2024 BMW R12 First Ride Review - Better than the NineT?

BMW have taken the R12nineT and turned it more cruisery and a little bit cheaper, so the question is could the imaginatively titled R12 actually be better than it’s more expensive retro brother?

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My current motorcycles are:-
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Royal Enfield Custom 650 Interceptor
Honda GL1800 Goldwing Tour DCT (Airbag)
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Please be aware I am not a professional journalist or otherwise claim to be an expert in any way in motorcycles or anything else. I'm just an ordinary biker like you probably are. Please regard my videos as entertainment only and if information presented is important to you, please verify it via a knowledgable third party....the videos I post are just my opinions and are no more valid than anyone elses.

[chrisbarnes]

That rear mudguard looks wrong to me as i dont think it suits the rest of the bike. Why then have they fitted a useless short front mudguard ?

[Deetroiter]

The keyless feature is a fantastic one for people like me who are used to parking the bike in the garage. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve made the stop at the local market and forgotten my key in the ignition because I’m so used to leaving it in there when parking it at home. Great video and review! Thanks from the States!

[garethtemple]

Great review, as always. I haven't owned a BMW in nearly 25 years, but this one really appeals to me.

[camerongeater]

I haven't been big on cruisers in a long time, but something about this bike speaks to me in a good way. My local shop just got a red one in, and I think it may end up in my garage!

[bobdumbell]

Took one out a week ago and had 3hrs on it from inverness to Achnasheen (Scottish Highlands) absolutely loved, first naked bike I've ridden in years comfy and really moves. I usually ride an RT prefer the RT for touring but would love an R12 for day rides if I had the cash! Another top review buddy

[JustinaHerne]

Thanks for the review! I too do not consider myself a cruiser fan…but this one interests me! Time to upgrade my speed twin & get something kinder to my aging knees 🫣!! This is a contender! Love to hear more if you get a long term loaner 😉

[golfboy]

Definitely get a long termer Andy. May try and get a test bike out. Good review as usual.

[barneymanningtree]

Great review. I have a 2016 BMW RNineT and it is one of the best bikes I have ever owned, but if I had my way, the RNineT would be a bit lower, with a more relaxed riding position. The R12 fits my wish exactly. Definitely on the list as the next acquisition despite the eye watering cost.

[andrewmanahan]

Hi Andy. The R850R was my favorite bike I ever had. I bought an R nine T a couple of years ago thinking it would be like it. I was dead wrong and didn’t like it at all. It was very much an ‘on top of’ bike. That looks very much like a ‘sit in’ style which looks like a possible successor. I’ll deffo try one. I really like the looks of it too. Very subjective I know.

[tecks]

A longer term review sure would be appreciated! Thank you for your great reviews 👍

[PeteFromOZ]

Something about this is really appealing to me. I’d be interested in you doing a longer term review.

[frankolwenda]

I honestly think, this is one of BMW's most beautiful bikes. I think this is one gorgeous bike

[Scoutx]

1 month later, I've watched this again and I still love it! The local dealer has one that they are unboxing this weekend and hopefully I'll be able to test ride it soon!

[davidupson]

Longer term review please, excellent quality production as usual Andy.

[AmenCornerRider]

I was never interested in a cruiser style bike but I test rode the silver one Option 719 and I loved it! So comfortable and the power was surprisingly wonderful. Please do a long term review. This girl is very interested.

[oldmanvlogger]

Nice bike, I really like the look of it. Therefore, yes, a longer-term review would be great.

[jamescooku]

I'd love to see you do a long term review. I am strongly considering this bike, and would really like to see what you think after riding her for more than a spin.

[stalbansbiker]

I'm not really into retros or cruisers but you are gradually persuading me
I quite like this bike as it's not too cruiser looking
I think a long term test would be good but why have they fitted such a small tank 14lts !

[gregorydonohoe]

Definitely do a longer-term review. That could be my next bike.

[ThomasBecketts]

I am 500 miles into the run-in period on mine.
I went for the option 719 variant - the Mrs said that she loves the silver and yellow and that I should get that one.. .who am I to argue...
First time on a cruiser for me, although I would say that this is more a sportser cruiser if there is such a thing? it is not legs forward heavy lump cruiser, it has really nice usable power and torque and turns surprisingly well.
I am very happy to have moved from bigger top heavy bikes to one that is so easy to get on with but still has so much shove when you open the throttle.
Regarding multiple comments already, correct there is no fuel gauge, no its not a problem, once you hit the reserve sensor you get an icon on the dash and it starts counting upwards from zero for how many miles you have done on reserve. As you are rarely more than 10 or 15 miles away from a fuel station in the UK it really isnt a concern - if it does bother you then just set the trip at fill up like people have been doing forever.