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This is BMW's new 2026 R 12GS motorcycle. It's part of their retro line, and it's described as an "enduro motorcycle," and "a tribute to the R 80 GS and the beginnings of BMW Motorrad's long and successful history." It's a dual sport motorcycle in the same category as a Kawasaki KLR 650, but is it as good?

Oh yes, it's better in almost every category as a Kawasaki KLR 650. The R 12GS has long travel suspension and dual sport tires for on and off road use. It's powered by a 1170cc opposed twin Boxer engine that produces 109HP and 85 pound feet of torque, which is sent through a single disc dry clutch, 6 speed manual transmission and shaft drive. Total wet weight is 504 pounds. This motorcycle will reach a top speed of 130 mph leaving a Kawasaki KLR 650 in the dust. However, with all that power, good looks and performance numbers that give it excellent marks in almost every category, it still falls short in a few areas where a Kawasaki KLR 650 shines.

1. Cost - The BMW R 12GS MSRP is from $17k to $20.5k depending on options, while a KLR 650 is $6899 to $8199. Higher cost doesn't stop their. The BMW R 12GS requires super unleaded fuel, while a KLR 650 can run on plain old unleaded. Plan on a paying more for BMW accessories compared to Kawasaki accessories for the KLR.

2. Wind Protection - The Kawasaki KLR 650 comes with better wind protection right out of the box for more comfortable freeway riding.

3. Dealership & Aftermarket Support - I don't know what the numbers are, but there are far more Kawasaki dealerships than there are BMW. The BMW R 12GS is brand new and there are no aftermarket accessories for this motorcycle that I know of. The KLR 650 has been manufactured since 1987, and everything imaginable is available for this bike. People ignore the importance of dealership and aftermarket support until they need something or something goes wrong. It's an important category to consider.

4. Rack - The Kawasaki KLR 650 comes with a huge rear rack, which you need for transporting things, and for attaching a top box to. The BMW R 12GS has no rear rack, and I don't think an OEM or aftermarket rack is available for it at the time of this post.

5. Fuel Range - The BMW R 12GS might be a lot faster than a KLR 650, but the KLR will eventually catch up and pass the BMW. The KLR 650 comes equipped with a 6.1 gallon gas tank and gets better gas mileage. The R 12GS has a 4.1 gallon gas tank.

6. More Accessories - The higher priced KLR 650 comes with more accessories than the BMW, which includes: engine guards, top case (on some models), fog lights and side cases or hard saddle bags.

So you see, spending 2 to almost 3x as much for a BMW doesn't give you everything. However, it does offer a lot, and I think it's one of the best looking BMW motorcycles I've seen in a while.

The BMW R 12GS is available in three color schemes:










This is a 3rd generation 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650




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Off Topic Posts / Funny How This Works
« Last post by smallengineshop on June 24, 2025, 09:13:49 PM »
1. Israel and Iran agree to a cease fire

2. Israel attacks Iran one more time

3. Trump freaks out and demands no more attacks

4. Main stream media starts reporting American bombing of Iran nuclear facilities didn't do anything

Somebody wants regime change in Iran, and wants Americans to do the fighting. I really hope we stay out of foreign wars going forward, but I'm not sure that will happen. I don't think I have ever seen media show Israeli soldiers return home from foreign wars in body bags, but I've seen plenty of Americans in the last 25 years.


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Off Topic Posts / If Iran Closes The Strait of Hormuz....
« Last post by smallengineshop on June 22, 2025, 07:09:38 PM »
....gas prices could sky rocket. That's what i heard, but I don't know if its correct. One thing everyone can do is fill up your car or truck now before this event happens. I have a vehicle that gets over 50 mpg, so I think I can weather the storm, but if your living pay check to pay check it could really hurt.
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Off Topic Posts / Trump Hates This Politician More Than Any Other
« Last post by smallengineshop on June 22, 2025, 06:58:10 PM »
Donald Trump see's Thomas Massie as his biggest foe in government. Not Adam Schiff, or Lindsey Graham, but Thomas Massie. Massie is one of the most honest politicians the American people have in government, and Trump hates him. If that doesn't speak volumes about the real Trump.

I have a feeling by Trump bombing Iran he just set himself and his family up to make a fortune in Gaza with beach front property deals. I don't think Trump does anything without considering how it affects him and his family first.

I hope I'm wrong, but everything says otherwise.


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Off Topic Posts / I Wonder Why
« Last post by smallengineshop on June 22, 2025, 06:31:05 PM »
"Unity has never looked better in the Republican party," but.....

Donald Trump just broke his promise to end wars by bombing Iran, plus he ignored his own intelligence community lead by Tulsi Gabbard, about no evidence Iran has nukes. Almost every Republican politician has a AIPAC handler, so of course their happy Trump bombed Iran and unity looks good for Republican politicians, but regular folks are tired of Americans being pulled into Middle East wars.

Trump ignored his own intelligence community to bomb Iran. Let that sink in.






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So, I was watching this X video clip showing Israeli emergency workers in Tel Aviv right after an Iran missile(s) went off. Some of the guys look like their wearing riding gear, and they are. Israel is known for using scooters and motorcycles for emergency workers to make it easier and faster for them to get around, and that saves lives. The photograph below was taken in 2024, but it's relevant to the video because it shows a motorcycle and scooter used by emergency workers. I posted about Israeli emergency workers using 2 wheeled vehicles once before on this forum, but the original post is archived. Maybe I will post it again someday.




Click image to enlarge:
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Off Topic Posts / Have You Heard This #18
« Last post by smallengineshop on June 21, 2025, 11:22:25 PM »
War Pigs, great song by Black Sabbath.

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X won't allow this video to be seen outside of X, so you need to click on the link to go to X, then you can watch the video there.

I think the #1 thing a person can do to improve their safety on a motorcycle is to never drive fast. Never drive over the speed limit. The time you have to react goes way up.

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Off Topic Posts / Good Video Exposing Lies
« Last post by smallengineshop on June 19, 2025, 05:28:31 PM »
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Off Topic Posts / This Has Caused So Many Problems In America
« Last post by smallengineshop on June 18, 2025, 06:36:32 PM »
I think people like Ted Cruz will lead everyone right off a cliff! Too many people like Ted Cruz can turn a blind eye toward the genocide that happened in Gaza using American tax payer money based on a misinterpretation of a bible verse. I think it's resulted in nothing short of evil. We're called, as Christians, to support righteousness, not evil! Even if I'm wrong, how is ignoring genocide a blessing for anyone?

I believe the teaching Ted Cruz is espousing leads Christians to operate in fear. Ted Cruz received over $1 million dollars from AIPAC, if the information i read is correct, so I'm not even sure what he says here is the reason for his behavior.


Good stuff. Senator Cruz @tedcruz. Genesis 12:3 is a promise to Abraham and his offspring. Fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:16. The New Testament defines Israel as the Church, not some government established in 1948. Mr. Cruz, the "religion" you're quoting is Zionism, not Christianity.


Ted Cruz says he came to the Senate committed to defend the rights of Israel. Is that what Americans needs from a US Senator?
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