Inspired by the BMW R 80 G/S of the 1980s, the new 2026 BMW R 12 G/S puts an off-road spin on the existing R 12 roadster. While its design is meant to evoke classic ’80s enduro appeal, the R 12 G/S also comes equipped with plenty of modern features and tech, along with several options for personalization as packages and accessories.
Turning the R 12 family of bikes into a G/S includes adding long suspension travel, cross-spoke wheels (21-inch in front), and a compact cockpit fairing. Its engine remains the same air-/oil cooled, 1,170cc boxer with DOHC, making a claimed 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. It comes with a 6-speed and shaft drive. The exhaust system is routed to the left-hand side, culminating in a high-mounted stainless-steel muffler.
Also carrying over from the R 12 family is the one-piece tubular bridge steel frame, with a tubular steel rear frame bolted on. The steering head is higher and farther forward on the G/S to offer a wider steering angle of 42 degrees left and right.
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To provide an off-road-ready riding position, the R 12 G/S’s footpegs are positioned under the flat solo seat and the aluminum tube handlebar is positioned high and close to the rider. The handlebar can be rotated forward by 10 degrees for off-road riding while standing, and it includes markings to guide riders to the position they prefer. The standard seat height is 33.9 inches, increasing to 34.4 inches with the Enduro Pro package, 34.6 inches with the optional Rallye Seat, or 35.2 inches with both. The bike also includes an adjustable gearshift lever and a large contact area for the foot brake lever.
The G/S rides on 21-inch front and 17-inch rear cross-spoke wheels, and the Enduro Pro package swaps the rear wheel for an 18-incher. Providing suspension is a fully adjustable inverted 45mm fork and a Paralever swingarm with an angled, fully adjustable rear shock. Suspension travel is 8.3 inches up front and 7.9 inches in the rear, and ground clearance is 9.4 inches as standard or 10.0 inches with the Enduro Pro package.
Slowing things down are two axial-mounted 2-piston floating calipers pinching 310mm discs up front and a 265mm disc with 2-piston floating caliper in the rear. The bike includes standard ABS Pro that’s partially integrated (front brake lever operates both front and rear brakes) and lean-sensitive.
Ride modes include Rain, Road, and Enduro as standard, with the Enduro Pro package including Enduro Pro ride mode for more serious off-roading. Designed for off-road use with road-legal enduro tires, Enduro mode limits interaction of front-wheel lift detection, Engine Drag Torque Control, and traction control, while rear ABS is set to mid-range. In the Enduro Pro mode, rear-wheel ABS is inactive. Shift Assist Pro and Hill Start Assist Pro are available as options.
The G/S comes with a round instrument gauge and a 12V socket, while a 3.5-inch TFT display is available as an option. Lighting is all LED, including the X-shaped headlight, and Headlight Pro with an adaptive cornering light is available as an option. Other standard equipment includes Keyless Ride and Intelligent Emergency Call, while ConnectedRide Control (Bluetooth pairing with smartphone) and tire-pressure monitoring are options.
In addition to the Premium and Enduro Pro packages, BMW offers many individual options and accessories, including a passenger kit, design accessories, various seat options, heated grips, cruise control, protection accessories, and 12 luggage options.
The 2026 BMW R 12 G/S comes standard in Night Black Matte with an MSRP of $16,395. The nostalgic Light White paint option includes G/S graphics and a red seat, and the Option 719 Aragonit option includes Sand Rover Matte / Racing Red Matte / Mineral Gray Metallic Matte paint.
Visit the BMW website for more information.
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The red, white, and blue color scheme, is a nice retro version of the past.