BMW R 12 / 4K onboard /// RAW

I didn’t have high expectations for the BMW R 12, but it immediately won my heart. In the specialist press, this motorcycle has so far received relatively little attention - unfairly, I think! In the Heritage or Modern Classics category, it has dethroned the Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon for me, which until now was my undisputed number one.
The R 12 is dismissed as an entry-level bike. Yet, especially in this category, it offers significantly more than its competition. Many see it as a challenge to Harley-Davidson and categorize it as a cruiser. In my opinion, this is completely wrong.
The bike weighs only about 220 kg and is very handy and agile, as you can clearly see in the video. The chassis is very precise for this category and allows for a sporty yet comfortable ride. In principle, the R 12 rides more like a naked bike. The sportiness is only limited by the restricted lean angle, which is not really relevant to me. The BMW is pleasantly front-heavy and can be wonderfully steered via the wide handlebars, which place you upright on the machine. I must particularly highlight its very good stability during strong braking maneuvers. By the way, the brakes work well and leave nothing to be desired. There should also be enough space for riders under 1.80 m. I found the seating position overall excellent. Especially for smaller riders, the very low seat height is a benefit. Due to its handling and accessibility, the R 12 is certainly excellent for beginners, even though it is relatively heavy. However, this is greatly offset by the very low center of gravity of the boxer engine.
This engine is the heart of this very well-designed machine. The engine is extremely elastic, responds smoothly from idle speed, and offers torque, i.e., propulsion, in practically every gear. An experience is also pressing the start button, which causes the machine to rock sideways due to the boxer crankshaft. The only point of criticism I can find with this excellent engine is the practically non-existent sound. I dare say that the current electric motors, e.g., in a Zero, are louder. This can be pleasant but costs the BMW a bit of emotion. The quickshifter is also not so well done. It jerks strongly at lower speeds and should only be used at high revs. Then it works fine. I can’t imagine that this is purely due to the concept since the quickshifter in the R 1300 GS works very well.
All in all, BMW has developed a very good motorcycle here, which has also brought me a lot of joy as a more experienced rider. However, anyone expecting a cruiser in the style of a Harley is completely off track. BMW has put together a much sportier concept, which should easily outpace any American cruiser. I only find the relatively high entry price annoying, which quickly rises to unacceptable levels with a bit of accessories, which I don’t quite see for this concept. Here, the aforementioned Scrambler can score again. If you can make concessions on the engine and chassis, you will also be happy with it.
Apart from the too bulky rear end, I find the R 12 visually very appealing. I will say in advance that I even like the R 12 in all aspects better than the significantly more expensive R 12 nineT. I might upload a separate video on that on another occasion.