In the over-100-year history of BMW motorcycles, the model that stands as the most iconic is the R 90 S. That bike relaunched the BMW motorcycle brand in the early 1970s and, in many ways, saved the BMW motorcycle division. The R 90 S took the world by storm when it won the 1976 Production TT on the Isle of Man and riders Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dähne celebrated a class victory. In the same year, Steve McLaughlin (No. 83) won the prestigious Daytona 200 on a Butler & Smith-prepared R 90 S; his teammate Reg Pridmore (No. 163) went on to become the very first AMA Superbike champion in history. BMW used this racing success to sell quite a few street versions of the R 90 S, which put BMW back in the spotlight as a manufacturer of top-tier motorcycles.
Just in time for the holiday season, BMW has given us what might be the ultimate Christmas present by launching a bike that pays tribute to what many consider the most iconic BMW motorcycle, the R 90 S, with a brand-new model it calls the R 12 S.
According to the press release, the “BMW R 12 S transfers the spirit of the R 90 S into the here and now.
The new BMW R 12 S uses many design cues and detail points from the original R 90 S in its overall concept and delivers them in a thoroughly updated version of the bike. The R 12 S, based on the current R 12 nineT, embodies an authentic and sporty retro motorcycle by blending several ingredients that make up a skillful homage to the R 90 S.”
According to Alexander Buckan, head of BMW Motorrad Design, “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 coach line, and the brushed and clear-lacquered aluminum surfaces of the tank and seat hump.”
Being a former owner of an R 90 S myself, I have to agree. This new R 12 S is the modern BMW bike I have been hoping we would see. I am thrilled that BMW has embraced its heritage and brought us a modern bike that espouses the cool, retro look and styling of the original icon. Details such as the paintwork and the twin analog gauges really work to make the R 12 S a perfect take on the original.
The R 12 S Daytona Package includes Lava Orange over silver metallic paint, a cockpit fairing, a short rear tail with integrated LED lighting, Option 719 Classic II wheels, hill start assist, Headlight Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, a single seat with a rear cover in Lava Orange over silver, heated grips, cruise control, the Billet Pack Shadow (which includes Milled Shadow ignition coil covers), an oil filler plug, Avus Black Metallic Matte cylinder head covers, and the Billet Pack Shadow II option with Milled Shadow foot shift and brake levers, rider and passenger footrest systems, hand brake and clutch levers, brake reservoir cover, and bar end mirrors.
If you are interested in the R 12 S, call a BMW motorcycle dealer to be added to the list tomorrow. With a list price of only $21,590 (plus destination) and a U.S. market launch expected in Q1 2025, this bike will not be easy to get.
Full disclosure: When I saw the press release for the R 12 S, I immediately called my friend Kyle at Max BMW and put myself on the list. I could not even tell him what it was, so I just said it was for the new bike coming out tomorrow.
I see this bike as the perfect way to celebrate the history of the BMW R 90 S in the modern world.
For more info and to find a dealer near you so you can place your order, click HERE.
Source: www.classiccars.com