BMW has lifted the cover off a new dirt-focused boxer inspired by the brand’s iconic R80 G/S. Called the R 12 G/S, the new machine takes the roadster platform to the next level with chassis developments and electronic refinements tailored for off-road adventures.

Showcased in a blend of retro and modern aesthetics, the fresh model is powered by a 1,170cc  air/oil-cooled boxer engine delivering 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm. The valves, which are radially arranged in the combustion chamber, are controlled by two overhead, chain-driven camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder. Lightweight cam followers are responsible for valve operation, and the valve clearance is adjusted using hemispherical shims. A six-speed gearbox and shaft drive take care of the power transmission to the rear wheel.

The one-piece tubular bridge steel space frame of the R 12 family is at the heart of the new BMW R 12 G/S. As a result, the new frame does away with many of the bolted joints found on the first generation R nineT, which gives it a tidier and more classic appearance. The rear frame, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame. The steering head is slightly higher and further forward on the new BMW R 12 G/S. In addition to improved ergonomics for off-road use, this change also allows a large steering angle of 42 degrees to both left and right, essential for off-road operation.

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The new model rolls on a dirt-friendly 21-inch wheel at the front while a 17-inch wheel is standard at the rear. For even more off-road capability, an 18-inch rear wheel is available as part of the Enduro Package Pro. 

Bump absorption duties are carried out by fully-adjustable 45 mm USD forks offering 8.3-inches of suspension travel. Rear suspension and damping are provided by an angled shock with travel-dependent damping and full adjustability (rebound, compression and pre-load) boasting 7.9 inches of travel. The shock’s travel-dependent damping has a hydraulic end stop for improved bottoming resistance. With 9.4-inches of ground clearance (Enduro Package Pro: 10.0-inches), the new BMW R 12 G/S offers less risk of bottoming out in technical terrain.

Longer legs also come with an entire redesign of the chassis geometry. The wheelbase is 62.2-inches (Enduro Package Pro: 62.4-inches), the caster 4.76-inches (Enduro Package Pro: 4.78-inches) and the steering head angle 26.9 degrees (Enduro Package Pro: 26.8 degrees). The ergonomic handlebar-footrest-seat triangle is designed so that the footrests are positioned precisely under the seat point for an optimal off-road stance. The aluminum tubular handlebars allow for further ergonomic adjustment and can be turned forward up to 10 degrees ensuring an ideal riding position, whether sitting or standing. The sides of the 4.1-gallon steel  tank match the width of the seat and widen slightly towards the front. This side contour provides optimum support and good knee grip on the fuel tank.

The new BMW R 12 G/S comes standard with a flat solo seat offering a seat height of 33.9-inches (34.4-inches with Enduro Pkg. Pro). The optional Passenger Kit includes seating for two and passenger footrests. While the rider’s seat height remains the same, the passenger seat is designed with significantly more foam and a passenger strap is fitted. The optional Rallye Seat raises the seat height by 0.79-inches to 34.6-inches (35.2-inches with optional Enduro Pkg. Pro). As with the Passenger Kit, the Rallye Seat option also includes passenger footrests and hand straps.

BMW Motorrad ABS Pro 

The front wheel of the new R 12 G/S is fitted with twin-disc brakes with two axially bolted, 2-piston floating calipers and 310 mm disks to ensure excellent, stable stopping power. A single 265 mm disc brake with 2-piston floating caliper is used at the rear.

In addition, the new R 12 G/S BMW Motorrad ABS Pro offers more safety when braking in turns by enabling ABS-assisted braking when leaning into corners. ABS Pro prevents the wheels from locking even when the brakes are applied quickly and reduces abrupt changes in steering force and thus the bike from returning to the upright position, even during sudden braking. The benefits are increased braking and riding stability combined with the best possible deceleration even when cornering. Depending on the selected riding mode, ABS Pro and Engine Drag Torque Control offer control characteristics for optimum braking maneuvers.

Hill Start Assist Pro provides assistance for holding and starting on hills

Optional Hill Start Assist Pro makes it easier to hold and start on hills. The holding pressure in the brake system depends on the gradient, which is determined by a lean angle sensor. This information allows for improved comfort during starting in all conditions. Combined with control electronics, HSA Pro offers greater safety and enhanced convenience.

Hill Start Assist Pro also includes Auto HSA

The settings menu allows this additional function to be individualized in such a way that the holding brake is automatically activated on a gradient (greater than +/- 3 %) when the hand or foot brake lever has been activated, shortly after the motorcycle comes to a standstill. With the “Manual” setting, this takes place after briefly applying the hand or foot brake lever. With HSA Pro, the brake is automatically released when starting or forcefully operating the hand brake lever.

Electronics

The new BMW R 12 G/S is equipped with a standard, centrally positioned, round instrument dial and a 12V power socket on the right-hand side of the cockpit. The round gauge continues to support customization by communicating via a LIN-Bus and separating the control and display units.

The control lights and a digital display are integrated into the dial of the speedometer. This includes menu scrolling, gear selection and riding mode display.

With the optional Digital Display, the round gauge on the new BMW R 12 G/S is replaced by a micro TFT display with a 3.5-inch screen. The high resolution of the micro-TFT display ensures excellent readability even in difficult lighting conditions and brings the instrument display of the new R 12 G/S into the digital age. As a highlight, the menu includes the Pure Ride mode, which displays only the most necessary information (speed, riding mode, selected gear) to emphasize the purist riding experience.

Standard LED lighting with optional adaptive Headlight Pro.

The new BMW R 12 G/S comes standard with the smallest LED round headlamp in the current BMW motorcycle range, measuring 5.75-inches in diameter and featuring an iconic X-shaped light signature. Furthermore, the turn indicator and control lights of the new R 12 G/S also use LED technology.

The optional, adaptive “Headlight Pro” light system offers more safety at night. The headlamp segments are each supplemented by adaptive cornering light elements. And this, in turn, allows for better illumination of the road in bends, ensuring a safer night-time ride.

Keyless Ride.

The standard Keyless Ride system replaces the conventional ignition lock on the new BMW R 12 G/S. The use of a traditional key is now only necessary for the steering lock and fuel tank cap. The ignition and accessory anti-theft alarm system are controlled by means of a transponder integrated in the vehicle key, which transmits a radio signal with a vehicle-specific frequency. The key can therefore remain in the rider’s jacket, for example. Readiness to ride is established by pressing the ON button on the right handlebar switch.

ConnectedRide Control.

With the optional ConnectedRide Control, the new BMW R 12 G/S, like the other R 12 models, is equipped with a Bluetooth interface for pairing with a smartphone and connecting to the BMW Motorrad Connected app. The app displays vehicle data, riding dynamics, local weather information and map navigation in the app. The familiar BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller on the left handlebar can be used to conveniently control the app without removing hands from the handlebars. The MotoMount by SP Connect and the Universal Phone Clamp ensure quick, secure, and vibration-isolated mounting of the smartphone on the handlebars. A USB-C socket is added to the left side of the fairing when ConnectedRide Control is selected.

Tire pressure monitoring with deactivatable warning function for in Enduro mode.

Available as an option, the tire pressure control system measures the air pressure in the front and rear wheels via a sensor on the inside of the rim and displays it on the screen. An angled valve makes it easier to top up the air. In addition, the warning messages can be deactivated in all riding modes, allowing riders to ride with low pressure without a constant warning message, such as in Enduro mode.

Ride Modes

The new BMW R 12 G/S features standard “RAIN”, “ROAD” and “ENDURO” riding modes. It also comes with standard DTC Dynamic Traction Control, which ensures a high level of riding safety when accelerating. For off-road use, DTC can be switched off completely on the new BMW R 12 G/S. In addition, the 12 G/S is equipped with standard MSR Engine Drag Torque Control.

While DTC offers increased riding safety when accelerating, especially on slippery road surfaces, Engine Drag Torque Control prevents the rear wheel from slipping as a result of abruptly releasing the throttle or downshifting — even when braking. However, if the tire’s available grip capacity is below this opening threshold, for example in wet conditions, the rear wheel could still exceed the static friction limit due to the engine drag torque and simultaneous activation of the rear wheel brake and then slip. Thanks to Engine Drag Torque Control, the R 12 G/S can detect this danger at an early stage. Depending on the coefficient of friction between the tire and the road surface, the throttle valves are opened in milliseconds in such a way that the drag torque is compensated, and the rear wheel remains in the static friction range. This results in further enhanced safety, especially on slippery roads.

“RAIN” mode is designed for use on wet roads. Throttle response is softer, and all control systems are designed to maximize stability and control.

In “ROAD” mode, which is designed for dry roads, throttle response is more direct. Traction control is mid-range, and the control systems are used for maximum stability.

The “ENDURO” mode is designed for off-road use with road-legal enduro tires. The throttle response is smooth, and the front wheel lift detection, Engine Drag Torque Control, and dynamic traction control are only minimally active. The partially-integral ABS control at the rear wheel operates in the mid-range and is adapted to off-road use.

“ENDURO PRO” mode, part of the optional Enduro Pkg. Pro, has the same direct throttle response as in “ROAD” mode. Traction control and front wheel ABS only provide minimal stabilization. Otherwise, all control systems (e.g. rear wheel ABS) are inactive in order to provide an optimum off-road experience.

Optional Shift Assist Pro enables clutchless shifting.  

Shift Assist Pro, available as an option for the new BMW R 12 G/S, allows for clutchless shifting in almost all load and speed ranges. Compared to shifting using the clutch lever, it maximizes comfort and dynamics.

In addition, the typical lateral forces exerted on the rear wheel by the boxer engine when shifting gears and using the clutch lever are significantly reduced. Gear changes are smooth and fast, while the vehicle remains stable and precisely maintains its line.

The shift linkage is not visible from the outside for a clean and uncluttered design. Instead, it is located behind the swing arm.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Classic, purist enduro design.
• Air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine with 109 hp and 85 lb-ft of torque.
• Left-hand exhaust system with high-mounted rear silencer and conical tailpipe.
• One-piece tubular space frame with raised and forward-positioned steering head section. Bolted-on rear frame.
• Fully-adjustable USD front forks and Paralever rear swing arm with fully-adjustable rear shock with revised travel-dependent damping.
• 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel, standard. Optional 18-inch rear wheel, part of Enduro Package Pro.
• Front axially mounted 2-piston floating calipers, with 310 mm twin-brake discs.
• BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for safer braking when leaning into corners.
• “RAIN”, “ROAD” and “ENDURO” riding modes, standard. Additional “ENDURO PRO” riding mode available as part of optional Enduro Package Pro.
• DTC Dynamic Traction Control and MSR Engine Drag Torque Control, standard.
• Classic round gauge and 12V socket. Digital display available as an option.  
• Standard LED lighting with adaptive “Headlight Pro” available as an option.  
• Keyless Ride, standard.
• Tailored range of optional equipment available through the premium quality Original BMW Motorrad accessories range.

Pricing, Colors and Availability

The 2026 R 12 G/S is expected to hit dealer floors by early Q3 2025 with an MSRP starting at $16,395. Three different style/colors will be available:

BMW R 12 G/S (standard)
Night Black Matte Paint.
Black Frame, Gold Forks and Black Seat.
G/S Graphics on Airbox Cover. 

BMW R 12 G/S (optional)
Light White Paint.
Black Frame, Gold Forks and Red Seat.
G/S Graphics on Fork Protectors, Fuel Tank, Cockpit Fairing, and Airbox Cover.

BMW R 12 G/S Option 719 Aragonit (optional)
Sand Rover Matte / Racing Red Matte / Mineral Grey Metallic Matte Paint.
Red Frame, Black Forks and Black / Sand Rover / Red Seat.
G/S Graphics on Fork Protectors, Fuel Tank, and Cockpit Fairing.

2026 BMW R 12 G/S Specs

Bore/stroke:	101.0 x 73.0 mm
Output:	109 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque:	85 ft-lbs @ 6,500 rpm
Type:	Air/oil-cooled two cylinder boxer motor
Compression:	12.0:1
Fuel:	Premium unleaded 95 RON
Valves per cylinder:	4
Ø intake / exhaust valve dia.:	39.0 / 33.0 mm
Ø throttle valve:	50 mm
Engine control:	BMS-O with throttle-by-wire
Emission control:	Closed loop 3-way catalytic converter EU5+
Generator:	660 W
Battery:	12/12 V/Ah
Headlight:	LED
Rear light:	LED
Starter:	1200 W
Clutch:	Single-disk dry clutch, hydraulically operated
Gearbox:	Constant-mesh 6-speed manual, cardan drive shaft
1st Gear Ratio:	2.375
2nd Gear Ratio:	1.696
3rd Gear Ratio:	1.296
4th Gear Ratio:	1.065
5th Gear Ratio:	0.939
6th Gear Ratio:	0.848
Primary ratio:	1.737
Secondary ratio:	2.91
Frame construction type:	Steel trellis frame
Front wheel suspension:	45 mm forks, compression, rebound and spring preload adjustable
Rear wheel suspension:	Cast aluminum single-sided swingarm with Paralever arm, central progressive shock, compression, rebound and spring preload adjustable
Spring travel, front/rear:	8.3 / 7.9 in.
Wheel castor:	4.76 / 4.78 in. (with Enduro Pkg. Pro)
Wheelbase:	62.2 / 62.4 in. (with Enduro Pkg. Pro)
Steering head angle:	26.9 / 26.8 degrees (with Enduro Pkg. Pro)
Brakes, front:	Twin 310 mm disks with 2-piston radial mounted floating brake calipers
Brakes, rear:	Single 265 mm disk with 2-piston floating caliper
ABS:	BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, partially integral
Wheels:	Aluminum cross-spoked wheels
Wheel size front  / rear:	2.15 x 21″ / 4.00 x 17″ (4.00 x 18 Enduro Pkg. Pro)
Tire size front / rear:	90/90-21 / 150/70 R17 (150/70R18 Enduro Pkg.)
Total length:	86.6 in.
Total width incl. bar end mirrors:	32.7 in.
Seat height  :	33.9 / 34.4 in. (with Enduro Pkg. Pro)
Ground clearance:	9.4 / 10.0 in. (with Enduro Pkg. Pro)
DIN unladen weight, road ready:	505 lbs.
Permitted total weight:	948 lbs.
Fuel tank capacity:	4.1 gallons
Acceleration 0-62 mph (100kph):	4.1 seconds
Top speed:	>124 mph