BMW R 12 nineT
2026 BMW R 12 nineT: 109 hp boxer roadster, 220 kg, €18,300, A2 version. Full specs, press reviews, generations and rivals.
At a glance
The BMW R 12 nineT is a neo-retro roadster powered by a 1,170 cc, 109 hp air/oil-cooled boxer, which replaced the R nineT in 2024. Priced at €18,300 in France and also offered in A2 form, it costs much more than its rivals but wins reviewers over with its finish, torquey engine and fully adjustable chassis. Tests mainly criticise its price, expensive options and a notchy gearbox, especially with the optional quickshifter.
World press review
Meta-score
7 sources
Press ratings
Revised ergonomics, sensitive fully adjustable chassis, excellent brakes and a first quickshifter: more versatile and more fun than ever; jerky quickshifter, heavy clutch, high price with options.
A successful, endearing retro, stable and with good brakes, with a not-fully-polished character; clunky gearbox and quickshifter.
More refined than any previous nineT, but tamer and more calculated than the original 2014 R nineT.
Flat-twin character, sound, finish and agile chassis; price, basic standard instruments, idiosyncratic riding position and optional quickshifter.
Beautiful, refined and enjoyable to ride; price deemed excessive, engine unpleasant at low revs in town, rough shifter, seat uncomfortable over time.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
Reviews cover the 2024 model year, launched to the press in Andalusia in February 2024 and technically identical to the 2026 model year (only colours and a few options have changed). MCN and Bennetts BikeSocial rate it 5/5: the meta-score of 100/100 rests on these two numeric scores alone. 1000PS, Cycle World, RevZilla Common Tread, Le Repaire des Motards and Motoplanete tested it without a score.
What reviewers like: the quality of finish and looks (MCN, BikeSocial, Motoplanete), the boxer’s torque and sound (BikeSocial, Le Repaire des Motards), a balanced, fully adjustable chassis (BikeSocial, 1000PS), powerful brakes (MCN, 1000PS) and ergonomics improved by the shorter tank (1000PS, Cycle World). Cycle World sees it as a celebration of BMW’s heritage, with a deliberately not-fully-polished character.
What they criticise: a price well above its rivals’, quickly inflated by options (MCN, BikeSocial, 1000PS, Le Repaire des Motards, Motoplanete), a clunky gearbox and quickshifter (Cycle World, BikeSocial, 1000PS), a heavy clutch (1000PS) and little weight saved despite the new frame (BikeSocial). MCN finds it too close to the R nineT to justify trading in, and RevZilla finds it more refined but more calculated than the original 2014 R nineT.
Key quotes
"But putting performance to one side, what makes the R12 nineT great, just like its predecessor is its quality and feelgood factor. It isn't different enough to warrant rushing out to trade in your R nineT, but if you fancy a retro that puts a huge smile on your face whenever you ride it, fast or slow, it's the bike for you."
"BMW hasn't made huge strides with the R12 nineT, but they didn't need to. I smiled all day during our ride and reckon it's the perfect jacket and jeans bike, made for a Sunday afternoon or summer evening ride out. The only downside, aside from the odd name, is the price."
"The new ergonomics, top-notch chassis, powerful brakes, and new quickshifter make the R 12 nineT perform better than ever before in 2024."
"The R 12 nineT is a celebration of BMW's heritage, and its not-fully-polished character makes the experience. You get all the feels of old in a modern machine that has comfortable ergos, remains compact, offers plenty of options for customization, and just lets you feel analog in a digital world. But the name still needs work."
"Even if it's not surprising anymore, the nineT remains a lovely distillation of motorcycling magic."
"Now an R12, the nineT keeps its unique character, mostly provided by its velvety flat-twin."
"Beautiful, refined, more symmetrical, as enjoyable to ride as ever and graced with analogue dials, this R12 nineT is a fine evolution of this modern machine with vintage looks. But at a minimum of €18,300 a pop, you are certainly paying for the blue and white roundel on the tank and the tons of marketing campaigns."
Pros
- Torquey boxer with appealing character and sound
- Premium finish and looks
- Balanced chassis, fully adjustable fork
- Powerful brakes, ABS Pro as standard
- Wide customisation choice (Option 719, accessories)
- 3-year unlimited-mileage warranty
Cons
- Costs €3,000 to €6,200 more than its rivals
- Quickshifter, cruise control and TFT screen are optional
- Clunky gearbox and quickshifter
- Heavy clutch
- Little weight saved despite the new frame
- Valve clearance check every 10,000 km
Our review
Which R 12 nineT in France?
BMW Motorrad France offers two models at the same price: the R 12 nineT (109 hp) and the R 12 nineT A2, whose 95 hp (70 kW) boxer is reduced to 35 kW (48 hp) by the power-reduction option. The maximum recommended price as of 1 January 2026 is €18,300 in the standard Black Storm Metallic colour. Imperial Blue Metallic costs €300 more (€18,600). Option 719 II (€2,190, i.e. €20,490) adds Option 719 Aluminium paint, milled parts, the single-seat cover, a red frame, an aluminium windshield and a black fork.
For orders signed between 1 October and 31 December 2026 and delivered before the end of the year, participating dealers grant a €2,400 discount (or the same amount in equipment), hence the “from €15,900” tagline. In the United States, the 2027 model year R 12 nineT is listed at $17,245 plus destination.
Two packages add comfort equipment:
- the Comfort Package (€1,145): Shifter Pro, cruise control, Hill Start Control Pro and heated grips;
- the Finition Pro Package (€1,780), specific to the French range: the Comfort Package content plus the anti-theft alarm, Headlight Pro and tyre pressure monitoring.
The black spoked Option 719 Classic wheels (€580), seen on most official photos, are also optional.
What is the 2026 model year?
The R 12 nineT succeeded the R nineT in 2024, ten years after the latter’s launch. It keeps the 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled boxer but gets a one-piece tubular steel trellis frame, an airbox housed under the seat, a “Twin Pipe” exhaust without a flap, an angled shock and a 16-litre aluminium tank that is 30 mm shorter. The 2026 model year adds the Imperial Blue colour (replacing San Remo Green), the optional M Lightweight battery and a black headlight on Option 719. BMW announces no changes for 2027 in Europe.
How good is the engine?
The 1,170 cc boxer (101 x 73 mm), with double overhead camshafts and four radial valves per cylinder, makes 109 hp (80 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm. It is Euro 5+ homologated according to BMW France (Euro 5 in the owner’s manual). BMW quotes 3.6 s for 0-100 km/h and a 215 km/h top speed (“over 200 km/h” in the press kit).
Bennetts BikeSocial and Le Repaire des Motards praise torque available from low revs and the flat twin’s sound, which MCN finds “gloriously quirky”. BikeSocial nonetheless finds it slightly dated, and Motoplanete unpleasant at low revs in town. The gearbox is the most frequent complaint: Cycle World calls it “clunky”, BikeSocial, 1000PS and Motoplanete find the optional quickshifter jerky or rough, and 1000PS notes a heavy clutch.
How does it ride?
The 45 mm upside-down fork is fully adjustable, and the directly linked shock is adjustable for preload and rebound; both ends have 120 mm of travel. Braking combines twin 310 mm floating discs with radial four-piston monobloc calipers (Brembo according to MCN and Cycle World), with cornering ABS Pro.
Reviewers praise nicely balanced, easy handling (BikeSocial), a very sensitive chassis (1000PS), great stability (Cycle World) and fine agility (Le Repaire des Motards). MCN and 1000PS find the brakes powerful. BikeSocial notes, however, that the new lighter frame does little for overall weight: 220 kg road-ready, against 222 kg for the R nineT.
Equipment
As standard, the R 12 nineT has Rain, Road and Dynamic modes, switchable DTC traction control, engine drag torque control, ABS Pro, keyless ride, LED lighting and USB-C and 12 V sockets. The instruments stay true to the retro spirit, with two round dials and integrated digital displays; a 3.5-inch TFT screen is optional (€140), as is Connected Ride Control connectivity (€300).
Who is it for?
The R 12 nineT is aimed at fans of premium retro roadsters who value finish, boxer character and customisation. It costs €3,000 to €6,200 more than its direct rivals (Triumph Speed Twin 1200, Kawasaki Z900RS, Honda CB1000F, Triumph Bonneville T120), a gap most tests point out.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
BMW quotes 5.1 L/100 km on the WMTC cycle, giving a range of about 310 km from 16 litres; BikeSocial recorded over 50 mpg (under 5.7 L/100 km) and close to 320 km between fill-ups. The owner’s manual specifies a service with oil change every 10,000 km or every year, with a valve clearance check at every service. BMW France provides a 3-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Recalls
No recall was found for the R 12 nineT, in France (RappelConso) or the United States (NHTSA).
Specifications
| Displacement | 1170 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 109 hp (80 kW) @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 115 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Weight | 220 kg (road-ready, tank 90% full) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.02 |
| Seat height | 795 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 16 L |
| Fuel consumption | 5.1 L/100 km (WMTC cycle) — 119 g/km CO2 |
| Maintenance interval | Service and oil change every 10,000 km or 1 year — Valves: 10,000 km (BMW owner's manual) |
| Engine type | Flat twin (boxer), 4-stroke, DOHC per cylinder, 8 radial valves, balancer shaft, air/oil-cooled |
| Cooling | air_huile |
| Transmission | 6-speed, shaft drive, dry single-plate clutch |
| License | AA2 Restrictable |
| MSRP | €18,300 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 101 x 73 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 12,0:1 |
| Fuel system | Indirect electronic fuel injection, BMS-O engine management, ride-by-wire, 50 mm throttle body |
| Valve train | Chain-driven DOHC per cylinder, 4 radially arranged valves per cylinder |
| Max power RPM | 7000 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 6500 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5+ |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | One-piece tubular steel trellis frame, load-bearing engine, bolt-on tubular rear frame |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 27.7 ° |
| Trail | 110.7 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1511 mm |
| Front suspension | Fully adjustable 45 mm upside-down fork (preload, compression, rebound), 120 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Directly linked shock with travel-dependent damping (WAD), adjustable preload and rebound, Paralever single-sided swingarm, 120 mm travel |
| Front brake | Twin 310 mm floating discs, Brembo radial 4-piston monobloc calipers, braided lines |
| Rear brake | Single 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55 ZR17 |
| ABS system | ABS Pro (cornering), semi-integral braking and Dynamic Brake Control as standard |
Performance
| 0 to 100 km/h | 3.6 s |
|---|---|
| Top speed | 215 km/h |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Rain, Road, Dynamic |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Anti-wheelie | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Optional (Shifter Pro, in the Comfort or Finition Pro Package) |
| Cruise control | No (Optional (Comfort Package)) |
| Dashboard | Two round analogue dials with digital displays; optional 3.5-inch micro TFT (Digital Display) |
| Connectivity | Optional: Connected Ride Control (Bluetooth, BMW Motorrad Connected app, smartphone holder) |
| Other features | Keyless Ride as standard, Engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard, Switchable DTC traction control, with front-wheel lift limitation, Full LED lighting; optional Headlight Pro (cornering light), USB-C and 12 V sockets, Intelligent emergency call, Optional: Hill Start Control Pro, heated grips, anti-theft alarm, tyre pressure monitoring (RDC), M Lightweight lithium-ion battery |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Neo-retro roadster; tank 30 mm shorter and narrower than the R nineT's |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Minimal (roadster); brushed aluminium windshield with Option 719 II |
| Payload | 211 kg |
| Max total weight | 430 kg |
The seat is at 795 mm (789 to 795 mm according to the owner’s manual), with a 1,765 mm inside-leg arc. According to BMW, ergonomics improve over the R nineT thanks to a tank 30 mm shorter and narrower at the rear. Cycle World finds it comfortable and compact, and 1000PS praises the new ergonomics; Le Repaire des Motards, however, finds the position idiosyncratic, and Motoplanete the seat uncomfortable over time. Wind protection is that of a roadster, with an aluminium windshield on Option 719 II, which also makes the bike a single-seater. Payload is 211 kg (210 kg according to the owner’s manual), for a permissible total weight of 430 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
Under 5.7 L/100 km (over 50 mpg recorded by Bennetts BikeSocial in road use)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~310 km (calculated from the WMTC figure: 16 L tank / 5.1 L/100 km); close to 320 km according to Bennetts BikeSocial
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 10,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 10,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 20,000 km |
| Chain | Not applicable (shaft drive); drive shaft checked and greased every 30,000 km |
Average service cost
BMW Service Inclusive 3 years / 30,000 km: €1,190 (Oil Inclusive 3 years / 30,000 km: €600)
Warranty
3 years / Unlimited mileage; optional 1- or 2-year extension
BMW’s owner’s manual specifies a running-in check between 500 and 1,200 km, then a service with oil and filter change every 10,000 km or every year, including a valve clearance check (RevZilla points out this short interval). The spark plugs and air filter are replaced every 20,000 km, as is the rear bevel gear oil (or every two years). Gearbox oil is changed after one year, then every two years or 40,000 km, fork oil every 30,000 km and brake fluid after one year then every two years. The drive shaft is greased every 30,000 km and replaced at 80,000 km, the alternator belt at 40,000 km or six years. Air/oil cooling and shaft drive mean no coolant and no chain. BMW France offers Oil Inclusive (3 years or 30,000 km, €600) and Service Inclusive (3 years or 30,000 km, €1,190) packages. The warranty is 3 years with unlimited mileage, extendable by one or two years.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R 12 nineT | €18,300 | 109 hp (80 kW) @ 7,000 rpm | 220 kg (road-ready, tank 90% full) |
| Triumph Speed Twin 12002025 | €15,295 | 105 hp | 216 kg (wet) |
| Kawasaki Z900RS2026 | €13,299 | 116 hp | 216 kg (wet) |
| Honda CB1000F2026 | €12,099 | 124 hp | 214 kg (kerb) |
| Triumph Bonneville T1202026 | €14,595 | 80 hp | 233 kg (wet) |
Generations
- R nineT (Euro 3)2014 – 2016
1,170 cc · 110 hp · 119 Nm · 222 kg (road-ready)
Retro roadster with a 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled boxer, modular frame with removable rear section, upside-down fork, Paralever, wire-spoke wheels and radial monobloc calipers.
- R nineT (Euro 4)2017 – 2020
1,170 cc · 110 hp · 116 Nm · 222 kg (road-ready)
Euro 4 homologation (published torque 116 Nm), ABS as standard, optional ASC stability control and 2-into-1 exhaust.
- R nineT (Euro 5)2021 – 2023
1,170 cc · 109 hp · 116 Nm · 222 kg (road-ready)
Euro 5 with new cylinder heads (109 hp at 7,250 rpm), ABS Pro with Dynamic Brake Control, WAD shock, Rain and Road modes, LED lighting and USB socket as standard.
- R 12 nineT2024 – today
1,170 cc · 109 hp · 115 Nm · 220 kg (road-ready)
One-piece steel trellis frame, airbox under the seat, Twin Pipe exhaust without flap, fully adjustable 45 mm fork, shorter 16 L tank, Keyless Ride, Dynamic mode, DTC and MSR as standard, Euro 5+.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R nineT (Euro 3)2014 – 2016 Retro roadster with a 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled boxer, modular frame with removable rear section, upside-down fork, Paralever, wire-spoke wheels and radial monobloc calipers. | 1,170 cc | 110 hp | 119 Nm | 222 kg road-ready |
| R nineT (Euro 4)2017 – 2020 Euro 4 homologation (published torque 116 Nm), ABS as standard, optional ASC stability control and 2-into-1 exhaust. | 1,170 cc | 110 hp | 116 Nm | 222 kg road-ready |
| R nineT (Euro 5)2021 – 2023 Euro 5 with new cylinder heads (109 hp at 7,250 rpm), ABS Pro with Dynamic Brake Control, WAD shock, Rain and Road modes, LED lighting and USB socket as standard. | 1,170 cc | 109 hp | 116 Nm | 222 kg road-ready |
| R 12 nineT2024 – today One-piece steel trellis frame, airbox under the seat, Twin Pipe exhaust without flap, fully adjustable 45 mm fork, shorter 16 L tank, Keyless Ride, Dynamic mode, DTC and MSR as standard, Euro 5+. | 1,170 cc | 109 hp | 115 Nm | 220 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
Moisture can enter the right-hand handlebar switch unit and cause electrical failures, up to the engine stalling while riding: the switch is replaced free of charge with an improved part. Affects R 12, R 12 nineT, R 1300 GS and R 1300 GS Adventure bikes built up to October 2024 (60,778 worldwide according to the KBA); BMW says the improved part has been fitted at the factory since 1 October 2024. The recall was also published on the EU Safety Gate in March 2025.
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