Why BMW's R 12 Cruiser Is Weirdly Good...

[@cauduro1048]

I took a test ride with good expectations but I have some considerations to make: PROS 1- good ergonomics for short people, it seems to be a “Honda CB600”. 2- I liked the minimalist dashboard 3- very good finishes in the “719” package CONS 1- “hole” in acceleration when going fast from a standstill only waking up at 3500 rpm 2- noisy engine in the heads during the ignition cycle because as the heads are not under the tank the sound “travels” straight to the ears. 3- “dry” gearbox and clutch that seems to be unassisted… sometimes soft and sometimes hard where you are not sure if gear changes happened in stopped traffic. 4- short front suspension and without adjustment 5- excessive heat of the heads in the feet. 6- it has heated grips but no fuel gauge… and finally 7-after riding it, the engine is ok, no vibration (and almost no emotion) when you put it in neutral, 150 aliens come banging from side to side, making it seem like the bike is going to disintegrate from all the shaking. Summary: an exotic bike is well finished (in the 719 package) for the weekend IF IT COST half the price. It will sell like the R18

[@Scout4x]

We used to call that type of bike a "standard", not a "cruiser". I like it!

[@illvminated]

Are you from India?

[@Scout4x]

@@illvminated Nope. USA (but I AM old!)

[@illvminated]

@@Scout4x Oh. I'm from India and here, 'Standard' means an old Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle. Their old models were released under the 'Standard' model name.

[@Scout4x]

@@illvminated Oh, I see. Very good! Here in the USA 45 to 55 years ago, anything that was not a specialty bike (sports, scrambler etc.) was termed a "standard". But then again, I'm old!

[@illvminated]

@@Scout4x I rejoice in the fact that you're old enough to enlighten me about the name and what it represented in the olden days. 🙌🏼

[@fp8220]

Great video. I had a demo on the R12 in June, but found the Boxer (which I wanted to like) lacking in low down urge/character. I liked it, especially the tech and shaft drive, but it wasn’t what I was looking for: in particular I found the engine higher revving than I anticipated (4000rpm at 70mph in 6th). In the end I settled on a Triumph Speedmaster, which is now run in and seldom has to exceed 3,500rpm to make enjoyable progress. Now if the Speedmaster had a shaft drive, or belt, that would be grand!

[@jordanpmclaughlin]

That’s crazy that you didn’t find it to have much grunt, I have a 2021 rocket 3 to compare against and when I test rode the r12 I thought it was quite fast down low. I wonder if you didn’t have it in “Rock” mode? 😂 anyway, hope you enjoy your speedmaster!

[@David-jv9gk]

You should have checked out the R1250R fantastic engine and more grunt that a lot of other big bikes

[@jordanpmclaughlin]

@@David-jv9gk I rode the r1250r and would own one if it weren’t for the price for a naked. Awesome bike!

[@2012pwagon]

@@David-jv9gkexactly the 1250 is ridiculously fast and powerful

[@lS-xv6qn]

weirdly good is the perfect summary of this bike, i have a demo unit here and I've found myself riding it more and more! its a soft Sunday fang bike! suspension is set softer then an R 12 nine t but it handle's very well and the more relaxed feel is very nice to ride, the fact you can have a retro style r 12 or a tft dash caters for both types of people in the market. i also found its very capable on longer rides as well as a good rip in the Twisties. it has a retro feel but with modern day saftey the bike doesn't make sense until you have ridden it, its fast becoming one of my favourite bikes to ride.

[@Jagknorr]

So instead of the big growling engine you instead get: 0:39 Lawnmower! Woooo! 😂

[@primologyx]

Personally I own a BMW R12 and I love everything about it.

[@bcdoak2525]

Best Moto channel on KZbin.

[@sandwaves5642]

Not really. He, actively, ignores and neglects to mention, pretty important things. Never - how the front light is ( who wants to BUY a bike, and THEN find out, that the light sucks ??!! ).... Never - service interval / cost.... Even though, he often, keeps the bikes for, far longer than 24h ! - so plenty of time to figure those things out. Yes - he tells a nice story with a nice presentation, but USEFUL / IMPORTANT info here - not so often / not so very much of 🤷‍♂

[@tomcooney183]

Do you even watch youtube, motobob videos read like a manufacturers promotional press release 😂 hardly even journalism, more of a free promotion

[@thanasis2220]

LOL whats up with the KTM 390 DUKE at 8:34 lol

[@TrustUsTonight]

Most expensive 390 ever 🤣

[@4G63TDSM]

Likely missing 1 in front of the 390. I was shocked as well.

[@gerhardvaneeden5615]

You'd think a Boxer engine would be crap, but if you've ever ridden a big Beemer with the 1250 engine strapped on, you'll know that it's glorious, sublime. Endless torque, and more than enough speed.

[@MrAndrew1953]

I’m more impressed than I thought I’d be. The sort of bike that encourages you to adopt a more relaxed riding style, as opposed to something that eggs you on to go a lot faster than you should.

[@tonydare7614]

I tried both the R12 and R12 ninet. I far, far preferred the latter. The geometry of the R12 made the handling less tight and enjoyable. But I'm biased towards racing bikes and roadsters.

[@bmp72]

I hope Guzzi soon comes with a California based on the new engine

[@3wheelmannc860]

Looks nice for sure... I not a big fan of the engine though... historically it dependable/durable, but just not sure of the flexibility for foot placement for longer rides with those cases sticking out. I say that admitting I have never ridden one. Here in the states, I would like to see the hp maximized instead of the cut back you mention. I would also like to hear with upgraded mufflers, not to be too loud, but to deepen the note.

[@spartanx169x]

Check out a BMW demo day. I have been a major critic of BMW , did a demo day to confirm what I thought. Needless to say I have done a 180 on how I feel about all BMW bikes.

[@specialcircs]

I generally dislike cruisers but I'd certainly consider this. I'd prefer the R12 NineT I think, not sure about the riding position on the R12, but I love the boxer engine and shaft drive and the base pricing is better than the NineT. I think I'd wait a year or two then pick one up with some extras for a huge discount off new 🙂

[@peterwilson8039]

I am generally attracted to the big boxers, but like you I'd prefer something a bit sportier. I'd definitely want two clocks. I also think, being a parsimonious type, if I were actually going to lay cash on the table, I'd be looking for something less expensive.

[@andysouthardmusic]

It looks like they told different people to design parts of it without showing anyone else, and then they stuck all those pieces together. I love BMW, but this thing looks disjointed.

[@ФедорГлебов-ч2ф]

Same feelings

[@steveparish9210]

I usually don’t like cruisers but I like this bike except for the goofy rear fender. Reminds me of the toaster tank bimmers for some reason

[@Dushyant933]

8:29 390 duke??!!!

[@MotoRiderTube]

Yeah, that should read Triumph Bobber

[@bcab7955]

Yeah, that caught me off guard.

[@andrewshumate6104]

LMAO!!!

[@NYCZ31]

This bike is the gateway drug to BMW’s boxer bikes

[@GrEeCe_MnKy]

Why is peak torque at a high rpm in a cruiser?

[@ogofog9120]

That rear mudguard is hideous

[@gonzalomarsilli5741]

Looks like a japanese cruiser aint it

[@patricksandeberg8184]

Great video MotoBob! Love the bike! I’d much rather have this then the other cruisers you compared the R12 with 🤙🏾 Nice little blooper in the price comparison. With the KTM’s 390Duke coming in at 13195 £ 😅

[@thenightflier37]

Does it have the fuel gauge or some sort of fuel level indicator?

[@philipsandiford2108]

Yes, it’s called “odometer.” It is far more reliable than any cycle gas gauge I’ve had.

[@SudeepC1973]

Boxer twin plus shaft❤️. Naked standard. BMW style. Still my dream bike.

[@Kricket2390]

Euro compliance laws for licensing seem really extremely difficult for a company to make a product that appeals to both sides of the pond. I have always been fascinated by the BMW lines of cruisers.

[@verlinswarey507]

I don’t mean to sound mean or negative, but I’m never sure why companies go to all the work to make bikes like this. I mean,I’m sure they’re lovely bikes! “Would” I buy one? I suppose in a hypothetical scenario,yes. WILL I buy one? No! I don’t know if that makes any sense,but that’s my 2 cents.

[@Love4boost]

As someone who owned 5 Harley’s. I’d have to go with no cruiser is right for me. But if I had to choose one that I think I can build into something I might like I’d say Rebel 1100

[@sterkriger2572]

Don’t worry only Harley makes bad cruisers. Everything else is fenomenal

[@BuddyShagmore]

I took a test ride on the R12. Very comfy and powerful. But the suspension leaves a LOT to be desired. I ran over a slightly depressed manhole cover, and received a severe jolt to my spine. It was actually painful. The front forks have very little travel, and obviously the rear shock is quite harsh. Wilbers offers a fork spring kit and upgrade rear shock, but who wants to buy an expensive new BMW, only to sink a bunch of coin into suspension upgrades? I would opt for the R12 nineT, unless you are a shorter rider, and understand what you are facing with the R12.

[@pin0teres]

Is there any small cruiser with a decent fuel capacity / range? BMW R 12 - 14 l, Rebel 1100 - 13.8 l (and they sell it in bagger trim..), Triumph Bobber - 12 l (lol) Moto Guzzi V7 is awesome - 21 l, but it is more of a modern classic than a cruiser.

[@philipsandiford2108]

My 9t regularly gets 54mpg, and often 60. With its biggish tank, I can easily see 220 miles. (But only do that if there is reliable access to gas)

[@elaletzem]

Great video, big fan of all your content. What about the heat of the cilindres, and what about the low speed maniobres? Thanks advance.

[@mcgoo721]

The purple glare in the thumbnail actually looked so sick i was hoping the bike was that color

[@JK-wr6is]

I would call it a standard or roadster, it’s not really a cruiser. That’s fine, BMW has the R18 series, so they already filled that slot. Cool bike, unique.

[@InsanitiesBrother]

MotoGuzzi and BMW need to have a baby and make a W4 motorbike engine.

[@greenambles]

Great review. I don’t get the concept though. Seems to me the best of neither world. Either get a R18 or a 9T, this seems the poor compromise of both on first views…having said that, though test rode the aboves I’ve not tried this one. I won’t though as the looks not for me but hey, beauty in the eyes of the beholder!

[@ФедорГлебов-ч2ф]

Exactly! 1200cm engine would have been appropriate for a more masculine bike, perhaps a bit smaller and lighter than r18. This r12 looks like a girls bike. I dont see a man that would prefer r12 over speedmaster or sportster or scout

[@blondiejoe]

Looks pretty cook. I think this is a better shot at a cruiser than the R18

[@2ride_along]

I just noticed…this BMW looks and it might feels just like my 1984 Naked GL1200

[@waltzieg]

I have an "old" R1200C, plenty of character and design, and it fits me well (I'm 6'5 tall). I've tested the R12: too little for me, great engine but not so nice and sweet like the old BMW cruiser.

[@rubo1964]

your bike makes about 60HP how is that "sweet" bike

[@joedudz]

For that price you would expect BMW to sleeve the headers to stop them blueing.

[@LooxJJ]

R12 and NineT series, given its price tag, there are SO MANY other good options ranging from Triumph, Indian, and Japanese 4, and even Harley. For this cruiser configuration, why not just get a Triumph Bobber? It's better thought out than this bike...and yes you WILL need a forward control, and chain / belt is always more responsive than shaft drive. I like upright versions of R12 BUT they really need to work on price to make it more competitive in the market - and they really really really (I am emphasizing!) need to improve its quality and reliability.

[@scottamolinari]

I was eyeing a Ducati Diavel. But, when I finally got to see it live and in person, it was underwhelming. And asking for a test ride was impossible. The R12 looks a good bit different than the Diavel, but for some reason, it is attractive to me. I think I'll try to demo one.

[@philipsandiford2108]

Rocket 3?

[@scottamolinari]

@@philipsandiford2108 That things is just way too much motorcycle for my taste.

[@murdoch9106]

That bike looks like a million bucks! I'd have one for sure! 😍 That Diamond and gold covered KTM 390 would probably be the one I'd get tho! 🤣

[@geeeee8268]

IT needs frame mounted fairing.

[@DarkOperationman]

Manly Haley Guy : HERESY!!!

[@Spain-Homes]

I'm going to test-ride R12 😎

[@Theshybiker]

I had my 1250 rs in for a software recall/update last Friday and was given one of these as courtesy bike for the day. The weather was perfect for riding, took it out and had it returned inside an hour. Bad vibrations through the seat, bars and pegs, extremely clunky gearbox, uncomfortable to ride, I really didn’t like it at all. Not a bike I’d want to ride again, very uninspiring. Just my opinion

[@SirOsisofLiver]

I generally like BMW styling. The R18 is a fantastic looking cruiser to my eyes. The R12 just looks, 'meh'. Nothing objectionable, but hardly stands out. Also more roadster than cruiser, stance wise. Good coverage though, Bob.

[@rubo1964]

my feeling exactly nothing special might add bit boring looking

[@urbanstrencan]

This was a great job by BMW nicely done cruiser 🤟🤟 Are you getting one ❤❤

[@UncleWally3]

The only way to buy this bike is to demo it first and finding one to demo at a local dealership is next to impossible. Actually, it’s the gearbox, dry clutch, ergonomics and seat I want to demo, but the rest of the bike has to go along for the ride. Oh, it does have a fuel gauge, right?

[@spartanx169x]

In the US, BMW does a demo day tour.

[@UncleWally3]

@@spartanx169x How many and where?

[@bemplassery]

The think I don't like is the pregnant protruded engine which prevents you from stretching legs to the front. They should have got the BMW S1000 xR engine detuned to 105 bhp.

[@fortunerider124]

A Harley or Indian sound the same from stock and get that desired, characteristic, sound with an aftermaket exhaust only. That will cost you a thousand quit extra, at least. I would assume they have some for the BMW as well. So that's not an argument for me.

[@edblue7369]

I have had mine 8 weeks. I have out about 2100 miles on it in that time. I have two issues. The rear suspension can only be described as harsh and wanting. And the gauge package. I know how many volts I have (wtf?!?) but don’t know how many miles to empty… SMH…

[@lucasteo51]

Tested the r12 nineT but found the engine too buzzy for my taste and not enough low end torque

[@Vegesaurus7]

I really love the looks of this bike I think BMW have nailed it. But at 185cms I don’t think I’d fit very well. The taller rider in the promo shots looks a bit cramped.

[@LinhNguyen-im4uu]

They made a custom dash for it but can't be bothered to include a fuel gauge. Don't tell me it's for the "retro" factor. All retro bikes worth their salt have a fuel gauge.

[@jeffmaxwell8821]

That rear fender is somehow wrong and it’s a mismatch to the front.

[@tolob]

No fuel gauge is ridiculous. All the tech but can’t tell you how much is left in the tank. 🤷‍♂️

[@davidforsdike4343]

I quite like it. But could never bring myself to own a BMW.

[@hakankillberg6043]

Great looking bike with midpegs love that. Still is to expensive. Maybe cheaper than HD and Indian but still to expensive. Those brands will never go cheaper so my hope is to Royal Enfield and CF moto. Yes RE already have 650cc but want more around 800-900cc. But it has to be midpegs.

[@MightyMouzMoto]

Sounds like it compares more to the Rebel 1100 than HD or Indian.

[@mikeandmona6584]

This basically costs what the 883 cost the last year they sold it, and you get twice the power. And BMW is an expensive brand. Just goes to show you how far Harley has strayed.

[@JonasBengtsson-i5n]

two things bmw missing fuelindikator and a luggage rack

[@wiii432]

Motocross bars & a pip.

[@6thwatergateplumber]

I'm guessing it's a good bike, but it doesn't LOOK like you'd want to cruise very long or far with it. And I'm guessing the tank doesn't hold much fuel. Maybe I missed it but these videographers seem to skip over this spec often.

[@SSS-mp8th]

I’m sure it well sell amazing just like the R18……………..

[@48o272]

Really feels like a paid for promotional video.

[@chirag4]

I'd go with 390 DUKE instead of Triumph BOBBER or BMW R12

[@Funkadelic-Freak]

KTM 390 Duke 13,195 pond. R u high...

[@speaktruth247]

I just hate how that engine sticks out to the sides. I would feel annoyed not being able to stretch my legs

[@mindspinn311]

Considering trading my T120 for an R12… 🤔

[@briancorreia2923]

It looks like an April fools day joke.

[@stockstunna]

Lmao

[@carlosandleon]

too bad it’s too short

[@mammadjafarzade7687]

duke 390 for 13k, great deal!

[@patrickbakjensen7561]

I like it a lot - but the cast wheels look like shit, and the gastankis on the small side. I was shocked how well it drove, really good fun...

[@Saixtanwar]

This leans more towards the Honda Rebel 1100 rather than a Harley for me.

[@ehsanmafi6546]

They need to make that concept R20, this one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaucnmeXaZWpotksi=S2ITxa3rImVN7FT2

[@BishBosh2010]

Strange...front brake is a Brembo item whilst the rear is a BMW plated item. Not sure i'd like a "modern styled" cruiser,. Pass on that methinks!

[@ФедорГлебов-ч2ф]

1200cm engine would have been appropriate for a more masculine bike, perhaps a bit smaller and lighter than r18. This r12 looks like a girls bike. I dont see why men would prefer r12 over speedmaster or sportster or scout, though I believe bmw bikes are much better in terms of quality.

[@glowingbunny5865]

Is it me or do these cruiser BMW’s always have the faint whiff of the 1200C Cruiser from the Bond film way back but making less power and weighing more?

[@billcarson4566]

Yeah, it's just you 😉.

[@glowingbunny5865]

‘Fair cop’!

[@ddbtube2138]

Coming from and owning myself the 2016 Rninet top spec, I still don’t have an idea of what BMW were trying achieve with this mess, plus they made an uglier Rninet. Double mess. Sales will tell the tale at the end, to hopefully make them go back. I personally hope no one gets this so it happens sooner.

[@vernonspady555]

I"m sorry, but BMW has lost my interest. They had the advantage of a low center of gravity, forty years ago . They sucked the engine up into the ribcage.

[@johnalleman1134]

I can’t see past the awful looking rear mudguard. Particularly from the side. Personally I would never call it a cruiser. Each to their own, but for me its a fail.

[@MV-XD2]

The boxer engine is quite characterful and it looks OK but it suffers from a fatal flaw - the reduced suspension travel and very poor shock makes it a bone shaking ride. Quite the worst suspended bike I’ve ever ridden and the seating position is comfortable for about 20 minutes. Given the R Nine T had crap suspension I guess this is no surprise.

[@JDWDMC]

Said the bloke who's obviously never ridden a Kawasaki.

[@andrewedmonds9347]

The ‘reduced suspension travel’ is NOT A Fatal Flaw of the Boxer engine. 😂 Punctuation makes a difference. I agree the suspension is not at an expected level. Give us the televlever front end with 47mm forks !?

[@MrPerrogaton]

Why so expensive? They have lost the opportunity to be the new Sportster. With 15 K in my hand I will go for a low mileage Fat Bob, os even a R 18. Not the same but good cruisers too.

[@ФедорГлебов-ч2ф]

After fantastic r18 line and r20, r12 came out very strange. In one league with rebel1100 for its ugliness.

[@josephabraham9081]

Mr bob, u have to research abt a small capacity bike called " Harley Davidson X440" which shockingly resemble this BMW R12 in every possible angle....

[@peterkoning21]

Weirdly good....for what ???!!

[@naveraphael7055]

❤

[@Xoxox-q5e]

The legs are too bent! Like almost all bikes these days. You can't stretch the legs, it's too uncomfortable!! Ffs bmw make that v twin so we can stretch.

[@dankelly-e6x]

"Think metric" ? A little inconvenient to keep...keep...keep converting all these specs. We're americans.

[@kennedyracing7527]

Wow it’s ugly

[@mopman94]

The Sportster S with its fat front tyre actually handles surprisingly well, I could throw it around corners no problem. You shouldn’t buy one though because the electrics and software are dog shit and the service from the dealers is severely lacking for a premium brand.

[@67mooncat]

Not a cruiser.

[@jorjimaco5331]

Rubbish…. I don’t think anyone buys a bike to feel ‘just good enough’ waste of money.

[@SS-ck3ew]

A "naked" bike?! FFS! This genre of motorbike is a STANDARD, named as such by adults because it is "...the standard against which all others are judged". Like many Harleys and "cruisers" the tank is uselessly dinky for such a large displacement motorbike. Harley's and "cruisers" do just fine on public roads at legal limits. Oh wait! Is it fine to exceed those limits with stupid reckless abandon? Too "heavy"? The bike carries you not the other way 'round. And if you want to see what a BMW trying to look like a Harley looks like, then look no further than the hideous R18 series. Those things are NOT selling well here in Amurica and with good reason. They are F U G L Y. "Naked" bike. Pffffffft! Sophomoronic (it's a Portmanteau, folks) indeed. Otherwise, thanks for a nice look at a possibly nice bike! SS in commiefornia, USA.

[@davidbrown5216]

that is hideous ,i really don't get it

[@ilikelampshades6]

So ugly. Triumph will always dominate this market while they dominate the styling

[@vivekpatel3752]

BMW and Disney seems to hire their staff from same woke agency it seems

[@phoenix3580]

Bruh, it looks hideous.

[@stuckinobamalow4559]

these bikes sound trash and are way to expensive