2027 BMW R 12 G/S First Look: Heritage With a Heartbeat

Earlier this year, BMW added a new member to its R 12 lineup: the 2027 BMW R 12 G/S, a retro lite-ADV built for “purist enduro fun.” Inspired by the original BMW R 80 G/S, the new G/S combines old-school dual-sport design with an air/oil-cooled boxer engine, modern features, and an MSRP of $17,095.

Iconic Design With Genuine Off-Road Cred

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Inspired by the iconic 1980 R 80 G/S, often considered the world’s first adventure bike, the BMW R 12 G/S is a modern reinterpretation of the original BMW GS. The G/S name stands for Gelände / Straße, German for off-road / street, hinting at the bike’s all-round qualities. The old-school boxer engine is said to deliver a torque-rich power band.

The design and engine are where this Beemer’s likeness to the first BMW GS ends, as everything else is modern, including the fully adjustable suspension, tubeless cross-spoke wheels, cornering-enabled rider aids, and available equipment such as cruise control, bidirectional quickshifter, adaptive headlights, and more. Here’s what the BMW R 12 G/S has in stock for retro ADV and BMW G/S enthusiasts.

Air/Oil-Cooled Boxer Engine With A Dry Clutch

The modern G/S is built around an old-school air/oil 1,170cc boxer engine that traces its roots back to the 2008 BMW HP2 Sport. The engine features dual overhead cams, which allow it to rev higher, and a central counterbalancer shaft that dampens the flat-twin’s vibrations. It delivers 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, with a top speed of 130 mph.

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The 6-speed transmission uses a hydraulically operated single-disc dry clutch and an available bidirectional quickshifter, sending power to the rear wheel via a Cardan shaft final drive. The left-hand exhaust system with a high-mount silencer is said to deliver a unique sound signature and a classic enduro look.

Steel Trellis Frame And Fully Adjustable Suspension

BMW Motorrad

The engine sits in a one-piece steel trellis frame with a bolt-on rear steel trellis subframe. BMW says the steering head is slightly higher and further forward on the new R 12 G/S, though it doesn’t specify the reference model. Presumably, that’s the standard BMW R 12. The update lengthens the wheelbase, offering high-speed stability. This retro BMW ADV tips the scales at 504 pounds, road-ready and fully fuelled.

The retro G/S also features long-travel Enduro suspension as standard. Up front is a fully adjustable 45mm upside-down fork with 8.2 inches of travel, complemented by a fully adjustable Paralever swingarm and angled monoshock with 7.8 inches of travel. With 9.4 inches of ground clearance, the manufacturer claims the suspension delivers precise, direct ride quality typical of BMW driving dynamics.

Aluminum Cross-Spoke Wheels And Brembo Brakes

BMW Motorrad

Staying true to its off-road heritage, the bike features tubeless aluminum cross-spoke wheels. The 21-inch front wheel is well-suited to rough terrain, while the 17-inch rear wheel can be upgraded to an 18-inch with the Enduro Package Pro for better off-road capability. Braking duties are handled by dual 310mm discs up front and a 265mm disc at the back, all gripped by 2-piston Brembo floating calipers.

Off-Road-Ready Ergonomics

BMW Motorrad

The BMW R 12 G/S features a flat solo seat 33.85 inches off the ground with the standard 17-inch rear wheel. BMW says the seat’s design allows freedom of movement, making it suited to off-road riding. BMW also offers an optional Pillion Package for two-up riding that keeps the rider’s seat height at 33.85 inches and a Rallye Seat that raises the seat height by 0.78 inches with a straight contour for more off-road comfort and control.

As standard, the G/S’ footpegs are designed for on-road use, but their serrated profile is said to make them suitable for off-road riding as well. The butted aluminum handlebars are adjustable for improved ergonomic comfort. The rear frame also features two steel eyelets that serve as lashing points for securing light luggage.

Modern Electronics Package

BMW Motorrad

The BMW ADV’s retro cockpit features a classically designed round instrument cluster and a 12V socket on the right-hand side. ConnectedRide Control is optional and adds a smartphone holder and a USB-C port to the cockpit. The bike also features a full LED lighting setup, including a 5.75-inch-diameter headlight with a signature X-shaped DRL and an available adaptive headlight.

The R 12 G/S features 3 riding modes: Rain, Road, and Enduro. There’s also lean-sensitive traction control, which can be completely switched off, while ABS can be disabled only at the rear. The engine drag torque control prevents the rear wheel from losing traction during abrupt deceleration or rapid downshifting.

Plenty Of Options On Offer

BMW Motorrad

BMW also offers the Enduro Package Pro, which adds off-road-ready accessories, including Enduro footpegs with an enlarged contact area and 3 rows of spikes for better off-road grip, as well as a 20mm handlebar riser. Other add-ons include off-road tires, a larger 18-inch rear wheel, a large engine guard, hand protection, and a longer side stand. The available Comfort package adds a bidirectional quickshifter, cruise control, hill start control, and heated grips.

The R 12 G/S can also be optioned with the following:

• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Digital display
• Option 719 billet pack
• M lightweight battery
• Cross-spoke wheel II in gold
• Rallye cockpit fairing
• Engine protection bars and cylinder head cover guards
• Additional LED headlights
• Titanium rear silencer
• ConnectedRide Navigator
• Luggage, and more

BMW R 12 G/S Position In The Retro Segment

Triumph Motorcycles / Valnet

The BMW R 12 G/S sits between neo-retro scramblers and Dakar-inspired adventure bikes, but it lacks a real competitor except for the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE, at least for off-road capability and sticker price. With an MSRP of $16,595, the Brit scrambler features an 89-horsepower parallel-twin, almost 10 inches of fully adjustable suspension travel, higher-spec Brembo brakes, and a 21/17-inch wheel setup. However, its 34.24-inch seat height is higher, making it less accessible to shorter motorcyclists, especially while off-roading.

Compared to the Scrambler, the R 12 G/S offers a unique low-slung boxer engine that lowers its center of gravity and a more compact overall package. It also delivers more power while having a lower seat height. However, as with any BMW, expect the price to quickly jump from around $17,095 to over $20,000 as you tick the options boxes.

Guy Pickrell

Other rivals are more affordable, softer off-roaders and scramblers. The Moto Guzzi V85 TT ($12,390 MSRP) is a more road-oriented alternative, with 80 horsepower, 19/17-inch wheels, and under 7 inches of suspension travel. Finally, the Ducati Scrambler Icon ($11,895) is the least off-road-focused, with 73 horsepower, 18/17-inch wheels, and just under 6 inches of suspension travel.

2027 BMW R 12 G/S Pricing, Colors, And Availability

The 2027 BMW R 12 G/S has an MSRP of $17,095, with the Enduro Package Pro costing an additional $875. The retro G/S is offered in three color options: base Night Black Matte; optional Light White with a red seat and blue graphics; and optional Option 719 Hematite with Frozen Brooklyn Grey, red accents, and a red frame. Available at BMW Motorrad dealers across the United States, the BMW R 12 G/S is now on sale.

2027 BMW R 12 G/S Gallery:

2027 BMW R 12 G/S Specifications:

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Chassis

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