BMW R 18 Classic versus Triumph Rocket 3 GT

BMW R 18 Classic

Cruiser

Triumph Rocket 3 GT

Cruiser

What can the BMW R 18 Classic do better than the Standard R 18?

With the BMW R 18 Classic, BMW is launching an R 18 that has been upgraded to include touring functions. Strictly speaking, the Classic is more tourer than cruiser. How it feels and where the differences to the standard R 18... weiter

BMW R 18 Classic im Test

Gallery

Something is coming our way

Pretty thick: Not only does Triumph install the world's largest motorcycle engine with 2.5 liters, no, the torque of 221 Newtons can also be considered record-breaking. Whether the Triumph Rocket 3 is more than the... weiter

Triumph Rocket 3

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2021 bis 2024~

Built von 2019 bis 2023

RRP 23.950 €

RRP 25.445 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

Windbreak
Beefy Boxer
Great look
Casual sitting position

Pros:

Achievement
Details
Comfort
precise chassis

Cons:

Cylinders sometimes get in the way
Manoeuvring almost impossible without reversing aid
Not for beginners

Cons:

Lean-angle freedom

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.731 mm
Length : 2.440 mm Height : 1.342 mm
Seat : 710 mm
Weight : 365 (max: 560 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.677 mm Height : 1.066 mm
Seat : 750 mm
Weight : 294 kg

Engine

Motor design: 2 Cyl. Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.802 ccm
Hub: 100 mm
Hole: 107 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Motor design: Three-cylinder DOHC in-line engine 3 Cylinder
Displacement: 2.458 ccm
Hub: 86 mm
Hole: 110 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 180 km/h
Performance: 91 HP at 4.750 U/Min
Torque: 158 NM bei 3.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 16 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 285 km

Maximum speed: 221 km/h
Performance: 167 HP at 6.000 U/Min
Torque: 221 NM bei 4.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 18 Litre

Chassis

Frame type:
Double loop steel frame with bolted beams (steel)

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 90 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm made of steel

Tyres at the front: 130/90 B16
Rear tyres: 180/65 B16

Frame type:
Aluminium frame (aluminium)

Front suspension:
Showa 47 mm upside-down fork (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Showa Monoshock (travel 107 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 150/80 R17 V
Rear tyres: 240/50 R16 V

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 300 mm)

Front brake
Double brake discs, Brembo M4.30 Stylema® radial four-piston monobloc calipers (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo M4.32 four-piston monobloc caliper (∅ 300 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The BMW R 18 Classic is a fully equipped cruiser tourer with which you can also tackle a longer journey as a couple. In contrast to an adventure bike, the luggage capacities are limited, but nothing stands in the way of a longer day trip on Route 66. This bike is simply an impressive piece of engineering due to its sheer size and performance. We would also like to have in the stable.

The test motorcycle was kindly provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg near Hamburg for this test. If you would like to try out the R 18 Classic, you are welcome here and there is even a good coffee. In addition, there are a lot of used machines and other demonstrators around, so a visit to Pinneberg is always worthwhile.

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Cruisers there are many, all the Harleys, Indians and even the Gold Wing can not go unnamed. The Rocket is a very peculiar reinterpretation of the class. It is modern and at the same time stuck to old values, delivering records without offensively putting them in the shop window.

It's just there. Like single malt whisky – it could be without, but what?

The test bike was provided to us by Q-Bike in Hamburg.