The BMW R12 motorcycle was an evolution from the BMW R62 that was introduced in 1928. The R62 was the first heavy motorcycle used by the German military. A follow-on to the R62 – the R11 – was introduced between 1928 and 1934. This motorcycle could be equipped with a sidecar.

The 750cc BMW R12 was a modified and improved version of the R12. Manufactured from 1935 to 1941, it was the first series production motorcycle to feature a telescoping front fork with hydraulic shock absorbers. The R12 had a 4-stroke engine that developed 18hp, and could reach speeds up to 100km, or 85km with a sidecar.

It was the standard motorcycle of motorcycle infantry units. Some 36,000 R12 motorcycles were built.