BMW R 12 nineT (2024+) Complete Maintenance Schedule
This is the complete maintenance schedule for the BMW R 12 nineT, released as a 2024 model year onward.
The BMW R 12 nineT is ostensibly a replacement for the 2021-onward BMW R nineT (the “classic” high-end version). It has the same engine platform, but the chassis and suspension are different, with an angled rear shock rather than the upright one that the R nineT line had.
Like the bike it replaces, the BMW R 12 nineT has an 1170 cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine that makes around 80 kW / 107 bhp at 7000 rpm. The specs are ever so slightly peakier than the current gen R nineT.
Final drive is via a dry clutch plate and shaft.
This site has links for things like oil and spark plugs from which we earn a commission (which unfortunately nobody can save, not even us). If you appreciate this work, then please use those links. Thanks!
Service intervals for the BMW R 12 nineT
Like the bike it replaces (and other Camhead models), the BMW R 12 nineT has relatively short 6000 mile / 10000 km or annual service intervals. At every service, you have to change the oil and filter and also check the valve clearances, plus do a series of other checks.
In recent years, BMW has been updating the service requirements of its boxer motorcycles, requiring more attention to the shaft final drive. BMW actually recommends replacing the drive shaft every 48000 miles / 80000 km, or as needed.
Luckily, the valve clearance inspection is only by distance, and it isn’t too hard on the R 12 nineT. Once you’re changing the oil at that point, it’s easy to remove the valve covers as they’re poking out the sides of the motorcycle rather than under a bunch of fairings. It doesn’t add much cost to the service.
Every two services, change the air filter and the spark plugs.
Finally, make sure to regularly replace the brake fluid.
What you need to service the BMW R 12 nineT — Consumables and Special Tools
For the BMW R 12 nineT, the manual recommends the following specific consumables.
| Part | BMW R 12 nineT Spec |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | Per the manual, you need a maximum of 3.95 L (1 US gal) L of SAE 15W-50, API SJ/JASO MA2. Additives (for instance, molybdenum-based substances) are prohibited, because they would attack the coatings on engine components, BMW Motorrad recommends BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Ultimate oil. |
| Oil filter | All BMW R bikes use a BMW/Mahle oil filter, part number 11 42 7 673 541. The best replacement is a Hiflofiltro HF164. |
| Spark plugs | NGK MAR8AI-10DS This is what the manual suggests. Make sure it’s gapped correctly to 0.8mm (get a gapping tool). |
| Drive oil | Called the “Rear axle differential oil” in the manual. BMW recommends “SAE 70W-80 / hypoid axle G3”, but many hypoid gear oils work, e.g. Mobil 1 75W-90. |
| Alternator belt | Super annoying when this breaks! The part number is 11 31 8 528 385. It’s easiest to pick this up from a dealer. |
This table will be updated as more parts diagrams are made available online.
BMW R 12 nineT Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the BMW R 12 nineT as per the manual, but made clearer so that you can understand what needs to happen more easily.
Notes:
- Observe the earlier of the time or distance-based interval.
- The running check is omitted, as it’s usually performed by a dealer under warranty, but it’s basically a standard service and an oil change.
- At the end of the schedule, continue in the pattern shown, every 6000 miles / 10000 km or year.
| x 1000 km | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| x 1000 mi | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | Every |
| BMW standard annual service | X | X | X | X | Year |
| Engine oil and oil filter — Change (BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Ultimate oil, BMW/Mahle oil filter, part number 11 42 7 721 779) | X | X | X | X | Year |
| Rear bevel gear oil — Change | X | X | 2 years | ||
| Valve clearances — Check / adjust | X | X | X | X | |
| Transmission oil — Change (Mobil 1 75W-90) | X | After 1 year, then every 2 years | |||
| Spark plugs — Replace (NGK MAR8AI-10DS) | X | X | |||
| Air filter — Replace | X | X | |||
| Alternator belt — Replace (11 31 8 528 385) | X | 6 years | |||
| Telescopic fork oil — Change | X | ||||
| Universal (Drive) shaft — Inspect and lubricate | X | ||||
| Universal (Drive) shaft — Replace | 48000 miles / 80000 km | ||||
| Change brake fluid in entire system (Castrol Dot 4) | After 1 year, then every 2 years |
BMW R 12 nineT Standard Annual Service
Below is the list of things to do as part of the standard annual service for the R 12 nineT. Do these items according to the schedule above.
Note: Some of the below tests, including those that need the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system or re-setting the service due date, require BMW-specific equipment. These are marked with a [B].
| BMW R 12 nineT regular maintenance |
|---|
| [B] Perform vehicle test with BMW Motorrad diagnosis system |
| Visually inspect the clutch system (adjust free play and lubricate as necessary) |
| Check steering-head bearing |
| Visually inspect the brake lines, brake hoses and connections |
| Check front brake pads and brake discs for wear |
| Check front wheel brake fluid level |
| Check rear brake pads and brake disc for wear |
| Check rear wheel brake fluid level |
| Check tyre pressures and tread depth |
| Check side stand for ease of movement |
| Check tension of the spokes (if spoked rims fitted) and tighten as needed |
| Drain the oil condensate hose |
| Check the lighting and signal system |
| Functional check for engine start suppression |
| Final inspection and road safety check |
| [B] Set the service-due date and service countdown distance (using the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system) |
| Check battery charging state |
| [B] Confirm BMW service in the vehicle literature |
BMW R 12 nineT Tire Sizes and Pressures
The following are tire sizes and tire pressures for the BMW R 12 nineT.
The R 12 nineT has a cast wheel as stock, with Option 719 spoked rims. Both take tubeless tires.
| Wheel/Tire | Rim size | Size | Pressure (cold) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | 3.5 x 17 inch | 120/70 ZR 17 | 2.5 bar (36 psi) |
| Rear | 5.5 x 17 inch | 180/55 ZR 17 | 2.7 bar (39 psi) one-up 2.9 bar (42 psi) two up with cargo |
Maintenance torque values
Below are some common maintenance torque values for the R 12 nineT.
| Item | Nm | lb-ft |
|---|---|---|
| Brake caliper on forks | 38 | 28 |
| Front wheel quick-release axle bolts (2 bolts) | 50 | 37 |
| Wheel speed sensor to fork | 8 | 6 |
| Front wheel cover on fork | 5 | 4 |
| Rear wheel on wheel carrier (5 bolts) | 60 | 44 |
| Gearshift lever | 8 | 6 |
| Handlebar mirrors (LH thread) | 22 | 16 |
| Seat screws to frame | 6 | 4 |
| Muffler attachment to frame | 19 | 14 |
| Muffler clamp on exhaust manifold | 28 | 21 |
About the BMW R 12 nineT
The BMW R 12 nineT is an extension and replacement for the already-iconic BMW R nineT.
BMW started the R nineT line in 2014. They took the twin cam engine from the existing R line (which has since been replaced by the liquid-cooled boxers) and bolted it into a stripped-back, naked sport bike chassis.
The result was a hit. A rumbly engine, reasonably low weight, a low-maintenance air/oil-cooled engine and a shaft drive… the BMW R nineT flew off the shelves.
BMW in 2017 added variants to the line, including some highly design-forward variants like the R nineT Racer.
But for the 2024 model. year, BMW revised the entire concept with the announcement of the R 12 nineT. There’s a new chassis, a new layout of the rear suspension, and two models — just the BMW R 12 nineT and the BMW R 12, a cruiser.
The R 12 nineT is much like the high-end R nineT (no sub-model). It has an adjustable inverted fork up front, a six-axis IMU, and cruise control — though cruise is now an option, not standard as it used to be. There’s also the option of a quick shifter, a first for the series from the factory.
But aside from that, the R 12 nineT is much the same as its predecessor. It’s a combinaton of old and new, with a rumbly air/oil-cooled engine that gives a torque reaction when you give it throttle at idle, but with a reasonably lightweight build, and enough keep-alive electronics to keep your loved ones happy you’re taking care of yourself.
The BMW R 12 nineT also comes with an optional digital TFT display, which is a first for the line. It’s thin and low profile, which somehow suits the aesthetic.
Existing owners of the R nineT have little reason to upgrade. I don’t think many who’d opt for a bike with twin gauges would be swayed by a digital display. The shock location change seems trivial, and people like the air snorkel on the right of the original R nineT.
The exhaust end is nice, though (never mind the larger underbody section), as is the pairing of spoked rims and tubeless tires. Tempting!
In terms of maintenance, not much has changed since the R nineT. But note that BMW has started recommending paying active attention to the shaft final drive. You have to plan on replacing it — for the R 12 nineT, every 48000 miles or 80000 km. However, BMW does say that this is subject to the condition of the final drive.
Reference — Screenshots from the Manual for the BMW R 12 nineT
Below is a screenshot of the maintenance schedule from which the above was transcribed (there’s more information in the manual about what the numbers on the left mean) for the R 12 nineT. The manual was released ahead of the motorcycle itself!
The above information comes from the owner’s manual for the 2024 model year of the BMW R 12 nineT. You can download the manual from BMW’s website directly here.
