BMW Motorrad presents retro enduro R 12 G/S 2025

The new BMW R 12 G/S is a contemporary interpretation of the legendary enduro R 80 G/S – a machine that revolutionized off-road riding. Classic design merges with modern technology, offering a powerful boxer engine with an output of 109 hp, excellent suspension with long travel, and advanced electronic systems ensuring maximum safety and riding comfort. This motorcycle is ready for both extreme off-road adventures and everyday use on the road.

"The new BMW R12 G/S from BMW Motorrad is a classic enduro offering pure riding joy off-road. Derived from the legendary R 80 G/S, the abbreviation in this model also stands for “Gelände/Straße” (i.e. “off-road/road”) and indicates that the new member of the BMW R 12 family is equally proficient in both areas. We know that many fans have been eagerly waiting for this motorcycle.”
Markus Lederer, Head of the Boxer Engine Model Division.

Classic Styling, Modern Technology

The new BMW R 12 G/S: classic enduro design inspired by the legendary BMW R 80 G/S. Ideal ergonomics for ambitious off-road riding.

BMW Motorrad and off-road racing. Success in motorsports runs through the entire history of the company. The distinctive high-torque boxer engine with a shaft drive has proven its durability and capability to win in countless rallies.

The Birth History of the BMW R 80 G/S Enduro Model

However, it was not until 1980 that BMW Motorrad introduced the concept of the enduro motorcycle with a boxer engine into series production. Thus, the model BMW R 80 GS was born – an enduro motorcycle like no other before, agile off-road, performing well on long distances, and dynamic in road traffic. In short, the abbreviation G/S perfectly summarized the versatile characteristics of the new motorcycle.

Distinctive Stylistic Elements of the New BMW R 12 G/S

The new BMW R 12 G/S skillfully reflects the character of off-road enduro with a boxer engine in the style of the R 80 G/S, bringing it to the present with modern techniques such as long suspension travel, cross-spoke wheels, and a small, compact cockpit fairing.

Seat Options

Three different seating variants, stable enduro footpegs, and raised handlebars for ambitious off-road riding.

The new BMW R 12 G/S comes standard with a flat single seat (seat height in standard with a 17-inch rear wheel: 860 mm / seat height in the Enduro Pro package with an 18-inch rear wheel: 875 mm). The seat is flat and plain, providing ideal conditions for enduro riding – also in a standing position.

As additional equipment for the passenger (Pillion Package), the seat is designed for two persons (seat height in standard with a 17-inch rear wheel: 860 mm / seat height in the Enduro Pro package with an 18-inch rear wheel: 875 mm). In the rally additional equipment (Rallye Seat), the seat height for the rider is raised by 20 mm (seat height in standard with a 17-inch rear wheel: 880 mm / seat height in the Enduro Pro package with an 18-inch rear wheel: 895 mm).

The standard equipment of the new R 12 G/S includes two practical steel eyelets on the rear frame, which serve as luggage mounting points.

Footpegs Tailored for Off-Road Riding

In the basic version, the new BMW R 12 G/S has footpegs primarily intended for asphalt riding, but thanks to their serrated profile, they also perform well off-road. As part of the additional “Enduro Package Pro” equipment, enduro footpegs are offered in the R 12 G/S, where the larger surface combined with three rows of serrations provides optimal stability during enduro riding.

Handlebars Ergonomics Adjustment

Further options for adjusting the ergonomics of the motorcycle are provided by the tapered aluminum tubular handlebars. The optional Enduro Package includes a handlebar riser by 20 mm.

Boxer Engine Providing Outstanding Performance

A powerful boxer engine offering high power and torque along with a single exhaust system.

Since the first BMW motorcycle – the R 32 model – was presented in 1923, BMW Motorrad's boxer engines have been synonymous with a unique, original design providing powerful torque and exceptional sound. This is also evident in the new BMW R 12 G/S: the air and oil-cooled boxer engine with a cylinder diameter of 101 mm, a stroke of 73 mm, and a displacement of 1170 cm3 in the R 12 G/S delivers 80 kW (109 hp) at 7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 115 Nm at 6500 rpm. The exhaust system positioned on the left side with a high-mounted end muffler fits into the concept of classic enduros.

Advanced Riding Modes and Safety Technologies

Standard riding modes "Rain," "Road," and "Enduro," plus an additional "Enduro Pro" riding mode as part of the Enduro Pro package. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and engine braking control (MSR) as standard.

The new retro enduro already includes “Rain,” “Road,” and “Enduro” riding modes as standard. The standard equipment of the new R 12 G/S also includes the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) system, which provides increased safety during acceleration. In the new BMW R 12 G/S, it can be completely switched off for off-road riding. The R 12 G/S is also equipped with the engine braking control (MSR) system as standard.

Available as factory optional equipment, the Pro Shift Assistant allows for shifting up and down without using the clutch for greater dynamics, comfort, and acceleration with virtually no disruption to traction.

Pro Shift Assistant

Available as factory optional equipment for the new BMW R 12 G/S, the Pro Shift Assistant enables gear shifts up and down without using the clutch or throttle in almost all load and RPM ranges. This provides greater dynamics and comfort than manual shifting, and the exceptionally short switching times allow for acceleration with practically no interruption in power transmission.

Chassis Frame and Design

The one-piece tubular steel frame with a bolted rear frame is the ideal base for the enduro motorcycle. Optimized headstock area for the best ergonomics off-road and a large steering angle.

The central element of the new BMW R 12 G/S is a one-piece tubular steel frame from the R 12 family. The rear frame, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame. For the new BMW R 12 G/S, the headstock area is slightly higher, and the headstock itself is moved forward.

Optimization for Adventure Riding

A large 21-inch front wheel as standard for optimal off-road performance.
The Enduro Pro Package as optional equipment includes an 18-inch rear wheel instead of a 17-inch for maximum performance off-road.

While other models in the BMW R 12 series are primarily designed for road riding, the new BMW R 12 G/S 2025 with spoked wheels meets the ambitions of a fully off-road enduro. Therefore, it has a 21-inch front wheel. A 17-inch wheel is standard mounted at the rear. For even more assured off-road riding, an 18-inch rear wheel is available as part of the Enduro Pro package.

Off-Road Suspension with Long Spring Travel

Fully adjustable upside-down telescopic fork at the front and Paralever swingarm with a diagonally mounted, also fully adjustable, spring column at the rear combined with long spring travel for excellent off-road characteristics.

In addition to the rigid and stable main frame, long spring travel is key for ambitious off-road riding. Therefore, in the new R 12 G/S, the front wheel is guided by a fully adjustable upside-down telescopic fork with a 45 mm diameter and a large spring travel of 210 mm.

The rear wheel, like in other models from the BMW R 12 family, is guided by a Paralever swingarm. The operation of the suspension and damping system is taken care of by a directly connected and diagonally placed spring column with a 200 mm travel with stroke-dependent damping and full range of adjustment. The ground clearance of the new R 12 GS is not yet known.

Check: BMW R nine T in Option 719 review

Brake System

An efficient brake system combined with the BMW Motorrad ABS Pro system for safe braking even when leaning.

The front wheel of the new BMW R 12 GS features a double disc brake with two axially mounted 2-piston floating calipers and 310 mm discs for reliable, stable braking. The rear wheel is equipped with a single disc brake with a 2-piston floating caliper and a 265 mm disc.

The new R 12 G/S is already equipped with the BMW Motorrad ABS Pro (partially integrated) as standard. With ABS-assisted braking while leaning, it offers a high level of safety even when braking in curves.

Classic centrally located round instrument cluster and 12 V socket.

Advanced Lighting and Additional Equipment

The new BMW R 12 G/S comes standard with a centrally located round instrument cluster and a 12 V socket on the right side of the cockpit.

Efficient LED lights as standard and Headlight Pro as factory optional equipment.

The new BMW R 12 G/S is equipped as standard with a compact 5¾-inch round LED headlight and the iconic "X" shaped light signature. The turn signals and indicators of the new R 12 G/S also rely on LED technology.

Even greater safety at night is ensured by adaptive cornering lights as part of the optional Headlight Pro equipment.

Available Color Variants

Three attractive color variants of the new BMW R 12 G/S.

Base Version BMW R 12 G/S.

Front fender / cockpit fairing / fuel tank / airbox cover / rear cover: matte black night non-metallic.

Seat: black

Stickers: airbox cover

BMW R 12 G/S in a paid color.

Front fender / cockpit fairing / fuel tank / airbox cover / rear cover: luminous white non-metallic.

Seat: red.

Stickers: fork covers / fuel tank / cockpit fairing / airbox cover.

BMW R 12 G/S Option 719 Aragonite.

Front fender / cockpit fairing / fuel tank / airbox cover / rear cover: matte Sandrover non-metallic / matte Racinred non-metallic / matte mineral gray metallic.

Seat: black / Sandrover / red.

Stickers: fork covers / fuel tank / cockpit fairing.

Key Features of the New BMW R 12 G/S:

• Classic, puristic enduro design.
• Original air and oil-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine with an output of 80 kW (109 hp) at 7000 rpm and a torque of 115 Nm at 6500 rpm.
• Left-side single exhaust system with a high-mounted end muffler and tapered end.
• One-piece tubular steel frame with an elevated and forward-shifted headstock area. Bolted rear frame.
• Fully adjustable upside-down telescopic fork at the front and Paralever swingarm with a diagonally mounted, also fully adjustable, spring column at the rear with modified stroke-dependent damping.
• 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel as standard. 18-inch rear wheel as part of the optional “Enduro Pro” package.
• Axially mounted 2-piston floating calipers, steel-braided brake lines, and 310 mm brake discs.
• BMW Motorrad ABS Pro system for safe braking even when leaning.
• Standard riding modes “Rain,” “Road,” and “Enduro.” An additional “Enduro Pro” riding mode as optional equipment.
• Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and engine braking control (MSR) as standard.
• Classic round instrument cluster and 12 V socket. Digital display as factory optional equipment.
• Efficient LED lights as standard and adaptive cornering lights as factory optional equipment “Headlight Pro.”
• Keyless Ride – convenient ignition activation via radio as standard.
• Three attractive color variants for a stylish look.
• Individual customization options as part of factory optional equipment and genuine BMW Motorrad accessories in well-known premium quality."