I see your points, except that, if you aren't under 5'7 you may not appreciate how much a bike's scale and ergonomics, often with a 6' rider in mind, affects shorter riders. It goes well beyond simple handlebar placement. I am likely to pick up an R18, but will need some mods to get a reasonable fit (seat mod for reduced reach, risers), but it will still be a compromise. Starting from a more compact package, an R12 would better-target shorter riders, but also those who want less mass overall. I do agree that BMW will need to consider how much of a market that would open up and whether it's worth it. That said, as they have expanded the R18 line with additional versions since the FE introduction, it seems like BMW is interested to see what their place can be in the cruiser market, and a scaled-down version could be a big hit for not only shorter riders (including many female riders BTW) but those who want something less massive and more nimble. The R12 would fit that bill, and the R18 was a good introduction for the line, no doubt.
FWIW, here's an article that I referenced before posting the original post.
Triumph has a great line up, but arguably none of them are cruisers. Most consider a cruiser has a low slung stance often manifesting with a low seat height, forward controls and a fairly slack rake around 29-32°. Triumph's Bonneville line are standard motorcycles, often with retro appeal and some variations on styling, including highly customized Bonnevilles of the past like the Bobber. In that regard the whole Bonneville lineup is similar to the RNineT line and in fact many riders often cross-shop them.
I have an R1200C and have been a big fan due to the unusual styling. I'm 5'5", with a 29" inseam. On the R1200C with its 29.1" seat height, my feet aren't totally planted. The R18's seat height is 27.2-28" (depending on model), and it's less top-heavy than the R1200C. I may drop the R18 seat height an inch with a different seat (customized if needed) to get it lower which is at least an option.
I loved that color on the R1200C, if I remember it was the Phoenix variant? I still think it’s a great looking bike and it was the best handling cruiser of its day.
Beauty. That was the same color I had. My GS is mandarin as well.
It’s amazing how different they could make the R1200C look. The original from Tomorrow never dies with the ivory color, spoked wheels and taller handlebar looked like it could have been a classic, yet switching to the Phoenix colors, cast wheels and shorter handlebars gave the bike a more modern look. It’s a damn shame it didn’t do better in the market, it is still an icon and I was glad I got to ride it when it first came out and see it featured at the Guggenheim exhibit on motorcycles.
OilHead, I also had a 1999 R1200C from 2010-2013. This bike polarized a lot by its design. I loved it though but had to sell it because I moved to Asia. This bike brought me be back to riding after a 20 years break. Good memories. In Asia I rode the RnineT classic for 4 years before I traded it for the R18. Two different animals but no regrets so far. The R18 is something very special and so much fun to ride.
