Editor’s pick August 2025 | Less BMW is sometimes more

Contributing editor Phil West writes…

"I rode BMW’s latest R12 retro roadster recently, this being the more affordable, semi-cruiser version of the ‘full fat’ R12 NineT. It’s sweet enough, the 95 horsepower not lacking even compared to the 109 horsepower of the NineT, the basic chassis fine for its role and the three-grand saving over its big brother sems decent value as well. Or so I thought.

"Trouble is, I’ve been in this game long enough to remember the previous incarnations of both bikes and can think back to earlier examples, and the fact one in particular can now be had for a song.
"Quick recap, first! The original R NineT debuted in 2014 as a limited-edition, retro-modern roadster based on R 1200 R mechanicals to celebrate 90 years of BMW motorcycles – hence the name. Its recipe of modern performance with retro style, BMW prestige and endless customising potential proved an instant hit, and it quickly became a fixture of the range spawning a host of variants. The new R12 NineT replaced it with an updated chassis, styling and tech, the base R12 following shortly after. All seemed good. "Then I got to thinking.

"One of the original variants alongside Scrambler and Racer twists was a similar ‘base’ version called the Pure, which debuted in 2017. That model had the same engine but a steel tank painted in a natty military grey (cough), conventional rather than upside-down forks, non-radial brakes and a single analogue clock. It also had dreary cast alloy wheels, but smart wires were available for just £330 more and most buyers ticked that box. None of those differences made any real difference to the retro roadster experience (arguably they made it, er, purer) but the Pure cost a significant £3,000 less. Winner-winner, chicken dinner!
"Zoom forward to 2025 and I can’t honestly say the same of the R12 incarnations. Although the R12 NineT goes as well as ever by the time you add essentials like wire wheels it’s basically a £15K bike, and then some. The base R12, meanwhile, is perfectly fine but has less power and, again, by the time you add wires and a pillion seat is close to £13K.

"My alternative to financing a new one? Find a late, low mileage Pure, preferably with wires and heated grips. It’s still the definitive, practical retro roadster, looks great, goes just as well and I’m currently looking at five ‘minters’ on Autotrader from six grand up, all with fewer than 6,000 miles on the clock.
"Oh, and the Pure was also the one Tom rode in Mission: Impossible –Fallout. If it’s good enough for him…" Search for a BMW R Nine T Pure on Autotrader