Just 15 of these BMW R 12 models inspired by Julie Wood will ever be manufactured.
Certain motorcycles showcase performance capabilities, whereas others emphasize design aesthetics. BMW R12 With its mix of vintage appeal and advanced technology, it leans towards the latter. This motorcycle evokes the classic era of biking while still offering a current-day riding experience.
What occurs when you start with an enigmatic motorcycle and add an even more mysterious history? Meet the BMW R12 Julie Wood—an exclusive edition honoring a lesser-known female protagonist from a French graphic novel of the 1970s.
I must admit, I was entirely unaware of who Julie Wood was until I came across this particular edition. Crafted by Jean Graton, the visionary also responsible for Michel Vaillant, Julie Wood emerged as an intrepid California-based female competitor who took part in motorcycle and car races, frequently facing off against male opponents in thrilling contests.
From 1976 to 1980, she starred in her own comic series before ultimately joining the Michel Vaillant franchise. Although her fame doesn't extend far beyond France, she was one of the first efforts to feature a powerful and self-reliant woman competing in the predominantly masculine world of racing.
BMW Motorrad France , capitalizing on the nostalgic trend for all things retro, chose to bring back this almost forgotten character through the creation of the R12 Julie Wood motorcycle. This vehicle serves as an artistic tribute, merging the classic charm of the R12 with styling elements directly inspired by the comic book series. The standout feature is undoubtedly its shimmering silver glitter paint, which pays homage to the extravagant racing styles popularized during the 1970s.
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The styled blue and red stripes span the entire frame, mirroring the colors of Julie's distinctive helmet. Her "W" emblem is discreetly featured on the fuel tank, accompanied by the edition number—each motorcycle in this exclusive series being one out of just fifteen pieces.
In addition to its exterior design, BMW has equipped the R12 Julie Wood with several upscale features. The model arrives with the PRO package as standard, featuring a Comfort Pack, an anti-theft alarm system, and advanced high-beam Pro headlamps. For those seeking extra customization, option 719 offers classic black-spoked wheels (19 inches at the front and 16 inches at the back), along with a stylish exhaust system enhancing its personalized look. An additional touch is the inclusion of an analog tachometer alongside the regular instrument cluster, underscoring its traditional heritage.
These components, along with the €21,400 ($23,100 USD) pricetag, render it as a highly specialized product—an item that comes at a premium of €6,400 ($6,900 USD) over the standard R12 model.
Who is this intended for, exactly?
This release is most probably exclusive to France and targets collectors who value the fusion of motorcycles and popular culture. France has always embraced the amalgamation of artistry and mechanical engineering across various fields such as fashion, film, and car designs. Similar to how Michel Vaillant comics showcased the meticulousness of motor racing through illustration, this R12 embodies that same admiration for intricate craftsmanship in motorcycle form. This serves as an affirmation that motorcycles, much like works of art, possess profound emotional resonance and individuality.
At its core, the BMW R12 Julie Wood is proof that nostalgia sells and that retro will never die. While mainstream manufacturers focus on mass appeal, BMW Motorrad France has taken a bold step into niche territory. It’s an odd, hyper-specific tribute—yet it works. Because in an era where motorcycles are increasingly digitized and homogenized, something handcrafted, story-driven, and unmistakably French is exactly what the retro scene needs.
Source: Moto-Station , Motorrad Online
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