2026 BMW R 12 G/S
Built for Dirt, Born from Legacy.
There are motorcycles that spark curiosity, and then there are those that stir something deeper, something primal. The kind of feeling that starts low in the chest and ends up in your right wrist, itching for throttle. That’s exactly the sensation that comes with the unveiling of the 2026 BMW R 12 G/S. A machine that doesn’t echo the past, it carries it forward with a high-mounted exhaust and knobby tires that speak the language of the trail.
BMW Motorrad’s newest creation wears its heritage proudly, channeling the spirit of the legendary R 80 G/S through cross-spoke wheels, a rugged stance, and a fuel tank designed for off-road posture. The geometry is purposeful, the components modern, and the message clear: this bike is meant to explore.
It enters the R 12 family with its own identity, one shaped by dirt roads, elevation changes, and the kind of terrain that invites stories, not shortcuts. The R 12 G/S is ready for that journey. And so are we.
What the R 12 G/S
Brings to the Trail
Suspension & Chassis
Built around a tubular steel trellis frame, the R 12 G/S speaks the language of the trail before the engine even starts. It’s a structure that feels planted, simple, and honest, exactly what you want when the terrain beneath your tires starts to move.
Up front, the 45 mm upside-down forks are fully adjustable, giving riders the tools to dial in the feel no matter what the day demands.
There’s 8.3 inches (211 mm) of travel available up front to handle whatever the terrain throws at it, from washboard gravel to sudden rocky drop-offs that catch you mid-ride. Out back, a cast aluminum single-sided swingarm with BMW’s Paralever tech houses a central progressive shock, also fully adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression. Rear travel comes in at 7.9 inches (200 mm), with damping that’s tuned to resist harsh bottom-outs while still keeping the ride smooth.
The geometry has been reworked specifically for off-road riding, with a wheelbase of 62.2 inches (1,580 mm), a steering head angle of 26.9°, and a generous 4.76 inches (121 mm) of caster. All this translates into stability at speed and agility where it counts, tight, low-speed maneuvering on uneven ground.
For those looking to push even deeper into the dirt, the optional Enduro Package Pro brings slight tweaks in geometry and a bump in ground clearance to 10 inches (254 mm), giving the R 12 G/S a bit more air between its belly and the world below.
Wheels & Tires
No adventure bike earns its stripes without the right set of wheels, and the R 12 G/S rolls in with confidence. Up front, a 21-inch cross-spoked wheel gives the bike that unmistakable off-road stance, paired with a 90/90 tire that’s narrow enough to cut through loose surfaces while offering solid stability in deep ruts. Out back, the standard setup includes a 17-inch wheel wrapped in a 150/70 tire, versatile, predictable, and well-suited for mixed terrain.
But for those riders whose weekends mean mud, sand, and rock-strewn climbs, BMW offers the optional Enduro Package Pro, which swaps in an 18-inch rear wheel for a bit more clearance and traction in the rough. It’s a small detail on paper, but out on the trail, those inches translate into smoother momentum when the going gets technical.
The cross-spoke wheels are built with toughness in mind, ready to take on the kind of riding that puts gear to the test, off-road hits, rocky stretches, and long, demanding days in the saddle. It’s a setup made to inspire confidence when the terrain starts getting unpredictable.
Brakes
Braking on the R 12 G/S goes beyond basic function, it’s part of the rhythm of riding, especially when the terrain keeps changing under the wheels. BMW equipped this machine with a braking system that’s simple in its design and confident in its feel.
Up front, twin 310 mm discs are paired with 2-piston floating calipers mounted axially. The setup is responsive without being grabby, with enough bite to handle steep downhill sections or sudden trail surprises. Out back, a single 265 mm disc with its own 2-piston caliper balances things out, offering strong rear-end control when traction gets sketchy.
What ties it all together is BMW’s standard ABS Pro system, a partially-integrated design that activates both front and rear brakes when pulling the front lever. The ABS adapts its behavior based on lean angle, offering a more refined response when braking mid-corner. It’s not invasive, and it doesn’t get in the way of rider input. Instead, it adds a layer of control that feels like a quiet co-pilot, there when you need it, invisible when you don’t.
Engine & Power
At the heart of the R 12 G/S beats a 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine that delivers 109 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and a solid 85 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. It’s an engine that feels alive from low revs, with a smooth but insistent push that urges you forward, especially when the trail opens up or the road gets twisty.
The throttle response is handled by BMW’s electronic management system, with throttle-by-wire giving precise control under all conditions. The power comes on with confidence, not abrupt, not lazy, just right for the kind of mixed-surface riding this bike is clearly built for.
A dry single-disc clutch manages the connection, paired with a six-speed gearbox and a shaft drive that keeps everything low-maintenance and clean, ideal for long days on dusty trails where you’d rather ride than wrench. Gear changes feel predictable, and while the optional Shift Assistant Pro is available for clutchless shifting, the standard setup is more than capable of keeping pace. And then there’s the sound. Deep, unmistakable, and throaty, the boxer pulse is part of the experience. It carries no need to impress; it simply lets you know it’s there. It waits, coiled and patient, for the moment you let it off the leash and feel it come alive.
Weight & Ergonomics
Geometry plays a key role in the R 12 G/S, but it’s the rider’s connection to that setup that defines its character. With a seat height of 33.9 inches (861 mm) in its standard setup, and a slight bump to 34.4 inches (874 mm) with the Enduro Package Pro, it places the rider in a position of control without compromising comfort. The solo seat is flat and firm, clearly shaped for movement, allowing for easy transitions between sitting and standing.
Ground clearance sits at 9.4 inches (239 mm), or 10 inches (254 mm) in its most off-road-oriented trim, giving the G/S just enough space to clear obstacles without losing that planted feel. The triangle formed between the pegs, seat, and handlebar has been tuned for trail work, with high, wide bars that encourage confident input and smooth weight shifts.
At 505 pounds (229 kg) road-ready, the G/S won’t be mistaken for a featherweight, but it wears its mass well. The weight is carried low thanks to the boxer layout and shaft drive, and once in motion, it feels stable without ever being sluggish. For long-distance riders who plan to take the road less paved, that grounded presence can be the difference between confidence and caution.
Riding Modes & Electronics
Modern adventure bikes live at the crossroads of power and precision, and the R 12 G/S brings plenty of both. With three standard riding modes, RAIN, ROAD, and ENDURO, the bike adapts its behavior to the terrain beneath it. Each mode adjusts throttle response, traction control, ABS behavior, and engine drag torque management to suit the conditions, giving riders just the right amount of support without dulling the ride.
For those seeking more control in the dirt, the optional Enduro Package Pro unlocks a fourth mode: ENDURO PRO. This setting reduces electronic intervention to a minimum, allowing skilled riders to take full advantage of the bike’s chassis and engine in off-road scenarios where momentum and feedback matter more than safety nets.
BMW’s Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR) come standard, working quietly in the background to keep the ride smooth and predictable when traction is less than ideal. ABS Pro also adapts based on lean angle, giving riders added braking confidence even when the bike is tilted into a curve.
Optional upgrades like the 3.5-inch micro TFT display, Headlight Pro with adaptive cornering light, and ConnectedRide Control add more layers of functionality—without overcomplicating the experience. The standard analog round gauge keeps the cockpit clean and purposeful, a quiet reminder that this bike was built to ride, not to be stared at.
Accessories & Customization
No two adventures are the same, and BMW knows it. That’s why the R 12 G/S comes with a long list of options to tailor the bike to each rider’s style and terrain. From luggage and protection to rider ergonomics and electronic upgrades, the catalog is both wide and well thought out.
Want more off-road confidence? The Enduro Package Pro adds items like wider footpegs, a beefier engine guard, and an 18-inch rear wheel with off-road tires. Planning to ride two-up? The Passenger Kit adds a more cushioned seat, footrests, and grab handles. Prefer a taller perch? The Rallye seat bumps the height for improved leverage and leg room.
There are also visual touches, alternate colorways, gold or black spoked wheels, and a range of Option 719 parts, BMW’s own premium customization line, for those who want their G/S to stand out while still looking purposeful. And for long-haul explorers, the selection of tank bags, side bags, and mounts offers enough flexibility to turn the R 12 G/S into a proper travel companion.
In short, the platform is ready, but what you build from it is entirely up to you.
The Story Starts Where the Road Fades
Some bikes spark interest. Others awaken something deeper. The R 12 G/S is the kind of machine that calls you out, it dares you to look at the map, find the line that fades into dust, and go see what’s out there.
It’s a motorcycle that carries history in its lines, but it’s the future it invites you to write that makes it special. The kind of future that starts early in the morning, when the tank is full, the GPS is off, and the only plan is to keep going until the sky turns orange again.
We haven’t ridden it yet. Not on gravel, not on a trail, not even out of the parking lot. But if the promise it carries matches the feeling it stirs, the wait will be worth every single mile we dream in the meantime.
So now, we wait. Helmet on the shelf. Boots by the door. Heart halfway down a road we haven’t ridden yet.
Photos: BMW Motorrad Media – Words: Mike de la Torre
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