ROAD NEWS
BMW R12 NINE T AND R12 BREAK COVER
BMW ’ s next generation of the R nineT comes with a cruiser sibling in the form of the new R12 . The centrepiece of the new R12 models is the completely newly developed tubular bridge steel spaceframe . This frame differs from the previous R nineT series , which had a front and rear main frame . As a result , the new frame eliminates the need for previous fastenings , reducing weight and giving the new R12 models a cleaner and more classic appearance . The rear frame , also made of tubular steel , is bolted to the main frame . The engine will be familiar to BMW fans with the firm ’ s 1170cc air / oil-cooled boxer engine delivering 109hp at 7000rpm in the R12 nineT and a more sedate 95hp at 6500rpm in the R12 . As part of the complete redesign of the chassis , the new R12 models also feature a new airbox . This is now fully integrated under the seat . The leftmounted “ Twin Pipe ” exhaust system with two rear silencers with reverse cone design caters to both the desire for a classically designed , sporty roadster and a cruiser . When it comes to instrumentation , BMW is keeping things classy with the new R12 nineT coming equipped with two analogue instruments
for speed and rpms , with a USB-C port on the left side and a 12v socket on the right side for charging electronic gizmos . With customisation always a key principle in the R nineT line , the round instruments continue to support this by communicating via a LIN-Bus and separating the control and display units . The standard instrumentation for the new R12 cruiser out of the box is limited to just the speedometer , but the rev counter can be retrofitted with genuine BMW Motorcycle accessories . Key differences in styling between the two bikes start at the fuel tank . On the R12 nineT the aluminium tank with brushed and clear-coated side panels , the seat , and the tail-hump create a rising , dynamic line . The new tank offers improved ergonomics compared to its predecessor thanks to it being 30mm shorter and narrower fuel tank in the rear area . That allows the rider to sit closer to the handlebars , benefits from improved knee contact , and has a more front-oriented seating position on the motorcycle overall . On the new BMW R12 , the bike instead gets a steel tank reminiscent of the so-called “ Toaster Tanks ” of the 1970s BMW / 5 models . The large 19-inch front wheel and the small 16-inch rear
KIWI RIDER 17