In the over-100-year history of BMW motorcycles, few models have achieved the iconic status of the R 90 S. This motorcycle revitalized the BMW motorcycle brand in the early 1970s and arguably saved its motorcycle division.
The R 90 S became legendary after its victory at the 1976 Production TT on the Isle of Man, with riders Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dähne securing a class win.
That same year, Steve McLaughlin (rider No. 83) triumphed in the prestigious Daytona 200 aboard a Butler & Smith-prepared R 90 S, while his teammate Reg Pridmore (No. 163) became the inaugural AMA Superbike champion.
These racing successes translated into strong sales for the street version of the R 90 S, reestablishing BMW’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of premium motorcycles.
Just in time for the holidays, BMW has revealed what many enthusiasts might consider the ultimate Christmas gift: a tribute to the legendary R 90 S in the form of the brand-new R 12 S.
BMW’s press release describes the R 12 S as “transferring the spirit of the R 90 S into the here and now. The new BMW R 12 S uses many design cues and detail points from the original R 90 S in its concept and delivers them in a thoroughly updated version of the bike.
The R 12 S, based on the current R 12 nineT, embodies an authentic and sporty retro motorcycle by blending several ingredients that make up a skillful homage to the R 90 S.”
Alexander Buckan, head of BMW Motorrad Design, elaborates: “The defining design elements of our R 12 S include the handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing with the tinted windshield, the seat with contrast stitching, and the Lava Orange Metallic paint finish as a nod to the legendary R 90 S Daytona Orange from 1975.
The design is perfectly complemented by details such as the red-laid ‘S’ on the side covers, the red double coach line, and the brushed and clear-lacquered aluminum surfaces of the tank and seat hump.”
As a former owner of an R 90 S, I wholeheartedly agree. The R 12 S is the modern BMW motorcycle I’ve been dreaming of.
I’m thrilled to see BMW embrace its heritage, delivering a contemporary bike that embodies the cool, retro styling of the original classic. The attention to detail, from the paintwork to the twin analog gauges, makes the R 12 S a perfect modern tribute to its iconic predecessor.
The R 12 S Daytona Package offers a comprehensive set of features, including Lava Orange over silver metallic paint, a cockpit fairing, a short rear tail with integrated LED lighting, Option 719 Classic II wheels, hill start assist, Headlight Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, a single seat with a rear cover in Lava Orange over silver, heated grips, cruise control, and the Billet Pack Shadow.
The latter includes Milled Shadow ignition coil covers, an oil filler plug, Avus Black Metallic Matte cylinder head covers, and the Billet Pack Shadow II option, which adds Milled Shadow foot shift and brake levers, rider and passenger footrest systems, hand brake and clutch levers, brake reservoir cover, and bar end mirrors.
If you’re interested in the R 12 S, contact your local BMW motorcycle dealer to secure your spot on the list. Priced at $21,590 (plus destination charges) and expected to launch in the U.S. market in Q1 2025, this bike is sure to be in high demand.
Full disclosure: As soon as I read the press release for the R 12 S, I called my friend Kyle at Max BMW to ensure I was on the list. I couldn’t even provide specific details, so I simply told him it was for the new bike being announced tomorrow.
This motorcycle feels like the perfect way to celebrate the legacy of the BMW R 90 S in a contemporary context.