This Exclusive BMW R 12 Honors a Hidden Gem of FrenchComic Book History

Just 15 of these BMW R 12 models inspired by Julie Wood will ever be manufactured.

Certain motorcycles showcase prowess, whereas others emphasize aesthetics.
BMW R12
With its mix of vintage appeal and advanced technology, it favors the latter approach. This motorcycle evokes the heyday of motorcycling history while still offering a current and rider-friendly experience.

However, imagine taking a niche motorcycle and adding an even more cryptic history to it? Meet the BMW R12 Julie Wood—an exclusive edition honoring a lesser-known French comic book character from the 1970s.

I must admit, I had absolutely no knowledge of Julie Wood prior to coming across this particular edition. Conceived by Jean Graton, the visionary also responsible for Michel Vaillant, Julie Wood emerged as an intrepid California-based female who competed fearlessly against men in motorcycle and car races, frequently engaging in intense confrontations during major contests.

From 1976 to 1980, she had her own comic series before becoming part of the Michel Vaillant franchise. Although her character might not be well-known beyond France, she was one of the first efforts to introduce a powerful and autonomous woman competing in what was predominantly a men’s sport.

BMW Motorrad France
, capitalizing on the nostalgic trend for all things retro, chose to bring back this almost obsolete 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 original comic book. The standout feature is undoubtedly its shimmering silver glitter finish, which pays homage to the extravagant racing styles popularized in the 1970s.

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The vibrant blue and red stripes span the length of the vehicle, 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 is one out of just 15 worldwide.

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 equipment, featuring a Comfort Pack, an anti-theft alarm system, and advanced high-beam Pro headlamps. Optional upgrades include 719 Classic black spoke wheels (measuring 19 inches at the front and 16 inches at the back), along with a custom-designed exhaust system, enhancing its distinctive character. Furthermore, an analogue tachometer blends seamlessly with the regular instrument cluster, underscoring its traditional heritage.

These components, along with the €21,400 ($23,100 USD) price point, create a highly specialized product—an item that comes with an additional cost of €6,400 ($6,900 USD) compared to the standard R12 model.

Who is this intended for, exactly?

There’s a high probability that this is a release exclusive to France, tailored for collectors who value the fusion of motorcycles and popular culture. France has always embraced the merging of artistic expression with mechanical engineering, evident in various domains such as fashion, film, and car designs. Much like how Michel Vaillant comics captured the intricacies of motor racing through illustrations, this R12 motorcycle embodies similar admiration within the realm of two-wheeled vehicles. This serves as a testament that motorcycles, much like all forms of art, hold profound personal significance and evoke strong emotions.

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