BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus BMW R12

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
BMW

BMW R12

Retro

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2024 bis 2024~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 14.460 €
waveform
waveform
Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
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:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • QuickShifter stutters
  • Footrests get in the way when stationary
  • Turn signal integration in the rear light

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length :
2.200 mm Height : 1.110 mm
Seat :
754 mm
Weight :
227 (max: 430 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
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: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
403 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:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 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 ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 376 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 gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 15,000-20,000€ depending on the equipment
  • used so far only marginally cheaper
  • Years built: 2017-2018
  • Availability: from 12/2017
  • Colors: Rally design in blue, silver, red, black

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