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BMW launches a modern R90S
Can’t find a used BMW R90S, but want that aura? Check out the new retro-styled R12S.
With the BMW R12S, BMW Motorrad has expanded its Heritage Range by producing a tribute to the iconic R90S, which in 1973 was quite a sporty BMW, with 67bhp on tap and a top speed of 200km/h.
BMW’s then chief designer, Hans A Muth, created the world’s first production motorcycle to incorporate an aerodynamic handlebar fairing.
Racing successes helped the BMW R90S achieve an iconic image.
In the Production TT on the Isle of Man, Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dähne celebrated a class victory in 1976.
In the same year, Steve McLaughlin won the prestigious 200 Miles of Daytona and his teammate Reg Pridmore became the first AMA Superbike Champion.
The 2024 BMW R12S built on the Concept Ninety study that was presented by BMW Motorrad in May 2013, using mechanicals based on the R12 nineT model.
“The defining design elements of our R12S include the handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing with tinted windshield, the seat with contrast stitching and the Lavaorange metallic paint finish as a nod to the legendary R 90 S Daytona Orange from 1975,” explained Alexander Buckan, head of BMW Motorrad Design.
“The design is 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.”
However, the R12S standard equipment includes modern kit: Option 719 Wheel Classic II; Billet packs Shadow and Shadow II; Headlight Pro and Shift Assistant Pro.
Option 719 Classic II wheels have traditional wire spokes and anodised aluminium rims; the handlebars and fork tubes are in black and the components of the Billet packs Shadow and Shadow II provide high-quality technical accents.
Components of the Billet pack Shadow are left and right ignition coil covers, oil filler screw and cylinder head covers coated in Avus black metallic matt.
The Billet pack Shadow II includes the foot brake and gear shift levers, pillion footrests, hand brake and clutch levers, expansion tank covers for front brake and clutch and the handlebar end mirrors.
Further standard features include the Comfort Package, which includes Hill Start Control, Shift Assistant Pro, Heated Grips and Cruise Control. Adaptive-cornering-light Headlight Pro ensures better illumination of the road.
The BMW R 12 S is based on the BMW R 12 nineT, so accessory products including titanium exhausts, soft bags and navigation preparation can also be fitted.
A short rear end and black license plate holder attached to the swingarm are optional. Additional factory-installed options include Tyre Pressure Control (RDC), Anti-Theft Alarm System (DWA), Intelligent Emergency Call, Connected Ride Control and a digital dash with micro-TFT display is an alternative to the classic round instruments.
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