News from BMW: R 12 nineT, R 18 Roctane and BMW Museum

Anniversary exhibition at the BMW Museum and two new models on the way

Dietmar

16.05.2023

Photos: BMW

BMW Motorrad celebrates 100 years of success. Major anniversary exhibition at the BMW Museum.

On the occasion of "100 years of BMW Motorrad", the major anniversary exhibition at the BMW Museum in Munich will open its doors on 12 May 2023. For around a year, visitors will have the opportunity to embark on an intensive and exciting journey through 100 years of BMW Motorrad history.

 

More than 55 BMW Genuine Motorcycles and themed courses with 15 special stations.

In honour of the motorised two-wheelers, which have always supported the sporty, dynamic image of Bayerische Motoren Werke and today make a major contribution to its economic success, the BMW Museum displays more than 55 original motorcycles from ten decades in its world-famous museum bowl.

The rotunda, which was created in 1973 and whose architecture still fascinates visitors today, offers a themed course consisting of around 15 stations. Five major exhibition levels are dedicated to the best-known BMW Motorrad designers, the different customer interests, the most interesting motorcycle pairings and special model parades. For the first time, a dedicated platform will also be showcasing special treasures from the historic vehicle collection of BMW Group Classic.

Thrilling journey through 100 years of BMW Motorrad history.

At the center of the exhibition are original motorcycles from 100 years. They aptly describe the history of the BMW Motorrad brand. In addition, tanks, seats, lights, driver's helmets, frames and minor technical details are used to draw exciting lines of development from the past to the present. Special aspects such as motorsport, electromobility, research and development as well as advertising are just as much a part of the area as the fascinating world that two globetrotters have experienced on their BMW motorcycles. From an international point of view, the so-called official vehicles, which have been exported to more than 110 countries so far, play an important role. The BMW Motorrad Clubs, which are organised around the globe, also have their say.

Exciting motorcycle pairings from the past and present. Racing drivers, designers and developers from 100 years of BMW Motorrad.

The concept of the anniversary exhibition is based on the principle of motorcycle pairings due to the wide range of content: a current vehicle is accompanied by a historic one. This results in many interesting comparisons on the subject of innovations, super sports cars, sidecars, full fairings or urban mobility. Visitors will find the most valuable pieces in the exhibition on their way from platform 2 to motorsport. Two machines that are associated with the victory in the legendary Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man are presented here: Schorsch Meier was successful on his BMW R 255 Kompressor in what is probably the most difficult road race in the world and 75 years later Michael Dunlop crossed the finish line first on a BMW S 1000 RR.

The anniversary exhibition pays tribute to the riders, designers and developers from 100 years of BMW Motorrad history and at the same time refers to the fascinating production at the BMW Group plant in Berlin-Spandau.

A highlight of the exhibition is the parade of fascinating BMW R 18s, which are presented in different model variants. This also applies to the fully faired powerhouses like a BMW K1 and BMW R 1250 RT. The finale is the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 vision vehicle, which has been known since 2016 and provides a glimpse into the future of the motorcycle.

Interactive stations encourage visitors to actively engage with the exhibition. For example, a special photo station on platform 2 creates unforgettable moments of remembrance of the exhibition visit. Two original BMW motorcycles – here too we meet a couple – allow the visitor to sit on. You can take a seat on the handlebars of a BMW R 25 from the 1950s and on a current BMW S 1000 RR.

The permanent exhibition offers even more BMW Motorrad. Since its reopening in 2008, the BMW Museum has dedicated around ten rooms and stations to the history of BMW motorcycles. Various topics deepen the view here, be it the very first motorcycle, the BMW R 32, an overview wall with around 25 milestones or impressive examples from motorcycle racing.

Opening hours BMW Museum:

Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. (last admission at 5.30 p.m.).

Tickets for permanent and temporary exhibitions:

• Single ticket: 10,00 EUR
• Reduced*: 7,00 EUR
• Group (min. 5 persons) per person: 9,00 EUR
• Family (max. 2 adults and 3 children under 18 years): 24.00 EUR

Further information and ticket shop: https://www.bmw-welt.com/de/index.html

 

 
 

BMW Motorrad presents the new R 12 nineT

Puristic Classic Roadster. Ready to customize.

The new BMW R 12 nineT – a seamless link to 100 years of BMW Motorrad fascination and tradition.

Like the BMW R nineT in 2013, the new BMW R 12 nineT presents itself as a puristic, powerful classic roadster with a wealth of conceptual possibilities for almost unlimited customisation and personal individualisation.

Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad: "On the occasion of BMW Motorrad's 90th anniversary, the R nineT established the new Heritage World of Experience with its customising concept – and thus a cornerstone of our model range that has become indispensable today. With an even more classic, reduced design language, even greater degrees of freedom in terms of customisability and, last but not least, newly repositioned, innovative technology, the new R 12 nineT consistently continues the successful heritage story of the legendary BMW boxer engines."

Original 1200cc boxer engine with redesigned airbox and exhaust system as a source of classic driving pleasure.

As early as 100 years ago, the very first BMW Motorrad – the R 32 – relied on the two-cylinder boxer engine. Unmistakable design, great acceleration, unique power delivery, typical sound and high refinement quickly made the boxer a legendary synonym for BMW motorcycles. With its air/oil-cooled boxer engine, the new R 12 nineT builds on this great tradition and, as with many models in the history of BMW Motorrad – such as the current R 18 – the number 12 in the model designation refers to the displacement.

Even more classic, puristic design, great attention to detail and even more possibilities for customizing.

Even more than its predecessor, the new R 12 nineT combines the original character of the boxer engine and the design language of traditional motorcycle eras with innovative technology and a modular concept that offers the rider the highest degree of individualisation options. Even more reduced to the essentials, she inspires with a strong emotional appeal. Accordingly, the puristic, classic appearance and attention to detail were at the top of the agenda during the development of the design.

Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad: "The decidedly purist design language is dominated by the clear lines of the tank/seat/rear, in the style of the traditional /5 or the legendary R 90 S of the 70s. At first glance, the tank itself is a classic BMW boxer tank, with a typical kink in the lower edge and classic knee closure. In the spirit of an authentic roadster appearance, the new R 12 NineT also has side covers in the area of the frame triangle – this is also reminiscent of BMW motorcycles of the 1970s."

Particular attention to detail is evident in the newly designed front fender, the LED headlight with black-framed light guide element and the two round instruments in the traditional style of days gone by. Traditionally, attractive customisation options will once again be offered as part of the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories. With a view to customizing, the new R 12 nineT also offers an LED tail light unit integrated into the seat, which now makes it very easy to implement a "hatchback".

The highlights of the new BMW R 12 nineT:

Classic, purist design.
Processing with great attention to detail.
Air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine.
Tailored to customizing and customizability.
One-piece tubular space frame with bolted-on rear frame.
Classic wheel guides via high-quality upside-down telescopic fork at the front and Paralever at the rear.
Left-hand exhaust system with double silencer and conical end pieces.
Radial mounted 4-piston monobloc calipers, steel-braided brake lines.
Tailor-made customising offer as part of the original BMW Motorrad accessories in the well-known high quality.

The new BMW R 18 Roctane

The new BMW R 18 Roctane as the fifth member of the R 18 family – cruising and touring in custom excavator style.

The new R 18 Roctane is now the fifth member of the R 18 family, joining the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental. Once again, it follows the history and tradition of BMW Motorrad and combines state-of-the-art motorcycle technology with the design and charm of times gone by.

The new BMW R 18 Roctane also borrows from famous BMW models such as the BMW R 5, both technically and visually, and puts the focus back on the essentials of the motorcycle: puristic, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicentre of riding pleasure. In addition, classic design and clear but contemporary technology merge into a fascinating overall concept that impresses with a unique emotional driving experience and skilfully staged design language with a rear section in the so-called "streamlining design".

The highest-displacement BMW boxer engine of all time with rich torque in matt black metallic and with black high-gloss lids as well as an exhaust system and star nuts in dark chrome.

At the heart of the new BMW R 18 Roctane is the well-known two-cylinder boxer engine, the "Big Boxer". Not only with its impressive appearance, but also from a technical point of view, the engine of the new R 18 Roctane in Avus Black metallic matt and with black high-gloss lids ties in with the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have provided an inspiring riding experience for more than seven decades since BMW Motorrad production began in 1923. The two-cylinder boxer engine with the largest displacement ever used in motorcycle series production has a displacement of 1,802^cm3. The output is 67 kW (91 hp) at 4,750 ^rpm. From 2,000 to 4,000 ^rpm, more than 150 Nm of torque can be called up at any time and primordial pulling power goes hand in hand with rich sound. The black engine is perfectly matched by the dark chrome exhaust system and the star nuts.

Double-loop tubular frame made of steel and rear swingarm with framed axle drive in rigid frame look.

At the heart of the chassis of the new R 18 Roctane is a tubular steel double-loop frame. With its design, it builds on the long BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame design. The particularly high manufacturing quality and attention to detail are also evident in barely perceptible details such as the welded joints between steel tubes and castings or forgings. Like the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swingarm, which is manufactured according to a similar pattern, encloses the rear axle drive in proper style via screw connections.

Telescopic fork with fork sleeves, cantilever shock absorber and alloy wheels with 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear as well as disc brakes.

The suspension elements of the new BMW R 18 Roctane deliberately dispense with electronic adjustment options. Rather, a telescopic fork and a directly hinged central shock absorber with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure superior wheel guidance and appealing suspension comfort. As with the legendary BMW R 5, the stanchions of the telescopic fork are covered with fork sleeves. The stanchion tube diameter is 49 mm, the suspension travel is 120 mm at the front and 90 mm at the rear. The new BMW R 18 Roctane is decelerated by a double disc brake at the front and a single-disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed calipers. The light-alloy wheels ensure a stylish appearance. 3.5 x 21" at the front and 120/70 W 21 tyres and 5.5 x 18" tyres at the rear with 180/55 W 18 tyres.

Harmonious ergonomics with stepped seat, running boards, paddle shifter and high handlebars.

In keeping with BMW Motorrad, the new BMW R 18 Roctane relies on a casual, so-called "mid-mounted footpeg" position for the footrests. This classic position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW, but also enables a relaxed and active driving posture for the best possible vehicle control. For this purpose, the R 18 Roctane has a slim, tapered stepped bench seat with pillion straps for two people and is equipped with running boards in conjunction with a paddle shifter. The high, black-coated handlebars ensure an upright and relaxed riding position.

Cases painted in the respective vehicle colour and windshield as original BMW Motorrad accessories. Three attractive colour schemes.

The new R 18 Roctane is ideally equipped for cool cruising and touring thanks to the case painted in the same colour as the vehicle. The suitcases each offer 27 litres of luggage volume. For longer tours, the new R 18 Roctane can be equipped with a windscreen with auxiliary headlights and suspended turn signals from the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range. The new R 18 Roctane is painted black as standard. The colours Mineral Grey metallic matt and Manhattan metallic matt are available as optional extras.

Three driving modes as well as ASC and MSR for a high level of driving pleasure and safety as standard. Reversing aid, Hillstart Control and heated grips as optional extras ex works.

In order to adapt to the driver's individual wishes, the new R 18 Roctane also offers the three riding modes "Rain", "Roll" and "Rock" as standard and exceptional in this segment. Also included in the standard equipment is the Automatic Stability Control (ASC), which ensures a high level of driving safety. In addition, the new R 18 Roctane is equipped with engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard. In addition to other options, a reversing aid enables comfortable manoeuvring and the Hill Start Control function makes it easy to pull away on hills. Comfortably warm hands on cold days are provided by the heated grips, which are also available ex works as optional extras.

The new R 18 Roctane: The "Big Boxer" with a rigid frame look, modern technology and authentic materials staged in custom excavator style. Headlights with integrated, classically designed round instrument.

The R 18 Roctane skilfully transforms the iconic shapes of bygone times in custom excavator style, and in many details a purist design lives on, which was mainly influenced by classics such as the BMW R 5. It is no coincidence that functional and style-defining elements such as the double-loop frame, the teardrop tank or the open-running cardan shaft are reminiscent of the legendary boxer from 1936. The classic body features of the R 18 Roctane, such as the fuel tank, fenders and headlight housing, are also made of metal – just as befits an authentic classic. An equally excellent reminiscence of the legendary R 5 is the chassis. Together with the two-sided swingarm and a cantilever strut, it was possible to transfer the rigid frame concept of the R 5 perfectly into modern times.

Wherever the eye sweeps along, lovingly designed technology is evident in detail. This is also the case with the headlamp with integrated, classically designed round instrument. The legendary BMW R 5 from 1936 and from then on almost all BMW motorcycles until the early 1970s had this characteristic combination. The new BMW R 18 Roctane is now reviving this tradition – with state-of-the-art technology but contemporary design. A reference to the origin is documented by the "BERLIN BUILT" lettering on the dial: the new R 18 Roctane is also manufactured at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau.

Conversion-friendly architecture as a prerequisite for simple customizing and optimal individualization.

Like the entire R 18 family, the new R 18 Roctane also offers a very conversion-friendly architecture, which was already the focus of attention in the early conception phases of the basic design of the vehicle. In addition, the valve covers (cylinder head covers) and the hero's chest (engine housing cover) are designed in such a way that they sit outside the oil compartment and are therefore very easy to change.

The highlights of the new BMW R 18 Roctane:

• Iconic style through modern technology and authentic materials.
• Largest BMW boxer engine of all time with a displacement of 1,802^cm3.
• Power output 67 kW (91 hp) at 4,750 rpm, maximum torque 158 Nm at 3,000 ^rpm.
• Available ^from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm at any time above 150 Nm.
• Open-running shaft drive based on the classic model.
• Exhaust system and star nuts in dark chrome.
• Elaborately manufactured double-loop tubular frame made of steel.
• Rear swingarm with framed axle drive in rigid frame look.
• Telescopic fork with fork sleeves and cantilever shock absorber with path-dependent damping.
• Harmonious ergonomics with high handlebars for relaxed riding and optimal control.
• Disc brakes at the front and rear, as well as cast alloy wheels in 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear.
• Side cover with emblem.
• Headlight housing with integrated classic round instrument.
• State-of-the-art LED lighting technology interpreted in a classic way.

• Adaptive cornering lights for even better road illumination when cornering as an optional extra.
• Keyless Ride for convenient function activation by radio (ignition on/off).
• Steering lock by hand / lock on the head tube on the right.
• Suitcase lock cylinder by hand.
• Three driving modes as well as ASC and MSR as standard.
• Reversing aid for comfortable manoeuvring as well as Hill Start Control for easy pulling away on hills as optional extras ex works.
• Heated grips, DWA, RDC and 35 kW version as optional extras ex works.
• Extensive range of optional extras and original BMW Motorrad accessories as well as a casual Ride & Style collection.