BMW R 12 S Test 2025

Rounded shapes, like those seen on the BMW R 12 S, draw attention in a particular way. They appear softer, more inviting, often even calming. Angular shapes, on the other hand, convey a certain hardness, rigidity or sense of distance.

In nature, rounded shapes are everywhere. The curved lines of leaves, the gentle bends of a river or the round shape of fruit - everything appears organic, flowing, harmonious. Angular structures are rarer and are often associated with breakage or danger, like sharp-edged rocks or thorns.

This effect is also deliberately used in architecture and design. Cars with soft, aerodynamic lines look more modern and dynamic. Furniture with rounded edges radiates warmth and coziness. Even in technology, many companies rely on gentle curves - from smartphones to app interfaces, which appear more pleasant and intuitive thanks to their soft shapes. The brain reacts to these differences. Studies show that rounded shapes activate the reward system more strongly, while angular elements are often unconsciously perceived with caution or skepticism.

Ultimately, shapes influence how we experience our surroundings. Rounded lines stand for openness, safety and harmony. They make a design not only visually more appealing, but also more emotionally accessible.

Nostalgia is a defining design trend that, especially in times of crisis, gives people a sense of comfort and security. In fashion, furniture, music and brand identities, retro aesthetics are experiencing a renaissance, as familiar elements offer emotional security. Designers draw inspiration from historic logos, posters and books, while secondhand fashion is booming thanks to sustainability. This trend is also evident in vehicle design; specifically, the BMW R 12 S references the legendary R 90 S from 1973.

Nostalgia can enrich design as long as it is applied thoughtfully and combined with a forward-looking perspective. Such designs evoke memories of bygone eras without forgoing modern technology, and the R 12 S serves as a wonderful example of exactly that.

The BMW R 90 S, produced from 1973 to 1976, is considered BMW's first supersports bike and set new benchmarks in its class at the time. With its air-cooled 900cc twin-cylinder boxer engine, it produced 67 hp and reached a top speed of nearly 200 km/h. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds was remarkable for the era. Technical innovations such as the factory-fitted half-fairing not only improved aerodynamics but also marked a stylistic shift, since fairings had previously mostly been aftermarket modifications. The R 90 S was also one of the first BMW models with a double disc brake up front, at a time when drum brakes were still widespread. Besides its performance, it also impressed with suspension that was high-quality for its era. Today, the R 90 S has long since shed its status as a supersports bike and is prized above all for its design. In particular, the iconic color schemes of silver-grey and Daytona orange have helped it become a sought-after classic. Well-preserved examples of the R 90 S fetch high prices on the used market, underscoring its special place in BMW history.

The R 12 S combines classic retro elements with modern design features. Particularly striking are the two-tone paint schemes, the sporty tail section and the compact windscreen, which not only looks good but also provides a certain amount of wind protection. The characteristic twin exhaust blends harmoniously into the overall design and underlines the bike's sporty aspirations.

BMW generally relies on high-quality build here, for instance with the drop-dead gorgeous chrome spoked wheels, which makes it all the more puzzling that plastic is used in some areas - including the heat shield, the side covers and the front fender. The unabashed use of the modular parts-bin principle is also a bit hard to swallow given the proud price tag. The instrument cluster on the handlebar is identical to that on the F 900 R, which costs well under half as much as this posh machine.

The BMW R 12 S presents itself as a sporty roadster with thoughtful ergonomics aimed at a compromise between dynamic riding and long-distance suitability. The seat height of 795 mm makes the bike easily accessible even for shorter riders, while the wide handlebar ensures an upright, controlled seating position. This improves maneuverability in city traffic and offers a more relaxed posture on longer rides. The knee angle is less acute, which increases comfort, especially on longer trips. However, the S doesn't fully live up to the sporty promise implied by that letter. Ambitious riders will find the relatively early-scraping footpegs a limitation in corners.

The BMW R 12 S is powered by an air-/oil-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine with 1,170 cc displacement, producing 109 hp. In the upper rev range, the engine delivers a noticeable boost in power, making the bike feel very lively, particularly at higher speeds.

Don't be fooled by the classic looks and the two round gauges in the cockpit. The BMW R 12 S is equipped with modern electronics that support both comfort and safety. As standard, it features lean-angle-sensitive ABS and traction control, which provides improved stability in corners. The bike also offers cruise control for relaxed long-distance riding and cornering lights that improve visibility in corners during night rides. The quickshifter enables seamless gear changes without using the clutch (though not without some jerkiness - especially when downshifting, the boxer-typical torque reaction is clearly noticeable and introduces some unrest into the ride), while heated grips increase riding comfort on cold days. Hill Start Control makes starting on inclines easier, and even a tire pressure sensor is available as an option. The familiar engine also meets the strict Euro 5+ standard, so the bike is well positioned for the future in terms of emissions regulations.

Three riding modes - Rain, Road and Dynamic - are available. While Road mode offers gentle throttle response, Dynamic mode provides a more direct and powerful delivery of power. However, the throttle response tuning in Dynamic mode turned out too abrupt, which becomes noticeable especially when trying to gently apply throttle in corners.

Thanks to the well-balanced chassis and the wide handlebar, the R 12 S impresses with precise feedback and stable road holding. The low center of gravity resulting from the boxer engine makes handling easier, especially at low speeds and in tight hairpins. Thanks to the good steering lock, maneuvering at a standstill is also no problem despite a weight of over 220 kg. Despite its sporty looks, the R 12 S thus remains a practical, everyday-usable bike suited both for a quick twisty-road blast and for longer rides.

Amelie is overall very taken with the BMW R 12 S, though she would prefer a somewhat more harmonious engine tuning. She particularly likes the sporty seating position with the good knee angle at the tank's cutouts, which creates an integrated riding feel. In a direct comparison with the R 12, which she already rode at the Balkenrallye, she notices, however, that the R 12 S's mapping doesn't quite meet her expectations - in particular, she finds the throttle response in Road mode too insensitive, which becomes noticeable and disruptive when cornering. The wide handlebar poses no problem for her despite her height of 1.76 m, and the bike's weight also doesn't feel like a hindrance thanks to the good steering lock and overall balanced handling.

Visually, she's especially enthusiastic about the bike; for her, it's among the most beautiful machines she's had the chance to test so far. She sees parallels to the R nineT, which her father owns in the aluminum version, but particularly appreciates the successful interplay of retro elements and modern design features on the R 12 S, such as the two-tone paint, the sporty tail section and the twin exhaust.

Anyone who now feels like taking a look at BMW's configurator should have the necessary spare cash ready.