The 2012 motorcycle season saw a wide mix of updates — from sportbike refinements to early electric entries — that reshaped rider choices and showroom lineups. Whether you followed dealer releases back then or are rediscovering models today, that year captures a clear snapshot of shifting priorities in design and tech.
There are 33 2012 Motorcycle Models, ranging from Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC to Zero S; for each model you’ll find below entries organized with Class,Displacement (cc),Notable change (2012) so you can scan role, engine size, and what was new in 2012 you’ll find below.
Does this list cover every market variant and special edition from 2012?
The list focuses on 33 distinct production models representative of mainstream releases and notable entries (including electric models like the Zero S), but it doesn’t enumerate every regional trim or limited-run special — those can vary by market and dealer.
How should I use the Class,Displacement (cc),Notable change (2012) columns to compare bikes?
Use Class to group by purpose (sport, cruiser, dual-sport), Displacement (cc) to gauge relative power and tuning, and Notable change (2012) to spot model-year updates; together they make side-by-side comparison quick for buying, research, or restoration planning.
2012 Motorcycle Models
| Make Model | Class | Displacement (cc) | Notable change (2012) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducati 1199 Panigale | Sport | 1,198 | All-new flagship superbike with revolutionary “frameless” chassis and oversquare Superquadro engine. |
| Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R | Sport | 1,441 | Completely redesigned with larger engine, traction control (KTRC), and revised chassis. |
| Honda CBR1000RR | Sport | 999 | Major update with Big Piston Forks, new rear shock, and refined styling. |
| Triumph Tiger Explorer | Adventure | 1,215 | All-new model. Triumph’s flagship adventure bike with a 1215cc triple and shaft drive. |
| Suzuki V-Strom 650 | Adventure | 645 | Completely redesigned with new styling, improved engine, new frame, and optional ABS. |
| Honda NC700X | Adventure | 670 | All-new model focused on fuel economy and practicality with integrated storage. |
| Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback | Cruiser | 1,690 | All-new model. A “convertible” cruiser with detachable hard saddlebags and windshield. |
| Yamaha YZF-R1 | Sport | 998 | Updated with a new six-level traction control system and revised ECU mapping. |
| Kawasaki Ninja 650 | Sport | 649 | Heavily redesigned with a new twin-spar frame, bodywork, and instrument panel. |
| Suzuki GSX-R1000 | Sport | 999 | Updated with Brembo monobloc calipers, lighter pistons, and a new single-exit exhaust. |
| BMW S1000RR | Sport | 999 | Refined chassis geometry, updated traction control (DTC), and throttle response. |
| Harley-Davidson Softail Slim | Cruiser | 1,690 | All-new model. A minimalist, stripped-down bobber with classic post-war styling. |
| Triumph Speed Triple R | Naked | 1,050 | New high-spec “R” version with Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and PVM wheels. |
| KTM 690 Duke | Naked | 690 | Completely redesigned with a heavily updated, smoother single-cylinder engine and new chassis. |
| Ducati Streetfighter 848 | Naked | 848 | New, more accessible model featuring the 848 Testastretta 11° engine. |
| Honda Gold Wing | Touring | 1,832 | Major facelift with revised bodywork for better wind protection and updated electronics. |
| Kawasaki Versys 1000 | Touring | 1,043 | All-new model featuring a 1043cc inline-four engine in an adventure-style chassis. |
| BMW K1600GTL | Touring | 1,649 | Became the benchmark for luxury touring after its debut the previous year. |
| MV Agusta F3 675 | Sport | 675 | All-new, highly anticipated middleweight sportbike with a three-cylinder engine and advanced electronics. |
| Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special | Cruiser | 1,250 | Redesigned with new inverted forks, lighter wheels, and improved ergonomics. |
| Honda CRF250L | Dual-Sport | 249 | All-new, budget-friendly dual-sport motorcycle based on the CBR250R engine. |
| BMW G650GS Sertão | Dual-Sport | 652 | New, more off-road focused variant with longer-travel suspension and a 21-inch front wheel. |
| Husqvarna Nuda 900R | Naked | 898 | All-new model using a modified BMW F800 parallel-twin engine, bored out to 900cc. |
| Triumph Bonneville T100 | Standard | 865 | Minor cosmetic updates, but remained a cornerstone of the modern classic movement. |
| Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC | Naked | 999 | Received the APRC electronics suite (traction, wheelie, launch control) from the RSV4. |
| Victory High-Ball | Cruiser | 1,731 | A new factory bobber with high ape-hanger handlebars and whitewall tires. |
| Yamaha Super Ténéré | Adventure | 1,199 | Now available as a standard production model after its 2011 launch edition. |
| Moto Guzzi V7 Racer | Standard | 744 | A special edition café racer with a red frame and chrome fuel tank. |
| Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two | Cruiser | 1,200 | All-new model with 1970s chopper-inspired styling, mini-apes, and a peanut tank. |
| Zero S | Electric | N/A | Featured an improved Z-Force motor and battery options for up to 114 miles. |
| Ducati Diavel Cromo | Cruiser | 1,198 | New “Cromo” trim version featuring a mirror-finish chrome tank and classic logos. |
| Kawasaki KLR650 | Dual-Sport | 651 | Remained a top seller, largely unchanged but with new color options. |
| Yamaha WR450F | Off-Road | 449 | All-new model featuring a bilateral beam frame and electronic fuel injection. |
Images and Descriptions
Ducati 1199 Panigale
A landmark superbike that redefined the class with its radical monocoque chassis, incredible power-to-weight ratio, and advanced electronics. It set a new benchmark for performance and design, representing a major leap forward for Ducati and sportbikes in general.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R
The undisputed king of acceleration and top speed for 2012. This redesigned model blended extreme straight-line performance with surprising comfort, making it a dominant force in the hypersport category and a capable long-distance machine for speed enthusiasts.
Honda CBR1000RR
A significant refresh for the Fireblade, focusing on chassis and suspension performance. The new Showa suspension front and rear delivered superior feel and handling, making the already user-friendly liter-bike even more composed and confidence-inspiring on road or track.
Triumph Tiger Explorer
Triumph’s direct answer to the BMW R1200GS. This bike brought a powerful and charismatic three-cylinder engine, shaft drive, and a host of modern electronics like cruise control and traction control to the large-capacity adventure touring segment.
Suzuki V-Strom 650
The beloved “Wee-Strom” received its first major overhaul, making it lighter, more powerful, and more comfortable. It became more stylish and refined, solidifying its reputation as one of the best all-around, value-packed motorcycles on the market for any adventure.
Honda NC700X
A revolutionary commuter motorcycle with an adventure-bike posture. Its low-revving, fuel-sipping engine and unique integrated storage trunk (where the fuel tank normally sits) made it an incredibly practical and innovative machine for everyday riders, redefining the budget-friendly segment.
Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback
Marketed as two bikes in one, the Switchback combined the nimble Dyna chassis with touring features. The quick-release screen and bags allowed riders to easily transform it from a light-duty tourer into a stripped-down street cruiser in minutes.
Yamaha YZF-R1
Yamaha added a sophisticated, MotoGP-derived traction control system to its flagship superbike. This crucial update made the R1’s potent crossplane-crankshaft engine more manageable, allowing riders to apply power with greater confidence and safety in various conditions.
Kawasaki Ninja 650
This update transformed the popular middleweight, giving it a sportier look and feel. The new chassis and improved ergonomics made it more comfortable for commuting and touring while also enhancing its sharp, responsive handling for spirited weekend rides.
Suzuki GSX-R1000
Focused on refinement, the 2012 GSX-R1000 shed weight and gained midrange power. The move to premium Brembo brakes provided a significant and much-needed improvement in stopping power and feel, keeping the Gixxer competitive in the superbike class.
BMW S1000RR
Subtle but important tweaks to the class-leading superbike. BMW refined the electronics for smoother intervention and adjusted the chassis for even better handling, keeping the S1000RR at the top of the heap for outright performance and technological sophistication.
Harley-Davidson Softail Slim
The Slim offered a raw, old-school look with modern Harley power. It featured a narrow rear end, “Hollywood” handlebars, and a solo seat, appealing to riders who wanted a clean, uncluttered custom-style bike straight from the factory floor.
Triumph Speed Triple R
Triumph took its iconic streetfighter and gave it the premium treatment. The R model’s top-shelf components transformed its handling, offering track-day performance and precision for the street, making it the ultimate version of the beloved Speed Triple.
KTM 690 Duke
This overhaul civilized the notoriously raw Duke, making it more accessible without losing its hooligan spirit. The new engine was smoother and more powerful, and the addition of ride-by-wire throttle control made it a much more refined and user-friendly naked bike.
Ducati Streetfighter 848
Ducati broadened the Streetfighter’s appeal with this middleweight version. It offered a more manageable power delivery and revised ergonomics compared to its 1098 sibling, providing a thrilling yet less intimidating entry into the world of high-performance naked bikes.
Honda Gold Wing
The legendary tourer received a significant update, enhancing its luxury credentials. New styling provided a more modern look and improved rider comfort, while an upgraded audio system and optional integrated navigation kept it at the pinnacle of the grand-touring category.
Kawasaki Versys 1000
Kawasaki entered the large-capacity adventure-touring market with a unique take. Using a smooth and powerful four-cylinder sport-touring engine, the Versys 1000 was designed purely for on-road comfort and performance, offering a distinct alternative to V-twin competitors.
BMW K1600GTL
While not all-new, the 2012 K1600GTL solidified its place as the ultimate tech-laden tourer. Its silky-smooth six-cylinder engine, adaptive headlight, and comprehensive electronics suite provided an unparalleled combination of performance, comfort, and luxury for long-distance riding.
MV Agusta F3 675
This stunning motorcycle marked MV Agusta’s return to the 600cc supersport class. It boasted a potent triple engine, counter-rotating crankshaft, and a class-leading electronics package with ride-by-wire and multiple power modes, immediately becoming a benchmark for technology.
Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special
The V-Rod received a significant update that improved both its look and handling. The new front end and wheels sharpened its responsiveness, while the revised handlebar and footpeg positions provided a more comfortable and commanding riding position for its riders.
Honda CRF250L
Honda introduced a highly accessible and versatile dual-sport. It combined easy-to-manage power, long-travel suspension, and a low price point, making it a perfect choice for new riders, commuters, and those looking for a simple, reliable bike for light trail riding.
BMW G650GS Sertão
BMW created a more adventurous version of its single-cylinder G650GS. The Sertão featured spoked wheels, increased suspension travel, and engine protection, making it significantly more capable on rough trails and dirt roads than its street-biased sibling.
Husqvarna Nuda 900R
A thrilling and unique machine born from BMW’s ownership of Husqvarna. The Nuda 900R was a sharp-edged, aggressive supermoto-inspired naked bike with a charismatic engine and high-spec components, delivering a raw and exciting riding experience unlike anything else.
Triumph Bonneville T100
The T100 continued its successful run as a beautifully executed retro motorcycle. It combined timeless 1960s styling, spoked wheels, and peashooter exhausts with a reliable, modern fuel-injected parallel-twin engine, offering classic looks with contemporary ease of use.
Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC
The already-manic Tuono V4 became much more controllable with the addition of Aprilia’s world-class electronics package. This update tamed the beast, allowing riders to more safely exploit the incredible performance of its V4 engine on both street and track.
Victory High-Ball
Victory’s entry into the minimalist bobber trend was a huge success. The High-Ball’s standout features were its high-contrast styling and tall ape-hanger bars, which could be adjusted to a lower position, offering a bold custom look backed by a powerful V-twin engine.
Yamaha Super Ténéré
The rugged, shaft-drive adventure tourer became widely available in 2012. It offered a low-maintenance, reliable platform for long-distance travel, featuring a torquey parallel-twin engine, traction control, and switchable engine modes designed for tackling any terrain.
Moto Guzzi V7 Racer
This was the sportiest and most stylish version of Moto Guzzi’s popular V7 retro bike. It featured a stunning chrome tank, a red trellis frame, clip-on handlebars, and a suede solo seat, perfectly capturing the classic 1970s café racer aesthetic.
Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two
This new Sportster variant dripped with retro cool. It featured a sparkling Hard Candy Custom metal flake paint job, a skinny 21-inch front wheel, and high handlebars, perfectly capturing the look of a custom-built chopper from the disco era.
Zero S
Zero Motorcycles continued to lead the electric charge. The 2012 S model offered improved performance and, crucially, increased range, making it a more viable option for commuters looking to ditch gasoline. It was a glimpse into the future of urban motorcycling.
Ducati Diavel Cromo
Ducati added a touch of retro class to its aggressive power cruiser. The Cromo model stood out with its highly polished, reflective fuel tank and vintage-style Ducati logos, offering a unique blend of modern muscle and classic Italian style.
Kawasaki KLR650
The legendary KLR650 continued its run as the go-to choice for budget-conscious adventure riders. Its simple, robust, and easily repairable design, combined with a massive fuel tank and affordable price, made it an unstoppable force in the dual-sport world.
Yamaha WR450F
A massive update for Yamaha’s flagship enduro bike. The move to fuel injection provided crisp, reliable throttle response at any altitude, while the new chassis, borrowed from the YZ250F motocrosser, delivered sharper, more agile handling on the trails.
