BMW R 18

NEED TO KNOW

Price: Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom, estimated)

Engine: 1,802 cc, OHV, eight-valve, air-cooled, horizontally-opposed twin Output: 92 hp @ 4,750 rpm, 157 Nm @ 3,000 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed, shaft final drive

Brakes: Twin 300-mm discs (F), 300-mm disc (R)

Tyres: 120/70 R19 (F), 180/65 B16 (R)

Weight: 345 kg (kerb)

going on to hit its electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h. a modern electronics suite keeps the motor’s potential in check with three riding modes and all the rider aids you would expect to see on a modern BMW motorcycle.

further tributes to vintage BMWs can be seen in the form of the chrome-plated ducts for the pushrods above the cylinders, the valve cover design, the blue and white BMW roundels that are screwed on in true heritage fashion rather than stuck on, and the fishtail exhaust tips. Unfortunately, those massive bulges in the exhausts meant to accommodate modern emission-control hardware look downright comical and at odds with the otherwise period-correct design.

the r 18 definitely looks the part of a big, burly cruiser; its 1,730-mm wheelbase is 36 mm more than that of the honda Goldwing, it weighs a colossal 345 kilograms (wet), and has the road presence of a tank. it undeniably will attract cruiser aficionados who have so far been restricted to the american brands, and the best part is that BMW Motorrad india are already accepting advance bookings for this motorcycle, with deliveries expected to start early next year.