BMW S 1000 R versus BMW R12

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
BMW

BMW R12

Retro

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2024 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 14.460 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • magnificent engine with steam
  • potty boxer sound
  • Very good quality impression
  • very good brakes
  • chilled cruising along is just as possible as sporty acceleration
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • QuickShifter stutters
  • Footrests get in the way when stationary
  • Turn signal integration in the rear light

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length :
2.200 mm Height : 1.110 mm
Seat :
754 mm
Weight :
430 (max: 227 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Air/oil-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with two overhead camshafts 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 km
Maximum speed: 203 km/h
Performance: 95 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 110 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
275 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down fork, diameter 45 mm (travel 90 mm)
Rear suspension:
Directly hinged, travel-dependent damped central shock absorber, spring base adjustable, rebound damping adjustable (travel 90 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 100/90 R19
Rear tyres: 150/80 R16

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, 4-piston monobloc radial caliper ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 2-piston floating caliper ( 265 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

Result

The BMW R12 delivers what it promises: casual cruising with the steam of the good old Lufti boxer. You don't notice the difference in performance to the nineT, the box goes off like a fox. It brakes great, feels mature and safe and conveys a lot of driving pleasure. It is not a "real" cruiser á la Harley due to the footrest position, but it brings the rider down and tempts him to glide casually. Wonderful.
 
The test machine was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg for this test. The R12 will be there as a demonstrator and is happy to have test drivers. If you want to make a direct comparison with the also new R12 nineT - it is also there as a demonstrator. So, off we go to Pinneberg, book two test drives. Bring full of desire!

Price/availability/colours/years of manufacture

  • Price: 14.460€
  • Availability: since 03/2024
  • Colors: red, black, silver