BMW Motorcycle R1200R License Plate Bulb Size

The BMW Motorcycle R1200R utilizes a license plate light with a specific 12961 bulb size for the rear illumination system. Available data for the specified component covers the period from 2006 through 2018 without any gaps in the record.

The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.

Bulb Size by Year Range

Years	Bulb Size
2016-2018	12961
2006-2014	12961

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The BMW Motorcycle R1200R uses the 12961 bulb for its license plate light across the 2006-2018 model years, with no variation in this specification throughout that period.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a miniature wedge bulb in the T10 form factor, which is one of the most widely used bulb types in automotive and motorcycle auxiliary lighting positions.
The T10 designation refers to the bulb's tubular shape, with the number indicating its width in tenths of an inch, making it a compact unit well suited to space-constrained housings such as license plate assemblies.
The 12961 operates at 12 volts and 5 watts, which is the standard low-power rating typical of non-illumination bulbs used in position, marker, and plate lighting roles.
The base type for this bulb is W2.1x9.5d, a wedge-style base that relies on tension from the socket rather than a bayonet or screw mechanism to maintain contact and retention.
The W2.1x9.5d base is not interchangeable with bayonet or festoon bases, so substitutions must match this specific base configuration to seat correctly in the R1200R license plate socket.
The T10 wedge format is produced by multiple manufacturers under various part numbers, meaning the 12961 Philips designation represents one sourcing option for a bulb that exists within a broader cross-reference pool sharing the same electrical and physical specifications.