2024 BMW R 12 nineT Review | Daily Rider

Before there was an “R 12” lineup there was the R nineT, which made a splash when it debuted as a 2014 model. So, how does this new R 12 iteration of the nineT stack up to the original? Zack hits the DR route to find out.

SPECS:
MSRP: $16,295 ($19,359 as tested)
Engine: 1,170 cc oil-cooled horizontally opposed twin
Measured weight: 490 lb. / 222.2 kg
Fuel capacity: 4.2 gal. / 16 liters
Seat height: 31.3 in. / 795 mm
Claimed power: 109 hp at 7,000 rpm
Claimed torque: 85 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm

Zack’s gear:

0:00 Intro
1:07 Our Sponsor, RevZilla
1:34 A Quick Walkaround Of The R 12 nineT
4:57 On The Road!
7:06 Freeway Cruisin’
10:39 Urban Manners & Stop Sign Challenge
13:07 Lover’s Lane
14:18 Twisty Road Section
16:40 At the Lights
22:30 Gettin’ Dirty
23:56 Will it Wheelie???
26:28 Instagram Questions
31:59 On the Daily Rider Leaderboard

[oliverseal]

I had a 2015 R9T that I really miss. It was a joy to ride for short trips solo. At 6’2” tall it did get uncomfortable after a couple hours in the saddle. The Boxer engine keeps the weight low making it handle very easy in spite of it’s heavy weight. My Ex-wife hated it and eventually talked me into getting rid of it. I eventually got rid of her but wish I would have done that sooner and kept the bike.

[ChadHargis]

I have a 2013 1200 R with nearly the same engine. The newer bikes have throttle by wire where mine is old school cables, but I love the bike so much. It's got such a great personality. My bike has 32, 000 miles on it and it's still going strong even after 12 years.

And the valve check is two screws on each cylinder head, and remove the spark plug to make rotating the engine easier. Valve checks are stupid simple as is replacing a shim. Easily done by the owner. No need to pay for someone to do it.

[mikeandmona]

I was unreasonably excited by the appearance of this video.

[tbutterworth]

Don't know if anyone else already commented, but the suspension is fully adjustable, so that correct setup for your weight would address the low rear and raked forks. Proper setup makes the handling on these fabulous. (I own one).

[jasongultjaeff]

Hmm, pretty much my dream bike! Love it.

[kmw]

Thank you for this great review! Did you try out the R12 cruiser already or are you planning to? I would love to hear what you think about that one.

[MrAdemiM]

you get the round mirrors from the zubehörliste in the konfigurator.

[weed]

20:58 The "new" Ducati Monster? Ducati monster's have 18k intervals for over 10 years now. 821 and 1200s already were 18k for belts and valves.

And the very new Ducatis like the V4 Gran Turismo (Multistrada and Diavel are 36k miles between valves

[michaelc]

Rode R1200R (very similar to the nineT, if not a bit more plush) previous to my R1250R (previous to both was a R1200GS and R1200RT), and both the Rs were (and I still own the 1250) great bikes. Really hard to beat the 1250 as the best of all, but I do like the even more bare-ness of the R12 nineT. As far as touring, if you can handle a comparison between the nineT and my R1200R, the R1200R is a fantastic tourer (11, 000 mile trip on the R1200R for me). Also, many 5-6, 000 mile trips on the R1250R. I prefer the R1250R over the GS and the RT too. If I'm riding a motorcycle I want open air and great visibility. Otherwise, I feel like I'm in a convertible car. Still wouldn't mind keeping the R1250R and adding a nineT, but hard to justify so similar bikes.

[thepadonthepondbythescum]

I don't think you have ever made that many lights in a row! Although the oil cooled engine is louder than a water cooled engine, the dry clutch is the main part of the glitchy shifting, not the engine per se, IMO. Duc V2S vs that clunker? Forget Der Beamer and go for the Italian signorina with the wet transmission.

[dothetontim]

The tach delay is likely programmed to make it feel more retro - mechanical analog tachs are not exactly instantaneous and this is likely designed to replicate that and push the 'take it easy' experience on a modern classic like this.

[upgrayedd]

Dual analog clocks.

See, Triumph? Still a good idea. Please roast 'em in the eventual Speed Twin 1200 RS daily ride

[luxlamf]

I have to deal with a BMW dealer for my Triumph Scrambler 2012 as they are the closest Triumph dealership near me. I needed a clutch swap last year and didnt feel like doing it myself. They wouldn't let me use Barnett clutch pac (The OEM died at 30k, thats horrible I don't want those back in my bike) then they quoted me $1200.00 to do a clutch swap on a simple air cooled Triumph. That didnt include oil change so add $150.00 to that. Ended up buying the clutch tool ($200) and the Barnett pc ($200) and did it myself. Took about 90 minutes. 6000 mile valve job on this thing? Is this a High Performance machine? I am guessing $1500-$2000 for that. Uneceptable., I have HD's and Trumpets, None have these ridiculous "Standards". I know guys that use to trade in their Ducati's right before the big 2500 mile service they all use to require. They fixed that on the lower priced models like Monster. I have a BMW Car, it's fine. I wouldn't consider this bike any day of the week.

[glenns]

love this bike but wondering how you are riding it with no key in the ignition?

[sunrisejak]

The R1300R (or the previous R1250R) is a substantially better motorcycle than the R12 nine T. Period. If you want a standard motorcycle the R1300R is the only choice. Better engine, transmission, features, and overall technology. A no-brainer for the R1300R.

[Zomgbbq]

Such a beautiful motorcycle..and so expensive. In another life perhaps

[johnking]

did you get driveline lash on the bike

[lipin]

Do BMW bikes have the same repo as their cars reliability?

[StreakSRM]

Jeez, my bike goes more than 6, 000 miles before I even have to change the oil 😂

[mysterious_nobody_]

Counterpoints: worse than the R nineT in every way including style. There's no reason they couldn't put in a wet multi plate slip assist clutch, up/down quick shifters, and water cooling. It overheats in traffic.