Some motorcycles are statements of performance, others are statements of style. The BMW R12, with its blend of retro charm and modern engineering, leans toward the latter. It’s a machine that harks back to the golden age of motorcycling while maintaining contemporary rideability.
But what happens when you take an already esoteric motorcycle and give it an even more obscure backstory? Enter the BMW R12 Julie Wood—a limited-edition model that pays tribute to a little-known French comic book heroine from the 1970s.
To be completely honest, I had no idea who Julie Wood was before stumbling upon this special edition. Created by Jean Graton, the same mind behind Michel Vaillant, Julie Wood was a daring Californian woman who raced motorcycles and cars, often going toe-to-toe with men in high-stakes competitions.
Between 1976 and 1980, she headlined her own comic series before eventually merging into the Michel Vaillant universe. Though her name isn’t widely recognized outside of France, she represented an early attempt at showcasing a strong, independent female racer in a male-dominated sport.
BMW Motorrad France, leaning into the nostalgia-fueled retro craze, decided to revive this nearly forgotten character in the form of the R12 Julie Wood. The bike is an artistic homage, blending the vintage essence of the R12 with design cues straight from the pages of the comic. The most striking detail is its silver glitter paint, a nod to the flamboyant racing aesthetics of the ’70s.
Stylized blue and red stripes stretch across the bodywork, reflecting the color scheme of Julie’s signature helmet. Her “W” logo is subtly placed on the tank, alongside the edition number—each bike in this ultra-limited run is 1 of only 15.
Beyond the livery, BMW has given the R12 Julie Wood a handful of premium touches. It comes standard with the PRO finish, which includes a Comfort Pack, anti-theft alarm, and high-beam Pro headlights. Option 719 Classic black spoked wheels (19-inch front, 16-inch rear) and a designer exhaust add to its bespoke appeal, while an analog tachometer complements the standard instrument dial, reinforcing its classic roots.
These elements, combined with the €21,400 ($23,100 USD) price tag, make it an ultra-specialized offering—one that costs €6,400 ($6,900 USD) more than a base R12.
But who exactly is this for?
It’s more than likely that this is a France-exclusive release aimed at collectors who appreciate the intersection of motorcycles and pop culture. France has long celebrated the blend of art and mechanics, whether in fashion, cinema, or automotive design. Just as Michel Vaillant depicted the technical precision of motorsport in comic form, this R12 brings that same appreciation to life on two wheels. It’s a reminder that motorcycles, like any art form, can be deeply personal and evocative.
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.
Sources: Moto-Station, Motorrad Online
