19/10/2025

Contributing Editor Keshy Dhillon / keshy@piston.my Editorial

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SUNDAY | OCT 19, 2025

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Power & style New BMW R12 nineT looks better yet retains iconic character

the nineT variant was the first to be introduced. The R12 nineT is a road ster/standard/naked bike, built around the same 1170cc Boxer engine, but brings forth several new features. The engine is as far as it goes in terms of similarities with its predecessor. Highlights and features ● 1170cc, air/oil-cooled, hori zontally-opposed-twin (Boxer), which produces a maximum power of 109hp at 7,000RPM and a peak torque of 115Nm at 6,500RPM. ● Newly designed exhaust sys

BY WAHID OOI

RIDING the 2025 BMW R12 nineT was interesting – to say the very least – on several levels. It was not only due to mechani cal factors but external ones as well and many questions from readers. What is the 2025 BMW R 12 nineT? It began in 2014, when BMW Motorrad introduced the R nineT to commemorate the 90th anniversary of BMW motorcy cles. Designed by both Motorrad together with custom bike leg

The preload for the front forks can be adjusted.

end, Roland Sands, the R nineT was decidedly modern classic in design, drawing a connection to the BMW “R” Boxer lineage. First to be produced was the R nineT, followed by several variants based on the same plat form: Urban GS, Racer, Scrambler, and Pure. So, 10 years later, BMW intro duced the new R12 platform as a continuation of the R nineT’s legacy. Following its ancestor,

tem with twin chrome mufflers. ● Engine power transmitted through single disc dry clutch, then through six-speed gearbox. ● Marzocchi 45mm upside down forks up front, adjustable for spring preload, compression damping, and rebound damp ing. ● Monoshock with a progressive spring at the back, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping.

Upon c l o s e r

inspection, we noticed that the snail proboscis-like intake trum pet has been deleted. The seat was also visibly lower, with the rear portion of the bike sitting lower over the rear wheel, giving the bike a slightly stretched out and low slung look. Speaking of the wheels, our test bike’s wheels were cast alu minium, different from the wire spoked wheels in BMW’s official pictures. The rear wheel drew lots of attention, as it looked like a shuriken . The fuel tank was partly painted, while leaving the sides in polished aluminium. Yes, the previous R nineT had this, but it somehow looked better on the new bike. The new R12 nineT is a hand some bike when viewed from

The analogue meters are jewel like in their finishing.

Seat is low and comfortable.

● As with all BMW Boxer engined models, R12 nineT util ises single-sided Paralever swin garm, but now stouter. ● Twin 310mm front brake discs, gripped by twin four-pis ton calipers. ● Single 265mm brake disc at the back. ● Brakes are supported by BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro. ● New tubular steel frame. ● Aluminium fuel tank. ● 795mm seat height.

● Three riding modes namely Rain, Road and Dynamic. ● Electronic rider aids include Dynamic Engine Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Hill Hold Control. Pre-Ride Checking out the bike for the first time, it looked similar but different. BMW did a great job of retaining the previous R nineT’s look while packing the new model with so many updates.