[JohanH]

Looking at your posting @JohanH - I’m thinking of your sunny climate and the joys of riding on great roads - meanwhile we get to enjoy the R12 nineT in the cold, the wet and on badly maintained road.

We have it all as per above, cold and wet and even worse roads. Especially the last few months we had lots of rain. What we do not have is salt on the road and that allows us to ride the whole year. 😄 Cannot have it all all of the time, can we?

 

[Spankey]

Your comment on mud from farms strikes a chord this evening - cow poo, especially from dairy cattle is particularly aggressive when it comes to corroding mild steel and alloys. In the past week I’ve inspected a Toyota that has been condemned with chassis failure after too much exposure to farmyard muck. Will not be using the R12 nineT for farmyard visits.

I currently live around 6 or so farms and live on a farm… I’ll spray the bike with AC50.
Cow pee is good at stopping ice!

 

[peetah]

So I picked up my brand new R12 on Friday at 5pm and have put on about 300 miles over the weekend. Some observations:

Comfort - a lot better than the 2015 model I owned previously, and despite being 8 or 9 years older I don't believe my arse is substantially more padded. So the combination of the new seat on the R12, possibly the lower height and maybe a slightly different stance has really pleased me. It's no tourer but so long as I stop every hour or so I don't see it being a problem, whereas on the old NineT I would get concerned about travelling too far from home as I would be increasingly aware of having to ride the "plank of wood" seat all the way back again.

Equipment - twin clocks look lovely; I did test the digi display which was pretty cool but I think the round clocks suit the bike better. All the info is in there on the little menu displays (tyre pressures, trips, temps etc.) should you need it. My bike was delivered unexpectedly with Connected Ride so by bluetoothing my phone across I could get a full phone satnav experience, plus all the telemetrics like maximum lean angle, acceleration/deceleration g-forces, journey tracks with elevation. Quite cool really. One point to note, the USB connection under the tank is USB-C - took me ages to realise by trying to plug in a normal USB-A cable! I didn't get a chance to experience the cornering headlight as it was still light when I got home. Ask me again in October

Ride - well it handles brilliantly. I've not played with the adjustable suspension yet but I think I'll maybe stiffen it up a little just to take a tiny bit of the springinesss out of the experience. If anything I think the 2015 model handled better than the R12 but that may be my memory from 8 years ago. In any case, the R12 has more adjustment available so I'll have a tinker when its had its first service and is fully run in.

Performance - still running in so not much chance to explore this on my own bike but the demonstrator I had did everything I asked of it. Changing down with Shift-Assist to blast past a lorry was a joy, as was accelerating away from lights. At low speeds it was easy to ride, but in town traffic you might want to keep an eye on which gear you're in or you may be slipping the clutch a bit to hold the slow traffic pace. Hill start assist (part of comfort pack I think) took a little getting used to but is great if you want to just put your feet down and adjust your gloves at the lights on a hill or whatever.

Other stuff - rarely have I owned a bike that attracted so much attention from bikers and non-bikers when parked up. It drew admiring glances from old and young alike, and plenty of questions including the usual "what are those things sticking out of the side?" to which I replied "foot warmers"

Criticisms - I haven't grounded the pegs yet but I did ground my toe on a right hand lean round a roundabout, so I'll watch out for that. I assume this was when my telemetrics recorded a 31 degree lean angle. On my third day out I couldn't get the Connected Ride to, well, connect, despite playing through all the usual resets and pairings. I'll have a play before I go out next, but of course the phone cradle was excellent for Google Maps.

A little more worryingly, there seems to be a very slight lag on shutting the throttle, it feels like the bike is going to run on for a bit, maybe quarter or half a second; this feels a bit disconcerting but once I was fully aware of it the perception of it as a problem diminshed somewhat. I read about it in one of the reviews too, so maybe BMW will update the software/fuel mapping. Oh, the new R12 didn't pop and bang on the overrun as much as the old NineT, which was a shame! Regulations I guess.

Overall, I'm really really pleased with my purchase. Despite riding 44 years I'd never owned a BMW until 2015 and this is now my 5th boxer twin so there must be something about the engines that suits me and my riding needs. I think the R12 / NineT is the closest in experience to the Norton Commandos I owned many years ago, but without the classic bike issues, and with obviously much better components.

Exellent machine. Enjoy the photos of a few locations near me.

Potatan View attachment 175523 View attachment 175524 View attachment 175525 View attachment 175526

 

[peetah]

I lived in the UK for a few years and It was great to see your photos.... ! Lovely landscape... bike is very nice too !! nice color combination I have also gotten many comments, even from Harley riders !!

 

[Neep!]

Revisiting this thread, as build up almost 4000 miles of real-life experience on the R12 nineT. Now we all know that BMW elected not to fit a fuel gauge to this model but how are other riders responding to the ‘Fuel Warning Light’ and related ‘Digital Odometer’ features? To date, I’ve usually just set my trip meter after brimming the tank and refuelled every 100 miles or so. However after a couple of instances of the ‘Yellow Warning Light’ for low fuel, I’m now wondering about the accuracy of the technology. Very positive feedback from other bikers on this machine, when I park it up on my awaydays around the countryside - always nice when folk compliment your choice of bike.

 

[JohanH]

Revisiting this thread, as build up almost 4000 miles of real-life experience on the R12 nineT. Now we all know that BMW elected not to fit a fuel gauge to this model but how are other riders responding to the ‘Fuel Warning Light’ and related ‘Digital Odometer’ features? To date, I’ve usually just set my trip meter after brimming the tank and refuelled every 100 miles or so. However after a couple of instances of the ‘Yellow Warning Light’ for low fuel, I’m now wondering about the accuracy of the technology. Very positive feedback from other bikers on this machine, when I park it up on my awaydays around the countryside - always nice when folk compliment your choice of bike.

I think we all look at mileage for the decision to refuel. The lack of fuel gauge is actually not really an issue as in most instances it is not reliable. I use all my bikes on the above principle. Locally you just need to plan and I usually work on a refuel stop at antyhing from 200- 240 km. The vast distances between fuel stations locally force you to plan as reserve leaves you very little room for mistakes. I also work on a 6.5 lter/100 when planning as there is also a margin of error built in. This is my consumption at 140 km/h (a speed that is not legal, but with carefull planning sometimes possible) I did a ride this weekend and over a distance of 150 km was able to have an average speed of 115km/h(going 120- 140) km/h depending on conditions as we had rain) I think the R 12 has much better consumption figures. i think they are also super nice bikes, but the coost to replace my Racer is substantial and for now just enjoy riding it. In any event the Racer is a second bike. If it was my only bike I would have considered changing simply because the R 12 S does take the prize on looks, I like that Orange. For now, happiness.

 

[Practical Nihilist]

So I picked up my brand new R12 on Friday at 5pm and have put on about 300 miles over the weekend. Some observations:

Comfort - a lot better than the 2015 model I owned previously, and despite being 8 or 9 years older I don't believe my arse is substantially more padded. So the combination of the new seat on the R12, possibly the lower height and maybe a slightly different stance has really pleased me. It's no tourer but so long as I stop every hour or so I don't see it being a problem, whereas on the old NineT I would get concerned about travelling too far from home as I would be increasingly aware of having to ride the "plank of wood" seat all the way back again.

Equipment - twin clocks look lovely; I did test the digi display which was pretty cool but I think the round clocks suit the bike better. All the info is in there on the little menu displays (tyre pressures, trips, temps etc.) should you need it. My bike was delivered unexpectedly with Connected Ride so by bluetoothing my phone across I could get a full phone satnav experience, plus all the telemetrics like maximum lean angle, acceleration/deceleration g-forces, journey tracks with elevation. Quite cool really. One point to note, the USB connection under the tank is USB-C - took me ages to realise by trying to plug in a normal USB-A cable! I didn't get a chance to experience the cornering headlight as it was still light when I got home. Ask me again in October

Ride - well it handles brilliantly. I've not played with the adjustable suspension yet but I think I'll maybe stiffen it up a little just to take a tiny bit of the springinesss out of the experience. If anything I think the 2015 model handled better than the R12 but that may be my memory from 8 years ago. In any case, the R12 has more adjustment available so I'll have a tinker when its had its first service and is fully run in.

Performance - still running in so not much chance to explore this on my own bike but the demonstrator I had did everything I asked of it. Changing down with Shift-Assist to blast past a lorry was a joy, as was accelerating away from lights. At low speeds it was easy to ride, but in town traffic you might want to keep an eye on which gear you're in or you may be slipping the clutch a bit to hold the slow traffic pace. Hill start assist (part of comfort pack I think) took a little getting used to but is great if you want to just put your feet down and adjust your gloves at the lights on a hill or whatever.

Other stuff - rarely have I owned a bike that attracted so much attention from bikers and non-bikers when parked up. It drew admiring glances from old and young alike, and plenty of questions including the usual "what are those things sticking out of the side?" to which I replied "foot warmers"

Criticisms - I haven't grounded the pegs yet but I did ground my toe on a right hand lean round a roundabout, so I'll watch out for that. I assume this was when my telemetrics recorded a 31 degree lean angle. On my third day out I couldn't get the Connected Ride to, well, connect, despite playing through all the usual resets and pairings. I'll have a play before I go out next, but of course the phone cradle was excellent for Google Maps.

A little more worryingly, there seems to be a very slight lag on shutting the throttle, it feels like the bike is going to run on for a bit, maybe quarter or half a second; this feels a bit disconcerting but once I was fully aware of it the perception of it as a problem diminshed somewhat. I read about it in one of the reviews too, so maybe BMW will update the software/fuel mapping. Oh, the new R12 didn't pop and bang on the overrun as much as the old NineT, which was a shame! Regulations I guess.

Overall, I'm really really pleased with my purchase. Despite riding 44 years I'd never owned a BMW until 2015 and this is now my 5th boxer twin so there must be something about the engines that suits me and my riding needs. I think the R12 / NineT is the closest in experience to the Norton Commandos I owned many years ago, but without the classic bike issues, and with obviously much better components.

Exellent machine. Enjoy the photos of a few locations near me.

Potatan View attachment 175523 View attachment 175524 View attachment 175525 View attachment 175526

Great thorough review! I like how you tell people those are foot warmers

I demo rode one and I like it so much I'm planning on buying one. Which is surprising to me because I like sporty bikes (Currently have a 2019 S1000R).

Even though it may only have 100 horsepower I find the power delivery excellent as it pulls strong all the way to the redline. And the handling is nimble - it's one of the few bikes I find myself smiling and laughing. Now, a fair criticism is that the ride is not what I'd call smooth and refined but IMO that's a feature not a bug. It's like one of those old school wooden roller coasters that rattle, creak and groan. But it's so much fun you don't care. The feeling is so raw and visceral that you know what's going on with the bike and really engages you.

 

[77333]

Excellent review!

 

[Gucciman]

I too owned a 2015 R Nine T and the seat was terrible, I ended up fitting a Mustang seat which improved the comfort a little, but certainly no tourer. I purchased a new R12 Nine T back in April and the seat comfort is truly a revelation, perhaps the most comfortable stock BMW seat I have used during my ownership of 16 boxer twins over the past 40 years. The current bike as similar as it is to the 1st Nine T is substantially better by most quantifiable measurements.

Hope you continue to enjoy your new motorcycle.

Cheers from Sydney Au

 

[Neep!]

Another day to reflect on my purchasing decision of the R12 nineT - Absolutely no regrets as I ride across the countryside and the bike continues to attract positive feedback from other road user. After boarding a Western Ferries vessel, I was left smiling when a crew member apologised for allocating me a space at the bow. Apparently many bikers prefer travelling at stern, well away from any salt spray when crossing the Firth of Clyde. Just mulling over the need for a forthcoming annual service - no issues to add to the basic service - especially no warranty related issues requiring resolution. As you can tell from this ~ I’m a very happy customer and long may that continu.

 

[Neep!]

Bizarre timing today! After extolling the R12 nineT yesterday and musing about a forthcoming Annual Service (its first), I switched it on this morning to find an error code displayed on the bike's electronic display panel and the message "Service Overdue" (along with an illuminated orange coloured warning triangle)! Rather odd as it's another six weeks before the service is really due (according to the BMW Service Book). Also interested to learn that the BMW dealer changes the brake fluid as part of this service, that's a new one on me - brake fluid that only lasts 12 months and then requires changing!

 

[JohanH]

Bizarre timing today! After extolling the R12 nineT yesterday and musing about a forthcoming Annual Service (its first), I switched it on this morning to find an error code displayed on the bike's electronic display panel and the message "Service Overdue" (along with an illuminated orange coloured warning triangle)! Rather odd as it's another six weeks before the service is really due (according to the BMW Service Book). Also interested to learn that the BMW dealer changes the brake fluid as part of this service, that's a new one on me - brake fluid that only lasts 12 months and then requires changing!

Hi, I think you serviced your other bike sooner than later as most BMW models will warn you up to a month ahead of a service. Could be that local dealers decide how soon they want the bike to remind you of the service. Some dealers are also booked two weeks or more for servicing so sooner is better. Regarding the brake fluid. That is a practice in Cape Town for few years already. It is deemed preventitive servicing. BMW has found that water content of brake fluid causes a lot of problems locally. i personally do not mind as the cost is minimal versus benefit. The minimum safe water content is 3%. A high water content leads to reduced boiling point of fluid, reduced braking capacity, possible fading. Under hard braking the water becomes steam. I have some old bikes and a tester and found that water content in brake fluid rises to 3% very quickly in our local climate. So I amde peace with that and creates confidence in the local service agent. I saw brake fluid crystalizing within 2 years as well, another reason we change yearly. First time I saw it in a bike that stood during covid, in a heated garage.

 

[r12ninet]

That's insane. After-market is the better value option surely.

I too was interested in the BMW swing arm licence plate holder and tail tidy and got a quote for AUD$1700 fitted. I passed and bought an Evotech tail tidy instead for AUD$350.

 

[r12ninet]

So I picked up my brand new R12 on Friday at 5pm and have put on about 300 miles over the weekend. Some observations:

Comfort - a lot better than the 2015 model I owned previously, and despite being 8 or 9 years older I don't believe my arse is substantially more padded. So the combination of the new seat on the R12, possibly the lower height and maybe a slightly different stance has really pleased me. It's no tourer but so long as I stop every hour or so I don't see it being a problem, whereas on the old NineT I would get concerned about travelling too far from home as I would be increasingly aware of having to ride the "plank of wood" seat all the way back again.

Equipment - twin clocks look lovely; I did test the digi display which was pretty cool but I think the round clocks suit the bike better. All the info is in there on the little menu displays (tyre pressures, trips, temps etc.) should you need it. My bike was delivered unexpectedly with Connected Ride so by bluetoothing my phone across I could get a full phone satnav experience, plus all the telemetrics like maximum lean angle, acceleration/deceleration g-forces, journey tracks with elevation. Quite cool really. One point to note, the USB connection under the tank is USB-C - took me ages to realise by trying to plug in a normal USB-A cable! I didn't get a chance to experience the cornering headlight as it was still light when I got home. Ask me again in October

Ride - well it handles brilliantly. I've not played with the adjustable suspension yet but I think I'll maybe stiffen it up a little just to take a tiny bit of the springinesss out of the experience. If anything I think the 2015 model handled better than the R12 but that may be my memory from 8 years ago. In any case, the R12 has more adjustment available so I'll have a tinker when its had its first service and is fully run in.

Performance - still running in so not much chance to explore this on my own bike but the demonstrator I had did everything I asked of it. Changing down with Shift-Assist to blast past a lorry was a joy, as was accelerating away from lights. At low speeds it was easy to ride, but in town traffic you might want to keep an eye on which gear you're in or you may be slipping the clutch a bit to hold the slow traffic pace. Hill start assist (part of comfort pack I think) took a little getting used to but is great if you want to just put your feet down and adjust your gloves at the lights on a hill or whatever.

Other stuff - rarely have I owned a bike that attracted so much attention from bikers and non-bikers when parked up. It drew admiring glances from old and young alike, and plenty of questions including the usual "what are those things sticking out of the side?" to which I replied "foot warmers"

Criticisms - I haven't grounded the pegs yet but I did ground my toe on a right hand lean round a roundabout, so I'll watch out for that. I assume this was when my telemetrics recorded a 31 degree lean angle. On my third day out I couldn't get the Connected Ride to, well, connect, despite playing through all the usual resets and pairings. I'll have a play before I go out next, but of course the phone cradle was excellent for Google Maps.

A little more worryingly, there seems to be a very slight lag on shutting the throttle, it feels like the bike is going to run on for a bit, maybe quarter or half a second; this feels a bit disconcerting but once I was fully aware of it the perception of it as a problem diminshed somewhat. I read about it in one of the reviews too, so maybe BMW will update the software/fuel mapping. Oh, the new R12 didn't pop and bang on the overrun as much as the old NineT, which was a shame! Regulations I guess.

Overall, I'm really really pleased with my purchase. Despite riding 44 years I'd never owned a BMW until 2015 and this is now my 5th boxer twin so there must be something about the engines that suits me and my riding needs. I think the R12 / NineT is the closest in experience to the Norton Commandos I owned many years ago, but without the classic bike issues, and with obviously much better components.

Exellent machine. Enjoy the photos of a few locations near me.

Potatan View attachment 175523 View attachment 175524 View attachment 175525 View attachment 175526

Thanks for the write up. I picked mine up on the weekend but have only ridden it home due to work and the weather. Same colour - San Remo Green. Look at it longingly every evening after work. Can’t wait to take it for a spin on the weekend!

 

[Neep!]

Hi, I think you serviced your other bike sooner than later as most BMW models will warn you up to a month ahead of a service. Could be that local dealers decide how soon they want the bike to remind you of the service. Some dealers are also booked two weeks or more for servicing so sooner is better. Regarding the brake fluid. That is a practice in Cape Town for few years already. It is deemed preventitive servicing. BMW has found that water content of brake fluid causes a lot of problems locally. i personally do not mind as the cost is minimal versus benefit. The minimum safe water content is 3%. A high water content leads to reduced boiling point of fluid, reduced braking capacity, possible fading. Under hard braking the water becomes steam. I have some old bikes and a tester and found that water content in brake fluid rises to 3% very quickly in our local climate. So I amde peace with that and creates confidence in the local service agent. I saw brake fluid crystalizing within 2 years as well, another reason we change yearly. First time I saw it in a bike that stood during covid, in a heated garage.

Well that's the R12 nineT now a year old and done 5,000 miles - So what are my latest thoughts on this model and ownership experience over this period. Starting with the bad news - I've had the BMW recall letter for potentially problematic handlebar switchgear. Personally I never experienced any switchgear related problems and a new unit was very quickly installed at my local dealership - Job done and ride on with no hassle. Now the good news - this bike still puts a silly grin on my face every time I open the garage door and fire it up. Slightly surprised that the OEM spec tyres still look like the will give me another 2.000 miles before I need to change them - although they are squaring off slightly fro doing too many miles on the Motorway. The engine and transmission have started to loosen up slightly as I now explore higher rpm's, after warming it up on out of town rides. Still find the 'gear shift assist/quickshifter' rather crude in operation and wouldn't miss it if this option was deleted from the sales catalogue. On the other hand I'm finding the 'Hill Start Assist' a rather useful accessory and would happily specify fitting it on any future BMW bikes that I purchase. From dawdling through congested City traffic to exercising it on the open road, I'm really enjoying the boxer engine experience. No regrets at specifying the digital dash - easy to read under varying lighting/weather conditions and looks rather aesthetically neat to my eyes. Even yesterday, a slight irritation when needing to put fuel in it - is it really necessary, having paid for keyless ignition, to then be left fumbling around on the forecourt for a key in a zipped pocket to open the fuel cap? Oh and BMW don't think customers would value a fuel gauge and you need to set your trip meter as you leave the forecourt, or suffer severe range anxiety within a few miles of riding. Overall though, whilst this bike isn't perfect, I've no regrets at purchasing it 12 months ago and I'm already planning my next journey of joy!

 

[Merv]

I am a bit of a techy uptake bloke, but those service reminders on the bikes and bike apps are getting annoying for me when the bikes are no where near due for service. Mind you I don’t run up rapid miles and always have a complete fluid change in first 250km whether bikes or car. I still subscribe to the theory of flushing crap out of the system asap. If you waited to the first service, the damage could already be done. Again this is my hang up from me racing two stroke motorcross bikes 45 years ago and the habit continues.

 

[JohanH]

I bought mine with the intention of selling after 5 months as I did not intend keeping a "poser bike" Well, it is 5 years later and I still have that silly grin when I ride it. The engine is a boxer, it gets better and better. At 5 000 miles it is just run in, at 12 000 it starts settling. at 18 it is still shaking off the dust. Every 6000 miles it just gets better and better. Modern bikes all have good engines, I just love the solidness of that boxer.

 

[Neep!]

I bought mine with the intention of selling after 5 months as I did not intend keeping a "poser bike" Well, it is 5 years later and I still have that silly grin when I ride it. The engine is a boxer, it gets better and better. At 5 000 miles it is just run in, at 12 000 it starts settling. at 18 it is still shaking off the dust. Every 6000 miles it just gets better and better. Modern bikes all have good engines, I just love the solidness of that boxer.

Glad to hear that I shouldn't be disposing of my bike after running 5,000 miles in 12 months - thanks for not mentioning "At that mileage, it's time to park it in the recycling skip"! I'd agree that the bike feels just run in and generally has the 'no rattles and nought has fallen off' feel about it. Generally speaking BMW appear to build reliable, well put together bikes and so to date I'm either happy as a customer.

 

[Neep!]

I am a bit of a techy uptake bloke, but those service reminders on the bikes and bike apps are getting annoying for me when the bikes are no where near due for service. Mind you I don’t run up rapid miles and always have a complete fluid change in first 250km whether bikes or car. I still subscribe to the theory of flushing crap out of the system asap. If you waited to the first service, the damage could already be done. Again this is my hang up from me racing two stroke motorcross bikes 45 years ago and the habit continues.

You are making me smile on this side of Planet Earth and I'm certainly not going to disagree with your approach to bikes and biking!

 

[Brembo baggins]

Revisiting this thread, as build up almost 4000 miles of real-life experience on the R12 nineT. Now we all know that BMW elected not to fit a fuel gauge to this model but how are other riders responding to the ‘Fuel Warning Light’ and related ‘Digital Odometer’ features? To date, I’ve usually just set my trip meter after brimming the tank and refuelled every 100 miles or so. However after a couple of instances of the ‘Yellow Warning Light’ for low fuel, I’m now wondering about the accuracy of the technology. Very positive feedback from other bikers on this machine, when I park it up on my awaydays around the countryside - always nice when folk compliment your choice of bike.

My yellow warning light usually comes on at 139miles and there still seems to be something like 3.5 + litres in the tank on the rninet I’ve done 40miles in reserve but wouldn’t recommend I think the r12 ninet is roughly the same with the light coming on sooner due to the smaller tank.