2025 BMW R 12 S vs 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

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
2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
263 kg / 580 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20252026
Make ModelBMW R 12 STriumph Bonneville Speedmaster
Dimensions
Seat Height795 mm / 31.3 in705 mm / 27.8 in
Wheelbase1511 mm / 59.5 in1500 mm / 59.1 in
Height-1055 mm /41.5 in
Length2131 mm / 83.9 in2220 mm / 87.4 in
Width871 mm / 34.3 in910 mm / 35.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity15.9 Litres / 4.2 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight220 kg / 485 lbs263 kg / 580 lbs
Performance
Max Power81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 81 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm106 Nm / 78.2 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in1198 cc / 73.1 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm97.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio12:110.0:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsControlled 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust emission standards EU-59Euro 5+
Exhaust-Chromed stainless steel 2 into 2 twin-skin exhaust system with chromed stainless silencers
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wireElectronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control. 2 riding modes (Road, Rain)
Fuel TypeUnleaded super (premium), octane number 95-98 (RON) (rated output at 98 RON)-
Ignition-Digital
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectric-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedWet, multi-plate, slip & assist
Final DriveShaftX-ring chain
Gear Ratios1st = 2.375, 2nd = 1.696, 3rd = 1.296, 4th = 1.065, 5th = 0.939, 6th = 0.848-
Primary Drive Ratios1.737-
Transmission / Drive6-speed, claw-shifted transmission with separate transmission housing6-Speed
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 ridingTubular steel, twin cradle frame
Suspension - FrontUpside-down 45 mm forks, compression, rebound and spring preload adjustable;47 mm Showa cartridge forks
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage dampingKYB Mono-shock RSU with linkage and preload adjustment
Rake27.7 °25.3°
Swingarm-Twin sided tubular steel
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in91.4 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in -
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.7 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontTwin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 310 mm, 4-piston Monobloc radial brake caliper2 x 310mm disc, Brembo 2-piston floating calipers, OCABS
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 255mm disc, Nissin single piston sliding caliper, OCABS
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS Pro, partial integralStandard
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR17130/90-16
Tyres - Rear180/55 - ZR17150/80-16
WheelsAluminium cast wheels-
Wheels - Front-Wire 32-spoke, 16 x 2.5 in
Wheels - Rear-Wire 32-spoke, 16 x 3.5 in

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2025 BMW R 12 S and the 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2025 BMW R 12 S - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 106 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 220 kg vs 263 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 705 mm vs 795 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2025 BMW R 12 S vs 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2025 BMW R 12 S and 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
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 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is powered by Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
The 2025 BMW R 12 S is lighter at 220 kg compared to 263 kg for the 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - a difference of 43 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has the lower seat at 705 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.
Which should I buy, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
Both are strong choices. The 2025 BMW R 12 S has the edge in higher torque and lighter kerb weight, while the 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.