This Started Badly! BMW R12 a Flippin Fast Cruiser

[@odin4043]

Usernamekate got a new subscriber here, good to see helpful and nice people still around😉

[@m2menuiserie540]

She's wonderful, isn't she. But Lady Kate also happens to be Darcy's aunt.

[@ginamiller6015]

No doubt these bikes are well engineered and ride great, but for some reason I just can’t warm up to BMW styling or the brand image. Great review, keep up the good work!

[@mark222b]

Thank you Kate!

[@JoJo-hc4dj]

What a great review Mr Darcy in such a stressful situation, as it already looks like a tight schedule in Portugal. At least you had some sun, no rain and a lovely setting there ☀️

[@UsernameKate]

If this is the kind of video you can produce when all hell has broken loose, you are a FORCE to be reckoned with. You turned a stressful trip into a wonderful video. The boy got skills!!! Pleasure to ride with you 😊

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you so much Kate! You’re a LEGEND 😎 pleasure to ride with you as always, looking forward to seeing your videos from the trip!

[@thomasomahony.7394]

I tested both bikes last week in Switzerland, and I have to say, I was so looking forward to the R12 cruiser, however, I was really disappointed, I found it very rigid, twitchy, and engine felt rough, I then took out the R 12 Nine-T, I placed it in dynamic mode, honestly it felt worlds apart from the R12, it was so smooth, and like a heat seeker on the bends, I am in love.....again! 😊

[@Moto_Adventures_Romania]

They are doing what Triumph is doing with the T120 and the Speed Twin, I think. Good job IMHO! The only thing that is lacking is the pillion confort :(

[@ZainAli-yz3yo]

I absolutely loved the twin pod analog instrument cluster on the BMW R1290, I do hope other motorcycle brands will reintroduce the analog instrument cluster !, We certainly deserve this option!👍

[@Tom_FLHCS]

Been following your videos for a while now, not quite since the beginning but not long after. Have to say the quality of your production has continued to increase and it really is fantastic. Enjoyable, informative and two great presenters!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you so much that really means a lot from a long term subscriber! 😊

[@HarleyGeezer1954]

Nice little bike. I don't usually like BMW styling but the R12 is very nice.

[@SloboloboVFR]

What a nightmare, good job you had Usernamehero on standby and at least you didn't drop it. I have to say though the boxer engine design on smaller bikes doesn't look quite as good to me personally.

[@BlakesPipes]

I might be mistaken, but I think this was you first press launch. Congrats on getting through it and dealing with real life issues. Always good to have friends. I watch a video of Kate with her dad. Wonderful family. The bike looks like a fun sport cruiser for the money. Sure beats a HD for me! 😂

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It’s definitely a great bike! I went on the triumph 400 launch and the Kawasaki eliminator 500 in January 😁

[@MGT.joseee]

The low gravity, carácter as you say and The Beauty makes the the most desire bike for “normal” type of ride for me.

[@CourtneyScarlettMoto]

Great review Darcy and was great riding with you! 😊

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you! It was great riding with you too 😊

[@ColSnders]

Thanks for informative R12 review. I was particularly interested to hear your in person feedback on riding position/comfort. Sadly, you confirmed what I was thinking - probably not recommend for a normal-size rider. I'm really trying to like this bike but although that upswept exhaust looks great on the R12 9T, it appears totally out of place on a "cruiser" in my opinion. I would have preferred a standard two-sided exhaust set-up like the R18.

[@3rdRockRider]

I think I'd go with that mini digi dash.

[@phil4986]

This bike was made for one of those barndoor clear plastic fairings. That would take the wind stress off your back. Great video. Real nice Beemer bike. The finish on these bikes is really easy on the eyes. Just really well built.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Many thanks 😊

[@Scout4x]

UsernameKate is a superstar! I love the looks of the R12 and would pick it.

[@The_minas_the_man]

Fantastic content as always.I really appreciate you making sure you put a video out whilst on holiday. Brilliant has always and I look forward to seeing your next video

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you 😊 It was only one night away and a bike launch, not a holiday 👍🏼👍🏼

[@per-arnehjorth9785]

Stylewise I would chose the R12, but must get the chance to ride them to be able to decide 😊

[@annabelrobin294]

Thanks for the great review. It looks glorious there.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes it was a lovely setting ☀️

[@clanmac66]

R12 in that colour scheme is 14k without options. Prefer the stock black and save 2k. Interestingly, the digital dash is a cost option.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes I agree

[@gzk6nk]

R12 for me!

[@kwakithailand]

Nice work, especially under such circumstances, Darcy 👌

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you 😊

[@twist_of_the_wrist]

Usernamekate to the rescue. She really is as nice and friendly as she comes across in her video's.

[@adnanalam200]

Just glad you didn't drop this one matey 😂

[@luismarques7831]

Apart of the luggage, I hope you have enjoyed Portugal!…Would love to welcome you here in the future. Keep up the good work!

[@MGT.joseee]

Very very interesting For me the R12 is the perfect point. Being of course 3Grand more than the Great V7 or a bit more than T120 I think is the most fun and special machine. Please video R12 vs T120. Big Thanks👍👍🤗

[@zyonsdream]

That rear fender is horrendous. How it gaps between the underside of tue seat and tue swing arm looks like they just bolted a parts bin fender that they had laying around.

[@MrEvhel83]

Please do a BMW R12 vs Speedmaster 1200 review

[@BlueRidgeRider]

Something you failed to mention. That pretty paint scheme (I guess the hipster term is colorway) will bring the price of the R12 to exactly the same as the Nine T. It looks nice but I would opt for the single color and save money.

[@francescoporcari8597]

The r12 reminds me of the old misappreciated moto guzzi bellagio. Check that out!

[@christianweller4288]

Get some AirTags and put them in your luggage.... at the very least it'll give you a laugh watching your stuff get shuttled around the airside part of the baggage claim hall.

[@silkycherry]

Nice review on both bikes. But for some reason both bikes are not clicking for me. Not sure if I like the styling. 🤔

[@tomkonig9670]

R 18 in Germany has a very high value. Used bikes you never found for less then 9,5 k €, even if they are more than 6 years old.

[@haiko-v8r]

@8:44 So I didn't understand "It's a very Marmite bike". But I think this is slang for: "you either hate it or love it". Just in case any one else is wondering ...

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes that’s correct 👍🏻

[@hgm8337]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan It uses marmite instead of oil as engine lubricant and importantly clutch fluid. Brakes remain DOT4

[@sambagogo777]

How's the fuel gauge?

[@hgm8337]

first rule of BMW, don't talk about the fuel gauge

[@arsssis]

How the hell are BMW releasing bikes in 2024 charging well over £10k and not including a bloody fuel gauge? Madness

[@billcarson4566]

I think the r12 is real nice. Hopefully no one else thinks that as well. I could pick a used one in a few years for a good price.

[@RewildwithSuzie]

Love the look of the R12, but sorry to hear about your lost luggage! Where is this BTW? We're heading to Algarve this week x

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you! The hotel was in cabanas de Tavira. Not too sure where all the roads were as we were just following the bmw guy haha, but the roads were lovely around there!

[@martynlaverick3405]

Great review👍 Can you feed back to the likes of BMW to make bikes that can be adjusted for taller riders. Simple adjustments to the foot pegs and different shaped seats would help enormously.

[@bernardlesperance742]

All's well that ends well ! Can't wait to test ride an R12 in Canada later this Spring. But I do have to say that I much prefer the sound of my air-cooled Harley Sportster 1200. First think I 'd do is put on aftermarket pipes on this beauty.

[@The_Nomadic_Scoundrel]

Kate is a legand, the r12 looks mint, just out my price range,

[@ПавлоНауменко-х8я]

Wow. What a great bike! I want it. Thank you for this video.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

My pleasure!

[@patrickbakjensen7561]

I would choose R12 and get the cluster fra the other (double analog), spoke wheels and the black alu rear end - I think the exhaust looks great, so maybe decat and then a headlight mask/faring.

[@stevemartin9179]

Thanks for another great upload Mr Darcy👌👍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you 😊

[@nigelgreen1246]

Thanks for the review. It amused me that the BikeSure ad you mention is supposed to handle all my needs. They wouldn't insure my R18 with my 35 years riding experience and NCB. Found quotes elsewhere. Deeply unimpressed.

[@camilotrujillo950]

My RNT 2022 brand new bike engine broke at 1600 km. I had to be completely replaced for a new one. Now u barely drive it…

[@brianmorse8811]

User Name Kate 👏thank you!🤩

[@geoffreyhyman4238]

My current bike is the Honda CMX1100T - DCT model a modern cruiser bagger. I have been waiting months to see reviews of the R12 - so thanks for the review. I wonder if BMW will bring out a R12 bagger?

[@ukvamp]

i sat on one at the MCN show and at 6ft 2, sadly not comfortable for me, neither is the R18 which is a shame

[@aloofbit338]

i love how r12 looks its really cool!

[@saddle8bag]

I had the luggage thing happen to me going over to Germany to ride. The airlines used to have a program (probably still do) that they would pay for half of whatever you had to buy as a result of them getting the luggage to you late. I got half a new IXS riding suit. Still have the jacket. It's coming up on 20 yrs or so ago... As to the bike, it looks meh in those rims. The gold spoke ones on another bike you shot (same model) really woke it up. I'm short and I'd go with the sportier one as that for decades, those were kinda my go to bikes. My body can't do long rides in that position anymore w/o a lot of distress. If I were still in the market, I still wouldn't buy it in that same blah color scheme it's had since day one. BMW, find a paint booth. Etched wheels look great on it though. My main beef with those things is no fuel gauge. I can live w/o all the electronic gizmos, but I draw the line at having to remember to reset the trip odo to have a clue as to how much fuel I have left.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Nice bike but id have yr Dads over either of them! Great video buddy 👍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks Willie, yes the Ol' Man would agree with you 💯

[@1990-t1j]

My favourite bike of these 1200s is still the Urban G/S. More room on it. Nick

[@olethorhermansen5696]

I would prefer the R12, but I would leave the handlebars at the dealer! What is it with BMW, why do all their bikes have to have some golden bits on them? If it's not the fork legs, it's the rims or even the handlebars, imagine having to look at those all day! Grow up, BMW, drop all that golden junk and make some more classic looking bikes, which is what you're good at.

[@spency787]

The gold bars and wheels are options as is the paint job. The standard bike is much more subdued.

[@drewiediggler1]

Interesting that they've drastically reduced the front fork travel over the nine T version. Presumably to enable the use of the larger front wheel whilst keeping similar geometry to the nine t? I would expect it to be a harsh ride over the bumps but it appears not then. Nice bike 👍

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Rumor has it that there is no fuel gauge on the R12. Is that so?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It has no fuel gauge 👍🏼

[@christyrer9530]

I like both but I think the R18 in the scenario you describe represents better value and you get a whole lot more bike. The weight is a big factor though so I think I would need the reverse gear which I think was an option. Does your Dad have this on his bike?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes he does have the reverse. Absolutely fantastic!

[@amandacatherine793]

I’m eagerly awaiting 2034 to see if BMW Motorrad will incorporate a fuel gauge on the R13….

[@aceofspades5786]

Good luck with that, new petrol bikes will be banned in uk from 2030

[@bidouchonsan]

i climbed "in" it during the Lyon Salon du deux roues, and it seems very low (i'm only 5 feet 10"). I like the custom look, it's better than the ninety, but the price look high in my opinion. a good choice versus my speed twin 1200 ? i can't tell. thank you for the review. Did you recover your luggage ?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I was only there one night and recovered my luggage the next morning from the airport 👍🏼

[@16jan1986]

Is it just me or are all fender to short on modern street bikes or caricature long in some cruiser....r12 too short the 650 Enfield's too short, the bsa goldstar way too short, the caballero too short, r18 too short

[@olethorhermansen5696]

The manufacturers have simply figured out that since tiny fenders don't protect the bikes, they deteriorate faster so they can sell more new ones. Or perhaps it's just a really stupid fashion. Great for the accessory companies though, they can sell tons of extenders.

[@dorstefan]

@@olethorhermansen5696It's a cost reduction measure. If you cut a normal fender in half you get two fenders. They are very creative when it comes to cost reduction.

[@olethorhermansen5696]

@@dorstefan That's a likely explanation too. I guess we can only hope they don't do the same with the side stands, they have already taken the center stands from us.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes there’s definitely a misguided trend for short fenders. The BSA’s fenders are good as it happens (maybe you just saw them on our recent custom BSA review where they were uselessly short).

[@16jan1986]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist for the bsa its mostly the rear that i way way too short

[@hgm8337]

isn't it a bit boring compared to the R12 rninet? Those bar-end mirrors are an Option 719 and cost approx. one kidney, Unlike the budget rninet prior bike, they stuck with USD forks thankfully

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

No I preferred it to the R12 nineT

[@ry491]

I would go for the R18 if I could afford it . The others are spoiled for me by the ugly two into one exhausts and lack of brightwork . All of them great bikes but it's just personal choice . I guess I am very old school .

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I agree (The Ol' Man). 👍🏼👍🏼

[@fernandomagalhaes2957]

I am affraid that the R12 seat, being short in lenght and a single one, does not acommodate more than one confortable position to alternate the ass position during a entire day trip. What was your feel about it? You said that it was four short journeys. A short journey for me is leaving Porto in the morning and arriving home late in the evening using slow and bending roads from the lost Portugal..😂

[@drmachinewerke1]

BMW needs to retro a r25/3

[@MGT.joseee]

Iv got parking for the R18 and want to buy the R12😅

[@HaggisPower]

Can’t work out what you are saying or why you prefer the R12. You start by saying how uncomfortable it was after a short time on the open road with its very upright riding position and low seat, then you complain about the more canted position on the 9T which is better for the open road! We did get a lot of luggage discussion though so there’s that..

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

As I said in the video I prefer the styling and I do prefer the riding position even though after a while it is uncomfortable (not as uncomfortable as the R12 9t) for my height. I prefer cruiser style bikes which you’ll know if you have been watching the channel for a while. This channel is also not purely about bikes so if you don’t like the chat about other stuff you can skip it 👍🏻

[@HaggisPower]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Fair enough, makes some sense if you do short rides I guess. And, no knock on your channel, I actually enjoy the ramble. Keep at it.

[@kikoy08]

A cruiser.

[@hughmac7423]

Go Usernamekate!

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

What's the most comfortable bike you've ever reviewed? how does it compare to this r12

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Most comfortable is probably a Harley-Davidson ultra limited CVO which is basically an arm chair on wheels 😂 very different to this

[@splodge57]

The R12 makes me realise what a mistake Harley made dropping the Sportster from their range. And I'd much rather have a Heritage than the R18.

[@dgomes265]

BMW should have introduced the R12 before wasting so much money developing the boat anchor R18

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

We disagree, the R18 is not for everyone but it’s one incredible machine

[@narendrairengbam112]

Are their any motorcycle with actual working air suspensions.?

[@MGT.joseee]

Having a R18 if R12 comes to my garage would I use the R18? Not very sure. So perhaps better not visit BMW dealer. And when 1000 km service better go with my family to talk out!!

[@shvzbot]

Just had my bike stolen this morning, its only a 125 but im absolutely gutted

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Oh no 🙈 really sorry to hear that

[@HunterVlog350cc]

i have known only 2 bikes with boxer engines - from either side of berlin wall- BMW and Ural , i saw it in usa, it was good looking but heard not so good in quality

[@samus4799]

That’s because ural buys BMW engines. Goldwings are also boxers.

[@HunterVlog350cc]

@@samus4799 oh yes true goldwing is 6 cylinder hidden boxer

[@andrewjohnson6297]

Again BMW showing a new off with the options pack giving a false representation of the product you purchase , whinge over, great vlog again

[@narendrairengbam112]

The R 12 is more motorcycle for the money and with the ninet you're getting less for the money it seems, especially with so much lesser components on the bike.

[@olavius771]

For 10 minutes review you flight to Portugal? Or comes there some more? 🤔

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

If my luggage wasn’t lost and I spent half the time dealing with it, I would have been able to film a longer review. It’s a miracle I got that much tbh! We were only there for one night too

[@johnboy5156]

Doesn't look much fork travel on the one your riding..

[@darrenhall6509]

I didn't like the look of the R12 when I first saw a picture in MCN a few weeks ago. Now I have had a much better view of it thanks to your review and it hasn't got any better. Ducati, MV, Triumph seem to be able to design a nice looking bike. I wonder what happens between the design offices vision and the final signed of bike. Surely it was not originally destined to look this bad, maybe they have some ex Kawasaki staff working there as their designs lately have been just as bad. But what do I know? Beauty in the eye etc...

[@jensbiederstaedt8022]

Pretty sure this is the same engine as in my 2008 1200 GS...

[@artwallace5925]

Your '08 GS has a Hexhead engine. This bike has a Camhead which was first released in 2010. Camheads were replaced by the Wetheads in 2013.

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

BMW has lost the plot. They're tweakin' on Hitler's old meth stash. Why don't they just get back to their roots and do that well rather than playing make believe in a market that they never had in the first place. Just build motor cycles, not faux cruisers, this that and the other thing.

[@Nils_Martin]

It looks like BMW has studied and copy the LOW RIDER S and why not, the LOW RIDER is a brilliant motorcycle.

[@thomasauslander3757]

Oh no.. not 🚫 again..

[@rockootto4626]

It is just me or it is clear the reduction in cost in this model in comparison with the previous version?

[@TommieTrumper-TFC1200]

Well done you made the best of a bad hand! Like all bikes the heart of it is the most important factor, and how it makes you feel, the engine. If you like that, the rest is secondary as long as the rest isn’t complete dog sh!te! Unfortunately for me the engine is ugly and it sticks out way to far which I know is the whole point, but I like the ethos of the 60’s cafe racer lighter faster and better handling, although my old bones are starting to dislike the race position, but f@ck it everything is starting to hurt anyway so it may as well hurt at speed lent over grinning! Thanks for a great review!

[@user-xb7dp4vu3r]

Where's old man?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Talking about that on the latest podcast 😊

[@user-xb7dp4vu3r]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Man, I'm not watching a video to discover the answer... I'm asking to you!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

KZbin is a video platform. The answer to your question is in the video suggested 👍🏼

[@user-xb7dp4vu3r]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan I understand you. KZbin is a video plataform, but you're not a robot. I was just asking to another human being... But ok. I hope he's ok

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

You seem to be very rude when you ask questions! If you’re less rude you tend to get the answers you’re looking for

[@andrewhamilton-gill]

Morning.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Morning 😊

[@Richard-r1x7d]

😀👍

[@Ossory88]

I'm 6'6 foot. Am I too large for this?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Probably, try and get to sit on one 👍🏼

[@Ossory88]

​@@MrDarcy-OlMan thank you for the quick reply. Can you recommend a cruiser for my height that doesnt look like shit?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@Ossory88 I would say have a look at Harleys and Indians. They are the biggest bikes on the road 👍🏼

[@Inhumase]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan and what about 192 cm which is 6.3 ft, please? is r12 large enough? thanks for answer.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@Inhumase Uou would be able to ride it for sure, but it’s a bit cramped

[@jamesschneider3828]

Swap the forks and I'd keep the 9t

[@simonfuller7331]

When you said 'a disaster before it even started' I expected a death or at least someone laying in a ditch but not getting your luggage from Gatwick? Grt over it mate

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It is a disaster when you only have two days to film two bike reviews thoroughly and don't get you luggage for over a day which contains your gear for filming those reviews!

[@alq1967]

Cruisers tend to dislocate your shoulders...

[@richarddevaottien7724]

Keep off curry if you're having bad luck😅

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Definitely a vindaloo 😂

[@UncleWally3]

I’m very leery about the word “character” that it’s used three times makes me back off . . . quickly.

[@MGT.joseee]

Big thanks to this channel.

[@karlbishop7481]

A lot of manufacturers seem to think they need to keep some vibration in their bikes to give them some character. What? Ride the bike for 8 hours straight and tell me how much you enjoyed that character. The main reason my T120 went down the road. Shuddered at lower rpm under load, buzzed at higher rpm, required constant shifting to keep it in a vibration free zone.

[@avenueb]

I will not tolerate a BMW R-anything with negative connotations in the title. Re-do it, then I will watch

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

The video is not negative about the bike, it is what happened to me personally on the launch, definitely worth a watch if you like that bike 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jeribimin]

You can tell that BMW made it all by them self this time.....back to bad looks 🤣🤣🤣

[@adadadatt]

I actually like it better than the R9T

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Yet again bikes built for child size humans.

[@1AverageGamer]

I am a child size adult so i appreciate it

[@Tacodog420]

Average male height is 5’9 my dude

[@Rayraysplums]

There are too many bikes for over grown adults.