Spied! BMW’s colossal R18 gets an H-D heritage bagger makeover

New BMW R18 spy shots reveal Harley heritage bikes rival

‘It’s no secret BMW have H-D in their sights’

Spyshots have emerged of what appears to be a stripped-back version of BMW’s upcoming R18 cruiser. Taking aim directly at Harley-Davidson’s heritage models, the classic-looking boxer has a tall screen bolted H-D-style to its forks, highlevel bars and a single clock. This version of the R18 also has a smaller 16in front wheel with a fatter tyre bumping up the overall wheel diameter, again, like some of Harley’s retro models or a Triumph Bobber Black. The tyre itself looks to be a brand-new Michelin Commander 3, which has only just been launched and may well have been developed with BMW for this bike.

It’s no secret that BMW have the American market firmly in their sights with the R18 and in a close-up of the clocks on this bike the word ‘Rock’ can be seen on a small LCD panel. It could be that, in an effort to Americanise the bike, BMW have named their riding modes after what they perceive to be ‘Stateside things’. It can be really cringey when Europeans try to be all trans-Atlantic, so let’s hope BMW have got this one right and the other modes aren’t ‘Baseball’ and ‘Trump’. Further evidence of H-D’s influence on the R18 can be seen by BMW’s decision to scrap the usual ignition on/off button on the top yoke. This will presumably mean riders just hit the little on button above the starter and go, like you do with a Harley. But unlike the competition from across the pond, BMW haven’t spent too much time on cable management and the look is far from seamless – although this is something that might become more refined on final production machines.

The model seen testing has a bobbed rear end but still has provision for a pillion and bagger-style panniers fitted. In keeping with BMW’s normal MO, we would anticipate the luggage and possibly the pillion seat to be optional extras rather than standard equipment. We expect this pared back version of the R18 to cost around £12,500, which is the same price as a HarleyDavidson Street Bob, the American brand’s traditional entry-level machine at this engine capacity.

More power More motor Despite its classic appearance, the motor produces 90bhp and over 116ftlb of torque – that should be enough to get going The R18 is powered by an 1802cc air-cooled boxer twin that’s inspired by their classic machines from the 1930s Bag it up As well as the naked machine, BMW are also developing a ‘custom’ model with a 19in front wheel plus a bagger Full metal jacket This is a stripped-back version but we’ve also seen a full-fat model with electric suspension, satnav and full connectivity Incoming fast BMW say they will reveal the finished bike on April 3, so unless they postpone it we will have the full story in the April 8 issue