R12 “Little Brother” ???

It'll be interesting to learn how many of the R18s attributes carry over to the smaller model. Obviously it has to be priced cheaper than the R18 because it will have a smaller engine. But if it has all of the R18s goodies, it will cost just as much to produce, because engine displacement has NOTHING to do with manufacturing costs.
I used to work in a multi-brand dealership, among other motorcycle specific businesses, so I can't help but wonder about this stuff.
 
The R9T engine is a GREAT engine, but it won't have the panache of an R18 derived powerplant. I'm betting that they won't use that engine. BUT will an R12, made from the R18 platform, be long stroke/high torque or shorter stroke/higher revving? We know that the R18 could have had a significantly higher redline anyway, so the R12 can rev higher still in either mode. If BMW decides to add a counterbalancer, it could be spun higher and made to EXCEED the R18s power and torque abilities.
 
Back
Top