BMW Motorrad Concept R18

In the context of a bustling mix of traditional and modern that is displayed in the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW Motorrad presents an attractive alternative for a time that is increasingly characterized by rapid technological change. I could see it as a return to the core of the brand, but with a modern twist: the BMW Motorrad Concept R18 transports the essence of the great BMW Motorrad classics to the modern era or, in other words, is taking a historic motorcycle design giving it a modern and personalized attitude. Dr. Markus Schramm, head of BMW Motorrad, describes the design as follows: “With this dream bike, BMW Motorrad presents its own version of an emotional and authentic offer for the large cruiser segment.”

“With its clear aesthetics openly exposed, Concept R18 embodies what motorcycling really is all about. It’s about feeling instead of thinking, and not using technology for self-esteem, instead of giving space for imagination. This concept of the bike appeals to something in the background: you just want to get on and off. But when you go back out, you not only store it in the garage and leave, you come back and give it one last farewell look,” explains Edgar Heinrich, director of BMW Motorrad Design.

Consistently purist design with timeless proportions.

The BMW Motorrad Concept R18 is the essence of motorcycling, a motorcycle in its original and natural form. With a truly personalized style, celebrate the art of putting aside what you do not need and then concentrate on what is left. “The biggest challenge in design is to make everything visible. Each part has a functional purpose. There are not many who dare to adopt such an honest approach, “says Bart Janssen Groesbeek, designer of the Concept motorbike.The BMW Motorrad Concept R18 is immediately recognizable as a true BMW: boxer engine, cradle frame, exposed universal axle and Drop-shaped fuel tank with black paint and contrast lines applied by hand interpret design icons typical of the classic BMW Motorrad, while showing confidence along with a line of modern style.The balanced proportions remind the classics like the BMW R5, and transmit, even from a distance, the timeless beauty that occurs when things are constantly reduced to the essentials.The chassis and the tank create a common line from the headlight to the rear wheel and lend a fluid elegance on the side view The large spoke wheels (21 inches front, 18 inches rear) provide a secure position and perfectly balance the power unit a dominant. The tires are a reference to the history: as it was in its day, this motorcycle is again equipped with Metzeler tires.

The tradition of the BMW boxer brings new splendor.

The heart of the BMW Motorrad Concept R18 is the newly designed two-cylinder, 1800 cc large boxer engine. Its exterior appearance consciously recalls the flat twin engines that BMW Motorrad used to build until the late 1960s, but with considerably more displacement and modern air / oil cooling. The great prototype of the boxer has been designed down to the last detail: the engine block and the transmission are made of polished aluminum with glass beads, providing an ideal setting to present the hand-polished aluminum components, as well as the protection of the belt and valve caps. The motor plate is named after the Concept motorcycle and emphasizes the overall quality. In addition, the Solex double carburetors, similar to those of the BMW 2002, go back to the history of the construction of the brand and add the final touch to the visual authenticity.

Another highlight is the chromed, exposed shaft, which connects the rear wheel. There are no more decks on any part of the motorcycle, which serves to keep your engineering clearly visible. In the same way, the electronics are reduced to nothing more than the starter and the lights, underlining its purist design.

The BMW Motorrad Concept R18 is the third internal interpretation of the large-capacity boxer engine that comes from BMW Motorrad. Last December, the model created by the Japanese customizers, CUSTOM WORKS ZON, was presented at the Yokohama Hot Rod Show, based on this new prototype engine. The ‘Departed’ won the highest award of the event, the “Best of Show Motorcycle” award, thrilling fans of motorcycles with their classic forms, modern production techniques and all kinds of crafts and crafts in detail. The next round was the interpretation of Revival Cycles.

The customizers of Austin, Texas, created a spectacular bike with its “Revival Birdcage” model, an ideal presentation platform for the Big Boxer. The specially developed titanium frame offers an unobstructed view of the motor and unit from all angles. This American design created a stir at the Handbuilt Show last month in Texas.

High quality details in fine personalized work.

As for its color design, the BMW Motorrad Concept R18 is shown as a classic. The theme is the typical BMW: the white lines applied by hand on the fork and the fuel tank in combination with the black base color represent the classic theme of BMW color. A discreet gold-yellow varnish effect gives the bright twin lines an exclusive touch, and the black-effect paint on the tank and fork legs similarly reveal, in the best custom style, an unusual depth when sunlight it affects the large metallic particles in the different layers of the paint.

The visual design of the unique printed leather seat is taken from the classics of the fifties. Reinterpreted and somewhat more comfortable, its quality embossing is perfectly integrated into the purist and first-class design. The cantilevered spring strut is integrated under the seat. The graphics of the design of the headlights also reminiscent of the fifties. The classic U shape of the original components of the glass cover is now interpreted as LED lamp elements.

Each of these details contributes to the unique character of the concept and underlines its general statement. The BMW Motorrad Concept R18 combines the traditional and historical design language with the current features of BMW Motorrad.

A counterpoint to contemporary times.

“For me, motorcycles like the BMW Motorrad Concept R18 are a response to the growing need of the motorcyclist community: instead of technology, the focus here is simplification, authenticity and transparency. I observe an almost romantic longing for real mechanical engineering. Our goal with this Concept is to address this need and turn it into an analog statement in a digital age. We have a rich history of iconic motorcycles, and all have the same design characteristics. We believe that this can still work well together with current technology,” says Edgar Heinrich in conclusion.