSR for improved control in the dirt. ABS Pro comes standard on all trim levels and provides lean-sensitive intervention.
At the core of the G/S is a one-piece tubular-steel space frame with a bolt-on subframe. The chassis specifications include a 62.2-inch wheelbase, a 26.9-degree rake angle and 4.76 inches of trail. If you opt for Enduro Package Pro, the numbers change slightly due to the different rear wheel/tire sizes: 62.4-inch wheelbase, 26.8 degrees of rake, and 4.78-inch trail. The claimed wet weight is 504 pounds.
Suspension consists of a fully adjustable inverted 45mm fork in the front and a single-sided paralever swingarm and fully adjustable monoshock at the rear. Travel measures 8.2 inches up front and 7.8 inches at the rear. Ground clearance measures 9.4 on the standard model and 10.0 inches with the Enduro package, while the seat height also increases from 33.9 to 34.4 inches with that optional box ticked. Braking is handled by a pair of twin-piston axially mounted calipers and 310mm discs in the front, and a twin-piston caliper and 265mm disc at the rear. As mentioned all trims come with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, which is lean sensitive and partially integral, meaning that the brakes are linked front to rear in their standard setting.
On the standard bike the wire-spoke wheel sizes measure 21-inch front 17-inch rear mounted with a 90/90-21 front tire and a 150/70-17 rear. The Enduro Package Pro changes the rear wheel to an 18-inch diameter unit with a 150/70-18 tire.
Standard Features: DTC Dynamic Traction Control, Electronic Immobilizer, keyless ride, riding modes, Intelligent Emergency Call, included Ultimate Care Break-In Service (maximum six months from the in-service date or 750 miles).
Optional packages include:
Premium Package ($1735): contains Hill Start Assist, Shift Assistant Pro, heated grips, cruise control, Headlight Pro, and TPM tire pressure monitor.
Enduro Package Pro ($845): contains enduro footrest system, 18-inch rear wheel, off-road tires, large engine guard, silver handlebar risers, black hand protectors, long sidestand, Ride Modes Pro.
Individual Options:
- Ride Modes Pro (only with Enduro Package Pro)
- M lightweight battery
- TPM tire pressure monitor
- Large engine guard
- Connected Ride Control: includes multicontroller and USB-C port
- 3.5-inch TFT digital display
- Gold Cross Spoke Wheels: Alternate to the standard Black Cross Spoked Wheels
- Rallye Bench Seat: Black seat, rear footrests, rear grab handle. Adds 0.8 inch to seat height.
- Passenger Kit: includes passenger seat with greater padding, footrests, and grab strap
The R 12 G/S is available in three colors: the standard Night Black Matte, with a black frame, gold fork, black seat; optional Light White, with black frame, gold fork, and red seat ($325); Optional 719 Aragonite with Sand Rover Matte/Racing Red Matte/Mineral Grey Metallic Matte paint, red frame, black fork, and black/sand/red seat ($1945 to $2195; also includes other accessories).