Ride Tested: BMW R12 GS Blends Old-School Vibes with New-School Performance...

Tim Skelton
Aug 7
5 min read

Updated: Aug 9

Every journey begins long before the engine starts — it begins with a whisper in the soul.

At Motorrad Adventures, we live for that whisper. And we’re answering it with a closer look at the all-new BMW R12 GS — a motorcycle that blends heritage styling and DNA with modern performance like no other.

If you're wondering what it’s really like to ride the all-new BMW R12 GS — you’re not alone. With its bold retro styling and simplified tech, this bike has sparked serious curiosity among riders who love both heritage and performance. So is the R12 GS a good adventure bike? Let's see...

Thanks to our friends at BMW Motorrad Sandton, we got to spend quality time in the saddle and take it for a proper off-road ride through the sand, ruts, corrugations, log jumps, and loose gravel that define our adventure bike training facility just outside Johannesburg. Watch our full review video (at the bottom of this blog) to see how the R12 GS handles the real world — and whether it lives up to the legend of the R80...

First Impressions: Style That Speaks – With a Nod to the Legend

From the moment you lay eyes on the BMW R12 GS, one thing is clear — retro never looked this good. It’s bold. It's nostalgic. And it makes a statement.

Drawing clear inspiration from the iconic BMW R80 GS, the bike that birthed a genre, the R12 GS honours its heritage while charging into the future. Classic boxer styling, a round LED headlight that echoes the past, a sculpted tank, and an exposed subframe come together to create a machine that feels custom built straight out of the crate, but with unmistakably modern muscle, tech and refinement.

Power Meets Precision – Real Feedback from the Saddle of the BMW R12 GS

At the core of the R12 GS is BMW’s proven 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine, pushing out 109 horsepower. And on the road? It feels smooth, responsive, and refreshingly analogue, a ride that rewards throttle finesse over brute force.

It’s not trying to be the fastest bike in the lineup, and that’s exactly why we enjoyed it. There’s an honesty to the power delivery that makes it well-suited for both relaxed Sunday rides and spirited off-road corner carving. The ride modes and suspension settings help dial it in without feeling overly electronic.

This isn’t just a retro-style machine, it’s a real-world performer that brings the GS spirit and DNA to a new kind of rider.

Riding the GS Legacy: R12 vs R1300 – What Sets Them Apart?

Lots of questions have been thrown at us lately about which bike is better: the R12 GS, the 1250 GS, or the new 1300 GS? At Motorrad Adventures, we’ve ridden them all, and while they all proudly share the GS badge, each offers a very different riding experience.

So, let’s do a short comparison between the BMW R12 GS and its high-tech sibling, the BMW R1300 GS, to help you decide which one suits your style and adventure needs.

Engine and Performance

R1300 GS: BMW’s latest big boxer adventure machine. With a 1,300cc liquid-cooled engine producing 145 hp, it’s built for serious power and long-range performance, enhanced by ShiftCam technology.
R12 GS: A modern classic powered by a 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer with 109 hp. It’s less about raw specs and more about feel, smooth, torquey, and soulful.

Tech and Rider Aid Suite

R1300 GS: Fully loaded with cutting-edge tech — radar-assisted cruise control, electronic suspension, a vibrant TFT dash, and multiple rider modes.
R12 GS: Simpler, more analogue. It still features ride modes, ABS Pro, and an optional quickshifter, but keeps screen time minimal to preserve that classic riding feel.

Weight and Feel

R1300 GS: Lighter than its predecessor, the R1250 GS, but still a full-size adventure bike. Designed for riders who pack big, ride far, and demand maximum confidence and comfort.
R12 GS: Slimmer, lower, and more playful. Easier to handle in town, on twisty backroads, or cruising the countryside on gravel roads or technical mountain passes.

Style and Purpose

R1300 GS: The go-anywhere, do-anything GS. It's ideal for cruising back road gravel, two-up touring and even some hardcore off-road adventures.
R12 GS: Retro-inspired and full of charm. Perfect for riders who love the heritage GS look but want modern reliability combined with a raw, authentic riding experience. It will do all the technical stuff and gravel roads you can throw at it, but it's not ideally suited for long-haul travel down the national highway...

What We Didn’t Love (but will have to live with)

No bike is perfect — and while the BMW R12 GS impressed us in many ways, there are a few areas that might not suit every rider.

No Wind Protection

That stripped-down retro look comes at a cost — there's no windscreen or upper fairing as standard. On longer rides or highway stretches, you’ll feel every bit of the breeze. Something to consider if you’re used to touring comfort...

No Rear Luggage Rack as Standard

For a bike aimed at real-world adventure use, we were surprised to find no rear luggage rack included as standard. It would’ve been a practical addition for strapping on soft bags, a tail pack, or even just your jacket during a lunch stop.

Awkward Side Stand Design

This one's a small gripe, but worth mentioning: the side stand can be a bit fiddly to access with your boot. Without a tab or hook to flick it out easily, it takes a few extra seconds to find and deploy, not ideal when you’re fully geared up and tired after a ride.

Final Verdict: It's a GS With a Soul

The BMW R12 GS is a statement, and a damn fun one. It’s got retro cool for days, a torquey boxer that begs to be ridden, and just enough modern tech to keep things spicy without going full science fiction.

Would I ride it from Johannesburg to Cape Town down the N1 in one go?

Absolutely not.

But would I ride it from Jozi to Cape Town over 5 days of gravel backroads through the Karoo? Hell yes — and I’d enjoy every dusty, beautiful, sideways-sliding minute of it.

Now, I just need to figure out where to strap my soft bag… because apparently, luggage racks are so last season... 😊

Ready to see the BMW R12 GS in action?

Watch our full review video below and ride along with us! 👇

Who are Motorrad Adventures?

If you're looking for the ultimate adventure motorcycle tour, you’ve come to the right place! At Motorrad Adventures, we bring years of experience, expert guides, and world-class support to ensure you have an unforgettable off-road motorcycle experience.

Since 2009, we’ve been crafting and leading epic motorcycle expeditions across the globe. Our team has successfully organised tours in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Namibia, and South Africa, helping countless riders tick off their bucket-list motorcycle adventures.

We’ve also had the privilege of working alongside some of the biggest names in adventure motorcycling, including Charley Boorman, Billy Ward, Claudio von Planta, Dylan Wickrama, SA Adventure, Moto Aventures, and Compass Expeditions.

Your safety is our top priority. Every Motorrad Adventures motorcycle tour includes:

✅ Fully equipped support vehicle & trailer with satellite communication and tracking

✅ Professional lead and sweep riders for guidance and support

✅ On-tour medic for added peace of mind

✅ A dedicated backup crew so you can ride at your own pace

With our experienced team by your side, you can push your limits while knowing you have the best support in the industry.

Royal Enfield Himalayan rental

We take care of everything—from planning scenic routes to securing top-quality accommodation and delicious meals. That means you get to focus on what matters most—riding and exploring. Whether you're navigating Namibia’s desert dunes, cruising through the rugged landscapes of South Africa, or crossing breathtaking salt flats, we ensure every moment is an adventure to remember.