5 things you need to know...

BMW’S massive R18 cruiser

1 THE ENGINE IS A HOOT

The R18 is powered by a brandnew 1802cc air-cooled boxer twin. It uses clever tech, like fuel injectors in the head, combined with old-school tech, like lifters and pushrods, to deliver classic looks with modern performance. It might only produce 89bhp but it also makes 117lb·ft of torque, with 110lb·ft on tap from 2000rpm to 4000rpm, so it pulls like a train in every gear

2 IT’S NO LIGHTWEIGHT

That big engine alone weighs over 110kg, which helps push the whole bike to a whopping 345kg. The weight is low down, so it handles it well when you’re going but it’s a handful at walking pace. That also means the optional reverse gear is pretty much essential for manoeuvring around, even if it’s a £920 extra

3 FINISH IS FIRST CLASS

The fit and finish of the First Edition is absolutely excellent. The pinstriping is done by hand, the black paint has just a hint of sparkle so it pops in the sun, while the enamel tank badges are pure 1930s class. The real draw is the exposed driveshaft, which never ceases to amaze

4 IT HANDLES WELL FOR A BIG BIKE

The short-travel suspension is on the firmer side, so it brings the most amount of joy when ridden hard. Cruising along gently isn’t an especially rewarding experience, particularly with the quiet pipes. Chuck it into corners like a giant R ninet though, and you’ll never stop grinning

5 IT’S LACKING REFINEMENT

For a BMW, it’s bereft of tech; there’s no cruise control, no fuel gauge, no range indicator and what tech there is needs work. The ignition is keyless but the fuel filler and steering lock aren’t, while the Hill Start Control is jerky and the self-cancelling indicators turn off too soon. Not really good enough for a £19,000 bike