Throwback spirit, modern tech and custom-level paint add up to one nearly irresistible off-road-ready package.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreLast spring, BMW reached more than 40 years back into its archives, tapping the iconic R 80 G/S as the inspiration for a gorgeous new retro-styled adventure moto.As GP's own Sean Tirman pointed out, the original bike shocked the off-road world by claiming BMW's first Paris-Dakar rally win in 1981.The new Option 719 colorway arguably looks even better a bit dirty than it does squeaky clean. - Credit: BMW MotorcyclesReborn as the dreamy R 12 G/S, the 2025 release offers a mix of old-school style and new-school performance. AdvertisementAdvertisementIt gets even more intriguing in 2026 thanks to a makeover that looks like it rolled not off the factory floor but out of a top-notch custom shop: Option 719 Hematite in Frozen Brooklyn Grey Metallic.Winning combinationReplacing last year's Sandstorm Rover Matte colorway, the (admittedly much pricier) new edition joins the Night Black Matte and Light White variants, jockeying for the top spot on the R 12 G/S podium.Thanks to modern off-road capability, the R 12 G/S can go anywhere you like and look great doing it. - Credit: BMW MotorcyclesThe headlight cowl, fenders and tank take on a smoky grey, while the single-piece tubular spaceframe comes to life in racing red, matched by accents on the saddle and either side of the tank.Just about everything else is clad in black, but for the brake discs and much of the exhaust, which shines in silver.The new edition and the Light White treatment dance along the spectrum from contemporary to classic. - Credit: BMW MotorcyclesThe overall look is cleaner and cooler than the outgoing colorway, which was a bit too busy to fully connect.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe mix of classic and contemporary suits the bike itself, which beautifully blends 1980s vibes and 2020s performance.Just because it's retro-styled doesn't mean it can't take flight. - Credit: BMW MotorcyclesFor the latter, look no further than the engine, as the roaring 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin makes a stirring 109 horsepower and 85 lb.-ft of torque.As is the case with pretty much all BMW offerings, the product page includes a "start engine" button that offers vicarious exhilaration rarely experienced from an office desk chair sitting behind a laptop. The R 12 G/S is equally comfortable leading the pack on city streets, where it is sure to turn a few more heads. - Credit: BMW MotorcyclesThe bike also boasts Keyless Ride (unheard of in the '80s), full LED lighting and three riding modes (Rain, Road and Enduro), optimizing handling in a tidy range of conditions.AdvertisementAdvertisementBeneath the surface, helping to keep that beast under control (and upright) are ABS, dynamic traction control and fully adjustable enduro suspension with progressive damping, of course.Is a pitch-perfect paint job worth nearly two grand more than the base price? Put enough miles in, and it just might be. - Credit: BMW MotorcyclesEven more modern? That would be the comfort package, featuring clutchless shifting, hill start control and heated grips. If you don't wish for 1981 Paris-Dakar champ Hubert Auriol to turn over in his grave, however, I might think twice about that option.Availability and pricingThe 2027 BMW R 12 G/S Option 719 Hematite in Frozen Brooklyn Grey Metallic is available now, starting at $19,120.The bike is also available in two unchanged colorways: Night Black Matte starts at $17,095 and Light White starts at $17,440.2027 BMW R 12 G/S Option 719 Hematite (Frozen Brooklyn Grey Metallic) Starts at $19,120 AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author:Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.