PROTECTION
How to Properly Protect Your BMW R12?
The splendor of the BMW R12 is undeniable, but not everyone has the chance to bravely ride it on the roads! To ensure you can enjoy it for a long time and with safety, R12 Store has created a dedicated space for your machine's protection. Here you will find everything for protection with the major categories you are familiar with: Engine Guards / Crash Bars, Skid Plates, Headlight Guards, Radiator Guards, Hand Guards, and Other Protections. These categories, enriched with motorcycle parts dedicated to the BMW R12, will allow you to add the protective elements you desire to your machine. As a result, you can equip it with everything you need.
Beyond the basics, our protection range includes advanced solutions to cater to both daily riding and more adventurous terrains. For those who love off-road excursions, our selection of robust skid plates and engine guards provides the necessary defense against rough surfaces and unexpected obstacles. Our headlight guards and radiator guards ensure that essential components remain safe from debris and potential impacts.
Moreover, at R12 Store, we understand that protection doesn't have to compromise style. Our accessories are designed to seamlessly integrate with the BMW R12's aesthetic, maintaining its iconic look while enhancing its durability. Our hand guards not only protect your hands from the elements and potential falls but also add a sleek, aggressive look to your bike.
For riders who frequently travel in urban environments, we offer discreet yet effective crash bars that protect the frame and engine without altering the bike's streamlined appearance. Our other protection options include frame sliders, fork protectors, and swingarm guards, each meticulously crafted to provide maximum protection with minimal visual impact.
Additionally, R12 Store offers a variety of customizable protection options. You can choose from different finishes and styles to match your personal taste and the overall look of your BMW R12. Whether you prefer a classic chrome finish or a modern matte black, we have options to suit your preferences.
Explore our comprehensive protection category on R12 Store to find the perfect accessories for your BMW R12. Invest in high-quality protection to ensure that every ride is safe, enjoyable, and worry-free. Trust R12 Store as your go-to source for all your BMW R12 protection needs, and keep your bike in top condition for many adventures to come.
Subcategories
Crashbar
How to Protect the Engine of the BMW R12?
The engine is considered the heart of your vehicle, the vital element of your motorcycle. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of it to keep your bike in good condition and allow it to travel thousands of kilometers! At R12store.fr, we quickly realized the importance of this issue and dedicated an entire section to the essential elements for your bike. In our specialized section, you will find engine protections from renowned brands such as Wunderlich, Hepco & Becker, SW-Motech, and many others for your BMW R12.
Wunderlich, a German brand, is well-known for its high-quality motorcycle accessories. They offer a range of products designed to protect your BMW R12, including robust crash bars that safeguard the engine during falls or collisions. These crash bars not only provide essential protection but also enhance the bike's aesthetic appeal.
Puig, a leading Spanish brand, offers innovative and stylish solutions for motorcycle protection. Their products, such as engine guards and fenders, are designed with precision and care. Puig’s engine guards are particularly appreciated for their durability and sleek design, ensuring your BMW R12 remains protected against road debris and accidental impacts.
SW-Motech, a trusted name in the motorcycle accessory industry, provides a variety of protective gear designed to fit perfectly with the BMW R12. Their skid plates are particularly noteworthy, offering superior protection for the engine against gravel and other potential hazards. Made from high-quality aluminum, these skid plates ensure that your bike can handle rough terrains without compromising the engine’s integrity.
At R12store.fr, we understand that every rider has unique needs when it comes to protecting their bike. That's why we offer a wide range of products to meet all your requirements. Whether you are looking for crash bars, skid plates, or engine guards, our selection ensures that your BMW R12 is well-equipped to handle any road condition. Our products are designed to blend seamlessly with the bike’s design, providing both functionality and style.
By exploring our dedicated section for BMW R12 engine protections, you will find a multitude of options to equip your motorcycle according to your preferences. Whether you are aiming to enhance safety, add comfort elements, or personalize the look of your bike, R12store.fr has everything you need. Our products are made with high-quality materials, ensuring exceptional durability and performance. Protect your BMW R12 with our accessories and ride with peace of mind, knowing that your bike is well-protected and ready to tackle any road.
Engine Guard
Why a Tip-Over Costs More Than the Guard Itself
The BMW boxer engine is legendary, but its layout has a hard truth: the cylinder heads sit outboard of the frame. In a stationary drop or a low-speed slide, the magnesium or aluminium valve cover takes the full brunt. A cracked cover, a distorted cam carrier, or a snapped valve — none of that is cheap. An engine guard for the R12 and R NineT range works like a sacrificial first layer. It absorbs the energy and keeps expensive internals off the tarmac. The choice is simple: a few hundred euros for a bolt-on guard, or a four-figure repair bill without one.
Two Paths to the Same Goal: Crash Bars vs. Cylinder Head Covers
Not every rider needs the same coverage. You have two distinct approaches:
- Crash bars (engine guard bars) — A wraparound tubular structure that mounts to the frame and extends laterally past the cylinder heads. They protect the engine during a slide and often double as a mounting point for auxiliary lights or highway pegs. The Unit Garage crash-bar in red and the Heavy Duty version both offer this full-frame protection, with 27 mm steel tubing that deforms progressively in a serious impact.
- Cylinder head covers — Direct bolt-on shields that replace or overlay the valve cover. They hug the engine tightly and add minimal width. The Unit Garage silver cylinder head cover is a popular alternative for riders who prefer a lower-profile look and rarely venture off sealed roads.
Some builds run both — a slim head cover under a removable crash bar for maximum security at track days or off-road.
What Unit Garage Brings to the Table
The shop’s protection range is anchored by Unit Garage, an Italian manufacturer known for R NineT-specific engineering. Their crash bars use an electrostatic powder-coat finish in either black or a deep red that echoes BMW’s own styling. The cylinder head cover is cast from aluminium and CNC-finished to mate perfectly with the R12’s mating surface, using the original bolt pattern. No shimming, no bending. Every guard comes with the required hardware and a clear torque spec, so you can bolt it on with basic tools in under an hour.
Compatibility Across the R12 Family
The current R12 platform — roadster, NineT, and GS — shares a common engine architecture, but frame dimensions and tank shapes vary. A crash bar marked for the R12 GS will fit the R12 and R12 NineT as well, because the engine-to-frame mounting points remain identical. However, hand guard clearance and bodywork clearance differ; that’s why Unit Garage offers separate hand guard extensions for the GS. If you run a GS, the hand guard kit pairs logically with engine protection. Check the product’s fitment notes, but the guard itself is cross-compatible across the three models.
Weight, Lean Angle, and Real-World Feel
Riders often worry about scraping hardware mid-corner. A well-designed engine guard follows the OEM lean-angle envelope — most add less than 12 mm of width each side. The Unit Garage crash bar weighs roughly 2.8 kg, which is negligible next to the boxer’s 229 kg wet weight. You won’t feel it in the steering, and you won’t drag a peg before the guard touches down; the bank angle is preserved.
Every guard we send out leaves our warehouse within one business day, so your bike won’t sit unprotected for long. Whether you daily-commute on a R12 NineT or take an R12 GS onto gravel tracks, bolting on the right engine protection turns a stressful moment into a non-event.
Radiator Protection
Protect the Heart of Your BMW R12 with Our Radiator Protection System: Performance and Reliability Combined
The BMW R12 embodies the very essence of two-wheeled adventure. Precision-engineered and passionately crafted by BMW Motorrad engineers, this iconic motorcycle combines power, elegance, and reliability. At the core of this legendary machine lies a vital component: the radiator. Responsible for maintaining the engine's optimal temperature, the radiator is subjected to various risks on the road, from flying debris to potential impacts. This is where our Radiator Protection System comes into play, offering your BMW R12 unparalleled defense against external elements.
To understand the importance of the Radiator Protection System, it's essential to grasp the crucial role the radiator plays in the functioning of the BMW R12. As the central component of the cooling system, the radiator ensures the maintenance of the engine's optimal temperature, thus preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance on the road. Any malfunction or damage to the radiator can compromise not only the motorcycle's performance but also its long-term durability. That's why protecting this component is paramount for any BMW R12 owner concerned with preserving their machine's integrity.
On the roads, the BMW R12 is exposed to a variety of potential dangers that can damage its radiator. Among these, road debris such as rocks, branches, or metal debris pose a constant threat. A strong impact can cause damage to the radiator, leading to leaks or punctures, and thereby compromising the cooling system's operation. Additionally, falls and collisions, although less frequent, can also damage the radiator, jeopardizing the rider's safety and the motorcycle's reliability.
Aware of these risks, we have developed a Radiator Protection System specifically designed for the BMW R12. Manufactured with high-quality materials and featuring innovative design, our offering provides you with maximum protection while preserving the motorcycle's aesthetics and performance. Comprising sturdy protection grilles and secure fastenings, our system ensures that your BMW R12's radiator remains safeguarded against the rigors of the road.
Handguards
Handguards are a highly useful motorcycle accessory for two-wheelers, providing protection against projectiles and harsh weather conditions during your rides. They also safeguard elements on the handlebars, including the brake lever and clutch lever of your BMW R12 NineT. These components can be particularly pleasant during low temperatures when the wind can feel icy on your journey. In addition to preserving vital handlebar elements such as brake and clutch levers, handguards reinforce the exposed structure of the bike, ensuring your comfort and safety while riding, and also preventing insects from ending up on your gloves. Positioned near the rear-view mirrors, handguards envelop your hands and offer an effective barrier against wind, rain, and cold. They deflect showers and shield your hands from winter frost, enhancing your riding experience on the BMW R12 NineT in all weather conditions. Don't underestimate the importance of this accessory, which combines protection and style for your motorcycle.
Handguards at R12Store.fr: A Guarantee of Quality
Explore the "Handguards" category on R12Store.fr, specifically designed for the BMW R12 NineT. Handguards are more than just aesthetic accessories for your bike. They provide essential protection against projectiles, adverse weather, and even minor impacts. The brands we distribute ensure high-quality handguards, thoroughly checked and tested. Whether they are specific to the R12 NineT or universal, you can ride with ease and easily install them yourself! If tightening bolts isn't your strong suit, your dealer or mechanic will also be able to install them correctly. Discover our range of handguards below for a new riding experience!
Other protections
What other protections are available for the BMW R12?
The BMW Boxer R12 is a practical machine that can be easily customized by the rider. This bike offers a wide range of accessories allowing you to blend style and protection on this two-wheeler offered by BMW Motorrad. R12Store.fr has taken a keen interest in the accessories and protections available for this machine. There is a wide selection available as can be found throughout the site: Crash Bars, engine guards, radiator protection, handguards... But where can one find everything else? It's very simple, you can find all the other protections for your BMW R12 here: Kickstand pads, headlight grilles, various deflectors, grips, stickers, chain guards, and many other products perfect for your motorcycle. This category offers you a wide range of all the other protections to be mounted on your BMW R12 as you wish to best protect it over time.
