2020 R 18

Description

The new BMW R 18: supreme cruiser with historical roots.

With the new R 18, BMW Motorrad now enters the cruise segment. Like no other BMW motorcycle before, this model remains fully in the tradition of historic BMW motorcycles, both technically and in design style. It borrows from famous models like the BMW R 5, both technologically and visually, refocusing on the essentials of the motorcycle: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicenter of driving pleasure, combined with “good vibes.” Additionally, classic design combines on the R 18 with clear but contemporary technology to create a fascinating overall concept, offering a cultivated as well as emotional driving experience.

The most powerful BMW boxer engine of all time with plenty of torque.

The centerpiece of the new BMW R 18 is a new 2-cylinder boxer engine: the “Big Boxer”. Both their impressive looks and technology reflect a continuation of traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have provided an inspiring driving experience since BMW Motorrad began producing them in 1923. The most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever used in production in series has a displacement of 1,802 cc. The maximum power is 91 hp (67 kW) 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 full resonant sound.

Double-loop steel tube frame and rear swingarm with closed axle drive in rigid frame appearance.

The centerpiece of the suspension on the R 18 is a double loop steel tube frame. Its design perpetuates BMW Motorrad’s long tradition of this type of frame. Exceptional build quality and meticulous attention to detail is also evident in features that don’t show up, such as welded joints between steel pipes and cast or forged parts. Like the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swingarm, with a comparable design, surrounds the rear axle transmission in authentic style through bolted connections.

Telescopic fork with fork sleeves, cantilever suspension strut, spoke wheels and disc brakes.

The suspension elements of the BMW R 18 deliberately dispense with electronic adjustment options. Instead, a telescopic fork and direct-mounted center 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 telescopic fork tubes are encased in fork sleeves. The fork tube diameter is 49mm, while the suspension travel is 120mm at the front and 90mm at the rear. The new braking system consists of a double disc at the front and a single disc brake at the rear along with four-piston fixed calipers. Meanwhile, the spoke wheels ensure an extremely stylish appearance.

Ergonomic harmony for optimal vehicle control.

In accordance with the philosophy of BMW Motorrad, the R 18 features a relaxed positioning of the footrests, the so-called “middle-mounted footrests”. This classic behind-the-cylinder position is not only typical of BMW, but also allows for a relaxed and active driving position for optimal vehicle control.

Three driving modes together with ASC and MSR for a high degree of driving pleasure and safety as standard. Reverse assist and Hillstart control as factory options

The R 18 also offers the three standard driving modes “Rain”, “Roll” and “Rock”, unusual in this segment, to be able to adapt to the individual preferences of the pilot. The standard setting also includes ASC (Automatic Stability Control, Deactivatable), which ensures a high level of driving safety. In addition, the R 18 is equipped with motor drag torque control (MSR) as standard. Among other options, a reverse assist makes maneuvers convenient, while the Hill Start Control feature makes it easy to start uphill.

The New R 18: Newly Introduced Iconic Style, With A Rigid Frame Look, Modern Technology, And Authentic Materials.

The R 18 masterfully transposes the iconic style of times past to the present day, retaining a purist design in numerous details that is mainly influenced by classics like the BMW R 5. It is no coincidence that functional and stylistic elements such as the steel frame with Double sanding, pear drop tank, open drive shaft, and streak-embellished paint (factory option) recall the legendary boxer dating back to 1936. The classic body features of the R 18 are also made of metal, as befits a true classic. The suspension is also reminiscent of the legendary R 5. Along with the double-sided swingarm and cantilevered suspension strut, the R 5’s rigid frame concept perfectly transports the modern era visually.

The R 18 First Edition: exclusive look in paint and chrome.

The R 18 will be offered worldwide as an exclusive R 18 First Edition from launch, with a standard model additionally reserved for certain markets. It combines the R 18 look with exclusive equipment features in a classic black finish with white striped paint. Other highlights include numerous chrome surfaces, a seat plate and a “First Edition” chrome closure on the side covers.

Conversion-friendly design as a prerequisite for easy customization and optimal customization.

More than virtually any other motorcycle, the new R 18 offers a highly conversion-friendly design, a focus even in the early stages of basic motorcycle design. As a result, it is equipped with an easily removable rear frame and a set of easy-to-remove painted parts. Carefully designed attachment points for hydraulic brake, clutch, and wire harness lines also allow easy installation of upper or lower handlebars along with matching hydraulic lines and wire harnesses. Also, 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.

Roland Sands “Machined” and “2-Tone Black” design pieces and collections customization for the new R 18.

The BMW Motorrad range of equipment offers a maximum selection of customization options with which to tailor the R 18 to personal taste and preference. The wide range of different parts available in the BMW Motorrad Genuine Accessories program enables individual customization that significantly alters the character of the R 18. For the market launch of the new R 18, two different design collections of parts are created from milled aluminum in collaboration with Roland Sands Design: “Machined” and “2-tone black”.

Joint brand with famous brands: BMW and Mustang seats, as well as BMW and Vance & Hines “Made in USA” exhaust systems.

For the R 18 accessories and customization program, BMW Motorrad is collaborating with Roland Sands Design and several well-known suppliers, including the American manufacturer Mustang Seat, to offer different versions of high-quality handmade seats. Furthermore, the customization potential of exhaust systems in cooperation with Vance & Hines is no less creative.