Easily one of BMW Motorrad’s most iconic creations was the 1973 R 90 S. Producing 67 hp at the time and capable of a top speed of 200 km/h, it earned a class victory at the Production TT on the Isla of Man in 1976. It also won the 200 Miles of Daytona and the first AMA Superbike Championship in history.
Today, BMW Motorrad gives fans a chance to own a tribute to this historic model in the form of the new R 12 S. Enhanced from the Concept Ninety study presented by BMW Motorrad in May 2013, the new BMW R 12 S takes up the spirit of the R 90 S in its overall concept as well as in many details and transfers it skillfully into the present day. Based on the R 12 nineT, it embodies an authentic and sporty retro bike and utilizes several ingredients that make up a skillful homage to the R 90 S.
The R 12 S is powered by a 1,170cc boxer twin from the R 12 nineT and offers riders the classic BMW performance experience with its 109 hp and 115 Nm of torque.
The R 12 S is packed with a comprehensive suite of safety and technology features. Riders benefit from hill start assist, Shift Assistant Pro, heated grips, cruise control, Adaptive Headlight Pro, ABS Pro, traction control, keyless ride, TPMS, Bluetooth connectivity, riding modes, and a host of other advanced functionalities.
“The defining design elements of our R 12 S include the handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing with the tinted windshield, the seat with contrast stitching, and the Lava Orange metallic paint finish as a nod to the legendary R 90 S Daytona Orange from 1975. The design is perfectly complemented by details such as the red-laid 'S' on the side covers, the red double line, and the brushed and clear-lacquered aluminum surfaces of the tank and seat hump,” said Alexander Buckan, Head of BMW Motorrad Design.
The R 12 S retains its sporty retro character with an array of standard premium features. These include Option 719 Classic II wire-spoke wheels with polished aluminum rims, along with other top-shelf components. Black handlebars and fork tubes further enhance the bike’s aesthetic, while the Billet packs Shadow and Shadow II add striking technical accents.
Billet pack Shadow includes matte black metallic ignition coil covers, oil filler screws, and cylinder head cover. Billet pack Shadow II features a complete footrest system, hand brake and clutch levers, expansion tank covers, and handlebar end mirrors.
BMW Motorrad Philippines has made the R 12 S available in the country, but strictly limited to 20 units. Its price starts at P1,625,000 but can easily be customized with more optional extras. Each bike is covered by BMW Motorrad’s comprehensive 5-year or 500,000-kilometer warranty.