New BMW R12 S Cafe Racer Takes After 1970s R90 S

The new BMW R12 S is based on the R12 nine-T retro bike that landed earlier this year, and it pays homage to the R90 S from five decades ago.

The new bike is a cafe racer that features the same 1170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine that still has roots tying it back to the 2007 HP2 Sport model that was discontinued in 2012. Its boxer-style engine also produces the same 108bhp as the R12 nineT.

The R12 S model is an upgraded version of the standard R12 cafe racer and that’s demonstrated in the price as it costs £18,460 - £4k more than the R12 - and will land in UK dealers in February 2025.

The differences to the R12 nineT bike comes in the form of its standard fitment handlebar mounted cockpit fairing and tinted front windscreen. The new model also bolsters a metallic paint scheme that is also done in tribute to the R90 S Daytona Orange livery from 1975.

The retro colour scheme is accompanied by a dashing double red pinstriping which features across sections of the aluminium on the fuel tank and pillion seat cover.

BMW’s stylish R12 S also gets Option 719 Classic II spoked wheels with anodised rims. Its handlebars and upside-down forks are completed in black, adding a different dimension to the iconic orange paint scheme. Further stylistic touches include a matt black colour scheme across the left and right ignition coil covers, oil filler screws and cylinder head covers.

While style has been a heavy focus of the new R12 S, its tech has not been forgotten as BMW’s optional Comfort Package comes as standard, while Hill Start Control, Shift Assistant Pro (a quickshifter, in other words), heated grips, and cruise control are also added as standard components.

The same accessories that are available on the R12 nineT model, such as luggage holders, anti-theft alarms and full exhaust systems can be added to the R12 S.

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