2024 BMW R12 nine T Review | The Definition of Modern Retro

[@FortyFourTeeth]

Just to add as there is a lot of chat about price in the comments, the standard R12 base model is £11,990 if you cant afford, or don't want, the extras. Most bikes are bought on finance so the additional few £1000 will only equate to 60 quid or so extra a month, which is why most people buy the top spec bikes.

[@domd2304]

Are they really? Wow. I'm actually quite shocked that most bikes are bought on finance. Would have thought cash was most common for bikes and similar toys.

[@hgm8337]

on finance at 30% APR,..? You have to be an idiot to use finance.

[@Adam-mo2qw]

Only an extra £60 eh. On top of the 200 to 300 quid you already have to pay? Bargain lol.

[@BRICKSINSILK]

If you're borrowing for a bike of this ilk with rates the way they are at the moment, I'd seriously question whether its a rational purchase. In fact I can do it for you. No, its not.

[@BRICKSINSILK]

@@Adam-mo2qw Next time you see one of these in the street, take a look at the bloke who gets off it. It will almost certainly be a bloke north of 30-35 with his career in check...

[@duckylucky6505]

The lack of a love doll on the pillion is throwing me for a loop.

[@PhilipBurton-dn3ce]

Sorry Ducky but I have to ask....non of my business but where do you live....I've only heard "throwing me for a loop" twice in my 56yrs.....just wondering if it's a local colloquilism to a particular area.....great saying though...love it 👍

[@xorbe2]

@@PhilipBurton-dn3ce"throwing me for a loop" / "threw me for a loop" is a very common phrase in the USA.

[@PhilipBurton-dn3ce]

@@xorbe2 Cheers mate.....hopefully it's ok for me to plagiarize it in Australia 😄...it seems a broader usage term but very similar to the Aussie term "taking the piss"

[@toulow]

@@PhilipBurton-dn3ce bloody Australians steeling things, once a criminal, always a criminal 😉 haha

[@mooncat.787]

Orrrr the sex doll was just so funny..... I literally couldn't believe how hilarious it was. I mean the comedic genius was off the charts.

[@joehembrough7655]

Don't miss the days where you'd wait several weeks for a new video. Enjoying having some new content to watch every few nights. Well done boys

[@fabiancharbonnier]

i'm one of those happy R9T owners and i feel like the saga is not about to stop here. Good job guys.

[@rowansumner9088]

Good to see Perkins cranking out with videos again

[@michaelwilson3165]

He goes on to much hes been into bikes 4 years he ant got a clueabout emgines

[@MrRowrow22]

Neither do I and I've riden them since I was 5

[@moulderzmoulder]

bmw back at it again with a wonderful bike. had a chance to see this bike in real life. the quality insane. well done!

[@DevRSVR]

Have the original one . 2014. I absolutely love it. First non sports bike I've really enjoyed. No frills old school biking. Try one.

[@coachsteve10]

Back when it was announced, was not too keen on the tank design. The more I see it however, the more I'm beginning to really like the way it looks. That green as well, stunning.

[@5tevieb954]

You at your best BVG

[@icecube477]

The cylinder heads won't limit your cornering angle. Your pegs will scrape long before the jugs.

[@jameshunter4690]

Amazing how it still sounds like every BMW bike ridden in every German war movie, great review Chris

[@jackisonline2]

Just don’t ask BMW what they were doing between 1939-1945

[@0Turbox]

Just saw a YT shorty of a WWII R75 with a side cart, 5 men on it and towing a PAK 36 into battle.

[@christopheleroy5697]

N’oubliez pas que votre reine et sa descendance est allemande 😂…

[@christopheleroy5697]

Les triumph sont aussi allemande ….😂

[@obsidian....]

Love hearing a bit of the old Baron's piss take kicking in here and there 🔥

[@nicholashett6265]

Total load of old tosh-overpriced bilge👎🏻

[@tonydare7614]

Quite agree with your non-Shoreditch comment. I've had one for a month and I find it hard to stay off it . When I finish a ride, I want to hop back on. I've had sportier bikes, but the overall experience is what motorcycling is about for me, feeling in contact with the road, the elements and the machine at the same time. Ok, a windshield would be nice on the motorway and a slightly smoother first gear but it's just a simple, great looking bike and will make you happy every time you ride. And it's not slow if you want to seriously hoon it 😎

[@badgremlin2]

Your review is spot on about both the r nine t and r12. Well done

[@n22pdf]

BMW did a great job looks awesome.. I had an original but this one looks much improved in my opinion 😊 Pete 😃👍

[@Alex-bj9lf]

Very nice of BMW to let Michael come along to model the BMW for the video!

[@jvl4832]

I thoroughly enjoyed your enthusiasm for this very good looking bike. Yes, there are lighter, faster more agile bikes than a Roadster; however, this bike has a lot of torque, and enough power for most ridersˋ capabilities. It’s the gentleman’s hooligan bike. For those who want more horsepower and speed, this is the wrong category and shouldn’t compare or criticize the R12 for not being like a super naked bike …..it’s a Roadster!! (R).

[@wobblysauce]

For the Cafe in the hills.

[@ashleydickfisher]

Probably not a welcomed opinion but an honest one never the less - I had a R9T "sport" for several years having convinced myself to slow down from sports bikes as I advanced in years 😕 The MOST boring bike I have ever had in 30+ years - wooden brakes, zero acceleration, heavy as hell, wide so unable to filter in todays narrowing roads. Only managed 6k miles in 5 years as I had to force myself to take it out. Gone now and on a Ducati V2 Bayliss which is awesome.

[@domd2304]

Every opinion is valid. I have the opposite experience. Fun to ride the 9T in all scenario's be it cruising, commuting, sports riding in the twisties, on track, it's engaging and heaps of fun. I actually have more fun on track with the 9T than my 848 Evo Corse SE. The brakes feel awesome too - even compared to the 330mm setup on the 848. A few mods - suspension, exhaust forged wheels etc really woke the bike up too and just made everything even more fun. Wet weight is now 199kg which is only 3kg or so more than the 848.

[@taylorhickman84]

How's you manage to shave >20kg off it?

[@ashleydickfisher]

@@domd2304 Horses for courses and all that, but I found the BMW at 110bhp/220kg took too long to wind up and didn't respond any where as quick as I would like and so took the fun out of riding for me. Hence the move back to sports and the Ducati Bayliss at 155bhp/176kg which responds instantly and then there's the Italian aesthetics 🙂. Although in keeping with the BMW, the Ducati doesn't have a fuel gauge either 😕

[@domd2304]

@@ashleydickfisher your Bayliss is actually about 4kg heavier than my 9T fully fuelled and has less torque made higher in the range, so the acceleration out of corners is amazing. But it's not fair to compare a modified bike and a stock one. The stock 9T is definitely a lot less agile and nimble than a modified one.

[@domd2304]

@@taylorhickman84 full titanium Akra headers/muffler, lithium battery, forged alloy wheels (plus no tubes), lighter shock, flapper valve and charcoal cannister removal, subframe removal, lighter bars, lighter mirrors, lighter tyres, some ti bolts.

[@windymiller5058]

I love me an R9T and I’m delighted to see this update as it’s dropped the price of the originals. Winner.

[@paulwalker797]

Don't buy a new one. They are not good and far worse in build quality than the old ones. I was so happy to get my old R9T back after its service. A day on the R12 was more than enough. A real disappointment...and I actually wanted to like it!

[@HalfdeadRider]

I'm sure I'd love the ride too, but that would be it for me, different blokes with different strokes!

[@mrcrankyank]

Have always loved the R nines.. the cafe racer version looks amaze

[@DavidRodriguez-mw7ie]

I just bought your old R9T Racer, can't wait to get the thing on track. 👍 Love the Alan Partridge arm swing at the end of the video.

[@casterofchaos]

I've had that exact same surge of the motor when you come off throttle on the old one as well! Freaked me out every time... My theory was that its the "engine braking management" system or whatever its called, trying to avoid that lump of an engine causing the rear tyre to lock up and going ever so slightly over board.

[@barryrose4850]

I’ve had this on my 21 plate and no one else could explain it but happens when i come in hot , say roundabout loads of engine braking. I think it’s electrics cutting in. Good luck bro 👍

[@conradbielicki774]

I test rode the 2023 and it was lovely. It had an analog speedo which I think matched the aesthetic a tad better but it still looks very nice. I would like a version without any modes or switches to faff around with but it still kept that authentic feel for the most part as you say. Only other critique is the seat is quite poor but that can be fixed pretty easily

[@Fernando90054]

The good old faithful boxer engine! Mine is a scrambler iteration with the nineteen inches front wheel , but it swallows everything in the way. Very strong, well built bike. Tons of fun to ride. I enjoy this bike in every aspect including not having a fuel gauge, it resembles my ancient bike of the eighties, even that retro detail is much appreciated. And of course, every modern technology incorporated is very welcome !

[@harleycottrell802]

Well done nige

[@michaelarchangel1163]

Looking forward to your assessment and comparison of a probable watercooled R1300R, when it appears, likely after the remaining 1250 models have been sold off.

[@brianglendenning1632]

The R1300R, hopefully with some enhanced dangly bits, would be a nice bit of kit. Headlight swap with the R129T might provide for nicer aesthetic - an R139T perhaps, the product of a coupling between a GS and an r9T.

[@viperq]

This makes a lot more sense than the R18

[@louiseitner916]

When do we get an update video on your K2 gsxr?

[@gingerpunk2]

Almost spat my coffee out at the "sounds a bit Shoreditch" haha. Having lived in Dalston, that tickled me a lot

[@Vracktal]

Mad to think that this is essentially the same engine as the budget bike battle R1200RT, and somehow BMW are still making it.

[@BaronVonGrumble]

Mad isnt it!

[@ademkollari8992]

I thoroughly enjoyed the review and the ride. I ride a vespa, but enjoyed this.

[@apexslider1]

Have to admit, it is a really good looking bike.

[@Turbo_JAM]

Just watching this… saw the BMW trucks last week parked up under the motorway bridge and wondered if there’d be a 44teeth review up soon. That hotel is literally 5 minutes down the road from where I live. Great place to ride - even better if you try enduro.

[@classicraceruk1337]

Love the twin clocks, but I an an old git.

[@moomoodeadcow]

Let’s add ABS, TC and quick shifter to the bike but take out the fuel gauge. Brilliant, genius.

[@icecube477]

At least on the previous gen, it wasn't an oversight. The absence of the fuel gage is due to the tank shape.

[@En_A_B]

That way they can add the fuel gauge in the next generation saying that this is an improvement

[@moomoodeadcow]

@@En_A_B somewhere in the industry there's a person and his entire job is to make life harder for everyone around the world.

[@HrMarek]

I have always wanted to own a RnineT, but the problem is I have always wanted some other bike more. It would be ideal for a second bike just for those nice summer days when you want to go out for a cruise. Can't afford two bikes though.

[@mrkang4080]

At 6'4"/193cms, I will never own one and I wish I could... gorgeous machine.

[@hurd4532]

Really want the regular r12 for a nice cruising piece, but of course BMW had to go a cut it’s nuts out.

[@GeorgiaGrowGuy]

That price is Crazy!

[@saintetienne755]

A beautiful man on a beautiful bike - good times!!

[@mooncat.787]

Chris...... When are you coming out ?

[@rych7852]

Probably not going to happen anytime soon. But a 44T comparison video for this, scrambler, z900rs etc would be interesting.

[@PhilTonic]

As you've said, the rawness of the old nine T is simply exciting. I've had the nine T for an afternoon and it's great to throw around country roads. I've had lots of fun with it. Very unexpected, as you know my usual ride is a KTM 690 SMC R. Can't wait to try the R12 nine T. Does it still pop like crazy under decel when you're riding it in Dynamic?

[@marvinhughes6507]

Beautiful bike ! Thanks for the review. Would be amazing to have that engine in a bike like the 900XR

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I had a new 2020 R9T/5 for a couple of years before some degenerate stole it. It was a beauty and quite quick at the drag strip. My suspension was more basic than the model you were riding but pretty good for middle and light weight riders. I thought the seat was a bit harsh and the seat to foot peg was a bit low for riding for more than a couple hours. The analog gages are the best for this segment. When the temperature got higher 95 degrees Fahrenheit or 35 degrees Centigrade the bike ran a bit too hot for me. I'd have another one when the Thruxton R or Kawasaki Z900RS SE leaves the garage.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Think I would save myself £10k and buy the 2015 model which looks almost identical? I reviewed that model on my channel a couple of Years ago, and wow what a bike! but as Chris says...... not great if you're over 180cm tall 😉

[@johnfitzgerald4274]

Thank you.

[@warrison77]

I motion that Chris does all the reviews for 44T. He has to vocab to properly express himself. You know, using words with multiple syllables. If he is not available... Boothy.

[@markrivers2651]

Superb video Chris! Love hearing the Baron’s reviews of late - he’s been sorely missed! Welcome back 🥳🤩

[@marscruz]

Guess I'll have to see what Neevsy says about it. Chris is known to be a sucker for almost any Beemer bike. I like the analog clocks and would prefer something with 2 into 1 into 2 pipes. Yeah, I'm a geezer and a boomer. Sosumi.

[@223Sako]

An excellent review Chris though I think I will stick with my 2021 model.

[@AJG76]

Indirectly, Steve Coogan via Partridge helped create 44 teeth. Still, great channel .

[@jjnewman65]

I struggled with the comfort, riding position and vibration on my wrists of the first generation RNINET . I had the scrambler edition. I px for a 1200xe. Much smoother from the parallel twin. More comfort and an upright commanding riding position. Also I could carry a 35litre SWMotech dry bag on the tail rack. I presume this current iteration is better than my tractor like 2017 RNINET scrambler.

[@charliestoybox2099]

I’m looking forward to seeing this in person.

[@SSS-mp8th]

I prefer the looks of my 2017 but still a good looking bike. Racer was the best but I couldn't deal with the ergos so got the regular model. Mine stock was 490lbs which isn't light but Triumph Thruxton and others were heavier and lower hp so..My ZH2SE is 520lbs.

[@robertjames3378]

Superb review,superb motorcycle , bmw have played a blinder .

[@Rjallum]

Great review. Love the cafe racer BMW range. You really don’t look like big bird on the bike 😂.

[@StDuz]

You seem happy, that makes me happy :)

[@thejohnnerparty]

Nice. Really good overview.

[@blackcreekcoffee]

I'd argue the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 is just as purposeful and nice looking.

[@garyives1218]

Damn, I can't stand gold forks! Looks like an evening at the Oscars.

[@nokneedownian8521]

I remember the first iteration a few years ago you and statham went round london

[@smtsslt7468]

Fortunately/unfortunately I don’t need a commuter/Sunday blaster. This would definitely be on a pretty short list if I did. And it would be my first beemer.

[@ahoymolloy6221]

Sorry but it's the Speed Twin for me 👍

[@alastairtheduke]

One of the best looking bikes out there

[@f19ash]

Not really into the bike but I did keep thinking to myself “hmm, now that’s a nice jacket”.

[@PeterAndrewH]

Does it come with that phone charge cable?

[@robertmarsh3588]

I've owned many boxers, including nakeds, so this is very appealing. Overall, nice bike, though its predecessor looked better imo, pillion provision is sadly poor, and I don't like the digital dash despite being undoubtedly clearer than an analogue one.

[@CCitis]

The BMW boxer motor is one of the best motors for a bike! Triumph Triple is up there too!

[@jsleeio]

seems a lot like my 2008 R1200R (RIP), but with the wrong turn signal controls. Love it, except for the turn signal controls. Yes, I'm still bitter about it in 2024

[@andershjpetersen3776]

Nice jacket.

[@utterstan]

Massive Scrotal Sacks.... 👏

[@8alakai8]

air cooled? they have a oil cooler the size of a normal radiator

[@PrinceAndrewFucksKids]

But what cools the oil cooler? Air 🤡

[@bjornsemmelink9163]

Yes and that oil is cooled by?

[@rych7852]

@@bjornsemmelink9163Thats not the same thing at all! 🤣🤣

[@Supercharged1976]

You guys REALLY need to come to the States and ride the Foothills Parkway, Tail of the Dragon, and the Cherohola Skyway in Tennessee and North Carolina.

[@paulbrook2459]

That really was a great video 👍top job , I’d just buy a old one for 7k but if money is no abject then yes 👍

[@KiwiMoto72]

nice work Mate - curious, how tall are you? I am a tall bloke too

[@thelensguy6050]

Love your helmet , awesome !

[@soilsmanadv6673]

I have a r1200GSA and love the motor. I also love the bike but the same basic motor. A great torque but have to get used to the torque steer of the motor.

[@guitartolearn]

Looks great. My problem is same as yours. It’s size. I’m 6’1” and I feel like I look like I’m riding a toy bike. Wish it was bigger!

[@brianglendenning1632]

I am the same height and meet the description of a “fully formed human” as in a bit chubby - I look like I am riding a 400 when on my s1000r. I can understand why chubby chaps and portly princesses like their large cruisers, and it has made me consider a Superduke R simply because it seems more correctly proportioned for someone of my size - even if/when I get down to my old training weight I am still like a bear on a tiny circus bike.

[@guitartolearn]

Glad you agree. Maybe why I kept my GS800 for so long. It’s a well proportioned bike for a big guy. I can’t go past a shop window on an R9T without feeling like I’m on a toy bike. Shame, as they look fantastic. When a bear isn’t riding…

[@UncleWally3]

Few years ago I gave up on Boxers with a dry clutch. Clunky “character” aside, they can be complicated and expensive to fix - but that was a few years ago and I rode them to failure. My question is, are they smoother and more reliable now than a few years ago?

[@arielatomhc]

Looks just like The Rally Course in Spain.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

My ‘23 GS has the same “oversurge” when you drop off the throttle a little quickly. Is it fueling or part of the anti slip/save the shaft drive engine programming? I don’t know but it can be a little unnerving at the wrong moment.😬

[@stinkstank5177]

The original R Nine T was a better looking bike!

[@iancraig6070]

So BMW engineering design team has updated so much,electronics,frame,suspension,wheels,seat. But it's a 2024 bike and no fuel gauge!!!!!!!

[@inked-96]

Since when do you need a fuel gauge 😂.

[@iancraig6070]

@@inked-96 Really?It's the 21st century and no fuel gauge digital or analogue on what is a very expensive bike?

[@matthiasleiber]

No offense, but after 10 years of no fuel gauge on any of the R NineT models, and probably hundreds if not thousands of comments asking for it, I just have to write this comment: Could it be that this is omitted on purpose? Over the years, they have added riding modes, keyless ride, cornering ABS, LED lights, cornering headlight, and now: a quickshifter, for crying out loud! A fuel gauge is not what BMW wants on this bike, so this seems…I wonder when people stop asking for it? I have completed 19 k km on mine, and with my “trip 1 meter”, after +/- 250 km, you start waiting for the Reserve warning to get on, and that’s it. After all, if you believe that this is what you need, this bike may not be for you, and that’s fine. All others, this one of the most enjoyable rides you could imagine. (Will say I am happy to ride a EUR 4, though)

[@inked-96]

@iancraig6070 We can't expect it all... It's the same as the new R1300GS not having illuminated switch gear, and that's 20-22k. Don't get me wrong, I agree it should have one.. but it isn't a deal breaker. It's just basic math to work it out.. I do believe it has a low fuel light, though... so nothing to get caught up on.

[@iancraig6070]

@@matthiasleiber I own an r nine t and love it,but in the 21st century on an expensive bike,up to and over£16500 in the UK a fuel gauge should be standard.

[@coachsteve10]

Does the riding experience feel different when compared to the last-gen BMW R NineT?

[@chriswest2290]

It'll be riden around in Shoreditch and soho.

[@MegaWebsters]

Until it gets nicked

[@jamesastbury15]

Where is the doll, we need a pillion test 😂

[@martyn_g]

BMW boxers are the best🥰

[@MikeDavies621]

Great video and review as ever, but if you were spending your own cash would you buy the new one or a 5 year old low mileage R NineT ?

[@BaronVonGrumble]

Thats not how it works these days.. its more of a £199 a month vibe for the latest bike - thats how people purchase these days, right or wrong.

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

You didn't mention the quickshifter with the comfort package or how clunky or not the gearbox is or isn't. Pity Boxers are still wallowy, that, the weight and torque reaction in town could be deal breakers for me, but certainly a looker. Pity there isn't a fork colour choice, getting tired of the camp anodised gold everywhere. Still a toss-up with the Mandello, similar spec.

[@domd2304]

Good review. Would love to see a back to back comparison between Euro 3/4 versions and this new one. In the twisties / on track. I suspect this new one, with more weight, less torque, lower ride height, more rake and smaller brakes would not handle quite as well. But then, the earlier versions really benefit from a taller rear shock, lower bars, rearsets, forged wheels and suspension - taking them to sub 200kg wet also helps wake them up!

[@kawaman2192]

as others have said,nice jacket..... wot is it????

[@neilcole3406]

Sometimes it’s just about riding!

[@beer77monster]

Damning with faint praise is a great way of ensuring that you’re on the next BMW launch somewhere sunny and exotic…

[@BaronVonGrumble]

I actually much prefer not going to launches. But you know everything right 😂

[@beer77monster]

@@BaronVonGrumble yeah, they look a right fucking drag! 🤔

[@delirium4327]

that engine sounds great

[@dubiousricardo]

Love the bike and your review, but why no fuel gauge, FFS got enough electronics?

[@brianglendenning1632]

I did read somewhere I cannot now locate an article that suggested the BMW will allow a fuel gauge to be displayed. No idea how accurate the article is, but it would seem odd if the data is available but not displayed.

[@SamHowson]

Try being 5'8 and wanting a Multistrada V4S

[@Sondre3910]

You mention that the R-9 is small, which it is. Is the R12 any bigger? I love the looks of the R12 but as a tall-/big-ish driver, I'm afraid I'll look like a schmuck driving it!

[@jedblavla5206]

GUESS WHY NO REVIEW ON THE THRUXTON R?!? Direct competitor with the r9t