Kiwi Rider January Vol.2 2026 | Page 37

HEAVYWEIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

LIGHTWEIGHT
READ THE FULL TEST HERE

BMW R12G / S

$ 30,390

Engine: 1170cc, air / liquid cooled,
Power: Torque:
DOHC, flat twin
Tank capacity: 15.5 litres Gears / drive: Seat height: Wheels: Weight:
80kW( 109hp) @ 7000rpm 115Nm @ 6500rpm
Six speed, shaft 860mm 21F / 17R-inch, tubeless 229kg fuelled

Riders have been asking for a lighter boxerengined adventure bike for years and BMW has delivered. Visually, the new 12G / S is a homage to the original R80G / S, a bike that, arguably, started the adventure riding segment when it was launched in 1980. The G / S is a retro-styled, modern version of the original G / S model, even down to the colour scheme and conventional telescopic forks. If you have always wanted an old R80G / S or similar this will give you the all the feels and vibe without the high buy-in price, worn out chassis / engine, frequent carb tweaks and valve-adjustments every oil change. As a homage to the grand-daddy of the adventure riding market, it hits the spot being far less maintenance-intensive than the original but without the classic-owning headaches. Backing up the looks, it has all the modern aids such as cruise-control, heated grips, tyre pressure monitoring, riding modes, switchable ABS( rear off) and traction control( on and off). Retro looks with up-to-date everything else, it’ s the‘ classic bike’ that’ s going to scratch the itch of anyone who’ s ever watched those classic Paris- Dakar races.

KIWI RIDER 37