BMW INTRODUCES R 18

Following two concepts and a lot of anticipation, BMW’s R 18 cruiser has finally been revealed.

While not BMW’s first cruising motorcycle (remember the R1200 C?), the R 18 represents a new approach to the cruising category. With its low, sleek and unashamedly retro styling, the R 18 is aimed more directly at similar cruisers from Harley-Davidson and Indian, while the large-capacity boxer twin will give most traditional cruisers a run for their money in the power and torque stakes, too.

Classic Style

While the R 18 takes obvious inspiration from BMW history, it’s perhaps surprising to learn that the modern R nineT was also influential, but not in the way you may think.

BMW Motorrad’s Roland Stocker, one of the design team on the R 18, explained that the success of the R nineT and its retro-influenced styling convinced BMW that the market was hungry for a similar model; one with classic styling and what Stocker calls a purer, simpler take on BMW technology.

The R nineT set guidelines for how BMW designers would approach the styling, but the styling itself is linked more specifically to the R5 model from 1936.

Stocker says the R5 has so many beautiful elements and these inspired the R 18’s design. But rather than just being recreated, these elements have been enhanced and modernised. A good example is the exhaust system, which has obvious elements of the classic ‘fishtail’ silencer, but with a very modern touch.

Similarly, the free-standing headlight has a classic look, but features modern LED technology, with a cornering function optional, while the single instrument pod combines a retro finish with LCD readouts.

Another factor in the R18 design was the need to cater for customisation. With such a major part of the cruiser space being about making your bike your own, BMW will offer a range of accessories and bolt-on parts from the R 18’s release, including different exhaust systems, wheels, handlebars, mirrors and seats, as well as luggage options and a swathe of cosmetic parts.

Most of these parts were designed and developed in-house by BMW Motorrad, but custom parts from Vance & Hines and Roland Sands Design will also be available as Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

Big Boxer

Styling aside, what also makes the R 18 a big deal for BMW is its engine. At 1802cc, it’s the largest capacity boxer twin BMW has ever produced for a series production bike.

Maximum output is 67kW at 4,750rpm, but being a cruiser, torque is where it’s at and the engine produces maximum torque of 158Nm at 3,000rpm. Impressively, more than 150Nm of that is available from 2,000 to 4,000rpm. BMW says the engine can reach a maximum speed in excess of 180km/h.

A six-speed transmission features a single dry plate clutch and an anti-hopping system to handle the torque. Shaft-drive (of course) runs to the 16-inch rear wheel that’s shod with a solid, but not huge, 180/65 tyre.

The engine features air/oil cooling, BMS-K+ electronic engine management, twin-spark ignition and BMS-O with e-gas – a digital engine control system previously applied to smaller-capacity boxer twins.

Combined weight of the engine and transmission is 110kg, which accounts for just under a third of the R 18’s total weight of 345kg dry.

New Tech, Old Look

While the R 18 has a consciously retro look, it blends this with entirely modern features.

The double cradle steel frame was inspired by the rigid-framed R5, but incorporates a rear swingarm with monoshock suspension tucked out of sight to give that hardtail look. The monoshock is preload adjustable.

Similarly, the 49mm telescopic forks up front are heavily shrouded in the style of the R5, which was the world’s first motorcycle with hydraulically-damped telescopic front suspension.

For a cruiser, there’s a good amount of suspension travel, with 120mm on the front and 90mm on the rear. Wire spoke wheels - 19-inch front and 16-inch rear – are standard, with alloys optional.

Twin 300mm disc brakes with 4-piston fixed calipers are on the front end, with a single 300mm disc on the rear, also with a 4-piston fixed caliper. Linked braking and BMW’s integral ABS are standard.

Beyond the ABS, rider-assistance tech includes Automatic Stability Control (that’s disengageable) and MSR (Motor Slip Regulation); an engine drag torque control feature that’s designed to prevent skids under acceleration and aggressive downshifting. There are also three selectable riding modes – Rain, Rock and Roll. ‘Rain’ is obvious, while the cornily-named ‘Rock’ and ‘Roll’ are the equivalent of sports and touring modes, respectively. The former offers more immediate throttle response and less ASC intervention, while the latter offers smoother delivery and more ASC intervention.

Keyless Ride, that unlocks and even starts the bike remotely, is also fitted.

Seat height is a low 690mm and ergonomics are mostly upright thanks to the engine’s cylinder heads, which make forward controls impossible.

Local Release and First Edition

BMW Motorrad Australia says the BMW R 18 will be available locally from Q3, 2020, with prices starting at $26,890.

From launch, an ‘R 18 First Edition’ will also be available, but in limited numbers and carrying a premium over the standard model. Priced from $30,190, the First Edition carries identifying badging, more chrome and classic BMW signature double pin striping on the tank and rear mudguard. A welcome pack is included with the First Edition, too.

On top of this, the initial batch of R 18 First Editions allocated to Australia can also be factory fitted with Reverse Assist (an electric reverse gear similar to that on some factory trikes) that makes it easier to manoeuvre the R 18’s 345kg dry weight. This adds a further $1,500 to the list price for a total of $31,690 (all pricing excludes ORCs).