BMW Motorrad finally unveils the R18, which was spied multiple times.
Our log about the BMW R18
- It all starts with the concept of BMW R18 showcased in last May.
- Later on, we got to know about the R18 engine.
- First spied back in October 2019. See the spy shots here.
- The second time it was spied in the same week of October 2019. See the article here.
- The third time it was recently spied. See the spy shots here.
Now we have the complete information of the BMW R18.
The new BMW R 18: supreme cruiser with historical roots.
With the new R 18, BMW Motorrad now enters the cruiser segment. Like no other BMW motorcycle before it.
This model stands entirely in the tradition of old BMW motorcycles – both technically and in terms of design style.
It borrows from famous models such as the BMW R 5 both technologically and visually, shifting the focus back onto the motorcycle essentials.
Purist, no-frills technology, and the boxer engine as the epicenter of riding pleasure.
Combined with “good vibrations.” What is more, classic design is connected in the R 18 with clear-cut yet contemporary technology to create a fascinating overall concept.
Offering a riding experience that is as cultivated as it is emotional.
The most powerful BMW boxer engine of all time with abundant torque.
The centerpiece, the new BMW R 18, is a newly developed 2-cylinder boxer engine – the “Big Boxer.”
Both its impressive appearance and its technology reflect a continuation of the traditional air-cooled boxer engines.
That has offered an inspiring riding experience since BMW Motorrad began production in 1923.
The most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever used in motorcycle series production has a displacement of 1 802 cc.
The peak output is 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 rpm. From 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, over 150 Nm of torque is available at all times.
And this elemental pulling power is combined with a full, resonant sound.
Double-loop steel tube frame and rear swingarm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame look.
The centerpiece of the suspension in the new R 18 is a double-loop steel tube frame.
Its design perpetuates the longstanding BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame type. Outstanding manufacturing quality and meticulous attention to detail are also evident in unapparent features.
Such as the welded joints between the steel tubes and the cast or forged parts. Like the legendary BMW R 5.
The rear swingarm – sporting a comparable design – surrounds the rear axle transmission is an authentic style utilizing bolted connections.
Telescopic fork with fork sleeves, cantilever suspension strut, wire-spoked wheels, and disc brakes.
The suspension elements of the new BMW R 18 deliberately dispense with electronic adjustment options.
Instead, a telescopic fork and a directly mounted central suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure superior wheel control and attractive suspension comfort.
As in the legendary BMW R 5, the tubes of the telescopic fork are encased in fork sleeves. The fork tube diameter is 49 mm, while the suspension travel is 120 mm at the front and 90 mm at the rear.
The new BMW R 18 braking system consists of a twin-disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the back in conjunction with four-piston fixed calipers. Meanwhile, the wire-spoked wheels ensure a supremely stylish appearance.
Harmonious ergonomics for optimum vehicle control.
In keeping with the BMW Motorrad philosophy, the new BMW R 18 features a laid-back positioning of the footrests – so-called “mid-mounted footpegs.”
This superior position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW, but it also enables a relaxed and active riding position for optimum vehicle control.
Three riding modes along with ASC and MSR for a high degree of riding pleasure and safety as standard. Reverse assist and Hillstart Control as ex-factory options
The new R 18 also offers the three standard riding modes “Rain,” “Roll,” and “Rock” – unusual in this segment – to be able to adapt to individual rider preferences.
The standard trim also includes ASC (Automatic Stability Control), which ensures a high level of riding safety. In addition, the new R 18 is equipped as standard with engine drag torque control (MSR).
Among other options, a reverse assist makes maneuvering convenient, while the Hill Start Control function facilitates uphill starts.
The new R 18: iconic style newly showcased, featuring a rigid-frame look, modern technology, and authentic materials.
The R 18 masterfully transposes the iconic style of bygone times to the present day, retaining a purist design in numerous details that are mainly influenced by classics such as the BMW R 5.
It is no coincidence that functional and stylistic elements such as the double-loop frame, the pear-drop tank, the open-running driveshaft, and the pinstriped paintwork (ex-factory option) are reminiscent of the legendary boxer dating back to 1936.
The classic bodywork features of the R 18 are also made of metal – as befits an authentic classic. The suspension is likewise aptly reminiscent of the legendary R 5.
Together with the double-sided swingarm and a cantilever suspension strut, the rigid-frame concept of the R 5 is entirely transported into the modern age in visual terms.
The R 18 First Edition: exclusive look in paint and chrome.
The new R 18 will be offered worldwide as an exclusive R 18 First Edition right from launch, with a standard model reserved additionally for specific markets. It combines the
R 18 look with unique equipment features in a classic black finish with white pinstriped paintwork. Other highlights include numerous chrome surfaces, a seat badge and a
“First Edition” chrome clasp on the side covers.
Conversion-friendly design as a prerequisite for straightforward customizing and optimum individualization.
More so than virtually any other motorcycle, the new R 18 offers a highly conversion-friendly design – a focus even in the early design phases of the basic motorcycle layout.
As a result, it is equipped with an easily removable rear frame and a simple-to-dismantle painted part set.
Carefully conceived attachment points for the hydraulic lines of the brake, clutch, and cable harness likewise allow easy installation of higher or lower handlebars in conjunction with matching hydraulic ropes and cable harnesses.
Besides, the visible valve covers (cylinder head covers) and the belt cover (engine housing cover) are designed in such a way that they are located outside the oil chamber, making them 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 a maximum selection of individualization options with which to adapt the R 18 to personal taste and preferences.
The wide range of different parts available from the program of Original BMW Motorrad Accessories allows individual customizing that significantly alter the character of the R 18.
For the market launch of the new R 18, two different design collections of milled aluminum parts are available, created in collaboration with Roland Sands Design: “Machined” and “2-Tone-Black”.
Co-branding with famous brands: BMW and Mustang seats as well as BMW and Vance & Hines exhaust systems “Made in the USA.”
For the accessories and customized program of the new R 18, BMW Motorrad is collaborating with Roland Sands Design and several well-known suppliers, including US manufacturer Mustang Seat to offer different versions of high-quality hand-made seats.
Besides, the customizing potential for the exhaust systems in cooperation with Vance & Hines is no less creative.
The highlights of the new BMW R 18
- Iconic style blending modern technology with authentic materials.
- Biggest ever BMW boxer engine with a capacity of 1 802 cc.
- Output 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 rpm, maximum torque 158 Nm at 3 000 rpm.
- More than 150 Nm available at all times from 2 000 to 4 000 rpm.
- Exposed driveshaft based on the classic role model.
- Elaborately crafted double-loop steel tube frame.
- Rear swingarm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame design.
- Telescopic fork with sleeves and cantilever suspension strut featuring travel-dependent damping.
- Harmonious ergonomics for relaxed riding and optimum control.
- Disc brakes front and rear, with wire-spoked wheels.
- State-of-the-art LED lighting technology, classically interpreted.
- Adaptive turning light for even better illumination of the road when cornering as an ex-factory option.
- Classically designed circular instrument with integrated display.
- Keyless Ride for convenient function activation by remote control.
- Three standard riding modes, ASC and MSR.
- Reverse assist for comfortable maneuvering, and Hill Start Control for natural hill starts as ex-factory options.
- The R 18 First Edition: exclusive look in paint and chrome.
- Extensive range of optional extras and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories as well as a cool Ride & Style Collection.
Pic Source : BMW Motorrad