When complications arise I think Mr Darcy did quite a good job with the hand he was delt. As far as the missing fuel guage, I had a / 7 years ago without a fuel indicator. People claim to be smarter today because of all the information available to them. I never ran out of gas and how hard is it to reset the tripometer when fueling at the petro station. If you want retro, this is part of a real retro and I'm glad BMW is sticking with it. At almost 71, I never forget the basics. People must move on and worry less. 👍👍5🏍🙋‍♂️

Usernamekate got a new subscriber here, good to see helpful and nice people still around😉

@m2menuiserie540

3 ай бұрын

She's wonderful, isn't she. But Lady Kate also happens to be Darcy's aunt.

No doubt these bikes are well engineered and ride great, but for some reason I just can’t warm up to BMW styling or the brand image. Great review, keep up the good work!

Prefer the 1 that does not have the same silly yellow forks as almost every other bike today....

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

💯 agree 👍🏼👍🏼

What a great review Mr Darcy in such a stressful situation, as it already looks like a tight schedule in Portugal. At least you had some sun, no rain and a lovely setting there ☀️

They are doing what Triumph is doing with the T120 and the Speed Twin, I think. Good job IMHO! The only thing that is lacking is the pillion confort :(

I might be mistaken, but I think this was you first press launch. Congrats on getting through it and dealing with real life issues. Always good to have friends. I watch a video of Kate with her dad. Wonderful family. The bike looks like a fun sport cruiser for the money. Sure beats a HD for me! 😂

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

It’s definitely a great bike! I went on the triumph 400 launch and the Kawasaki eliminator 500 in January 😁

Been following your videos for a while now, not quite since the beginning but not long after. Have to say the quality of your production has continued to increase and it really is fantastic. Enjoyable, informative and two great presenters!

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much that really means a lot from a long term subscriber! 😊

Thank you Kate!

I tested both bikes last week in Switzerland, and I have to say, I was so looking forward to the R12 cruiser, however, I was really disappointed, I found it very rigid, twitchy, and engine felt rough, I then took out the R 12 Nine-T, I placed it in dynamic mode, honestly it felt worlds apart from the R12, it was so smooth, and like a heat seeker on the bends, I am in love.....again! 😊

Fantastic content as always.I really appreciate you making sure you put a video out whilst on holiday. Brilliant has always and I look forward to seeing your next video

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Thank you 😊 It was only one night away and a bike launch, not a holiday 👍🏼👍🏼

Nice little bike. I don't usually like BMW styling but the R12 is very nice.

The low gravity, carácter as you say and The Beauty makes the the most desire bike for “normal” type of ride for me.

Well done Darcy, pulled it outta the bag despite a difficult situation. You also came across well on the video despite the behind the scenes stress! Nice one.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Thank you very much! Making the best of a bad situation 😊

Apart of the luggage, I hope you have enjoyed Portugal!…Would love to welcome you here in the future. Keep up the good work!

I absolutely loved the twin pod analog instrument cluster on the BMW R1290, I do hope other motorcycle brands will reintroduce the analog instrument cluster !, We certainly deserve this option!👍

What a nightmare, good job you had Usernamehero on standby and at least you didn't drop it. I have to say though the boxer engine design on smaller bikes doesn't look quite as good to me personally.

Great review Darcy and was great riding with you! 😊

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Thank you! It was great riding with you too 😊

If this is the kind of video you can produce when all hell has broken loose, you are a FORCE to be reckoned with. You turned a stressful trip into a wonderful video. The boy got skills!!! Pleasure to ride with you 😊

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Kate! You’re a LEGEND 😎 pleasure to ride with you as always, looking forward to seeing your videos from the trip!

Thanks for informative R12 review. I was particularly interested to hear your in person feedback on riding position/comfort. Sadly, you confirmed what I was thinking - probably not recommend for a normal-size rider. I'm really trying to like this bike but although that upswept exhaust looks great on the R12 9T, it appears totally out of place on a "cruiser" in my opinion. I would have preferred a standard two-sided exhaust set-up like the R18.

Wow. What a great bike! I want it. Thank you for this video.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

R12 in that colour scheme is 14k without options. Prefer the stock black and save 2k. Interestingly, the digital dash is a cost option.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Yes I agree

The r12 reminds me of the old misappreciated moto guzzi bellagio. Check that out!

This bike was made for one of those barndoor clear plastic fairings. That would take the wind stress off your back. Great video. Real nice Beemer bike. The finish on these bikes is really easy on the eyes. Just really well built.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Many thanks 😊

Stylewise I would chose the R12, but must get the chance to ride them to be able to decide 😊

UsernameKate is a superstar! I love the looks of the R12 and would pick it.

All's well that ends well ! Can't wait to test ride an R12 in Canada later this Spring. But I do have to say that I much prefer the sound of my air-cooled Harley Sportster 1200. First think I 'd do is put on aftermarket pipes on this beauty.

Nice review on both bikes. But for some reason both bikes are not clicking for me. Not sure if I like the styling. 🤔

My current bike is the Honda CMX1100T - DCT model a modern cruiser bagger. I have been waiting months to see reviews of the R12 - so thanks for the review. I wonder if BMW will bring out a R12 bagger?

I think I'd go with that mini digi dash.

Just glad you didn't drop this one matey 😂

That rear fender is horrendous. How it gaps between the underside of tue seat and tue swing arm looks like they just bolted a parts bin fender that they had laying around.

Very very interesting For me the R12 is the perfect point. Being of course 3Grand more than the Great V7 or a bit more than T120 I think is the most fun and special machine. Please video R12 vs T120. Big Thanks👍👍🤗

Usernamekate to the rescue. She really is as nice and friendly as she comes across in her video's.

Something you failed to mention. That pretty paint scheme (I guess the hipster term is colorway) will bring the price of the R12 to exactly the same as the Nine T. It looks nice but I would opt for the single color and save money.

I would choose R12 and get the cluster fra the other (double analog), spoke wheels and the black alu rear end - I think the exhaust looks great, so maybe decat and then a headlight mask/faring.

I think the r12 is real nice. Hopefully no one else thinks that as well. I could pick a used one in a few years for a good price.

Nice work, especially under such circumstances, Darcy 👌

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Thank you 😊

R 18 in Germany has a very high value. Used bikes you never found for less then 9,5 k €, even if they are more than 6 years old.

Get some AirTags and put them in your luggage.... at the very least it'll give you a laugh watching your stuff get shuttled around the airside part of the baggage claim hall.

Interesting that they've drastically reduced the front fork travel over the nine T version. Presumably to enable the use of the larger front wheel whilst keeping similar geometry to the nine t? I would expect it to be a harsh ride over the bumps but it appears not then. Nice bike 👍

Love the look of the R12, but sorry to hear about your lost luggage! Where is this BTW? We're heading to Algarve this week x

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Thank you! The hotel was in cabanas de Tavira. Not too sure where all the roads were as we were just following the bmw guy haha, but the roads were lovely around there!

Great review👍 Can you feed back to the likes of BMW to make bikes that can be adjusted for taller riders. Simple adjustments to the foot pegs and different shaped seats would help enormously.

Kate is a legand, the r12 looks mint, just out my price range,

Thanks for the great review. It looks glorious there.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Yes it was a lovely setting ☀️

My favourite bike of these 1200s is still the Urban G/S. More room on it. Nick

Please do a BMW R12 vs Speedmaster 1200 review

Thanks for the review. It amused me that the BikeSure ad you mention is supposed to handle all my needs. They wouldn't insure my R18 with my 35 years riding experience and NCB. Found quotes elsewhere. Deeply unimpressed.

i sat on one at the MCN show and at 6ft 2, sadly not comfortable for me, neither is the R18 which is a shame

I had the luggage thing happen to me going over to Germany to ride. The airlines used to have a program (probably still do) that they would pay for half of whatever you had to buy as a result of them getting the luggage to you late. I got half a new IXS riding suit. Still have the jacket. It's coming up on 20 yrs or so ago... As to the bike, it looks meh in those rims. The gold spoke ones on another bike you shot (same model) really woke it up. I'm short and I'd go with the sportier one as that for decades, those were kinda my go to bikes. My body can't do long rides in that position anymore w/o a lot of distress. If I were still in the market, I still wouldn't buy it in that same blah color scheme it's had since day one. BMW, find a paint booth. Etched wheels look great on it though. My main beef with those things is no fuel gauge. I can live w/o all the electronic gizmos, but I draw the line at having to remember to reset the trip odo to have a clue as to how much fuel I have left.

User Name Kate 👏thank you!🤩

i climbed "in" it during the Lyon Salon du deux roues, and it seems very low (i'm only 5 feet 10"). I like the custom look, it's better than the ninety, but the price look high in my opinion. a good choice versus my speed twin 1200 ? i can't tell. thank you for the review. Did you recover your luggage ?

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

I was only there one night and recovered my luggage the next morning from the airport 👍🏼

Thanks for another great upload Mr Darcy👌👍

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Thank you 😊

R12 for me!

My RNT 2022 brand new bike engine broke at 1600 km. I had to be completely replaced for a new one. Now u barely drive it…

Nice bike but id have yr Dads over either of them! Great video buddy 👍

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Willie, yes the Ol' Man would agree with you 💯

I like both but I think the R18 in the scenario you describe represents better value and you get a whole lot more bike. The weight is a big factor though so I think I would need the reverse gear which I think was an option. Does your Dad have this on his bike?

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Yes he does have the reverse. Absolutely fantastic!

Are their any motorcycle with actual working air suspensions.?

@8:44 So I didn't understand "It's a very Marmite bike". But I think this is slang for: "you either hate it or love it". Just in case any one else is wondering ...

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Yes that’s correct 👍🏻

@hgm8337

3 ай бұрын

@@MrDarcy-OlMan It uses marmite instead of oil as engine lubricant and importantly clutch fluid. Brakes remain DOT4

What's the most comfortable bike you've ever reviewed? how does it compare to this r12

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 ай бұрын

Most comfortable is probably a Harley-Davidson ultra limited CVO which is basically an arm chair on wheels 😂 very different to this

BMW needs to retro a r25/3

How the hell are BMW releasing bikes in 2024 charging well over £10k and not including a bloody fuel gauge? Madness

Iv got parking for the R18 and want to buy the R12😅

i have known only 2 bikes with boxer engines - from either side of berlin wall- BMW and Ural , i saw it in usa, it was good looking but heard not so good in quality

@samus4799

3 ай бұрын

That’s because ural buys BMW engines. Goldwings are also boxers.

@HunterVlog350cc

3 ай бұрын

@@samus4799 oh yes true goldwing is 6 cylinder hidden boxer

How's the fuel gauge?

@hgm8337

3 ай бұрын

first rule of BMW, don't talk about the fuel gauge

I am affraid that the R12 seat, being short in lenght and a single one, does not acommodate more than one confortable position to alternate the ass position during a entire day trip. What was your feel about it? You said that it was four short journeys. A short journey for me is leaving Porto in the morning and arriving home late in the evening using slow and bending roads from the lost Portugal..😂

I would go for the R18 if I could afford it . The others are spoiled for me by the ugly two into one exhausts and lack of brightwork . All of them great bikes but it's just personal choice . I guess I am very old school .

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

I agree (The Ol' Man). 👍🏼👍🏼

Rumor has it that there is no fuel gauge on the R12. Is that so?

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

It has no fuel gauge 👍🏼

BMW should have introduced the R12 before wasting so much money developing the boat anchor R18

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

We disagree, the R18 is not for everyone but it’s one incredible machine

A cruiser.

Go Usernamekate!

isn't it a bit boring compared to the R12 rninet? Those bar-end mirrors are an Option 719 and cost approx. one kidney, Unlike the budget rninet prior bike, they stuck with USD forks thankfully

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

No I preferred it to the R12 nineT

I’m eagerly awaiting 2034 to see if BMW Motorrad will incorporate a fuel gauge on the R13….

@aceofspades5786

3 ай бұрын

Good luck with that, new petrol bikes will be banned in uk from 2030

The R12 makes me realise what a mistake Harley made dropping the Sportster from their range. And I'd much rather have a Heritage than the R18.

For 10 minutes review you flight to Portugal? Or comes there some more? 🤔

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

If my luggage wasn’t lost and I spent half the time dealing with it, I would have been able to film a longer review. It’s a miracle I got that much tbh! We were only there for one night too

Just had my bike stolen this morning, its only a 125 but im absolutely gutted

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Oh no 🙈 really sorry to hear that

Having a R18 if R12 comes to my garage would I use the R18? Not very sure. So perhaps better not visit BMW dealer. And when 1000 km service better go with my family to talk out!!

I would prefer the R12, but I would leave the handlebars at the dealer! What is it with BMW, why do all their bikes have to have some golden bits on them? If it's not the fork legs, it's the rims or even the handlebars, imagine having to look at those all day! Grow up, BMW, drop all that golden junk and make some more classic looking bikes, which is what you're good at.

@spency787

3 ай бұрын

The gold bars and wheels are options as is the paint job. The standard bike is much more subdued.

Is it just me or are all fender to short on modern street bikes or caricature long in some cruiser....r12 too short the 650 Enfield's too short, the bsa goldstar way too short, the caballero too short, r18 too short

@olethorhermansen5696

3 ай бұрын

The manufacturers have simply figured out that since tiny fenders don't protect the bikes, they deteriorate faster so they can sell more new ones. Or perhaps it's just a really stupid fashion. Great for the accessory companies though, they can sell tons of extenders.

@dorstefan

3 ай бұрын

@@olethorhermansen5696It's a cost reduction measure. If you cut a normal fender in half you get two fenders. They are very creative when it comes to cost reduction.

@olethorhermansen5696

3 ай бұрын

@@dorstefan That's a likely explanation too. I guess we can only hope they don't do the same with the side stands, they have already taken the center stands from us.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Yes there’s definitely a misguided trend for short fenders. The BSA’s fenders are good as it happens (maybe you just saw them on our recent custom BSA review where they were uselessly short).

@MindfulMotorcyclist

3 ай бұрын

BSA front fenders are proper sized. You get mud spray as high as the bash plate and no higher. It's super.

Can’t work out what you are saying or why you prefer the R12. You start by saying how uncomfortable it was after a short time on the open road with its very upright riding position and low seat, then you complain about the more canted position on the 9T which is better for the open road! We did get a lot of luggage discussion though so there’s that..

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

As I said in the video I prefer the styling and I do prefer the riding position even though after a while it is uncomfortable (not as uncomfortable as the R12 9t) for my height. I prefer cruiser style bikes which you’ll know if you have been watching the channel for a while. This channel is also not purely about bikes so if you don’t like the chat about other stuff you can skip it 👍🏻

@HaggisPower

3 ай бұрын

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Fair enough, makes some sense if you do short rides I guess. And, no knock on your channel, I actually enjoy the ramble. Keep at it.

Doesn't look much fork travel on the one your riding..

Again BMW showing a new off with the options pack giving a false representation of the product you purchase , whinge over, great vlog again

Well done you made the best of a bad hand! Like all bikes the heart of it is the most important factor, and how it makes you feel, the engine. If you like that, the rest is secondary as long as the rest isn’t complete dog sh!te! Unfortunately for me the engine is ugly and it sticks out way to far which I know is the whole point, but I like the ethos of the 60’s cafe racer lighter faster and better handling, although my old bones are starting to dislike the race position, but f@ck it everything is starting to hurt anyway so it may as well hurt at speed lent over grinning! Thanks for a great review!

Pretty sure this is the same engine as in my 2008 1200 GS...

@artwallace5925

3 ай бұрын

Your '08 GS has a Hexhead engine. This bike has a Camhead which was first released in 2010. Camheads were replaced by the Wetheads in 2013.

The R 12 is more motorcycle for the money and with the ninet you're getting less for the money it seems, especially with so much lesser components on the bike.

It looks like BMW has studied and copy the LOW RIDER S and why not, the LOW RIDER is a brilliant motorcycle.

Oh no.. not 🚫 again..

😀👍

I didn't like the look of the R12 when I first saw a picture in MCN a few weeks ago. Now I have had a much better view of it thanks to your review and it hasn't got any better. Ducati, MV, Triumph seem to be able to design a nice looking bike. I wonder what happens between the design offices vision and the final signed of bike. Surely it was not originally destined to look this bad, maybe they have some ex Kawasaki staff working there as their designs lately have been just as bad. But what do I know? Beauty in the eye etc...

Morning.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Morning 😊

I'm 6'6 foot. Am I too large for this?

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Probably, try and get to sit on one 👍🏼

@Ossory88

3 ай бұрын

​@@MrDarcy-OlMan thank you for the quick reply. Can you recommend a cruiser for my height that doesnt look like shit?

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

@@Ossory88 I would say have a look at Harleys and Indians. They are the biggest bikes on the road 👍🏼

Where's old man?

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Talking about that on the latest podcast 😊

@user-xb7dp4vu3r

3 ай бұрын

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Man, I'm not watching a video to discover the answer... I'm asking to you!

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

KZread is a video platform. The answer to your question is in the video suggested 👍🏼

@user-xb7dp4vu3r

3 ай бұрын

@@MrDarcy-OlMan I understand you. KZread is a video plataform, but you're not a robot. I was just asking to another human being... But ok. I hope he's ok

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

You seem to be very rude when you ask questions! If you’re less rude you tend to get the answers you’re looking for

Cruisers tend to dislocate your shoulders...

Swap the forks and I'd keep the 9t

It is just me or it is clear the reduction in cost in this model in comparison with the previous version?

Keep off curry if you're having bad luck😅

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

Definitely a vindaloo 😂

I will not tolerate a BMW R-anything with negative connotations in the title. Re-do it, then I will watch

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 ай бұрын

The video is not negative about the bike, it is what happened to me personally on the launch, definitely worth a watch if you like that bike 👍🏼👍🏼

BMW has lost the plot. They're tweakin' on Hitler's old meth stash. Why don't they just get back to their roots and do that well rather than playing make believe in a market that they never had in the first place. Just build motor cycles, not faux cruisers, this that and the other thing.

I’m very leery about the word “character” that it’s used three times makes me back off . . . quickly.

@MGT.joseee

3 ай бұрын

Big thanks to this channel.

@karlbishop7481

3 ай бұрын

A lot of manufacturers seem to think they need to keep some vibration in their bikes to give them some character. What? Ride the bike for 8 hours straight and tell me how much you enjoyed that character. The main reason my T120 went down the road. Shuddered at lower rpm under load, buzzed at higher rpm, required constant shifting to keep it in a vibration free zone.

It sounds so bad

@guntergastner8287

3 ай бұрын

do you mean good or not good?

@PrimetimeNut

3 ай бұрын

@@guntergastner8287 not good. It sounds like a leaf blower or vespa