The 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle is the epitome of cruiser cool. With a flyline that gently descends toward the rear, its form is complemented by equipment that enhances a relaxed riding style. Whether weaving through urban streets or gliding along rural roads, the 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle is built for unhurried cruising. At its core is a 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine that delivers impressive torque and smooth acceleration, even at lower RPMs.
2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Design
“Ten years ago, BMW Motorrad introduced the R nineT, marking the beginning of the classic bike segment. The new 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle series builds upon that foundation with more defined lines, a clearer direction in each segment, and expanded options for customization,” stated Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad.
The 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle and R 12 nineT represent a modern blend of classic roadsters and cruisers. They harmonize the muscular nature of the boxer engine with the styling cues of bygone motorcycle eras. Modern engineering and a modular layout allow riders to personalize their bikes extensively. With a design philosophy that focuses on essential elements and fine craftsmanship, these models aim to evoke strong emotions.
The popularity of customization has grown tremendously. Since the BMW R nineT launch 2013, an imaginative community has flourished around customizing these motorcycles. BMW Motorrad embraced this demand by creating the Heritage series, igniting a passion for individuality among countless riders. Developing a successor to the R nineT was inevitable, with the challenge being to make it even more compelling and authentic.
Built on a shared and flexible chassis, the 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle and R 12 nineT now feature a single-piece trellis frame, a flat-mounted airbox beneath the seat, and a rear shock placed at an angle. These changes enable diverse and interchangeable tank shapes, offer more seat styling options, and result in visually unique flyline designs.
Classic Design with Ideal Ergonomics
The 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle showcases an aluminum fuel tank with clear-coated, brushed side panels, accompanied by a matching seat and rear tail hump. Edgar Heinrich describes the design as inspired by classics like the /5 and the iconic R 90 S of the 1970s. With its signature lower bend and knee grips, the tank is unmistakably BMW. Authentic side covers in the frame triangle area further enhance the traditional Roadster look. The compact tail and reduced tank length—1.2 inches shorter and narrower at the rear—offer better ergonomics and a forward-biased seating position than the previous version, i.e., 2023 BMW R 12.
The seat height of the 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle sits lower at 29.7 inches.
The new 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle emphasizes its cruiser DNA with a steel tank inspired by the “Toaster Tanks” of the 1970s BMW /5 Series. Styled in a teardrop shape, the tank flows seamlessly into a solo seat and a gracefully curved rear fender. The visual balance is achieved through a 19-inch front wheel paired including a 16-inch rear wheel. A lower saddle height and wider handlebars complete its relaxed seating posture.
Emphasis on Craftsmanship
The meticulous detail in the new Heritage lineup is evident across multiple design features. Every aspect is thoughtfully crafted from the precisely engineered front fender mount to the LED headlight with a dark-framed insert on the R 12 nineT. The dashboard integrates seamlessly: the R 12 nineT features dual classic round dials, while the 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle opts for a single instrument. The LED front turn signals are mounted on the upper fork bridge with tinted lenses, and while the R 12 nineT gets darkened rear indicators, the R 12 integrates these indicators functionally.
The rear lights are subtly incorporated into the indicators in the U.S. version of the R 12 nineT, whereas European versions receive a central taillight. Both models sport twin stacked exhaust mufflers with conical tips, staying true to the cruiser and roadster aesthetic.
On the side panels, painted to match the body, are chromed emblems. The R 12 nineT displays its nameplate, while the 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle remains unmarked. Option 719 models include lettering that reflects the variant. Both models are adorned with an aluminum frame plaque with the model designation.
Boxer Engine: Power for Every Style of Riding
For over a century, BMW motorcycles have been defined by their two-cylinder boxer engines and shaft drives. Celebrating 100 years of BMW Motorrad, the R 12 nineT and R 12 proudly continue that legacy. Since the 1923 debut of the R32, these engines have earned a remarkable reputation for their robust build, satisfying torque, and unmistakable sound. The engine in the latest 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle models is derived from the highly respected unit first seen in the BMW HP 2 Sport in 2007, regarded as one of the most iconic boxer configurations in output and torque.
This 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer features a 101 mm bore and 73 mm stroke. The R 12 nineT delivers 109horsepower at 7,000rpm and 85 lb-ft of torque at 6,500rpm. In the 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle, the engine provides 95 horsepower at 6,500rpm and 81lb-ft of torque at 6,000rpm. Both engines rev up to a maximum of 8,500 rpm.
Unique to this engine are the radially aligned valves, controlled by twin chain-driven overhead camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder. Lightweight cam followers activate the valves, and shim-style adjusters maintain proper valve clearance. The newly styled valve covers take cues from legendary two-valve BMW boxer engines. A six-speed gearbox and a shaft drive complete the drivetrain.
Redesigned Airbox Under the Seat
The 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle models adopt a reengineered airbox for the chassis overhaul. Unlike earlier R nineT versions, the new design relocates the intake from under the tank to beneath the seat for a sleeker silhouette and improved functionality.
Dual Exhaust for Authentic Boxer Sound
A “Twin Pipe” exhaust system on the left carries two rear mufflers with reverse-cone tips that blend cruiser and roadster styling. Unlike the previous models, this system omits the exhaust valve. The exhaust flow leads through a front muffler positioned ahead of the rear wheel, where the catalytic converter is also located. On the R 12 nineT, the manifold and front muffler are chrome-plated while the rear muffler is polished—the R 12 features electro-polished components up front, with a brushed finish on the rear muffler.
BMW Motorrad offers a variety of factory accessories, including a titanium sports muffler for those seeking a more performance-oriented aesthetic.
All-New Trellis Frame and Bolt-On Rear Section
A freshly developed steel trellis bridge frame is at the core of both new 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle models. In contrast to the previous generation’s dual-frame setup, the new single-piece design eliminates extra mounting points, trims weight, and delivers a cleaner, more classic look—a separate tubular steel rear subframe bolts onto the main frame.
The 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle is optimized for nimble road handling, featuring cast alloy wheels—3.50 x 17 inches up front and 5.50 x 17 inches at the rear—wrapped in 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17 tires, respectively. It sports a 59.5-inch wheelbase, 4.4-inch trail, and a rake angle of 27.7 degrees.
The 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle features modified suspension geometry with a longer wheelbase, increased rake, and greater trail to better suit a laid-back cruiser profile. It also runs cast alloy wheels—2.75 x 19 inches in front and 4.00 x 16 inches in the rear—fitted with 100/90-19 and 150/80-16 tires. Dimensions include a 59.8-inch wheelbase, 5.2-inch trail, and a 29.3-degree rake.
Classic Gauges, Modern Ports, and Optional Digital Features
The 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle includes dual analog dials for speed and revs, a USB-C port on the left, and a 12V socket on the right to power accessories. These gauges are connected via a LIN bus, separating the control logic from the display hardware to support customization.
The 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle comes with a single analog speedometer as standard, though a tachometer can be added through the accessory catalog. The updated dials are 0.2 inches larger for enhanced readability, and the rpm numbers now follow a scale based on factors of 100.
Integrated within the speedometer are indicator lights and a digital display. On the R 12 nineT, this screen also serves as a menu navigator. The 2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle provides basic readouts such as current gear and selected ride mode.
2024 BMW R 12 Heritage Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
| Rated output | 95 hp at 6,500 rpm |
| Emission control | Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter |
| Type | Air/oil-cooled two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine including two overhead camshafts, four radially arranged valves, and a central counterbalance shaft |
| Bore x stroke | 101mm x 73mm |
| Capacity | 1,170 cc |
| Max. torque | 81lb-ft at 6,000rpm |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Mixture control | All-new electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O including throttle-by-wire |
Performance/fuel consumption
| Maximum speed | 126mph |
| Fuel type | Super unleaded (maximum 15% ethanol, E15), 95 ROZ/RON, 90 AKI |
Electrical system
| Alternator | Permanent magnet alternator including 660 W (nominal power) |
| Battery | 12 V / 14 Ah |
Power transmission
| Clutch | Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated |
| Gearbox | Constant-mesh 6-gear gearbox with separate transmission housing |
| Drive | Cardan shaft drive |
| Traction control | BMW Motorrad DTC |
Chassis/brakes
| Frame | Tubular space frame |
| Front wheel location/suspension | Upside-down telescopic fork, diameter 45mm |
| Rear wheel location/suspension | Cast aluminum single-sided swing arm including Paralever brace, central progressive spring strut, spring pre-load adjustable, rebound damping adjustable |
| Suspension travel, front/rear | 3.5 inches / 3.5 inches |
| Wheelbase | 59.84″ |
| Castor | 5.21″ |
| Steering head angle | 60.7° |
| Wheels | Aluminum cast wheels |
| Rim, front | 2.75 x 19″ |
| Rim, rear | 4.00 x 16″ |
| Tire, front | 100/90 R19 |
| Tire, rear | 150/80 R16 |
| Brake, front | Twin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 310mm, 4-piston Monobloc radial brake caliper |
| Brake, rear | Single disc brake, diameter 265mm, 2-piston floating caliper |
| ABS | BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro (partial integral) |
Dimensions/weights
| Seat height at unladen weight | 29.7″ |
| Inner leg curve at unladen weight | 69.3″ |
| Usable tank volume | 3.7 gal |
| Reserve | approx. 0.9 gal |
| Length | 86.6″ (over rear wheel) |
| Height | 43.7″ (without mirror) |
| Width | 32.7″ (above hand lever) |
| Unladen weight, road-ready, fully fueled | 500 lbs |
| Permitted total weight | 948 lbs |
| Payload (with standard equipment) | 445 lbs |
