Creating a retro motorcycle is a tricky business. Nostalgia must blend with modernity. The past must be celebrated while designing for the fast-changing needs of today’s markets. And whatever balance of old and new the manufacturer comes up with, for every person who applauds its looks and style, another half dozen will fold their arms and say, no, that’s wrong.
Enter BMW’s R12 nineT. The first serious update of the decade-old R nineT boxer twin, and perhaps the most satisfyingly blended retro yet to come from the German manufacturer. There’s a new, lighter chassis and thoroughly updated electronics, a sleeker look and generous scope for customisation too. The price is $26,495 – a fraction more than the older model’s – although most owners will undoubtedly bloat that figure by adding a few pricey accessories.
Amidst all this change and demand for customisation is the small matter of an 1170cc aircooled boxer engine which, with
