2024 BMW R12 nineT review – what makes the R12 nineT great, just like its predecessor is its quality and feelgood factor

BMW’s new £14,420 R12 nineT retro motorbike replaces the outgoing R nineT, one of MCN’s favourite big-cubed retros and an instant hit when it arrived in 2013. It’s essentially the same bike with a new name, fresh styling and an updated chassis, but its ethos remains intact. The new BMW, just like the old one, is less about performance and more about its looks and how it makes you feel. There’s no big change in the way it goes, but the devil is in the detail.

The R12 nineT’s HP2-derived engine is cleaner, but still gloriously quirky. It shakes, rocks and rolls, but oozes real-world grunt and delivers a deep, chocolatey soundtrack as you rumble along. It’s also loaded with enough performance to rip your arms off, hard on the throttle. Handling isn’t conventional with its pitching shaft drive, either, but once you’re used to the way it wiggles its hips it carves accurately through corners, with braking power that would shame some sportsbikes.

But putting performance to one side, what makes the R12 nineT great, just like its predecessor is its quality and feelgood factor. It isn’t different enough to warrant rushing out to trade in your R nineT, but if you fancy a retro that puts a huge smile on your face whenever you ride it, fast or slow, it’s the bike for you.

Watch our BMW R12 nineT video review here

Lighter, simpler and easier to produce the R12 nineT’s new tubular steel frame is now a one-piece unit, instead of two.

S1000RR-derived forks are now fully adjustable and still runs its familiar shaft drive at the back. As before the BMW sits long, low and is relatively slow steering, but there are no complaints in the handling department even when you push it hard. Once you’re used to the pitching of the shaft drive and the engine’s rock and roll it’s stable, confidence inspiring and has plenty of ground clearance. Brakes are strong and standard 17in Continental Contiroad tyres have plenty of grip. The suspension is plush and the riding position is spacious, but tall riders can look gangly on such a low-slung machine.

It’s still powered by a 1170cc air/oil cooled DOH flat-twin engine that can trace its roots back to the iconic 2007 HP2 Sport. It makes 108bhp, a healthy 85lb-ft and changes to the motor are limited to helping it through ever-tightening emissions regulations. BMW have successfully given it a clean bill of EU5+ health, despite the lack of liquid-cooling. There’s a new flapless exhaust system and the airbox has been moved under the seat, so gone is the visible air intake running along the bottom right side of the fuel tank. Cylinder heads are restyled and rider aids include Rain, Road and Dynamic modes, traction control and ABS. It comes with a slick up/down quick shifter for the first time, but it's an optional extra.

This is a raw engine. You feel every power pulse, it rocks from side-to-side at tickover and makes you realise just how polished and refined BMW’s latest boxers have become. But it’s precisely the motor’s quirkiness that makes it so special, from its deep, rumbling exhaust note to its easy grunt and refined throttle manners. The vibes smooth out as the revs climb and with well over 100bhp on tap you can grab the BMW by the horns and get a serious lick on. Of its main rivals the Kawasaki Z900RS’s inline four cylinder is smoother, as is the Triumph Speed Twin’s big parallel twin, but the R12 nineT’s engine will keep you interested for longer, fast or slow.

Build quality and attention to detail are exceptional and indeed our online reviews for the R nineT’s reliability are glowing. The lacquered green and exposed brushed aluminium tank finish on our test bike is exceptional and having the exhaust downpipes and collector box chrome-plated makes all the difference to its unblemished looks. There isn’t a square inch of this bike that looks unfinished or grubby. Colours for ’24 are standard black, green (£250 extra) or a sliver ‘Option 719 Aluminium for £2100 including a red frame, single seat and billet aluminium goodies.

It isn’t cheap but you get what you pay for in terms of build quality, attention to detail and riding enjoyment. It’s more expensive than the £11,995 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and excellent £11,779 Kawasaki Z900RS, in the ballpark with the £14,495 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro and cheaper than Norton’s £16,999 Commando 961 SP.

There was nothing wrong with the way the old R nineT looked, but now the styling has moved on with the new R12 nineT, it might even give the original extra desirability? Visually, the biggest difference is the new R90S-inspired 16-litre fuel tank. It’s 30mm shorter and narrower at its rear, so you can get closer to the bars with less of a stretch. Side panels make an appearance for the first time for a cleaner look and as before it has two analogue/digital mix clocks. Our test bike is fitted with the optional TFT dash instead, which you’ll either love or hate on a retro like this. A new LED light is tucked tastefully under the pillion seat hump.

A new LED light is tucked tastefully under the pillion seat hump. Colours for ’24 are standard black, green (£250 extra) or a sliver ‘Option 719 Aluminium for £2100 including a red frame, single seat and billet aluminium goodies. Keyless ignition, LED lights, 12v socket and USB-C port are standard, accessories include cornering lights, heated grips, cruise control, spoked wheels, seat hump, nose fairing, an Akrapovic can…the list goes on.