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Last November, BMW revealed the full specs for the 2024 R 12 nineT and R 12. We’re talking bore and stroke, suspension travel, wet weight, you name it. Yet, the stoic Bavarians remained tight-lipped on one important detail: price. Today, BMW finally announced the MSRP for both models. But, one answer begets even more questions. Let’s dive into the details.
In the middle
The R 12 enters the mid-size cruiser class with a price tag of $12,345. That positions the bobber-styled Beemer as an adversary to Indian’s Scout lineup, which starts at $12,249 for the Scout Bobber and goes up to $13,249 for the classically styled Scout. The R 12, conveniently, slots right between the two.
We can’t forget about Harley-Davidson, either. After all, the R 12 is BMW’s latest incursion on H-D territory following its R 18 campaign. The German newcomer is priced slightly over the $11,999 Nightster but under the tech-aided Nightster Special at $13,499. Coincidence? I think not.
Finding natural competition for the R 12’s roadster relative isn’t as easy. In 2023, its predecessor, the R nineT, cost $15,945. Adding just $350 to the tab, the 2024 R 12 nineT starts at $16,295. That’s a reasonable markup, considering the model’s latest updates and its lack of class contenders. For years, Triumph’s Thruxton represented a formidable foe, but with the Final Edition arriving in spring of 2024, that storied rivalry will soon draw to a close. At $17,995, the Thruxton FE also demands a bit more dough. On the other hand, its sibling, the Speed Twin 1200, may be a ringer in the category at $12,995, even if it's technically lower spec.
Customers might also cross-shop the new nineT with the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Pro line. The 1100 Dark Pro variant is priced at $13,895. The range-topping 1100 Sport Pro comes in at $17,195. The R 12 nineT falls somewhere between the two. Surprise, surprise. The only other potential opponent is Indian’s FTR, and the nineT is more than the $15,749 FTR Sport but less the $17,249 FTR R Carbon.
Credit to BMW, the price difference between the R 12s and the competition isn’t perplexing. What is perplexing is the price difference between the two models.
Spot the difference
The R 12 nineT costs $3,950 more than the R 12. That’s a lot of moolah. You might be asking yourself, what changes add up to that amount of pocket change? According to BMW representatives, the nineT’s up-spec equipment does. That includes an engine rated at 109 ponies (versus the R 12’s 95 horsepower) and 85 foot-pounds of torque (versus 81 foot-pounds). Lest we forget that it’s outfitted with chrome-plated headers, too.
When it comes to the chassis, the R 12 nineT benefits from a fully adjustable front fork and 1.2 inches of additional suspension travel (compared to the R 12). An aluminum 4.2-gallon fuel tank (versus the R 12’s 3.7-gallon steel unit) and two instrument gauges (one on the R12) also elevate the package. Tech-wise, the nine T boasts lean-sensitive ABS Pro and offers three ride modes (Dynamic, Road, and Rain) to the R 12’s two (Rock and Roll).
I can’t say whether the $3,950 uptick is justified by the R 12 nineT’s upgraded components, but I do know who can — customers. Ultimately, they will determine if BMW’s pricing is spot on or off-base. Beemer boys (and girls) won’t have to wait long either, as the R 12 and R 12 nineT are scheduled to arrive in dealerships in Q2 2024.
| 2024 R 12 nineT | 2024 R 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $16,295 | $12,345 |
| Engine | 1,170 cc, air/liquid-cooled, eight-valve, flat twin | |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, shaft | |
| Claimed horsepower | 109 @ 7,000 rpm | 95 @ 6,500 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 85 foot-pounds @ 6,500 rpm | 81 foot-pounds @ 6,000 rpm |
| Frame | Tubular steel trellis | |
| Front suspension | 45 mm fork, adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 4.7 inches of travel | 45 mm fork, non-adjustable; 3.5 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 4.7 inches of travel | Monoshock, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 3.5 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Dual four-piston calipers, 310 mm discs with ABS | |
| Rear brake | Two-piston caliper, 265 mm disc with ABS | |
| Rake, trail | 27.7 degrees, 4.4 inches | 29.3 degrees, 5.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 59.5 inches | 59.8 inches |
| Seat height | 31.3 inches | 29.7 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 4.2 gallons | 3.7 gallons |
| Tires | 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear | 100/90R19 front, 150/80R16 rear |
| Claimed weight | 485 pounds | 500 pounds |
| Available | Q2 2024 | |
| Warranty | 24 months | |
| More info | bmwmotorcycles.com | bmwmotorcycles.com |
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