BMW R 12 S (2025+) Maintenance Schedule and Service Info

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the BMW R 12 S. The schedule is the same as for the BMW R 12 (2024), as it is based on the 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin engine shared with the R 12 nineT.

Here are the motorcycles that share the same core 1,170cc boxer platform:

• BMW R 12 S: fully faired retro sport model (2025–)
• BMW R 12 nineT: standard roadster (from 2024)
• BMW R 12: cruiser variant (from 2024)

All models feature the air/oil-cooled DOHC boxer engine (101.0 x 73.0mm bore and stroke, 12.0:1 compression) producing a claimed 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. Power is delivered via a six-speed gearbox and shaft final drive. The platform uses a steel trellis frame, Paralever rear suspension, and fully adjustable 45mm inverted front fork. Braking is by dual 310mm front discs with four-piston radial calipers and a 265mm rear disc, all equipped with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro.

The R 12 S is distinguished by its period-inspired bodywork and mini-fairing, Lava Orange Metallic finish, brushed aluminum tank and seat hump, and exclusive wire-spoke aluminum wheels. Standard features include Hill Start Control, Gear Shift Assist Pro, heated grips, cruise control, and adaptive cornering headlights. The cockpit is equipped with dual analog clocks, with a digital TFT display available as an option.

All maintenance requirements are identical across R 12 S variants, with no regional differences affecting the engine or service schedule. The BMW R 12 S was introduced for the 2025 model year as a tribute to the 1970s R 90 S, but is mechanically identical to the R 12 nineT in all service-related respects

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BMW R 12 S Service Intervals

The BMW R 12 S requires basic service every 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Change the oil and filter at these intervals, along with a routine inspection. An annual service check is also recommended every 12 months, even if mileage is low. The first oil change and check is due at the first “running-in check” at 300 – 750 miles / 500 – 1,200 km.

Basic Service Schedule

• First service: 300 – 750 miles / 500 – 1,200 km
• Standard Service: Every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months
• Valve check: Every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months

At every service, also inspect the spark plugs, air filter, brakes, shaft drive, and adjust as needed. The R 12 S uses BMW’s air/oil-cooled boxer engine, making regular maintenance points easy to access.

General Notes on Serviceability for the BMW R 12 S

• The R 12 S uses a 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin, with shaft drive and a dry clutch. The cylinder layout makes valve and spark plug access straightforward.
• There is no liquid coolant to change, just regular checks of engine oil, final drive oil, and brake fluid.
• The air filter and alternator belt are both user-replaceable, and the shaft drive only requires periodic inspection and lubrication.
• BMW recommends replacing the drive shaft every 48,000 miles / 80,000 km, or as needed.
• Every two services, change the air filter and the spark plugs.
• Standard features like spoke wheels and an accessible frame make home maintenance practical, but some checks (like resetting service reminders or full diagnostics) require BMW-specific equipment.

BMW R 12 S Maintenance Schedule Tables

Below is the maintenance schedule for the BMW R 12 S. The content here is the same as in the manual, though presented in a clearer, easier-to-read way.

The schedule is divided into three parts:

• First service (BMW Motorrad running-in check): Performed between 300 – 750 miles / 500 – 1,200 km.
• Standard service (BMW Motorrad Service): Performed every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months.
• Long-term service intervals: Tasks that come up less frequently, such as valve clearance checks and other major items.

First Service

The first service is usually carried out by the dealer under warranty. It should be completed between 300 – 750 miles / 500 – 1,000 km.

Note: Some of the below items, including those that need the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system or re-setting the service due date, require dealer-specific equipment. These are marked with a [D].

Standard Service

Do the following checks for the R 12 S every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Note: Some of the below items, including those that need the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system or re-setting the service due date, require dealer-specific equipment. These are marked with a [D].

Long-Term Service Intervals

The following tasks are required less frequently, at longer intervals. While they are not part of regular or annual service, they are essential for long-term performance and reliability. Refer to the maintenance schedule table below for the recommended intervals.

Notes:

• At the end of the schedule, continue in the pattern shown, every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or year.
• Replace Cardan shaft at 48,000 miles / 80,000 km (omitted from table below for conciseness).
• When both time and distance intervals are listed, follow whichever comes first.

BMW R 12 S Tire Sizes and Pressures

The following are tire sizes and tire pressures for the BMW R 12 S. The R 12 S has a 19/16 front/rear tire combo, different from the 17/17 combo on the R 12 nineT.

The R 12 has cast wheels as stock, with Option 719 spoked rims. Both take tubeless tires.

About the BMW R 12 S

The BMW R 12 S is a modern café racer that does justice to its heritage. BMW built this bike as a nod to the legendary R 90 S from the 1970s, and you can see the inspiration everywhere. The Lava Orange paint, pinstriped brushed aluminum, solo seat with a proper rear hump, and mini fairing all give it the look of a machine that could have rolled straight out of Daytona.

At the heart of the R 12 S is BMW’s familiar 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin, a favorite among BMW fans for good reason. It’s smooth, full of torque, and delivers 109 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, with a strong 85 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. This engine is matched with a six-speed gearbox and, of course, a shaft drive, so you don’t have to worry about chains or constant adjustments. Just ride, enjoy the pull out of corners, and listen to that unmistakable boxer sound.

BMW kept the chassis sharp, too. The steel trellis frame and fully adjustable 45mm upside-down fork, along with the Paralever rear suspension, make the R 12 S handle like a dream. Braking is sorted with twin 310mm discs and four-piston radial calipers up front, a single disc at the rear, and BMW’s ABS Pro as standard. The spoked wheels aren’t just for looks—they’re the real thing and part of what makes this bike stand out in a crowd.

Tech features are plentiful. The R 12 S comes with heated grips, cruise control, Hill Start Control, Shift Assistant Pro for clutchless shifting, and an adaptive headlight that follows you into corners. You get old-school twin analog gauges, but if you want a modern twist, there’s an optional micro-TFT digital dash. Billet covers and blacked-out engine details round out the premium feel.

Compared to the R 12, the R 12 S leans further into the retro racer vibe, but the mechanical package is nearly identical. No stripped-down “base” here. The S is loaded from the get-go.

Maintenance is classic BMW boxer: oil and filter changes and valve clearances every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km. The air filter and alternator belt are easy to reach, and the shaft drive is about as low-maintenance as it gets.

Reference — Screenshots from the Manual for the BMW R 12 S

Below is a selection of screenshots of the maintenance schedule for the BMW R 12. The same schedule also applies to the BMW R 12 S. You can download the manual from BMW’s website directly here.