BMW R12 GS Returns to Its Roots – Is This the Ultimate Adventure Bike?

BMW is expanding its retro-inspired R12 lineup once again, and this time, it is going off-road. The all-new R12 GS model draws inspiration from the legendary R80 GS from 1980, but brings modern tech, solid hardware, and that unmistakable boxer-twin attitude. Starting at £14,420 on the road, the R12 GS shares its heart with the rest of the R12 family — a 1,170 cubic centimeters air and oil-cooled boxer twin that produces 107.3 horsepower at 7,000 revolutions per minute and 84.9 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 revolutions per minute.

It weighs 229 kilograms ready to ride, and the engine is built into a tubular steel space frame as a stressed member. This setup not only gives the GS a rugged backbone, but also includes handy luggage tie-down points and a bolt-on tubular subframe, perfect for serious adventure riders.

BMW pairs the motor with a 6-speed gearbox, complete with an adjustable lever for riders wearing off-road boots. A high-mounted exhaust sits on the left to reduce risk of damage when tackling rocky trails.

The bike comes with a 15.5-liter fuel tank, a solo rider seat set at 860 millimeters, and 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels. For riders looking to go further, there is the optional Enduro Package Pro, which raises the seat to 875 millimeters, adds an 18-inch rear wheel, and 20 millimeter handlebar risers, plus more rugged foot pegs. A pillion seat can be added as well, but for serious off-road fans, there is the even taller Rallye Seat option that goes up to 880 millimeters or a towering 895 millimeters with the 18-inch wheel setup.

The R12 GS includes three riding modes: Rain, Road, and Enduro. With the Enduro Package Pro, riders unlock an Enduro Pro mode, which allows rear anti-lock braking system to be turned off and wheelie control to be dialed back. A quickshifter is available, but as an add-on.

Handling rough terrain is made easier thanks to 45 millimeter fully adjustable upside-down forks with 210 millimeters of travel up front and 200 millimeters of travel at the rear. Braking is handled by dual 310 millimeter front discs with two-piston floating calipers and a single 265 millimeter rotor with a two-piston caliper at the back, all assisted by cornering anti-lock braking system.

This is BMW embracing the spirit of the original GS while giving today’s riders the tools to go anywhere.