You have watched cafe racers fade as brands cut models that did not sell. Now BMW brings back the idea with the R12S, a modern bike that nods to a classic from the 1970s. You see a retro look, but you also expect real performance and comfort that fit today.
You ride this bike to see if BMW learned from past attempts. You want style, a strong engine feel, solid handling, and features that make daily riding easy. You also want to know if this approach can work in a smaller market.
Key Takeaways
- You get a retro look with modern power and control.
- You ride a balanced bike that feels quick and usable.
- You see a cafe racer built for real-world riding.
BMW R12S Overview
Retro Styling Roots
You see clear links to BMW’s past in the shape and finish of this bike. The look draws from the 1970s R90S, with a small front fairing, a matching seat cowl, and a bold orange-style paint scheme with fine striping.
Details like the brushed metal tank panel and classic spoke wheels push the retro feel further. BMW also fits billet parts, such as mirrors and controls, as standard, which lift the visual quality without changing the core layout.
Release Timing and Legacy
You’re looking at a cafe racer launched in 2025, at a time when many similar models have left the market due to weak sales. BMW brings this one out after bikes like the Thruxton and its own earlier racer models ended production.
The riding position stays true to the original R90S with flat handlebars, not low clip-ons. That choice links back to history while making the bike easier to live with for modern riders.
Engine and Performance
You get the same air- and oil-cooled boxer twin used across the R12 range. It feels different from most bikes on the road and carries a clear BMW character. The layout also links closely to the older R90S that inspired this model.
Power and Torque Delivery
The engine produces 109 horsepower at the top end. Torque peaks at 115 Nm around 6,500 rpm, with most of that pull available from 2,000–3,000 rpm.
This gives you strong drive in the mid-range, especially when exiting corners in higher gears.
| Key Output | Figure |
|---|---|
| Peak power | 109 hp |
| Peak torque | 115 Nm |
| Strong torque range | 2,000–6,500 rpm |
Exhaust Note and Riding Sensation
You hear a deep and full sound even with the standard exhaust fitted. The engine feels eager and responsive when you open the throttle. That mix of sound, shove, and balance makes the ride engaging without feeling aggressive.
Chassis and Handling
Suspension and Brakes Setup
You get a fully adjustable setup with an upside-down front fork and a rear monoshock. BMW fits 17-inch spoked wheels at both ends with Metzeler tires that offer solid grip.
Braking comes from Brembo radial monoblock calipers on 310 mm front discs. You feel confident braking hard into corners, even when you carry speed.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Fully adjustable USD fork |
| Rear suspension | Adjustable monoshock |
| Front brakes | Brembo radial calipers, dual 310 mm discs |
| Wheels | 17-inch spoked, front and rear |
Comfort and Chassis Balance
The bike feels well balanced and not overly aggressive. You stay comfortable, and the chassis remains calm and stable.
At 220 kg curb weight, it is not light, but the low-mounted boxer engine helps. That low center of gravity lets you make tight turns without putting a foot down.
Behavior on Real Roads
You can flick the bike side to side when you want to push on. The suspension stays composed and does not get unsettled if you enter a corner a bit hot.
You feel happy riding the same stretch of road again and again. The bike encourages spirited riding while still working for everyday use.
Modern Features and Technology
Adjustable Ride Settings
You get three selectable ride programs. You can change how the throttle responds to suit calm riding or a more lively pace. This helps you match the bike to different roads and moods without effort.
Rider Protection Systems
You ride with lean-aware traction control. It adjusts grip support while the bike is cornering. This system works in the background and does not interrupt the ride feel.
Everyday Comfort Add‑Ons
You have cruise control for steady speeds on longer roads. A quick shifter is also fitted, though it can feel a bit rough at times. These features add ease without taking away from the bike’s classic style.
Styling and Build Quality
Paintwork and Surface Finish
You see a bold paint scheme that takes clear inspiration from BMW’s past. The color has a bright orange tone with a strong visual pop, matched with fine red pinstriping and small silver accents.
The fuel tank adds contrast with brushed aluminum panels, which give the bike a premium, hand-finished look. The paint quality looks deep and even, with clean edges around every panel.
Option 719 Hardware and Trim
You get a full set of Option 719 parts fitted as standard. These pieces add detail and weight to the visual design without looking overdone.
Option 719 parts you can see include:
- Billet engine covers
- Machined foot pegs
- Metal levers
- Reservoir caps
- Bar-end mirrors
- Classic spoke wheels
All of these parts work together to lift the finish and make the bike feel special straight from the factory.
Classic Design References
You notice clear visual links to older BMW sport models. The small front fairing and the seat cowl give the bike a true café racer shape without extreme bodywork.
From the side, the bike looks balanced and purposeful. The mix of retro panels, modern components, and careful detailing makes the design feel intentional from every angle.
Trends in the Cafe Racer Segment
Pullback of Icon Models
You have seen the cafe racer field shrink as major brands cut top models after weak sales. Triumph ended the Thruxton with a final edition, and BMW dropped the R nineT Racer years earlier.
| Model | Brand | Status | Key Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thruxton | Triumph | Discontinued | Low demand |
| R nineT Racer | BMW | Discontinued | Low demand |
BMW now brings back the idea with the R12S in 2025, betting that a revised setup can work better.
What Riders Want Now
You likely want style without pain, and the market reflects that shift. Aggressive clip-ons pushed riders away, especially as the average rider age rises.
You see stronger interest in bikes with flat bars that stay usable for commuting, errands, and long days. The R12S follows this path, using a relaxed bar position while keeping the cafe racer look.
Key preference shifts
- Comfort over race-like posture
- Daily usability over track bias
- Retro design with modern aids
How Rivals Stack Up
You can compare choices inside the same brand lines. Buyers favored the Speed Twin over the Thruxton, and the standard R nineT over the Racer, because both offered similar engines with easier ergonomics.
BMW positions the R12S closer to those winners by sharing parts with the R12 roadster. You get the same core bike with added styling, which may help sales while keeping heritage cues from the R90S.
Ergonomics and Everyday Usability
Bar Height and Reach
You sit behind flat handlebars rather than low clip-ons. BMW carried this setup over from the standard R12 platform, and it works well.
- Your wrists stay neutral.
- Your back does not hunch forward.
- You can commute, run errands, or ride all day without strain.
This layout also matches the original R90S, so the position feels true to the bike’s roots.
Riding Posture and Long‑Ride Ease
Your body forms a relaxed triangle between the bars, seat, and pegs. The stance feels comfortable and balanced, not aggressive.
You can stay in the saddle for a full day without paying a comfort penalty. The bike feels easy to manage at low speeds, and tight turns do not force you to put a foot down.
What you notice while riding:
| Area | Feel |
|---|---|
| Back | Upright and relaxed |
| Arms | Natural reach |
| Overall | Sustainable for long rides |
Pricing and Value
How the Price Stacks Up
You pay a high asking price for this bike. I won’t pretend otherwise. BMW prices it above many retro options that once filled this space, especially now that key rivals like the Thruxton are gone.
| Point | What you should know |
|---|---|
| Base cost | It sits at the premium end of the segment |
| Justification | Design, finish, and standard extras drive the cost |
What You Get for the Money
BMW includes a lot of visual and hardware upgrades as standard. That helps explain why the number on the tag climbs so fast.
- Option 719 billet parts already fitted
- Spoke wheels from the 719 range
- Distinctive paint and brushed alloy tank panels
- Modern electronics like riding modes, traction control, and cruise control
You don’t need to add these later. They come on the bike you see.
Where It Fits in the Market
You’re looking at a niche bike in a shrinking category. BMW aims this at riders who want café racer style without extreme ergonomics.
This bike keeps the special image but uses flat bars for comfort. That choice makes it easier to live with than older café racers and could help it reach more buyers despite the high price.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
You ride a bike that blends old style with modern ease, and that mix works in daily use. The flat bars give you a relaxed reach, so your wrists and back stay comfortable on long rides.
You feel the boxer twin most in the mid-range. It pulls hard from low revs, sounds deep even with the stock exhaust, and keeps a clear BMW character.
What stands out when you ride it:
- Strong torque from low RPM
- Stable handling with easy turn-in
- Good brakes that inspire confidence
- Useful tech like ride modes and cruise control
The chassis feels familiar if you know the R12 range, yet it still feels eager when you push it. The weight stays low, which helps in tight turns and slow speeds.
Visually, you get a bike that looks special from every angle. The paint, half fairing, brushed tank, and billet parts lift the design without hurting comfort.
| Area | What you notice |
|---|---|
| Engine | Punchy, smooth, and engaging |
| Comfort | Flat bars suit long days |
| Handling | Balanced and willing |
| Design | Classic cues with high finish |
You can commute, run errands, or ride all day with friends on the same setup. One concern does stand out, and it may give you pause, but the rest of the package feels well judged and carefully thought through.
