Drawing inspiration from the BMW R 90 S, a race-winning model of the 1970s, the 2025 BMW R 12 S is built on the R 12 nineT platform and includes a handlebar-mounted fairing, special paint and details, and a range of accessories as standard equipment.
Related: 2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition Review
The R 90 S set a benchmark in 1973 with 67 hp and a top speed of 124 mph. It was also the first production motorcycle with a handlebar-mounted fairing designed for aerodynamics. In 1976, Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dähne rode the R 90 S to victory at the Production TT on the Isle of Man and Steve McLaughlin won the 200 Miles of Daytona on a Butler & Smith prepared R 90 S. The R 90 S’s prestigious racing history inspires the 2025 R 12 S’s special details as part of BMW’s Heritage range.
The R 12 S features bright Lava Orange Metallic paint as a nod to the R 90 S Daytona Orange of 1975. It also includes a handlebar-mounted fairing with tinted windshield and a red “S” on the side covers, along with red double coach lines and aluminum surfaces on the tank and seat hump.
Also setting the R 12 S apart from the standard R 12 nineT are Option 719 Classic II spoked wheels with anodized aluminum rims. Many components are taken from the Billet Pack Shadow and Billet Pack Shadow II collections, like the left and right ignition coil covers, oil filler screw, cylinder head covers, footpegs, hand levers, and bar-end mirrors.
Related: 2024 BMW R 12 nineT Review
Standard features include Hill Start Control, Gear Shift Assist Pro, heated grips, cruise control, and adaptive cornering Headlight Pro. Like all 2025 BMW models, the R 12 S comes with the Ultimate Care Break-In Service for service after 600 miles.
Like the R 12 nineT, the R 12 S is powered by an air/oil-cooled 1,170cc boxer Twin. It includes dual 310mm front disc brakes with radial calipers, ABS Pro, Paralever rear suspension, Dynamic Traction Control, a steering stabilizer, LED lighting, a USB port, ride modes, adjustable hand levers, and Keyless Ride. The R 12 S has a seat height of 31.3 inches, a claimed wet weight of 485 lb, and a fuel capacity of 4.2 gallons.
The 2025 BMW R 12 S will be available in the first quarter of 2025 with an MSRP of $21,590.
Visit the BMW Motorrad website for more information.
Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
