• Bikes for Sale
  • News
  • Buyer’s guide
    • Buy a Motorcycle
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
    • Motorsport
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Locals
imotorbike logo
  • Bikes for Sale
  • News
  • Buyer’s guide
    • Buy a Motorcycle
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
    • Motorsport
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Locals
  • Facebook

  • Instagram

  • X (Twitter)

  • YouTube

  • LinkedIn

  • RSS

News

BMW R 12 G/S: A Classic Reborn for the Modern Adventurer

BMW R 12 G/S: A Classic Reborn for the Modern Adventurer
Michelle Liew
March 28, 2025

Discover the 2026 BMW R 12 G/S — a retro-inspired dual-sport motorcycle that blends classic R80 G/S styling with modern engineering, off-road capability, and everyday rideability.

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates!

When BMW Motorrad launched the R 12 platform last year, it was clear they weren’t just updating a model—they were setting the stage for a new generation of retro-modern motorcycles. Now, the latest addition to the family is here: the 2026 R 12 G/S, a machine that doesn’t just wear its heritage on its sleeve but channels it through every bolt, bend, and brap.

This isn’t your average throwback. BMW’s latest offering isn’t just nodding politely to the iconic R80 G/S—it’s grabbing that legacy by the collar and charging headfirst into the terrain it was built to conquer.

A Bike That Knows Where It Comes From

To understand what makes the R 12 G/S special, you’ve got to look back to 1980. That’s when BMW changed the game with the R80 G/S, a motorcycle that fused off-road toughness with street smarts. It was one of the first bikes to blur the line between dual-sport and touring, and it didn’t just talk the talk—it won the Dakar Rally. Four times.

Fast forward to today, and the R 12 G/S revives that spirit with more than just vintage paint. This bike is built to ride hard and look good doing it, whether you’re bombing down gravel tracks or hitting your favorite backroad twisties.

Discover the 2026 BMW R 12 G/S — a retro-inspired dual-sport motorcycle that blends classic R80 G/S styling with modern engineering, off-road capability, and everyday rideability.

Built Like an Adventure Bike Should Be

Underneath the classically styled bodywork is a modern adventure chassis designed to take a beating. The R 12 G/S uses a tubular steel space frame with the engine as a structural component, keeping things stiff, light, and trail-worthy. BMW gave it spoked wheels, a proper Paralever swingarm, and a beefy Marzocchi 45mm USD fork with full adjustability up front.

You get 8.26 inches of travel in front, 7.87 inches in back, and a solid 9.4 inches of ground clearance—plenty for most off-road situations. Braking is handled by Brembo discs front and rear, and yes, it comes with lean-sensitive ABS to help you stay upright on those sketchy descents.

Power That Feels Classic—But Goes Like Hell

At the heart of the R 12 G/S sits BMW’s legendary 1,170cc air-and-water-cooled Boxer twin. It cranks out 109 horsepower and 85 ft-lbs of torque, and it feels meaty across the whole rev range. This engine’s got real-world pull, whether you’re cruising on the highway or blasting up a fire road.

BMW claims 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, which is impressive for a dual-sport with full adventure bones. The six-speed gearbox is slick, and the optional Shift Assistant Pro lets you clutchlessly bang through gears in both directions—no fuss, all flow.

Discover the 2026 BMW R 12 G/S — a retro-inspired dual-sport motorcycle that blends classic R80 G/S styling with modern engineering, off-road capability, and everyday rideability.

Designed to Go Further

What’s great about the R 12 G/S is that it isn’t just a capable all-rounder—it’s upgradable right from the factory. Want to tackle tougher terrain? BMW’s Enduro Package Pro includes:

  • Taller seat height for better clearance
  • A tougher 18-inch rear wheel
  • Handlebar risers for more upright control
  • Aggressive serrated footpegs

And if you really want to personalize it, the modular R 12 platform makes it easy to tweak, mod, and kit it out however you like. It’s built for riders who want something more than a showroom piece—it’s for people who ride.

Tech-Savvy, But Not Overdone

BMW kept the rider aids smart and usable:

  • Dynamic Traction Control
  • Multiple riding modes, including a dedicated Enduro mode
  • Hill Start Control for those tricky off-road launches

At just over 500 pounds, it strikes a solid balance between agility and adventure readiness. And yes, it’s lighter than its big brother, the R 1300 GS.

Discover the 2026 BMW R 12 G/S — a retro-inspired dual-sport motorcycle that blends classic R80 G/S styling with modern engineering, off-road capability, and everyday rideability.

A Style That Hits Home

Let’s be real—one of the biggest reasons people are going to fall for the R 12 G/S is how it looks. From the white tank with blue graphics to the bold red seat to the high-mounted front fender and headlight nacelle, this bike nails the old-school Dakar aesthetic. But it’s not cosplay—it’s functional, factory-built gear that looks just as good caked in mud as it does parked in front of a café.

The retro bodywork looks like it was lifted straight from a custom garage, but it’s 100% BMW—and it’s finished with the kind of fit and polish you expect from Bavaria.

Price, Specs, and Final Thoughts

BMW’s 2026 R 12 G/S will roll into dealerships this summer with a starting MSRP of $16,395 (approx. RM77,000). That gets you a genuine go-anywhere machine with legit off-road chops, daily usability, and head-turning vintage appeal.

Quick Specs:

  • Engine: 1,170cc Boxer twin
  • Power: 109 hp / 85 ft-lbs
  • 0–60 mph: 4.1 seconds
  • Top Speed: 124 mph
  • Seat Height: 33.8” (34.4” with Enduro Pro)
  • Suspension Travel: 8.26” front / 7.87” rear
  • Weight: 504.8 lbs curb
  • Price: From $16,395

The Verdict

BMW has done something special with the R 12 G/S. It’s not just a throwback—it’s a functional tribute that’s just as happy exploring gravel trails as it is cruising through city streets. It doesn’t try to replace the big GS, but it carves out its own lane for riders who want classic style, modern tech, and real off-road capability.

In a world where retro bikes often prioritize form over function, the R 12 G/S is refreshingly honest. It looks the part. But more importantly, it plays it, too.

Related ItemsBMWfeaturednewnewsr 21 g/s
To read the full story
login with google
login with facebook
or
Create an account for free
This won't cost you.
by clicking this button you agree to iMotorbike's visitor agreement
Already have an account? Sign in here
Click here to get notified on every new article
News
March 28, 2025
Michelle Liew

An avid fan of motorsports bringing you top-notch content from the two-wheeler world! Gear up for the latest updates and news with top speed delivery

Related ItemsBMWfeaturednewnewsr 21 g/s

More in News

Norton Set for Bold Comeback at EICMA 2025

Michelle LiewOctober 27, 2025
Read More

Behind the Scenes of Honda’s Rallye du Maroc 2025 Victory

Michelle LiewOctober 27, 2025
Read More

CFMoto 250SRR Lite Makes Its Malaysian Debut at Sepang International Circuit

Hazique ZairillOctober 27, 2025
Read More

BMW R18 Signed by Pope Francis Sold for Charity

Michelle LiewOctober 27, 2025
Read More

Suzuki Malaysia Launches the All-New GSX-8T and GSX-8TT at Sepang International Circuit

Hazique ZairillOctober 27, 2025
Read More

Asia-Pacific Motorcycle Market Enters Smarter Growth Phase

Michelle LiewOctober 27, 2025
Read More

360° vs 180° vs 270° Crankshaft Angles in Parallel Twin Engines: What’s the Difference?

Amzar HazeeqOctober 27, 2025
Read More

Yamaha V4-Powered Prototype Completes Second Full-Length MotoGP Race at Sepang

Amzar HazeeqOctober 27, 2025
Read More

Shell Advance Unveils All-New Flagship Motorcycle Lubricant at MotoGP Malaysia 2025

Amzar HazeeqOctober 27, 2025
Read More

Modenas Unveils All-New Z15GT, Malaysia’s First Fully Developed Supermoped

Hazique ZairillOctober 27, 2025
Read More

Hakim Danish Impresses with Fastest Lap at Malaysian GP Despite Early Retirement

Hazique ZairillOctober 27, 2025
Read More

Alex Marquez Claims Dominant Victory in Malaysian MotoGP

Hazique ZairillOctober 27, 2025
Read More
We want to buy your bike Join us on Telegram
Scroll for more
Tap

Join us on Facebook

  • Popular

  • Latest

  • Comments

  • 47th ASEAN Summit 2025: Major Road Closures, From 26 until 28 October 
    EventsOctober 15, 2025
  • SYM Launches VFE 185i for Malaysian Market at RM9,988
    Buyer's guideOctober 1, 2025
  • WMOTO Unveils Cruiser AMT 125 and EZ125i for Malaysian Market
    Buyer's guideOctober 2, 2025
  • Sepang
    MotoGP 2026 Launch Event Relocated from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
    LifestyleOctober 3, 2025
  • KOVE Moto Officially Lands in Malaysia with the 800X GT and 450R
    Buyer's guideOctober 8, 2025
  • TVS Teases Apache RR450 Ahead of EICMA 2025
    NewsOctober 12, 2025
  • Chigee AIO-6 LTE 4G Review: A Smart, Connected Display for Riders
    Buyer's guideOctober 6, 2025
  • Norton Set for Bold Comeback at EICMA 2025
    NewsOctober 27, 2025
  • Behind the Scenes of Honda’s Rallye du Maroc 2025 Victory
    NewsOctober 27, 2025
  • CFMoto 250SRR Lite Makes Its Malaysian Debut at Sepang International Circuit
    Buyer's guideOctober 27, 2025
  • BMW R18 Signed by Pope Francis Sold for Charity
    NewsOctober 27, 2025
  • Suzuki Malaysia Launches the All-New GSX-8T and GSX-8TT at Sepang International Circuit
    Buyer's guideOctober 27, 2025
  • Asia-Pacific Motorcycle Market Enters Smarter Growth Phase
    NewsOctober 27, 2025
  • 360° vs 180° vs 270° Crankshaft Angles in Parallel Twin Engines: What’s the Difference?
    Buyer's guideOctober 27, 2025
  • MV Agusta Lucky Explorer Project 9.5: testing the Schiranna prototype - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • CFMOTO 450SR to enter Malaysia in March 2023 at RM29,300 - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • Suzuki V-Strom now available in Malaysia at RM81,900 - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • Colin says:

    I hope they make the Dax street legal. Love to…

  • Mohd Razi bin Rosli says:

    Adv 150cc

  • Nena Maxberry says:

    Just curious what they would retail for

  • Adam Kenny says:

    RM4159 for the front fork is it?

Categories

  • Buyer's guide
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • cafe racer malaysia murah
  • Campaign
  • CSR Programme
  • Electric Motorcycles
  • Electric Motorcycles
  • Industry
  • Industry
  • Kedai Motor
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
      • EICMa
    • Helmet
    • Motorsport
      • ARRC
      • CubPrix
      • EWC
      • Moto3
      • Motocross
      • MSBK
      • WSBK
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Moto2
  • Motor Murah
  • News
    • Locals
    • MotoGP
    • Scoop
  • Review
  • Scoop
  • Scoop
  • SEO
  • Suzuka 8 Hours
  • Tips & Tricks

Corporate

About Us
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Disclosure Policy
Contact Us
SUBSCRIBE NOW!

2024 iMotorbike World Sdn. Bhd.(1205246-M). All rights reserved.

Aruba.it Racing Ducati Team Eyes Continued Dominance in Portimao
Honda CB1000F Concept: Retro Style, Modern Power
Nak Jual Beli Motor 😊 ?
WhatsApp
Hi iMotorbike 😊
Open chat