New BMW R12 NineT Review: 2024's Best Retro?

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[ozyrob]

Keen to hear your thoughts when you get a ride on the updated 2024 Guzzi V85TT. Keep em comin Motobob.

[NBMBC]

I had the previous scrambler version and loved it and was a lot cheeper than they are now. I also like the old bikes styling over the new. No fuel gage is taking the piss and even more so at that price. I've had two Triumph Scrambler 1200's and personally think the Triumph's are better in every area than any other retro bike.

[astrofeeder]

its wild to me that there are still modern bikes without fuel gauges. i was looking at the indian ftr rally at some point and the lack of a fuel gauge was ALL IT TOOK for me to remove it from my pool of options. its not even just the virtue of being a premium brand that makes me expect more, but the fact that its literally a standard feature and theres no reason NOT to include it. these arent exactly dirt bikes--theyre more likely to be ridden for extended periods of time. just a shame. half of the bikes i like a plagued with problems like this under the guise of "neo retro" design. i stopped shopping for neo retros a while ago but i still look at them, hoping for improvement.

[Da.Onus.Burger.]

The “R’s” have always been my favorite. I rode every one of them at a recent BMW demo; all of them bringing back memories of my old airhead. I also tried an “F” but wasn’t impressed.

[SudeepC]

That one exactly that you are resting on. Perfect spec. Red frame. That 🔥

[GaryFackler]

Not sure what the thinking was in omitting a fuel gage. Did BMW think that older bikes didn't have gages? For the most part they did. My first street bike was a 1974 Suzuki Sebring, a lovely triple that was completely analog (of course), and equipped with an analog fuel gage. The Suzuki even had an analog gear indicator. There WERE bikes in the old days without gages, but they were equipped with two-stage fuel petcocks that allowed you to toggle over to the reserve portion of the tank, so that you could to limp to a gas station. So c'mon, BMW. The lack of fuel gage does not make you look "retro." It just makes you look silly.

[VinCent-xylg]

Moto Guzzi Corsa or Special Edition with the Arrow exhaust.

[marcello]

Excellent review Bob. In think for a Retro bike like this analoge or semi analoge clocks like on the Speed Twin are a must.

[lgrwfactory]

No fuel gauge in 2024 is just insane. Lovely bike to look at but too expensive imho.

I think that fuel gauge missing is now a statement. great review... I still prefer the old black model without any option 719 (great quality, german design) that always make me want to ask for the previous 718.

[robinsmiggy]

That tank is class. Love the look, too expensive though even with the indisputable quality.

[MrAndrew]

I had a black/yellow GS100 so the Urban GS 1200 ticked ✅ a lot of retro boxes. A 32 litre optional tank like the one on my R80GS Dakar would be nice.

[robertjames]

Great well rounded review, fabulous bike that definitely ticks all the right boxes.

[rickdelmonte]

The biggest competition for this bike are the older models. I picked up a 2016 Classic with 7, 000 miles that was like new for $8, 500, half the price of a new one. A little more power, at least as good looking, and better sound. The only thing I miss is the cruise control.

[creedm]

Awesome video! Beautiful bike for sure. No fuel gauge, deal breaker. That makes no sense at all. Best!

[RaduCruceru]

I own a 2021 model and I have to admit that this new iteration looks great. The symmetric fuel tank, hiding of wires, the tail end, keyless go and quickshiter (maybe) are some reasons for me to update. The only thing holding me back is that I have the 100 years anniversary bags and they look amazing. The bike is just a joy to ride.
And for those who say that fuel gauge is a must, it really isn't. You just kinda know how much fuel you have, you fill it up before long trips regardless and there is warning light when you have less than 50km range (weird how it has that, but not a full fledged fuel gauge). So don't fret about it and go buy one. The fuel gauge is really not an issue.

[ravipunyamurtula]

Thank you! I have been a subscriber since your Street Twin days and I love your content and style.

I am waiting for your review of the new R12. Is that in the pipeline😊?

[yorkchris]

I don't know about the HexHead tanks, but my OilHead would only drain one side of the tank in the prairies. I used a combination of odo and fuel gauge. You could put on two external gauges: Motorcycle Gas Tank Fuel Gauge - Clear Fuel Hose Style External Fuel Gauge - Steel Bung - Chopper Bobber Cafe Racer Harley

I prefer the small digital dash. It leaves room for a Carpe Iter.

The wheels are really interesting.

[nizzmo]

Great video mate...No gas gauge = No deal .

[kmw]

Thank you for that great review! I’m still hoping for a review of the R 12 Cruiser. Is it still planned?