LONG TERMERS: BMW R12 nineT

Chad begins his journey with the big beemer…

Welcome to my long-term R12 nineT. Forget about the unusual name, this is the first serious revision of the decade-old R nineT boxer twin, and perhaps the most gratifyingly blended retro yet to come from BMW for some time. Some regular readers who know my road racing past might be surprised by my choice of bike. However, I thought I’d try something different… 

For 2024, BMW’s taste of nostalgia has been significantly updated. There’s a new, lighter chassis and thoroughly updated electronics, a smoother look, and, via a comprehensive model configurator, generous scope for customisation, too. The price is £14,420 – a fraction more than the older bike’s – although we have ticked a few accessories.  Option 719 Aluminium – £2100; Comfort Pack (gearshift assist pro, heated grips, cruise control, hill start control) – £980; Option 719 Classic Wheel Spoked – £550; Connected Ride Cradle – £280; Digital Display – £120; all pushing the total to £18,450.

An 1170cc air-cooled boxer engine remains. On start-up, there’s still that enduring boxer rocking movement at idle as the esteemed shaft-driven twin warms its cooling fins, followed by a trademark bark when the throttle is blipped. It makes you realise how refined and smooth modern, liquid-cooled BMW boxers have become and appreciate the character and mechanical feel of this German bike.

Peak power remains at the R nineT’s 109bhp/80kw but arrives 250rpm sooner, with peak torque now at 115Nm at 6500rpm (84.8lb-ft), which is 1Nm less and 500rpm higher in the rev range. Changes to the four-valves per cylinder, DOHC unit are minimal, although a new airbox is positioned under the seat to eliminate the air intake duct that ran down the right-hand side of the R nineT’s tank, and the standard exhaust is also redesigned.

I rode the bike on its world launch in Spain and was impressed. Admittedly, some potential customers are not going to enjoy the R12 nineT. The rocking movement of the motor, the pull of the shaft drive, and a gearbox that isn’t the quickest won’t impress everyone. But, for me, a little personality, just like we had in the old days, will only be a good thing. I like this character every time I press the starter button.

Once you adapt to its quirks it’s an easy bike to ride. Beautifully fuelled, it’s enriched with torque from the very bottom of the rev range and can give much ‘faster’ bikes a scare when let off its ultra-cool retro leash. Meanwhile, the revised chassis makes shorter riders welcome, can hustle like all the best boxers, and do so without dragging its pegs or pipe on the road.

But would the Beemer deliver on the road, in damp, cold East Yorkshire? Initially we are off to a good start; the dramatic looks of the bold ‘hipster’ styling are just as appealing in damp Yorkshire as it was in sunny Spain. Every time I open the garage door, I still get that wow factor. 

We’ve only done a handful of miles, but I’m loving the ease of use, and the heated gips have become invaluable. However, I have discovered keeping the chrome exhausts clean is going to be hard work. But now summer has arrived, I can’t wait for evening ride-outs and blasts to the East Yorkshire coast.

Adam Child / 300 miles / One month