Bmwunveils R 18 cruiser
BMW has finally taken all the wraps off its new cruiser, the gorgeous R 18, Nile Bijoux reports.
Aftermonths of teasers and concepts, Bmwmotorrad has revealed its latest cruiser in full. Meet the R 18. The cruiser is a halo model for BMW, coming with retro styling, a big flat-twin engine and a stripped-back approach.
Inspiration came from the R 5, which debuted way back in 1936. It lent its softtail style, double loop steel tube frame and flowing exhaust to the R 18. The newer bike does have modern components like proper rear suspension (hidden beneath the seat), telescopic front forks, LED lighting and disc brakes.
One sweet feature is the exposed driveshaft connecting the engine to the rear wheels. This is a nod to BMW’S prewar motorbikes and it looks great in the pictures so it’ll look even better in person.
Electronics are also a thing, with the R 18 offering three ridemodes – Rock, Roll and Rain. Rock is the most aggressive ride mode, with access to the bike’s full power and torque while Roll mode is closer to a regular Road mode. Rain offers softer throttle response and more limited power and torque.
Other electronic aids include stability control, engine drag torque control (which helpsmitigate rear wheel slip as a result of abrupt throttling or downshifting), a hill start assist and a reversing assist.
The engine is the colossal 1800cc flat-twin we’ve already discussed. Bmwsays awhole 158Nm kicks in at 3000rpmwhile power is rated at 67kw at 4750rpm. The redline is set at 5750rpm, for thosewilling to push the big lump a bit.
It might look like something out of the 1940s but it has modern tech hidden inside. There’s a four-valve cylinder head, a dual ignition system and fuel injection. Bmwwill even offer an optional electric reverse gear to those who want it.
The R18will be available in two different versions at launch: the standard version and the First Edition.
The First Edition is probably the one most early adopters will be going for, with all kinds of pinstriping and chrome coming standard. It also comes with some cool extras like historically accurate tank emblems, slotted screws, a leather belt, a screwdriver, gloves and a book celebrating thebmwmotorcycles’ 97-year history.
We’re waiting onbmwmotorrad New Zealand to finalise the price and availability but we’d expect it to cost a fair bit, particularly for that First Edition. But which would you have, this or a similarly priced Harley?