- BMW R12 GS unveiled
- Comes with dual-purpose character and 1170cc engine
- Could be launched in AUS and NZ soon
BMW Motorrad has finally unveiled the all-new R12 GS for global markets. The motorcycle is part of the R12 retro range and is inspired by the original R80 GS from the 1980s.
The BMW R12 GS is based on the R nineT roadster but with a completely different character and purpose. The dual-purpose motorcycle is equipped with all the bells and whistles to make it suitable for off-road riding. To begin with, the R12 GS gets a revised chassis to help tie down luggage, a taller steering angle and a bolt-on tubular steel subframe. It also gets 45mm fully-adjustable USD forks with 210mm of travel, while the rear offers 200mm through a fully-adjustable shock. There is also the Paralever swingarm, like the rest of the R12 models.
The R12 GS gets a single seat with a 21/17-inch spoke wheel combo as part of the standard equipment. This is 860mm as standard and can be raised to 875mm with the optional Enduro Package Pro. Accessories can also add a larger 18-inch wheel that increases the ride height to 895mm and can be paired with 20-inch bar risers. Furthermore, the BMW R12 GS gets an additional Rallye Seat option that increases the ride height to 880mm with a 17in rear wheel.
Its exhaustive feature list has three riding modes- Rain, Road and Enduro. The Enduro Package Pro unlocks traction control and an additional Enduro Pro mode. That said, a quickshifter comes in as an optional extra. Now, the R12 GS comes powered by a 1170cc engine like the R nineT Roadster and offers 107,3bhp at 7000rpm and 115Nm at 6500rpm. With a 15.5-litre fuel tank, the bike weighs in at 229kg.
“With the new BMW R12 G/S, BMW Motorrad is offering a classic enduro for puristic off-road fun,” Head of BMW’s Boxer Series, Markus Lederer said. Well, we can’t wait to get our hands on it. And we expect BMW to bring in the new R12 GS to Australia and New Zealand by the end of this year.
