P
roducing a retro motorcycle is a tricky busi-
ness. Nostalgia must blend with modernity.
The past must be celebrated while designing
for the fast-changing needs of today's markets.
And whatever balance of old and new the manu-
facturer comes up with, for every person who
applauds its looks and style, another half dozen
will fold their arms and say, no, that's wrong.
Enter the R 12 nineT. The first serious update
of the decade-old R nineT boxer twin and perhaps
the most satisfyingly blended retro yet to come
from the German manufacturer.
There's a new, lighter chassis and thoroughly
updated electronics, a sleeker look, and, via a
comprehensive model configurator, gener-
ous scope for customization, too. The price is
$16,295—a fraction more ($15,945) than the
older bike—although most owners will undoubt
-
edly bloat that figure by adding a few pricey
accessories to their build.
HAS BMW GOT THE MIX RIGHT
FOR THE PERFECT MODERN TAKE
ON A RETRO CLASSIC?
BY ADAM CHILD
RETRO
FOR THE
R I D E R S
VOLUME ISSUE APRIL , P99
