New BMW R12 NineT Review: 2024's Best Retro?

[@NBMBC40]

I had the previous scrambler version and loved it and was a lot cheeper than they are now. I also like the old bikes styling over the new. No fuel gage is taking the piss and even more so at that price. I've had two Triumph Scrambler 1200's and personally think the Triumph's are better in every area than any other retro bike.

[@johnlaw5762]

There can never be a bmw review without some Triumph owner feeling the need to comment how Triumphs are superior 🙄

[@batuonver5495]

@@johnlaw5762 that is true I am afraid although it is personal and subjective: Triumph is the daddy in this segment in my opinion. yes I ride a T120 Bonneville :):):)

[@ozyrob1]

Keen to hear your thoughts when you get a ride on the updated 2024 Guzzi V85TT. Keep em comin Motobob.

[@astrofeeder777]

its wild to me that there are still modern bikes without fuel gauges. i was looking at the indian ftr rally at some point and the lack of a fuel gauge was ALL IT TOOK for me to remove it from my pool of options. its not even just the virtue of being a premium brand that makes me expect more, but the fact that its literally a standard feature and theres no reason NOT to include it. these arent exactly dirt bikes--theyre more likely to be ridden for extended periods of time. just a shame. half of the bikes i like a plagued with problems like this under the guise of "neo retro" design. i stopped shopping for neo retros a while ago but i still look at them, hoping for improvement.

[@Mr_Bones.]

I’m on a 2003 Honda VFR800, it has both a digital fuel gauge and digital outside & engine temperature display. This bike is 21 years old, cost about half of the R18 new, and still brings more. I agree with you, the retro look is beautiful, but not having modern important features is insane. It would be like putting drums or a kickstarter on a bike because it’s retro. I never understood why people ride without a fuel gauge, who needs that extra stress when we’re already dodging Corollas and Altimas.

[@goobersdaaaddy]

As long as it has a fuel light, when it comes on, get gas. Not that big a deal😊

[@domd2304]

Lol, what a minor detail to care so much about. There's a reserve light, what more do you really need.

[@Deetroiter]

Use the odometer as your trip meter. Worked well in the past for road bikes and dirt bikes, works well on this BMW too

[@alanbstard4]

when I was a lad, bikes didn't have fuel gauges, because we didn't need them. Neither do you

[@lgrw660factory]

No fuel gauge in 2024 is just insane. Lovely bike to look at but waaaaay too expensive imho.

[@alanbstard4]

when I was a lad, bikes didn't have fuel gauges, because we didn't need them. Neither do you

[@lgrw660factory]

@@alanbstard4 I’ve owned two bikes without fuel gauges and still never run out of fuel but my current bike has a fuel gauge and I much prefer having one. Why would I not have a fuel gauge?

[@youngwill6213]

@@lgrw660factoryI’ve never had a fuel gauge on any of my bikes 😂

[@GMCJay_lly]

​@alanbstard4 100% Agreed!!!

[@gsin311]

fuel gauge missing should be criminal. You can sometimes get lost in the ride and not pay attention to your fuel

[@VinCent-xy5lg]

Moto Guzzi Corsa or Special Edition with the Arrow exhaust.

[@robinsmiggy3884]

That tank is class. Love the look, too expensive though even with the indisputable quality.

[@G1lgamesj]

Yeah, I feel the same... Price is getting ridiculous, also they force you to buy extra unnecessary options with all in one packages...

[@hgm8337]

shame its 2-ltr smaller than the prior model; cutting its range on an already thirsty bike.

[@Kraken9911]

Over here in the Philippines r9t is selling for something like 23k USD. It's kind of absurd because it's not a high value proposition at all.

[@GaryFackler]

Not sure what the thinking was in omitting a fuel gage. Did BMW think that older bikes didn't have gages? For the most part they did. My first street bike was a 1974 Suzuki Sebring, a lovely triple that was completely analog (of course), and equipped with an analog fuel gage. The Suzuki even had an analog gear indicator. There WERE bikes in the old days without gages, but they were equipped with two-stage fuel petcocks that allowed you to toggle over to the reserve portion of the tank, so that you could to limp to a gas station. So c'mon, BMW. The lack of fuel gage does not make you look "retro." It just makes you look silly.

[@tedcity5861]

Most bikes? No. 😂a reserve light is all that is needed.

[@Mr_Bones.]

Okay, for $13,000 they do not give you that either. So what’s your point?

[@domd2304]

Fuel gauge? Who cares really. About 999 on my list of features to care about.

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! Beautiful bike for sure. No fuel gauge , deal breaker. That makes no sense at all. Best!

I think that fuel gauge missing is now a statement. great review... I still prefer the old black model without any option 719 (great quality, german design) that always make me want to ask for the previous 718.

[@gsin311]

Ypu must be an apple fan boy, removing headphone jack is such a statement

@@gsin311 sorry...it was sarcasm :) it is ridiculous... And Android ftw

[@gsin311]

Fuck yes dude, Android is the shit. I was gonna buy this bike but in canada it's 25k and missing a fuel gauge. Ended up buying the triumph scrambler instead

[@Da.Onus.Burger.618]

The “R’s” have always been my favorite. I rode every one of them at a recent BMW demo; all of them bringing back memories of my old airhead. I also tried an “F” but wasn’t impressed.

[@Fr99763]

I’ll keep my Speed Twin

[@33Nautiboy]

Fuel Gauge? Cardinal sin in not having a basic necessity in today's context....or is it an Option to Upgrade?😂

[@hgm8337]

there's no option,... it's much simpler to have a switch that once breached by low fuel starts the clock afresh counting up the miles.

[@dantton1987]

I wouldn't be surprised if these are subscription services in the future. And then fanboys will defend it and youtubers will actually say it is a good thing

[@tedcity5861]

I have yet to see a bike with an accurate gas gauge. And really ,for me not a big deal at all. A reserve light is all I need.

[@philNullFunf]

Funny to see this kind of comments. You must be very eager to find some negative points on that bike. The successful predecessor shows that it might not be so important for people who are interested in this bike. Btw., I don’t think that bmw didn’t implement it for cost reasons…

[@stevenbatley8666]

BMW double your cost with the must have extras!

[@johnp-h8896]

Just purchased one, lovely bike my first BMW bike, after 20 years of Triumph ownership. Unfortunately after only 400 miles it has developed problems. It has now been at the dealers for two weeks. I only hope I’m not going to regret moving from a Triumph.

[@LooxJJ]

I'm so sorry you are going thru this...BMW quality isn't what it used to be. Gone are the pre-2010's quality focused works...

[@johnp-h8896]

@@LooxJJSix weeks now with no bike. Oh, well, I’ll just have to suck it up☹️

[@LooxJJ]

@@johnp-h8896 My colleague purchased a new GSA 1250 from Burbank BMW here in California a couple of years ago. Similar story - it sat at the dealer for nearly 2~3 months (COVID also played part in the supply chain issue). But the dealer made it up and gifted him a really nice leather jacket. Your BMW dealer should do the same for you.

[@johnp-h8896]

@@LooxJJHope so, still no news, apart from the fact the engine has probably ended its life.

[@MrAndrew1953]

I had a black/yellow GS100 so the Urban GS 1200 ticked ✅ a lot of retro boxes. A 32 litre optional tank like the one on my R80GS Dakar would be nice.

[@nizzmo100]

Great video mate...No gas gauge = No deal .

[@rickdelmonte1682]

The biggest competition for this bike are the older models. I picked up a 2016 Classic with 7,000 miles that was like new for $8,500, half the price of a new one. A little more power, at least as good looking, and better sound. The only thing I miss is the cruise control.

[@max30888]

Look wise the previous model is way more beautiful Performance wise why they don't just fix wet clutch instead of the weary noisy dry one !

[@marcello66]

Excellent review Bob. In think for a Retro bike like this analoge or semi analoge clocks like on the Speed Twin are a must.

[@robertjames3378]

Great well rounded review ,fabulous bike that definitely ticks all the right boxes.

[@yorkchris10]

I don't know about the HexHead tanks, but my OilHead would only drain one side of the tank in the prairies. I used a combination of odo and fuel gauge. You could put on two external gauges: Motorcycle Gas Tank Fuel Gauge - Clear Fuel Hose Style External Fuel Gauge - Steel Bung - Chopper Bobber Cafe Racer Harley I prefer the small digital dash. It leaves room for a Carpe Iter. The wheels are really interesting.

[@RaduCruceru]

I own a 2021 model and I have to admit that this new iteration looks great. The symmetric fuel tank, hiding of wires, the tail end, keyless go and quickshiter (maybe) are some reasons for me to update. The only thing holding me back is that I have the 100 years anniversary bags and they look amazing. The bike is just a joy to ride. And for those who say that fuel gauge is a must, it really isn't. You just kinda know how much fuel you have, you fill it up before long trips regardless and there is warning light when you have less than 50km range (weird how it has that, but not a full fledged fuel gauge). So don't fret about it and go buy one. The fuel gauge is really not an issue.

[@maxdevries7341]

Will you be testing the cruiser r12?

[@olgi2068]

As much as I understand the aspect of simplifying the looks of the back of the bike, I prefer the looks of the previous R9T (I own a 719 option 2020 version). It was more distinctive with the triangular chassis piece. Now, the difference to the a Kawasaki is minor from the tank backwards. I like it, but I don´ t prefer it.

[@dashuntas.m4045]

I agree, this looks so bland compared to the R9T, I really don’t like this tank and the fact that they deleted the air intake; it made the bike look unique imo.

[@hgm8337]

@@dashuntas.m4045 the triangular seat covers and snorkel may have been unique but they weren't much liked by buyers hence the numerous delete / black painted conversions

[@Gramercy_Stiffs]

What's wrong with proper analog dials for a retro bike? Kawasaki integrates old school style with a subtle digital screen perfectly. I don't want half a mobile phone awkwardly floating where the dials should be.

[@hgm8337]

save yourself the expense of the upgrade and stick with the analogue gauges then

[@SudeepC1973]

That one exactly that you are resting on. Perfect spec. Red frame. That 🔥

[@Arabeon]

Would you buy this over a Speed twin?

[@leandroflaherty]

R9t > r12t Also fuel gauge is not a big deal, it has a low level warning light, and the odometer works just fine to estimate. Less is more on a bike about feel.

[@MrEvhel83]

Please do BMW R12 vs Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 1200

[@nickglossop]

I believe the digital display lets you know your range. So a fuel gauge of some sorts.

[@Kraken9911]

I don't get the engine thing though. How do you protect them? They're like frame sliders they stick so far out. Minor crash seems like it's straight to engine damage.

[@spacemarine8289]

Price is one thing, price of servicing is another. No mention of the most important factor on this bike and that is the shaft drive.

[@user-abob-1800c]

Do the mirrors still alternate full blurring as I found while on a demo 900 in the mid seventies it put me right off and bought another Honda

[@ravipunyamurtula4771]

Thank you! I have been a subscriber since your Street Twin days and I love your content and style. I am waiting for your review of the new R12. Is that in the pipeline😊?

[@SSS-mp8th]

I like that BMW is continuing to make it, but I'll keep my 2017.

[@hgm8337]

same for my 2019. Plus the engines are good for 160k miles so why change?

[@paulwalker797]

Good decision. I rode one while my R9T scrambler was being serviced...the R12 is cheap, tacky and lightweight in comparison, more plastic, and far less presence than the original.Its a total rip off. It feels like a scooter ! Really disappointing stuff from BMW,

[@NamNguyen-hm9vo]

First thing I wonder: Does it have fuel gauge now?

[@GrotrianSeiler]

This channel has some great content. Well done. I like this bike a lot. Value? No, but you get a premium looking bike with more exclusivity than others in this segment. Interesting. Different. Nice!

[@Jimo368]

A naked version of their in-line 6 with the engine fully on display would be cool.

[@digger8180]

YES

[@hgm8337]

roll on the R20

[@kmw300]

Thank you for that great review! I’m still hoping for a review of the R 12 Cruiser. Is it still planned?

[@MrAndrew1953]

Omitting a fuel gauge on an expensive bike like this is just ridiculous. I’ve got one on my CB500F. I’ve owned a BMW R80GS and an R90GS. I think BMW are getting too greedy with the marketing/profit oriented options list. It’s good to see that Boxer engine still alive and improved in the modern ,severe emissions era.

[@mark222b]

I would go with this instead of the speed twin 1200 but the price is disappointing. I might end up getting the old model and do some pier city upgrades.

[@danlarussa5967]

Nice looking bike. I'll take my XSR 900 all day over other retros. Love all the tech and the CP3.

[@williamclarke2020]

What is the reluctance of BMW to have such a rudimentary feature, viv a vis , a fuel gauge? I do love that engine.

[@ukvamp]

Test rode one today, i thought the quick shifter was rubbish, clunky AF going up the box, down shifts were fine

[@yuriteixeira5816]

I think the price is definitely the big issue with the bike. In the USA, R12 NineT starts at like $17,000. 5K plus on the XRS900, , Triumph Speed Twin, and kawi Z900rs Thats a bmw starting price, so it most likely will MSRP at 20k ish

[@kidjef]

Yeah, that would be a sweet upgrade from my XSR700, but I think I'll keep it!

[@urbanstrencan]

Great looking but to expensive, I decided for Husqvarna Svarpilen 801 😊😊❤ by your suggestions MotoBOB thanks can't wait to get it

[@oliverleifadams2003]

My fave retro was the old R9T (Urban GS) too. Still is. The naming, styling updates, fuel gauge missed opportunity of new one don’t do it for me!

[@steamixion]

Is the missing 1kg a litre of fuel?

[@hgm8337]

dry weight, but good point

[@batuonver5495]

Suspension and comfort wise I think one of the worst in the retro segment; I never got on with any of the rnineT and R12-maybe it can be adjusted to each individual. All my experience had been a test ride for 45 minutes. But having said that never had a problem with any other bikes in this category this much discomfort unfortunately. Unfortunately because it is a lovely bike to look at and boxer engines + shaft drive = A fantastic proposition. Bob, how did you feel on the seat, comfort wise? Best

[@RickyRicardo03]

I love the look of this BMW, but man, what the heck were they thinking not tacking on a fuel gage?! And at that price? Sesh

[@ntohet]

@Motobob What is the brown boots you have (the one with side zippers)? Thanks

[@stephenscott6570]

The price is high. But it does have a BMW emblem on the tank, right?

[@sunrisejak2709]

I'm not so enamored with the specific "retro" category. But if I were looking for a standard bike I would choose BMWs R1250R over the R12 Nine T every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Far better more capable machine.

[@hakankillberg6043]

No to expensive. Rather go with the Kawa or Triumph Speed Twin. Lucky we got Royal Enfield with the new Shotgun 650. Great they exist so anyone can hold down the prices. The market is insane now

[@scottrolph5023]

As a Speed Twin 1200 owner, this pricing doesn’t make sense to me

[@gride5153]

An R12 NineT Pure would be good.

[@Alex-hx8wz]

Beautiful bike, but the missing fuel gauge is a deal breaker for most 😂

[@rushy67rr97]

How’s the comfort on a long ride? I had one of the previous models and after an hour it was unbearable to sit on and had one of the worst seats on a bike I’ve ever sat on, very poor from BMW at this price point.

[@benkelly2190]

Old school clocks, for me. Ta.

[@UncleWally3]

Con #5 Dry Clutch?

[@jaydiggy86]

Come on Bob get the svart 401 content happening!

[@bobd4149]

Have they sorted the pillion carrying capability? It was woeful on the previous model and unfortunately most reviewers (and that includes you @motobob 😉) never give it so much as a mention.

[@sivinsa]

after test riding, it felt not like what it suposed to be, felt like a very normal bike, the boxer design more slimer inside the bike, indeed for me the r9t way better in riding , exhaust sound fun to ride, and even the look with diffrent verity such as scrambler, i recommend save your mony a little bit and go for r9t if you're focus on a pure riding experience. not worth for upgrading for my side its defently a pass , and i'll wait for the r20😍

[@mehdibb4186]

had the previous model 1st generation. most fun bike i owned but the seat was very uncomfortable

[@hgm8337]

agreed changed mine to a sargent after 500 miles

[@yushpeaceandlove]

Boxer twin ...cant get myself to like them ..if this was a vtwin Id instantly like it a lot better

[@AhmedShabasy44]

I like Moto guzzi V7 more

[@marklarner4495]

I like my carbon dark, but the considerable bump in power makes the beemer super tempting to at least give a test ride

[@richardvargas3308]

You guys think this could be a good beginner bike?

[@hgm8337]

110bhp too powerful and heavy imho

[@Mike-xr3zj]

Thruxton is king until it's retired.

[@paulhiggins9492]

No fuel gauge, no sale, c,mon bm you can do better, don’t take my word for it, look at the sales figures

[@eraserone1]

dream bike no doubt

[@tedcity5861]

I think manufacturers should make a stripped down version with the least amt of tech the law requires. Who really needs riding modes, abs and traction control? Yes im a geezer. 😊

[@Deetroiter]

Some like that muscle car small block engine sound of a Moto Guzzi too ❤

[@specialcircs]

Lovely bike, ridiculous price. I'd love one but if I ever do, it'll be the R-NineT Pure

[@sublimeister9630]

They could have made something closer to a Triumph Bobber to compete… 👍

[@hgm8337]

hold my beer R20

[@AndyObern]

Add on some extra’s and you are looking at 17k. I can’t see bmw shifting a lot of these. Get a xsr900 for 10k instead

[@stevesteve201]

I love the looks. I love the engine. But when you ride it its just not as much fun as my ducati scrambler. Especially in town. So wanted it to be perfect swear curse swear.

[@tonydare7614]

I wanted to love it but I've had better urban bikes too!

[@steveparish9210]

Love it but too expensive

[@Alan-cg8gx]

Bring back the K1200R.

[@larrys.3992]

Beautiful.

[@vaughanboyce3702]

They've spoilt the bike with all the unnecessary tech, the thing that I liked about the original was the simplicity plus the cost is ridiculous for an engine that is 20+ yrs old.

[@Moto_Adventures_Romania]

Is passenger confort ilegal? One of the reasons I picked up a T120 over the old R9t was the medieval torture of a seat. Yes, you should not need a touring land barge in order to enjoy two up touring. I own a GS and a T120 and I tour constantly two up with either one,. the Beemer being the faster, more comfortable of the two( dhaaaa). This is not a BMW thing, all manufacturers are doing this with Harley not even providing a fracking pillion seat and pillion pegs for a large number of their models....Returning to the R12....I don't see an evolution over the old model to be honest....on the contrary!

[@YangCalgary]

Red frames always get me ...

[@mbrunskill]

Thats gonna be a disaster for BMW, fuel gauge is a deal breaker for plenty people me included, but that price is a JOKE, its way over priced

[@gasgas8752]

The best PRICE !!!!!

[@AndrewLane-pm2ro]

Why would anyone want a quickshifter on a street-bike?

[@gregoryaparker]

BMW is offering 20% off.. all you have to do is work for them which I do :p

[@paulwalker797]

I was disappointed by it. I had one for a day while my r9t scrambler was in for a service. It was small and nippy, easy round town but it felt insubstantial and, dare I say, plasticky and lightweight. It lacked the presence of the r9t. Even the BMW dealer said the old r9T's are a 'lot more motorcycle for your money' Everything, even down to the side stand, felt cheaper

[@rleerm]

In what way is this beauty still referred to as a retro bike? The GS is more retro. This is just a nice naked bike with a boxer engine. It does not resemble any older 50s/60s/70s/80s/90s BMW more than other BMWs do. Also it is loaded with tech that put other brand's bikes outside the retro category when they are tested. Aside from the marketing push, what are the 'retro' criteria?

[@DemirMotorrad]

I love it ❤

[@danc.5607]

No fuel gauge = no buy. What the ????

[@christianburger25]

Really love the look of this bike but it comes to over 22k for the Option 719 here in the US. Overpriced IMO

[@phaylanx5]

No fuel gauge is absolute Shiite. Dealbreaker for me. This bike ticks every box otherwise as an upgrade from my rebel 1100… more power and shaft drive… to bad.

[@bensmith7536]

you could have the new GS 1300 for the same price, hugely more capable bike, why would you waste money on this thing, no fuel gauge at this price? unbelievable.

[@martinf9626]

What !! no fuel gauge ??? in 2024

[@alanfielding3491]

A great looking and riding bike but £18,000 is a total piss take. I'll take the Triumph every time and have enough left over for a second hand green laner.

[@VelkePivo]

Saw an R9T in the flesh for the first time a week ago. Damn, they’re tiny.

[@larsgeorgolsen4122]

I'm sure it's a great bike... but it lets me somewhat cold. Just like the XSR900 I find it to be a modern bike disguiesed with some retro elements. It's a bit like a fake Rolex to me but at full price. Guess it depends on how you define retro. I would take a T120 or CB1100 over the BMW.

[@alexandermihaylov208]

I really don’t see how this could be a “retro” bike. It’s a very nice bike nevertheless but way too expensive.

[@davidemarsu7098]

If BMW made a Griso:

[@LooxJJ]

Let me list out Cons only...you really want this, then you know the Pros: 1. Boxer engine is boring for naked bikes. 2. Cannot mod or tune - thanks to its shaft drive. Cannot optimize like other naked bikes...this is big for this segment. 3. It's competing against Triumph Thrux/Triple, Indian FTR, Harley Nightster, Duc Monster and other premium brands - but costs more...and hard to justify its position. 4. Resale value - it has the one of the worst resale value in its segment. 5. Honda CB1100 series are being sold in used market for far cheaper prices...and are better bikes than this.

[@nexusinfosec]

Nah mate I’m getting a Bonnie for retro look, will stick to S1000R and 900XR from BMW