The first image of the future BMW R 12 cruiser has emerged, following the bike’s homologation process in Australia.
The image, published by Motorrad, gives us access to the first visual contact with the cruiser that is announced (not by BMW itself, which has yet to officially confirm the existence of this model) as the smaller sister model of the already established BMW R 18 cruiser.
Despite its relatively poor quality, the image reveals that BMW has kept the shape of the rear of the R 18 for the R 12, while the handlebars have a flatter shape than you’d expect from a cruiser.
However, the R 12 takes many cues from the definitive cruiser manufacturer: Harley-Davidson, and particularly its smaller displacement models. For example, Motorrad says that the R 12 is set to weigh 229 kg, which puts it 13 kg above the lightest of Harley’s models, the Nightster (216 kg); while the 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels feature tires with the same dimensions as the Nightster, Street Bob and Softail.
In addition, BMW will use the 1,170cc boxer engine found in the current R 12 NineT, producing 109 hp (80 kW) at 7250 rpm. Max torque 116 Nm at 6,000 rpm.
Motorrad also reports that the R 12 will use double front discs with ABS and EBV, while the weight will be almost identical to the R 12 nineT, despite a slightly longer wheelbase for the next cruiser.
We are still waiting for official confirmation from BMW about the existence of the R 12. As such, there is no information about its unveiling, or when it can be expected to arrive at dealerships.