Experience the 2025 BMW R12 G/S – A Retro-Inspired Off-Road Powerhouse! In this video, we take a deep dive into the all-new BMW R12 G/S – a modern machine with vintage Dakar Rally vibes. With its iconic R80 G/S styling, air/oil-cooled boxer engine, and serious off-road upgrades, the R12 G/S is more than just a pretty face.
We cover everything from performance, comfort, design, and features to how it rides both on and off the road. Whether you're a fan of old-school motorcycles or a serious adventure rider, this is a bike that demands attention.
Highlights in this video: ✔ Retro R80 G/S-inspired design ✔ 1170cc boxer twin engine with 108bhp ✔ Fully adjustable long-travel suspension ✔ Off-road ready with Metzeler Karoo tyres ✔ Modern features: riding modes, LED headlight, Enduro Pro Package ✔ On-road poise & off-road performance tested
Is this the ultimate retro adventure bike for 2025? Watch to find out!
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00:00If you're a fan of old BMWs or a 1980s Dakar rally connoisseur, it's easy to see what inspired the new 14,420 pounds R12G slash S.
00:12The iconic BMW motorsport colors, spoked wheels, knobby tires, and near-identical silhouette all tip a hat to the 80s are 80G slash S road bike, not to mention the four-time Dakar race-winning race version.
00:27It started the GS's journey from a prototype mule conceived by BMW engineers after work to the mighty R1300GS adventure we have today.
00:38It's the latest in the line of new R12 series machines, launched last year to replace the R9T, which had been around since 2014.
00:47Updates included a new chassis, tweaked styling, and a €5 plus bill of health for its 108 brake horsepower, 1,170 cubic centimeters air slash oil-cooled DOHC boxer engine.
01:02For 2025, the lineup also includes the retro R1290, cruiser-styled R12, and new R90S, inspired R12S.
01:13They share the same engine and chassis, but the G slash S gets bespoke off-road bodywork, fully adjustable, long-travel suspension, twin-piston Brembo's, a 21-inches front wheel, and Metzeler Carus street rubber.
01:29It's more than just a wistful homage to the past.
01:32It's a hugely capable and enjoyable machine.
01:35Of all the R12 retros, it's the most generously proportioned, making it perfect for taller riders.
01:41It carries its weight well enough to be live, manageable, and fun on- and off-road, too especially compared to big-capacity, top-heavy adventure bike.
01:51It has niceties like electronic aids, deep paint finishes, and creature comforts, but it feels every inch the dirt bike, albeit one with refined suspension control, butter-smooth throttle control, and excellent road grip, despite its 21-inches off-road-sized front wheel.
02:09With its hard seat and lack of wind protection, it isn't the best long-distance cruiser around, but neither is it designed to be.
02:18It's a simple, a stripped-down feel-good bike with a boxer twin engine that uses character and a mean punch, and that's what makes the BMW shine so brightly.
02:27At its Bavarian world launch, in June 25, the R12 G-slash-S couldn't be more different to the lower, more road-focused R12, despite being essentially the same bike.
02:40It's chunkier, more imposing, and off-road-focused than the previous R80 G-slash-S rep, too, the R90 Urban G-slash-S.
02:50The riding position is tall, commanding, and its 860mm high seat nicely suits bigger riders, but apart from those two whacking great cylinders sticking out of each side, it's a slim, easy-to-manage machine that carries its weight beautifully.
03:07It has the sparse, minimalist feel of a dirt bike and doesn't offer the last word in day-long comfort, but it isn't designed to be a tourer.
03:15Despite its big front wheel and long-travel suspension, 210mm front, 200mm rear, the R12 G-slash-S storms through B-roads with poise, confidence, and reassuring braking power.
03:31It's just as impressive off-road.
03:34As we discovered at the BMW Motorrad Enduro Park Hetchlingen between Munich and Nuremberg, our test bike here is fitted with the 750-pound Enduro Pro Package,
03:44and for that you get a bigger 18-inches rear wheel.
03:48Forks need to be raised by 12mm to maintain steering geometry.
03:52Enduro Footbags
03:5420mm Handlebar
03:56Risers
03:57They can be rotated 10 degrees to move grips 12mm forwards and 25mm upwards.
04:03Engine and Hand Guards
04:05Chunkier Metzeler carry four tires and off-road riding modes.
04:10Ground clearance and seat height is increased by 15mm.
04:14It's stood up, riding position is comfortable, and for an almost one.
04:192.0-liter
04:20229kg bruiser
04:23The G-slash-S is surprisingly live and easy to control in the loose.
04:28It's far easier to manage than a top-heavy, big-capacity adventure bike like our 1300 GS.
04:35Just point it where you want to go, and it obeys BMW, have somehow managed to avoid water-cooling their 108-brake horsepower.
04:50That can trace its roots back to the 2007 HP2 Sport.
04:54And still pass 5 euro plus regs.
04:57It's a blast from the past engine which floods the R12G-slash-S with the kind of character that's rare in a motorcycle world dumbed down by regulations, cost-cutting, and parallel twinnery.
05:10Its boxer engine is a whirring, metallic cacophony of offbeat throbs and growls that
05:16Delivers potent acceleration and meaty low-down grunt.
05:20Despite its drama, the power delivery is docile and easy to manage.
05:25The R12G-slash-S is essentially the same bike, so expect more of the same top-notch reliability and build quality, although some owners of the old Urban G-slash-S report poor subframe paintwork.
05:48Even in base trim, the R12G-slash-S is more expensive than its closest rival, Triumph Scrambler 1200.
05:57Tick a few options boxes, and things get even pricier very quickly.
06:01But given the BMW's performance, build quality, and reliability, it's easy to justify the cost.
06:09Despite its minimalist layout, BMW have managed to cram in some luxuries and options, as you'd expect.
06:16It has an X-design LED headlight, inspired by the R1300GS and three riding modes, rain, road, enduro.
06:26You can then opt for the enduro package pro, a comfort package featuring heated grips and cruise control.
06:32Or goodies like a TFT display, adaptive headlight, tire pressure control.
06:38The list goes on.
06:39It's available in white, red, and blue, R80G-slash-S livery, black, or an option 7 19 sand color reminiscent of Ducati's old Multistrada 1260 enduro, making it look a bit Moto Guzzi V85-ish, although nice.
06:56The R12G-slash-S doesn't need extra gadgetry to sweeten the deal, simply because the riding experience is enough.
07:05Whether you're cruising to the coffee shop, enjoying a B-road, or trampling down a green lane, the R12G-slash-S will never fail to make you smile.
