mechanical components were
as much a part of the design
as they were functional compo-
nents.
The R 12 nineT is the direct
successor to that machine.
BMW describes it as the con-
sistent follow-up to the R nineT,
retaining the same essential
philosophy while bringing new,
slightly sportier ergonomics,
more dynamic performance and
a revised chassis.
The change in name is sig-
nificant, too. The R 12 family is
BMW's current Heritage platform,
with the R 12 nineT as the road-
ster, the R 12 as the cruiser, and
the R 12 G/S carrying the boxer-
adventure tradition forward. The
nineT is therefore the sporty,
minimalist member of the family.
At its heart is the same
basic philosophy that made the
original R nineT so successful:
give riders a charismatic boxer
engine, a handsome chassis and
a platform that doesn't need to
pretend to be anything other than
a motorcycle to be enjoyed.
The result is one of those
bikes that looks better the longer
you study it, but the Option 719
takes it up another level.
The standard R 12 nineT
starts at $17,245. BMW offers
an extensive range of factory
customization through its Option
719 program, a name that dates
back to BMW's historical special-
order production and is now used
for particularly high-end factory
finishes, milled components and
other exclusive equipment.
This particular motorcycle ef-
fectively takes that philosophy to
its logical conclusion.
The $4895 R 12 S Package
adds the Lava Orange Metal-
lic paint, Gear Shift Assist Pro,
Headlight Pro, Hill Start Control,
heated grips, cruise control, the
single seat, Option 719 Classic II
wheels and the Option 719 Billet
Pack Shadow and Shadow II
packages.
Add the $265 tire-pressure
monitor and $345 Connected-
Ride Control, and the motorcycle
comes to $22,750 before BMW's
$995 destination charge, result-
ing in the $23,745 MSRP of this
particular specification.
That is a substantial jump
from the $17,245 base bike, but
this isn't simply a case of paying
more for paint.
The Billet Pack components
add beautifully machined details
throughout the motorcycle, while
the Classic II wheels provide an
especially strong visual contrast
against the orange bodywork. The
solo seat cleans up the rear and
gives it a much more purposeful
roadster look. Then there are the
options that actually improve the
riding experience.
VOLUME 63 ISSUE 42 OCTOBER 20, 2026 P107
