2025 BMW R 12 S vs 2024 Indian Scout Bobber

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2025 BMW R 12 S 2025 BMW R 12 S

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.
Power
81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
220 kg / 485 lbs
2024 Indian Scout Bobber 2024 Indian Scout Bobber

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
107 hp / 79 kW @ 7250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
237 kg / 522 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20252024
Make ModelBMW R 12 SIndian Scout Bobber
Dimensions
Seat Height795 mm / 31.3 in649 mm / 25.5 in
Wheelbase1511 mm / 59.5 in1562 mm / 61.5 in
Ground Clearance-109 mm / 4.3 in
Length2131 mm / 83.9 in2207 mm / 86.9 in
Width871 mm / 34.3 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-237 kg / 522 lbs
Fuel Capacity15.9 Litres / 4.2 US gal13 Litres / 3.4 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-449 kg / 988 lbs
Wet Weight220 kg / 485 lbs-
Performance
Max Power81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm107 hp / 79 kW @ 7250 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 81 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm79.7 lb-ft / 108 NM @ 6300 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in1250 cc / 76 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm104 x 73.6 mm
Compression Ratio12:112.5:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid Cooled
EmissionsControlled 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust emission standards EU-59-
Exhaust-2-into-1
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wireElectronic fuel injection, closed loop / 60 mm bore
Fuel TypeUnleaded super (premium), octane number 95-98 (RON) (rated output at 98 RON)-
LubricationWet sumpSemi-Dry Sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedWet, multi-plate
Final DriveShaftBelt, 146 tooth
Gear Ratios1st = 2.375, 2nd = 1.696, 3rd = 1.296, 4th = 1.065, 5th = 0.939, 6th = 0.8481st 2.760:1, 2nd 1.882:1, 3rd 1.500:1, 4th 1.273:1, 5th 1.125:1, 5th 0.966:1
Primary Drive-Gear drive wet clutch
Primary Drive Ratios1.737-
Transmission / Drive6-speed, claw-shifted transmission with separate transmission housing6 Speed constant mesh, foot shift
Chassis
Frame TypeFour-part frame concept with front frame and three-part rear frame, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, rear-seat frame removeable for one-up riding-
Suspension - FrontUpside-down 45 mm forks, compression, rebound and spring preload adjustable;41 mm Telescopic fork - cartridge type, adjustable
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage dampingDual preload adjustable shocks
Rake27.7 °29°
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in125 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in 119 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.7 in50.8 mm / 2.0 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontTwin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 310 mm, 4-piston Monobloc radial brake caliperSingle 298 mm semi-floating disc with 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 298 mm semi-floating disc with 1 piston caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS Pro, partial integral-
Braking System-Individual front and rear control
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR17130/90B16 67H
Tyres - Rear180/55 - ZR17150/80B16 77H
WheelsAluminium cast wheels-
Wheels - Front-Cast 8-spoke 16 in x 3.5 in
Wheels - Rear-Cast 5-spoke 16 in x 3.5 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2024 Indian Scout Bobber

The 2024 Indian Scout Bobber edges out the 2025 BMW R 12 S thanks to its more peak power, lower seat height, liquid cooling and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2025 BMW R 12 S - Advantages

  • Lighter: 220 kg vs 237 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2024 Indian Scout Bobber - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 107 hp vs 81 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lower seat height: 649 mm vs 795 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Larger displacement: 1250 cc vs 1170 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2025 BMW R 12 S vs 2024 Indian Scout Bobber - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2025 BMW R 12 S and 2024 Indian Scout Bobber?
The 2025 BMW R 12 S uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft., while the 2024 Indian Scout Bobber is powered by Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2024 Indian Scout Bobber?
The 2025 BMW R 12 S is lighter at 220 kg compared to 237 kg for the 2024 Indian Scout Bobber - a difference of 17 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2024 Indian Scout Bobber?
The 2024 Indian Scout Bobber produces more peak power at 107 hp, compared to 81 kW for the 2025 BMW R 12 S.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2024 Indian Scout Bobber?
The 2024 Indian Scout Bobber has the lower seat at 649 mm, making it more accessible. The 2025 BMW R 12 S sits higher at 795 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2025 BMW R 12 S or 2024 Indian Scout Bobber have ABS?
The 2025 BMW R 12 S is listed with ABS as standard. The 2024 Indian Scout Bobber does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2024 Indian Scout Bobber?
Both are strong choices. The 2025 BMW R 12 S has the edge in lighter kerb weight and standard ABS, while the 2024 Indian Scout Bobber stands out for more peak power and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.