Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1538363
2026 BMW R 12 G/S ($16,995) ENGINE 4-stroke, Boxer COOLING SYSTEM Air VALVETRAIN DOHC DISPLACEMENT 1170cc BORE X STROKE 101 x 73mm COMPRESSION RATIO 12.0:1 MAX POWER 109 hp @ 7000 rpm MAX TORQUE 85 lb-ft at 6500 rpm FUEL SYSTEM Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system with throttle-by-wire EXHAUST 2-1 TRANSMISSION 6-speed shaft drive RIDE MODES Rain, Road, Enduro CHASSIS Tubular space frame FRONT SUSPENSION 45mm USD, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION BMW Motorrad EVO- Paralever, single spring fully adjustable FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 8.2 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 7.8 in. FRONT BRAKE Dual 4-piston axial-mount calipers, 310mm discs w/ABS REAR BRAKE 1-piston caliper, 265mm disc w/ ABS FRONT TIRE 90/90 – 21 in. REAR TIRE 150/70 – 17 in. RAKE 26.9° TRAIL 4.8 in. WHEELBASE 62.2 in. SEAT HEIGHT 33.9 in FUEL CAPACITY 4.1 gal WEIGHT (DRY, CLAIMED) 476.1 lbs. P128 RIDE REVIEW I 2026 BMW R 12 G/S THE VERDICT It's hard not to fall in love with the R 12 G/S. The styling is spot-on—retro, distinctive, and beautifully finished, just as you'd expect from BMW. But this is more than just a styling state- ment. Thanks to its torquey air- cooled boxer engine and natural balance, it's genuinely easy and enjoyable to ride both on and off- road. There's plenty of real-world performance, and the rider aids are excellent—intuitive, effective, and simple to customize to your preferences and terrain. Tick the right boxes on the spec sheet and you can create a G/S that's either adventure- ready for off-road exploration, or a sharp, stylish urban com - muter with attitude. Sure, there are a few quirks. The lack of a fuel gauge on the TFT display feels like an over - sight, and you still need a key for the steering lock despite the keyless ignition. And yes, under 110 bhp might seem modest when you're looking at a nearly $21K top-spec model. If price and power are your top priorities, bikes like the Triumph Scrambler 1200 or Ducati DesertX may tempt you—the latter offering a bit more performance for less money. But honestly, I don't think the R 12 G/S should be measured by horsepower or pound signs. It's about how it makes you feel. I couldn't stop smiling all day. I loved riding it. And yes, I'd love to have one in my dream garage. It's the kind of bike that will make you grin every time you open the garage door. CN muter. In the twisties, that low- end torque makes it a blast. No, it's not as fast as the R 1300 GS, but it's more than enough to tear through mountain roads with a grin. The combo of the Shift As- sist Pro and classic BMW gear- box is fine—not buttery smooth, but functional. If you want a razor-sharp shifter and loads of horsepower, this isn't your bike. But if you love character and rideability, the air-cooled boxer fits the G/S perfectly—and it even sounds good. Handling depends on your setup. The Karoo 4 tires work well on the road, though they can overheat if pushed. The suspension, fully adjustable at both ends, gives great feedback, and the rider aids kick in subtly when needed. You definitely feel the 21-inch front wheel—it's not razor-sharp steering—but the G/S has a fluid, balanced way of flowing through corners. Swap in more road-focused tires, and you can dial in the suspension accordingly. Brakes deserve a mention: strong and effective with excel- lent ABS. You can disable rear ABS for supermoto-style sliding if you're feeling playful. Why not? We didn't rack up big miles on this ride—frankly, I didn't want to leave BMW's incredible off-road park. That was probably a good thing, as the seat is a bit thin and firm, and there's no real wind protection. But with optional heated grips and cruise control, you could do a long weekend trip with luggage. A two-week tour? Maybe. But I'd pack light.