Is BMW's 2024 R12 nineT the new king of retro cool? | MCN Review
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- #bmw #r12ninet
Chief Road Tester Michael Neeves has been out riding the 2024 BMW R12 nineT at its launch. Watch his expert verdict here, and read the written review at the link: www.motorcycle...
We'd love to hear your views so get them down in the comment section!
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Nothing is more retro than having no idea how much gas you have left.
😂
Facts
IMO, it is no problem not having a Gas Guage, just use/ re-set the Trip when you fill up "every time".
well open the cap and take a look in there and wobble the bike a bit and see if you got any sloshing around in there
This one's a real bummer, i really wanted one but a bike at this price point with no fuel gauge is unacceptable imo. I use the fuel gauge to determine exactly how much fuel to top off because 9 times out of 10 the fuel station attendant overfills it and fuel gushes all over the bike.
Love a Neeves review. First reviewer to say that it’s not better than the previous gen and it has a smaller fuel tank, just for extra fuel roulette .
The R9T was a brilliant bike, very quick turning, stonking torque, exceptionally fast when you ride the torque at full tilt. So characterful too. Hope none of that has been lost with this refresh, but glad to hear it's passed Euro5+ so that it can carry on.
This machine is a piece of art!
The back seat cowl looks so good on this bike.
Really enjoy your reviews as usual … keep it up
I replied the same thing on a Daytona 660 video comment yesterday. A bloke was going on about how the Daytona is a licence saver because tou can thrash it and not go too fast. I was like, wait a minute, since when was damn near 100hp not bloody quick? If you want to rag it you're still going to spend a lot of time over 100mph. (Which I dont have a problem with) But lets not pretend that 100hp is not still bloody fast!
What I've found over the years of riding is that only about 10% of riders can "fully" use/ exploit" anything more than 100hp
@@MikeK6046 Exactly , there is reason why people tend to buy Royal Enfield or triumphs .. maybe not highest horses but whatever horse is there ,i can use it till the max. And at the same time safe within the legal speed limits.
100HP will send you to jail. People thinking they need more (not want, need) on public streets are idiots.
I like this new R12 nineT!! (IMO) Its big improvement over the original is that it has a "quick-shifter", but its downside is that it has a smaller tank/ less range.
Triumph did the same with the thruxtons (which are now ending production). They started removing radiatior guards, chrome bits and sales perks (free backpack, binder, key chain and shirt) they stopped all if that in 2021to save money and make kore profit.
I figured just a cost cutting, euro 5+ and refresh for the sake of refresh. Vs R9T has smaller brakes, heavier, slacker rake, even lower ride height, torque made higher in range, less power. All steps backward before aesthetics are considered (subjective of course).
and smaller tank.
That boxer engine just looks and goes beautifully
I was hoping the ergonomics would be better on the R12 ninety. The thing that always kept me for purchasing the R-ninety was the long reach to the handlebars on every model. I prefer to sit closer to the steering head and not having such a long reach.
Yep, I have threw my leg over one and found the same, definitely a pull on my shoulders, everything else was fine. Dont fancy having to change the bars if I'm dropping 15 grand. Still, not sure if they can be adjusted, will have to look into that.
Great review. You da man. That red framed version ❤❤❤
My next bike might be a retro. And I really like the Rninety.
Great reivew, you summed it up well, I Rode one loved it too, perfectly finished as you mentioned, my one had the stock alloy wheels and the cut is really nice, optional heated grips via the comfort pack, required in the UK to keep the mits warm! really nice bike but just a tad pricy - now to try the Z900.
Lovely looking bike prefer the R12 saw one at excel with the tft clock really liked it ,yes its pricey but money no object I'd buy it
Nice honest review 😊
I had the R NineT and switched to a T120. I find the looks and riding fun better on the Triumph.
I did the same but by the opposite:)
Different strokes for different folks, or "its Burger King, have it your way"
R9T is more sporty so the T120 definitely more comfortable if you're looking for a relaxed cruiser.
@@domd2304I’ve ridden the R12 Nine T and the bike is more comfortable than the R Nine T. The seat is wider and couchier and the rear suspension felt much more forgiving. If the R Nine T were my only bike, I think that it was worthy to trade for the new model.
@@Fernando90054 i prefer a more agressive, sporty bike, so the old 9T is better in every way for me than the new one. New one has relaxed the rake (they should have steepened), made the bike heavier, lowered the ride height, smaller brakes, torque peak higher in the rev range, and that's before talking about the aesthetics. It's a downgrade in my eyes. Maybe still a nice bike if it's what you are looking for, but not as good as the old bike.
BMW in M&P's swansea have been kicked out because of alot of warranties coming back in by customers. Reliability is terrible
There are numerous videos on youtube with users claiming engine failures on brand new bmws
@@JaatsoldierI have had a brand new R1250 R/S from Dick Lovetts at Bristol since August 2022. I haven’t had any problems so far. However I have heard about MP Swanseas level of service which is very poor. They have a massive staff turnover.
@@Achilles22 the engine reliability issues are more in their inline 4 engines. Not so much in boxers
Drive a r1200r from 2011 (same engine as the r12). Had during the last 12 no issue with this bike. Pur fun.
M&P lost it they didn’t choose to and it had nothing to do with the BMW reliability.
Great video! Can that newer and cleaner exhaust be fitted in the RnineT for the purpose of making older bikes more environmental friendly?
Almost bought the older RNineT and this new one is even nicer. Maybe the price is a bit high (it’s certainly more than I’d ever spend on a bike) but the quality is clearly there.
Save yourself a ton of money and buy the original
Captions! We have captions people! You're a beautiful man Mr Neevesy. Thank you.
Beautiful bike, especially in the brushed finish, red frame and spoked wheels. I just really wish it wasn't shaft driven or had all excessive tech.,
Are these being sold in the US?
BMW version of the infamous Ducati Monster 1200S, Ducatis life saver and signature bike of all time!
How does the R12T compare to the Thruxton?
Yup. Want one.
good lookin scoot
A bit more power would've made it far more desirable, especially for the price
Too bad it has smaller tank now, 18 liter is about right on my R nineT Urban GS considering mpg of this bike. Good thing though they finally finished the rear end of the bike :)
Moto Guzzi has to get back into this segment with a new Griso with the Mandello engine. I love this segment though all the bikes are awesome.
Fun bikes for short trips, making a bit of noise and posing at the cafe, not a serious distance option. Curious BMW put so much effort into a bike that rides inner city laps. Look at me, I'm riding a BMW.
IMO it’s lost the beautifully simple yet classic line that the r9t had, an update for the sake of updating
Still going strong is my 2012 GS1200 with the same motor maybe a little bit more torque with Akro , K&N filter ,cat eliminator and flappy exhaust valve removed brilliant characterful back road blaster .
That white one with red frame works for me.
The red frame also looks great with the silver metal tank.
New emissions equipment so the engine can only inhale or exhale through 100 different filters I agree, KING of retro cool
If you could only have on bike for the road which one would it be ?
Moto Guzzi v100 for me!
I dont know why bmw is still using dry clutch?! It is so expensive to replace. New GS's have been using wet clutch with boxer.
I love this bike but afraid of burning clutch in 2-3 years
Triumph Thruxton is still the king… by a large margin 😇
Compared to the last model, the new one is really generic in its styling. If you ignore the unique BMW drivetrain, the R12 could be from any manufacturer. The plastic side covers instead of the gorgeous aluminum casting of the originals is a huge backstep, and losing the intake snorkel removes so much character! Don't get me started on the sad little TFT screen.... thank goodness it's optional.
Typical corporate decision making though.... price goes up, content goes down. Shareholders are always happiest when the customers suffer.
I still prefer the Triumph Speed Twin 1200. I suppose its just the Boxer engine and looks that put me off.
The boxer engine is literally the heart and soul and focal point of that bike so your comment is kind of odd. It's ok not to like a bike though.
So, he doesn't like boxers. That's what he said.
Well I did give them a try, an 1150 back in 2001. Just not my cup of tea.
@@logangodofcandy well from what he wrote it implies that if not for the Boxer engine he might be interested - but that bike IS the engine. Just say you don't like the bike - that's fine.
After experiencing the pros and cons via many thousands of miles on a Boxer I’d buy one of these. Except, I won’t because of one feature: dry clutch. My opinion is subject to evidence or, at least, a persuasive argument but all I hear is “quirky character” and that doesn’t cut it. So . . . can anyone explain why a dry clutch on a 2024 roadster is a good thing?
I rode my R1200R for 15 years and never had a problem with the dry clutch! All standard transmission cars and trucks have dry clutches!
@@ronaldthomas9396 For me the pro’s of the dry clutch (and transmission as a whole) is reasonable dependability but no more than the cheapest bikes with wet clutches I’ve owned. But, the con’s are clunky operation and more rattles than necessary. But, that’s just me . . .
I have a 2000 R1100R and I wonder if real retro is still king of retro cool over new retro cool?
Beautiful bike .... But BMW didn't listen to its customers' biggest complaint
... NO FUEL GAUGE ...
used R nine t or new R12 nine t. I heard quality has gone down
From my observations, No, coz the price isn't cool, so the new retro cool is the Super Meteor from Royal Enfield!
In my personal opinion , the 650 is overkill, and the standard 350 Meteor hit the Bullseye with vintage style and performance.
They were doing great with their Himalayan, the Customers were snapping them up, until the Customers literally did snap the frames. Tsk,tsk,RE.
On old bikes the Rider had to key in the right inputs for the bike to go fast, and that's how so many Riders loved small capacity bikes, 125's 250's, 350's 400's , you had to work all the inputs to come up with the magic solution = Speed. I know loads of Riders who find 1000cc's boring🥱 and prefer their 600cc or less bike, the RnineT just has too much power now and the mpg is worse than a Petrol Ford Focus.
What third world nation do you live in? You can't live with those slow little engines on US highways.
I just want a non exposed drivetrain (shaft) to become standard on road bikes
I dont. Too heavy
@@chriswest2290 for a road bike? I don't mean performance machines but this type of bike, commuters etc.
@@RichWithTech the bmw is a performance bike. And for the road. Weight saving is also important.
What's the deal. I just maintain my chain correctly and often.
@@chriswest2290anything under 425lbs feels to breezy and small above 70mph, to me. In the US, most of our highway driving takes place at 70-90mph. A 500lb bike is perfect for that while feeling nimble.
@cowmath77 I've never had that issue. In fact , I done 186mph on a bike less than 400lb. Felt stable to me.
Rather have a T120. At this price, I'd rather have a T120 and also a few thousand pounds left over
I guess when Italian manufacturer of that dangerous mirrors stops producing them? Or when BMW stops ordering this exact model of mirrors which they use on their bikes for more than a decade? Moreover they don't even match the concept and forms of the bike. I personally got a couple of dangerous situations because of that mirrors in a city traffic on my GS. To many blind zones.
The 1300 147hp engine would be epic
It's definitely top 3 retros along with the z900rs BUT the price WHY IS IT SO EXPENSIVE ? and no cruise control and quickshifter ? These 2 should be standard for bikes these days
Great looking bike ,Too expensive like all BMW bikes and to be fair all bikes are getting out of the price range of many, unless your wanting PCP 😮 no thanks,
I really love the looks of the R12 NineT - great job on that model guys. Unfortunately, I think the pricing is too much.
As for the R12 - in my opinion, that is the ugliest bike to come out of BMW for a long time.
If ever there was an example of motorcycles as rich mens toys… this is it. Gorgeous.
R18 is too big...would be nice if BMW will make a smaller version maybe using that 1200 engine
A nice retro, however at a premium place…
Euro5 plus. Typically eu crock of pony. China emissions anyone? Emissions of the us military anyone? Emissions from war after war after war ? Nope you and yer bike is the issue. French politicians massive convoys of 70 plus vehicles, that's fine it's you and your bike and you're one holiday a year that's the problem. Wake up people you're being royally fooked.
Lovely . No pillion accommodation
Its predecessor was its own thing. It was not a retro, but a modern bike that incorporated classic design elements into a modern machine. Now we have this - a dumbed down version that mimics something that does not need mimicking. Why?
Over $20 grand here in the states... No thanks
If it sounds like this, I don't want air-cooled anymore. Triumph sounds good enough even though it is water cooled.
BMW chose to be complacent even though 10 years have passed since the launch of R ninet. Moreover, at an expensive price
Super cool bike. Unfort it’s too small for tall riders. A tall rider looks like he’s on a toy bike. A shame!
Trhuxtons are worst
Nope, not for me. Don’t like the boxer-twin engine configuration nor the styling.
Way better retros out there!
Nope, it’s still the Kawasaki Z900 RS
This retro fits the category of most of the modern retros. Unlike the ancestors these bikes are grossly overweight.
Not a fan of the bikes outline. Looks like a tadpole that swallowed a golf ball
Engine is the same, annnnd I closed the video. Wake me when they produce a 1250 variant.
The BMW R12 nineT is like a gorgeous twenty year old girl with a great body and amazing physical abilities but has two warts on her face. 😂😂😂
Those heads sticking out of the sides take away from that bike.
BMW has an engine that is square shaped, not sure the year but it’s much better than this looks of this boxer engine.
Just my opinion.
The bike is awesome other than those heads.
BMW: Big Motor Wrecks😹
BMW please put this engine in the 900XR and throw away that Chinese engine the 900XR currently has
Ha ha, you need to be a King to afford it!
14 large and no fuel gauge.
Who said the Germans don't have a sense of humour?
The new 2024 Harley Icon Hydroglide is actually "the new king of retro cool".
Hydroglide??? LOL It's Hydra-Glide
The engine covers look like RoboCop's helmet. Not a fan of the new lines, modernised a modern retro with too much electronics.
Retro?...You must be having a laugh...It's just a new bike....If ever there was an overused and abused term it's 'Retro'...Electronics everywhere and totally current engineering and styling....
Jujur lapo nipu ra rusanku .ok
It could be the new king of retro cool…..but isn’t.
Why? Because the current king of retro cool is still on the throne in the name of the Moto Guzzi Griso
It is not made anymore so does not count.
2024 Harley Icon Hydroglide says step off.
doesn't look like retro at all.
Chassis is now one and cheaper but charge alot more 😅😅 good old bmw. You want wheels. Thsts extra.. tyres on the wheels. Extra.
try to build this bike, they charge 1000$ for an effin tank paint. What Rubbish and goes to 20k$... for what?
No.
Would be better if bmw didn't support the rainbow coalition.
Gold forks are hideous on "retro" bikes.
i wuda thought chub was a theif.
no
Doesn’t look retro at all 🤷♂️
all that txt over the video is bloody annoying so not worth watching ..I am not deaf
looks exactly the same ?!?!?!?!?!?!? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
another reviewer who talks talks talks and doesnt ride the bloody thing
retro is when you can buy a motor with little money and have maximum pleasure! This bmw sucks...only for dentists