BMW’s R 90 S Rides Again

BMW Motorrad is expanding its Heritage range with a tribute to the iconic R 90 S of 1973. It can do that because it has been using the same flat-twin engine layout for nigh on a century.

The BMW R 12 S transfers the spirit of the R 90 S into a new era. Only it is way more gorgeous than the more upright original.

Based on the R 12 nineT, this sporty retro bike pays homage to the R 90 S of the mid-seventies. That bike was a winner in its day, victorious in the Isle of Man TT in 1976 and owning the Daytona 200 in the same year. 

“The defining design elements of our R 12 S include the handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing with the tinted windshield, the seat with contrast stitching, and the Lavaorange metallic paint finish as a nod to the legendary R 90 S Daytona Orange from 1975. 

“The design is perfectly complemented by details such as the red-laid ‘S’ on the side covers, the red double line, and the brushed and clear-lacquered aluminum surfaces of the tank and seat hump,” said Alexander Buckan, Head of BMW Motorrad Design.

Powering the neo-retro beauty is the same 82kW/115Nm 1170cc, air- and oil-cooled flat twin as in the R 12 nineT. 

Standard items include classic wire spoke wheels with naturally anodized aluminum rims, hill start control, a quickshifter, heated grips, and cruise control. An adaptive cornering light ensures better illumination of corners in the dark.

Special options include titanium exhaust systems, soft bags, and navigation preparation. A micro-TFT display is an option to the classic round instruments.

Expect this to arrive here in the first half of 2025 to join the R 12 cruiser and standard R 12 nineT.