Two excellently executed new treatments of the R 12 have finally turned me into a fan.
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There’s no question that, on the whole, BMW does different types of motorcycles really well.
Its sport bikes are speedy, its touring bikes are well-appointed and its adventure bikes are arguably the very best around.
In one category, however, American brands such as Harley and Indian seem so far ahead of the game that I wonder: Why bother?
I am of course talking about cruisers, a space that seems almost antithetical to the German brand’s performance-oriented DNA.
And yet, thanks to a couple of compelling new variants, I have to say the 2026 R 12 has my attention. Let’s take a closer look.
Paint it rad
I should begin by saying the R 12 looks perfectly fine with the standard Blackstorm Metallic colorway.
But especially in a cruiser space that’s at least as much about style as it is substance, “perfectly fine” is a backhanded compliment. You want your hog to have some heart.
That’s where the new Gravity Blue Metallic and Option 719 come in. The former is a blue-and-white combo that’s about as head-turning as the F 800 GS I wrote about last week.
The latter is an upscale overhaul featuring Avus Silver metallic paintwork, high-grade milled components and a diamond-quilted seat cover with gold stitching accenting black leather.
What really pops, however, is the exhaust system: the chrome-plated finish on the exhaust manifold pairs with an electropolished rear silencer, bringing new meaning to the expression “hi-yo silver.”
Adding uniqueness to the equation is the fact that, opposite to the vast majority of bikes, the R12’s pipes unfurl on the kickstand side.
With its classic contours supported by 19-inch front wheels and 16-inch rear ones, these two treatments sparkle with old-school style and indicate that, at long last, the traditionally no-nonsense motorcycle maker “gets it.”
Performance bonus
Of course, because this is BMW, you are getting a bike packing plenty of function along with the form.
The 1,170cc boxer engine makes 95 hp at 6,500 rpm and 81 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm, helping this 500-pound beast fly up to 126 mph.
One highlight is the Rock and Roll riding modes, a charming bit of branding that lets you lean into twisties like a racer (with the former) or reliably rumble down the highway (with the latter).
The seat height of 29.7 inches, while not as low as what you’ll find on, say, an Indian Scout or Harley Breakout, remains welcoming, as do handlebar and footrest ergos aimed at a relaxed riding position.
Even with its classic appearance, the bike is quietly optimized for modern times, courtesy of such features as ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control.
The R 12 also boasts optional ConnectedRide control, complete with a smartphone holder, letting you pair up to navigate the open road.
Because as much fun as it is to get lost on a bike like this one, eventually you’ve gotta ride home.
Availability and pricing
The 2026 BMW R 12 is available now at a starting price of $13,145.
The Gravity Blue Metallic edition starts at $14,485 while Option 719 starts at $16,085.
BMW Motorcycles2026 BMW R 12
