The number of registered vehicles in the first half of this year was 3,099, an increase of 7.8% compared to the previous year.
Takeshi Osumi (Motorrad General Manager, BMW Corporation) gives an overview of the business.
On July 16, BMW Motorrad Japan held a domestic launch and product briefing for its new models, the R 1300 RT and R 12 G/S, at the BMW GROUP Tokyo Bay Hall in Koto Ward, Tokyo.
Motorrad General Manager Takeshi Osumi began the event by providing an overview of the company’s business so far. In the first half of 2025, BMW Motorrad introduced a total of 11 models, including new models, special editions, and technical updates. Registrations from January to June reached 3,099 units. This represents a new sales record, demonstrating the company’s rapidly growing popularity in Japan. In addition to the
R 1300 RT and R 12 G/S, BMW Motorrad Japan is also planning to introduce other attractive models, such as the naked R 1300 R and the sports tourer R 1300 RS, in the second half of the year, and this momentum is likely to continue.
The next-generation RT is more comfortable and sporty.
Prices start from 3,661,000 yen, with the Racing Blue Metallic finish shown in the photo costing an additional 121,000 yen. Orders will begin on July 16, 2025.
In 2019, the engine displacement was increased by 84cc and the BMW ShiftCam (variable valve timing mechanism) was newly adopted, at the same time the model name was changed from R 1200 RT to R 1250 RT. In 2021, the exterior design was revamped and many advanced features were added, including adaptive cruise control (ACC). And this year, the next-generation model, the R 1300 RT, was finally announced.
The engine is a 1300cc air-water-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed, two-cylinder engine, with maximum output increased from 136 PS/7750 rpm in the R 1250 RT to 145 PS/7750 rpm. The weight of the base model has been reduced by 5% from 279 kg to 265 kg. The main frame is almost the same as the R 1300 GS/Adventure, but the seat rails have been changed from a tubular space frame structure to an aluminum die-cast monocoque frame. The front suspension is a Telelever, and the rear suspension is an EVO Paralever.
One thing worth noting is the electronically controlled suspension called DCA (Dynamic Chassis Adaptation), which is standard equipment on the Japanese model. The R 1300 GS’s DSA (Dynamic Suspension Adjustment) incorporates “Adaptive Vehicle Height Control,” which automatically lowers the vehicle height when the speed drops below 25 km/h. In contrast, when the DCA riding mode is switched to Dynamic or Dynamic Pro, the rear damper extends, lowering the vehicle’s posture forward, resulting in a deeper lean angle and sportier handling. In other words, it’s a bike that can be enjoyed over a wider range of riding styles.
One of the distinctive features of the new RT is the adjustable slipstream deflector. The side panels can be manually raised and lowered; when lowered (right), the wind is comfortably directed towards the upper body, while when raised (left), protection from wind and rain is maximized. The adoption of a new cylinder trim panel also helps prevent feet from getting wet in rainy conditions.
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The ASA (Automated Shift Assist) specification is available for an additional 124,000 yen. This system does not have a clutch lever, and manual gear changes are performed with a shift pedal instead of a switch on the handle.
The Japanese model comes standard with a top case. The R 1300 RT also places emphasis on passenger comfort, with heaters built into not only the seat but also the backrest.
The rubber part of the grab bar is also equipped with a heater, a thoughtful design. The temperature can be set to high or low, with the switch located on the lower right side. The passenger seat has a seating surface that is extended backward, allowing for greater freedom of seating position.
The pannier cases are designed so that their volume can be adjusted by turning the dial inside. To improve passenger comfort, the front protrusion has been reduced to ensure ample legroom.
The second homage to the R 80 G/S, following the R nineT Urban G/S
The standard model is the R 12 G/S. It starts at 2,451,000 yen, with the light white version shown in the photo costing an additional 42,000 yen. The seat height is 860mm. The vehicle weight is 229kg, which is almost the same as the Urban G/S. Orders will begin on May 21, 2025.
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The R/12 G/S GS Sport has improved off-road performance by increasing the rear wheel size from 17 inches to 18 inches. It starts at 2,545,000 yen. The seat height is 875 mm.
In 2017, BMW released the “R nineT Urban G/S,” a model based on the R nineT Scrambler, equipped with a raised front fender, a number plate-style headlight cowl, and a color scheme reminiscent of the R 80 G/S. The R 80 G/S is a legendary motorcycle that was the ancestor of the GS series, produced from 1980 to 1987, and a bike modeled after it would lead one to expect excellent off-road performance. However, the Urban G/S’s wheel travel was short, at 125mm front and 140mm rear, giving it a ride that was as close to road-friendly as possible. As BMW specifically added “Urban” to the name, this was a city bike designed to easily capture the atmosphere of the old G/S.
Eight years have passed since that disappointing incident. BMW has once again added a model with a slash between the G and S to its Heritage Series lineup. Incidentally, BMW clearly distinguishes between “G/S” and “GS,” explaining that the former stands for Gelände (off-road)/Strasse (street), and the latter for Geländesport (off-road sports).
The new model “R 12 G/S,” scheduled to be released in early August, is based on the R 12 series and features a special frame with the steering head positioned forward and higher. The front wheel diameter is 21 inches, which, compared to the 19-inch wheels of the Urban G/S, shows the bike’s serious commitment to off-road riding. The front fork is an inverted type with a diameter of 45 mm, and a leading axle is used, with the axle shaft positioned forward of the centerline. Wheel travel is 210 mm in the front and 200 mm in the rear, which is comparable to the 190/200 mm of the R 1300 GS.
The lineup consists of two types: the standard “R 12 G/S” and the “R/12 G/S GS Sport.” The engine is the same as the R 12 series, an 1169cc air-oil cooled four-stroke horizontally opposed two-cylinder, with a maximum output of 109 PS/7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 115 Nm/6500 rpm.
The defining difference between the standard model (right) and the GS Sport (left) is the size of the rear wheel: the former is 17 inches, while the latter is 18 inches. The standard tires on the GS Sport are also a brand more suited to off-road driving.
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Due to the difference in rear wheel diameter, the front fork projection amount is 15mm for the standard model (right) and 3mm for the GS Sport (left) to compensate for the change in rear vehicle height. In addition, the handlebar risers on the GS Sport are 20mm higher to provide a riding position that is also suitable for standing.
The step bars are also different between the standard model (right) and the GS Sport (left).
The 5 3/4-inch LED headlight features an X-shaped enduro light icon. The optional Headlight Pro has an adaptive cornering light function.
Both the front fork and rear shock are fully adjustable, and the damping can be turned with the tip of a key.
When viewed from the front, the slenderness of the specially designed fuel tank stands out. The tank capacity is slightly smaller at approximately 15.5L compared to the 17L of the Urban G/S.
