My journey with the BMW R12, graciously lent by Nadon Sport, began at Moto Balade. This annual event, which I’ve enthusiastically joined for two years, is organized by the Émile-Z. Laviolette Foundation (EZL). The 19th edition once again gathered a large number of motorcyclists, all uniting for a common goal: raising funds for a noble cause. To achieve this, we embark on a ride of over 250 km, driven by a shared desire to make a difference in the lives of children from disadvantaged families.
The Émile-Z. Laviolette Foundation has been an active charity for over 30 years, tirelessly working to support struggling youth. The foundation partners with various schools and organizations in the MRC of Deux-Montagnes to offer essential programs. These include breakfast clubs, snack distribution, homework help, and purchasing school supplies. Every action contributes to improving the daily lives of these children, and I feel privileged to participate in this cause.
The BMW R12 (2024): A Visual and Sensory Delight
Having the BMW R12 for a full weekend allowed me to explore its capabilities with immense joy, covering about 600 km in various conditions. It was pure bliss, with every minute on this machine a perfect fusion of performance, comfort, and aesthetics.
After the launch of the BMW R18 cruiser, the BMW R12 represents a new offering from the German manufacturer, captivating with its immediate charm. With two driving modes, Rock and Roll, the bike’s versatility perfectly matches my riding style. From the first turn, I was won over by its responsiveness and stability. It drew compliments at every stop. The heritage look and stunning vintage style are simply beautiful, with sleek lines and a design that naturally draws attention. I lost count of the admiring looks along the way and the compliments it received. Its style commands attention, and I found myself tempted more than once by the thought of adopting it!
Performance and Technology: A Harmonious Blend
The BMW R12 stands out for its exceptional comfort and manoeuvrability. Easy to ride, it’s well suited for both novice and experienced motorcyclists. It’s ideal for those seeking a ride that’s as high-performing as it is attractive. It offers a wide range of options and accessories for personalization. Its design and low seat height are especially appealing to women, who are drawn to its vintage allure.
But beyond its appearance, this motorcycle is a true revelation. The comfort is undeniable: the rider’s posture feels natural and well designed, with a perfect sense of balance due to a low centre of gravity. The bike feels glued to the road! Its impeccable handling instills confidence and offers an impressive sense of security, even against strong winds. The comfortable seat ensures stability, even in corners. Its powerful, reassuring brakes provide great safety, even during emergency stops and obstacle avoidance. I tested this repeatedly to verify its effectiveness and safety, giving me peace of mind. With the keyless start, you’re ready to ride as long as you have the key on you.
The pleasure of riding is enhanced by its well-thought-out features. Keyless start is a modern feature that adds convenience—just keep the key in your pocket or bag, and the road awaits. This bike makes long country rides even more enjoyable, turning them into special moments to relish the smooth engine and captivating sound with each acceleration. In the city, it performs equally well and is simple to operate.
Click here to view the motorcycle’s technical specifications.
My Smile Grew Wider as I Arrived at Nadon Sport
I can’t share my experience without mentioning my meeting with Franck Pion from Nadon Sport, a passionate motorcycle enthusiast and true BMW specialist. Right from the start, he gave me a dynamic and captivating introduction to the BMW. As a BMW Heritage Ambassador since 2014, he was visibly proud to share his expertise.
I quickly sensed that Franck wasn’t just an expert but a true motorcycle lover. I also discovered during our chat that we once worked at the same place without ever crossing paths, at the Tecnic driving school, where we both taught motorcycle riding. Franck also shared that he offers training for BMW clubs, further reinforcing his ambassador role.
This interview with Franck truly enriched my understanding of the motorcycle, so let me tell you the story from the beginning!
The Heritage Lineup: A Blend of Past and Future
The Heritage line has been around since 2014. It was BMW’s first non-technological motorcycle—a test that proved successful. Now, ten years later, it has become a key model for BMW, and they are extremely proud of it!
Why is it considered a “mini-custom” compared to the BMW R Nine T, which has a more horizontal stance? BMW has designed this bike with a 19-inch front wheel and a 16-inch rear wheel, each with thicker tires, giving it a more custom look. Rather than a horizontal position, you get a slightly reclined feel. The only change is with the wheels; the chassis (frame) remains the same.
The BMW R12 includes features such as the comfort package, cruise control, and multiple riding modes. In addition to rain and road modes, it also offers a dynamic mode, along with quick shifters. This allows for traditional first-gear engagement, then shifting up without throttling down—gear selection is only required initially. While I enjoy managing my downshifts and gear changes, I found the quick shift feature quite handy during overtakes and relaxed country road rides. The R12 also includes a dual locking feature on the steering column for added security. Much like the BMW R Nine T I tried last summer, I love how the R12 starts—it feels like a hair flip! You have to experience it firsthand to understand.
Impressive Safety Technology
In addition to the alarm and heated grips, the BMW R12 offers something new this year, recently introduced to Canada: the SOS function! I was genuinely impressed by this free feature, which automatically calls emergency services in case of a fall or accident. This system gives me peace of mind, as safety is a priority for me, especially during solo rides.
When activated, the system initiates a call so you can have a conversation with emergency services, even without speakers. It’s an amazing innovation for rider safety! Personally, I was unfamiliar with this system before, but I think it’s a fantastic feature that will appeal to other motorcycle enthusiasts like me.
ABS Pro on the BMW R12
What is ABS Pro? When the front brake is engaged, pressure is automatically applied to the rear brake to prevent weight transfers, even if the rider hasn’t engaged the rear brake. This reduces abrupt steering force changes, keeping the motorcycle under control during slightly inclined braking maneuvers. It truly makes for a stress-free ride!
True to BMW’s DNA, the R12 offers a wide array of options and accessories, allowing each rider to personalize it to their liking.
The seat on the 2024 BMW R12 has been greatly improved and is notably more comfortable. It also has inverted forks, which are unusual on a custom bike. “Instead of the bike lowering toward the road, the road rises into the bike”—this is one way to describe the unique feeling, particularly noticeable in the front braking. Travel case mounts can be added to the side wing. The BMW R12 can be ordered with a single seat and offers a small front windshield option. The metal fuel tank allows for a small bag attachment, perfect for bringing essentials on your trips.
Another Extraordinary Adventure
I hope I’ve piqued your interest in trying out the BMW R12—I absolutely loved it! I left Nadon Sport with the same smile after the weekend test. I feel so lucky to have had this amazing opportunity. Thank you to Nadon Sport and BMW Motorrad! My admiration for BMW is renewed with this bike, which shared the road with me during three unforgettable days. I can’t wait for my next BMW test ride with this partner! It will be at the next Moto Balade on August 22, 2025. Will you be joining us for the 20th edition?
