With the new R 18, BMW Motorrad enters the cruiser segment. Like no BMW motorcycle before, it is technically and shape-language in the tradition of historic BMW motorcycles. Technically as well as visually, it borrows from famous models such as the BMW R 5 and puts the essentials of the motorcycle back in the spotlight: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicentre of driving pleasure, coupled with "good vibrations". To this end, classic design and clear but contemporary technology merge into a fascinating overall concept in the R 18, which is characterized by an equally cultivated and emotional driving experience.
Displacement-powered BMW boxer engine of all time with rich torque.
The heart of the new BMW R 18 is a completely newly developed two-cylinder boxer engine, the "Big Boxer". Not only with its impressive appearance, but also from a technical point of view, it builds on the traditional air-cooled boxer engines, which have provided an inspiring driving experience since the beginning of BMW Motorrad production in 1923. The two-cylinder boxer engine, which has ever been used in motorcycle series production, has a displacement of 1 802 cm3. The power is 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 min-1. From 2 000 to 4 000 rpm more than 150 Nm of torque can be called up at any time and original pulling power goes hand in hand with rich sound.
Double-loop tube frame made of steel and rear wheel swingarm with enclosed axle drive in rigid frame optics.
The heart of the chassis of the new R 18 is a double-loop tube frame made of steel. With its construction, it builds on the long
BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame design. The particularly high production quality and attention to detail can be seen even with barely perceptible details such as the welded connections between steel pipes and castings or forged parts. Like the legendary BMW R 5, the rear-wheel swingarm, which is manufactured in a similar pattern, in style encloses the rear axle gearbox via screw connections.
Telescopic fork with fork sleeves, cantilever strut, wire spoke wheels and disc brakes.
The spring elements of the new BMW R 18 deliberately dispense with electronic adjustment options. Rather, a telescopic fork and a directly directed central spring leg with away-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure a sovereign wheel guidance and an appealing suspension comfort. As with the legendary BMW R 5, the standpipes of the telescopic fork are clad with fork sleeves. The standpipe diameter is 49 mm, the travel is 120 mm at the front and 90 mm at the rear. The new BMW R 18 is delayed by a double disc brake in the front and a single-disc brake at the rear in combination with four-piston fixed calipers. The wire spoke wheels ensure a stylish appearance.
Consistent ergonomics for the best possible vehicle control.
In the spirit of BMW Motorrad, the new BMW R 18 relies on a casual, so-called "mid mounted footpeg" position of the footrests. This classic position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW, but also enables a relaxed and driving-active sitting position for the best possible vehicle control.
Three driving modes as well as ASC and MSR for a high level of driving pleasure and safety as standard. Reversing aid and Hillstart Control as optional equipment ex works.
To adapt to the individual wishes of the driver, the new R 18 already offers the three driving modes "Rain", "Roll" and "Rock" as standard and in this segment. The automatic stability control ASC (Automatic Stability Control, which can be switched off) is also the scope of the standard equipment, which ensures high driving safety. In addition, the new R 18 is equipped as standard with an engine-towing torque control (MSR). In addition to other options, a return aid allows comfortable manoeuvring and the Hill Start Control function makes easy start-up on the mountain.
The new R 18: Iconic style with rigid frame optics, modern technology and authentic materials re-staged.
The R 18 skilfully transfers the iconic style of yesteryear to the present day and in many details a purist design lives on, which was mainly influenced by classics such as the BMW R 5. Functional and style-defining elements such as the double loop frame, the drop tank, the open-running cardan shaft or the double-line paintwork (special equipment ex works) are no coincidence reminiscent of the legendary boxer from 1936. The classic body sizes of the R 18 are also made of metal, just as it is fitting for an authentic classic. An equally excellent reminiscence of the legendary R 5 is the chassis. Together with the two-arm swingarm and a strut in a cantilever arrangement, it was possible to visually transfer the rigid frame concept of the R 5 into the modern era.
The R 18 First Edition: Exclusive look in lacquer and chrome.
The new R 18 will already be offered worldwide as an exclusive R 18 First Edition, in addition to a standard model reserved for certain markets. It combines the R 18 look with exclusive furnishing sumines in classic black lacquer with white double linen. In addition, the numerous finishes in chrome, the seat badge and the chrome clip "First Edition" on the side covers are also among the highlights.
Conversion-friendly architecture as a prerequisite for easy customizing and optimal individualization.
Like hardly any other motorcycle, the new R 18 offers a very conversion-friendly architecture, which was already in the focus of the basic design of the vehicle in the early design phases. Accordingly, it has an easily removable rear frame and an easy-to-remove paint set. Well-designed interfaces for the hydraulic lines of the brake and coupling as well as the wiring harness also allow the completely trouble-free installation of higher or lower handlebars in combination with suitable hydraulic lines and cable strands. In addition, the visible valve covers (cylinder head hoods) and the hero breast (motor housing lid) are designed in such a way that they sit outside the oil chamber and are therefore very easy to change.
Customizing parts and Roland Sands design collections "Machined" and "2-Tone-Black" for the new R 18.
The BMW Motorrad equipment range offers the highest level of individualization possibilities to design the R 18 according to personal tastes and your own preferences. The variety of different parts from the original BMW Motorrad accessories allows individual conversions that significantly change the character of the R 18. Already at the launch of the new R 18 there are two different design collections of aluminium milling parts designed together with Roland Sands Design: "Machined" and "2-Tone-Black".
Co-branding with famous brands: BMW and Mustang benches as well as BMW and Vance & Hines exhaust systems "Made in USA".
In addition to Roland Sands Design, BMW Motorrad is cooperating with several well-known suppliers, including the US manufacturer Mustang Seats, for the accessories and customizing program of the new R 18, with which high-quality, handmade seats and benches are offered in different variants. The customizing potential of the exhaust systems in cooperation with Vance & Hines is no less creative.
Highlights of the new BMW R 18:
- Iconic style through modern technology and authentic materials.
- Largest BMW boxer engine of all time with 1 802 cm3 displacement.
- Power 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 min-1, maximum torque 158 Nm at 3 000 rpm.1
- Available from 2 000 to 4 000 min-1 at any time over 150 Nm.
- Open-running gimbal drive according to the classic model.
- Elaborately manufactured double-loop tube frame made of steel.
- Rear wheel swingarm with enclosed axle drive in rigid frame optics.
- Telescopic fork with fork sleeves and cantilever strut with away-dependent damping.
- Consistent ergonomics for relaxed driving and optimal control.
- front and rear disc brakes and wire spoke wheels.
- State-of-the-art LED lighting technology is classically interpreted.
- Adaptive cornering light for even better road illumination when cornering as optional equipment ex works.
- Classically drawn round instrument with integrated display.
- Keyless ride for convenient function activation by radio.
- Three driving modes as well as ASC and MSR as standard.
- Reversing aid for comfortable manoeuvring as well as Hill Start Control for easy start-up on the mountain as optional equipment ex works.
- The R 18 First Edition: Exclusive look in lacquer and chrome.
- Extensive range of optional equipment and original BMW Motorrad accessories as well as a casual Ride & Style collection.
