BMW Motorrad has turned the spotlight on its new R 12 G/S, a retro-inspired enduro motorcycle designed to compete in the International GS Trophy 2026 in Romania.
What is the BMW R 12 G/S?
The BMW R 12 G/S is a new adventure-enduro motorcycle from BMW Motorrad. The “G/S” badge is a direct nod to BMW’s classic enduro lineage, and the bike is positioned as a rugged, versatile off-road endurance machine.
What makes this motorcycle special is that BMW Motorrad has chosen the R 12 G/S as the GS Trophy competition bike for 2026.
What is the GS Trophy connection?
The GS Trophy is BMW Motorrad’s international off-road challenge for GS riders. It is a team-based competition that tests skill, endurance, navigation, and adaptability rather than raw speed alone.
BMW Motorrad also uses the GS Trophy competitions as a platform to showcase what its adventure bikes can do in challenging conditions.
What is the importance of Romania?
Romania is the host country for the International GS Trophy 2026. BMW has described the location as one made for off-road adventures because the terrain and riding conditions are naturally catered to suit the adventure theme of the GS Competition perfectly. Where the R 12 G/S gets to showcase its on- and off-road capabilities.
What engine does the BMW R 12 G/S use, and how much power does it produce?
The BMW R 12 G/S uses a 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin engine with two overhead camshafts. The 1,170cc boxer twin produces about 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The motorcycle also comes with an Akrapovič exhaust.
How is the BMW R 12 G/S engineered in terms of chassis, suspension, and tyres?
The BMW R12 G/S was built around a tubular steel spaceframe with a bolted rear frame. The R 12 G/S uses a 45 mm upside-down telescopic fork with full adjustability and 210 mm of travel, while the rear gets a Paralever single-sided swingarm with a centrally mounted spring strut with 200 mm of travel.
The motorcycle rides on 21-inch front and 17-inch rear cross-spoke wheels as standard, with a 90/90-21 front tyre and a 150/70 R17 rear tyre.
What are the key features and electronic aids offered on the BMW R 12 G/S?
BMW has equipped the motorcycle with a mix of practical and off-road-centric rider aids and equipment for daily riding and off-road adventure. The list includes three riding modes – Rain, Road, and Enduro- while the Enduro Pro mode can be added with the Enduro Package Pro for more off-road-focused settings.
BMW also offers ABS Pro, hill start control, cruise control, heated grips and shift assistance.
