ROME (ITALPRESS) – BMW Motorrad with the R 12 S, expands its Heritage range with a fitting tribute to the iconic R 90 S, which in 1973 became synonymous with sportiness for BMW Motorrad with 67 horsepower and a top speed of 200 km/h. In addition, the then chief designer Hans A. Muth knew how to express his own sporting ambitions excellently in the design and produced the BMW R 90 S, as the world’s first production motorcycle, with a fairing on the handlebars designed according to aerodynamic canons and the red “90” numeral in the R 90 S engine emblem. It did not take long for the image of the R 90 S to benefit from racing successes as well. For example, at the Production TT on the Isle of Man, where Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dàhne celebrated a class victory in 1976. That same year, Steve McLaughlin also won the prestigious Daytona 200 Mile race, and his teammate Reg Pridmore became the first AMA Superbike champion in history. Partly for this reason, an R 90 S is today, as it was then, one of the most sought-after BMW motorcycles by collectors.More than the Concept Ninety study presented by BMW Motorrad in May 2013, the new BMW R 12 S takes the spirit of the R 90 S in its overall concept and in many details and cleverly transfers it to the present day. Based on the R 12 nineT, it is an authentic and sporty retro motorcycle and uses several ingredients that form a skillful homage to the R 90 S. “The design elements that characterize our R 12 S are the handlebar-mounted fairing with blacked-out windshield, the saddle with contrasting stitching, and the Lavaorange metallic paint job that recalls the legendary R 90 S Daytona Orange from 1975. “The design is perfectly complemented by details such as the red ‘S’ on the side covers, the red double line and the brushed and clear lacquered aluminum surfaces of the tank and seat hump,” explains Alexander Buckan, BMW Motorrad design manager.Numerous standard features confirm the R 12 S as a sporty, retro bike, such as the Option 719 Classic II wheels with flush spokes and polished and natural anodized aluminum rims, as well as other high-quality components. The handlebars and fork stanchions are black, while the components of the Shadow and Shadow II billet packs feature special technical details. Billet pack Shadow components are the left and right ignition coil covers, oil filler screw, and cylinder head covers coated in matte metallic Avus black. Billet pack Shadow II includes the footpeg system, including foot brake and shift levers, passenger footpegs, hand brake and clutch levers, expansion reservoir covers for the front brake and clutch, as well as handlebar mirrors.Other standard features are the Comfort package, which includes hill start control, Pro shift assist, heated grips and cruise control. For added safety during night rides, the adaptive cornering light Headlight Pro provides better illumination of the road when cornering.The BMW R 12 S is based on the BMW R 12 nineT, and therefore all accessories such as titanium exhaust systems, soft bags, or navigation system preparation can also be used on this bike. For example, the already expressive dynamism of the lines can be further enhanced with the short rear end, available as an original BMW Motorrad accessory, and the black license plate holder attached to the swingarm. Additional factory-installed options are also available, such as tire pressure monitoring (RDC), theft alarm system (DWA), intelligent emergency call, Connected Ride Control, and digital display with micro-TFT display as an alternative to the classic round instrumentation.
photo: press office BMW Group Italy
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