BMW R 1150 R versus BMW R 18

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1150 R

Naked
BMW

BMW R 18

Cruiser

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2006
Built von 2020 bis 2024~
RRP
RRP 21.600 €
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Pros:
  • easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
  • used relatively cheap
  • is also suitable as a tourer
  • wonderful boxer with sound
  • sufficient power, powerful torque
Pros:
  • Torque - bearish engine
  • Processing
  • Details
  • Comfort
Cons:
  • vulnerable ABS system
  • fiddly battery removal
Cons:
  • High price
  • Effort for front brake

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length :
2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat :
800 mm
Weight :
238 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.731 mm
Length :
2.440 mm Height : 1.232 mm
Seat :
690 mm
Weight :
345 (max: 560 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.802 ccm
Hub: 100 mm
Hole: 107 mm
Cooling: Luft-/ölgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
446 km
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

Chassis

Frame type:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)
Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17
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:
Steel two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 180/65 B16

Brakes

Front brake
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake ( 276 mm)
Front brake
Double disc brake, 4-piston fixed caliper ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 4-piston fixed caliper ( 300 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price new (2003): 9,000€
  • Used (15 years old): 4,500€
  • Years built: 2000 - 2006
  • Colours: black, blue, silver

Cruiser in BMW style

Now the BMW R18 is finally available for testing at the dealership, and that's a good thing. Even though the guardians of the Holy Grail reviled the BMWs in advance and as producers of these bikes only Indian or Harley or otherwise, but certainly not the Bavarians, let it come into question, it has become very good. Attention: very good, not great. It is full of loving details, enthusiastic with workmanship and the whole concept – but can't do anything that the others couldn't.

In this respect: Welcome to the cruiser market, BMW R18. From now on, you don't have to convince with marketing, but on the street. You all have the facilities for this, but Harley or Indian can stay calm.

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg.

Price / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: from 22.250€
  • Years of construction: from 2020
  • Colours: First Edition only in glossy black