BMW has launched the R 18 Classic ‘First Edition’ in the Indian market at the price of INR 24 lakh ex-showroom. The BMW R 18 Classic is the two-seater touring version of the BMW R 18 and comes with a relaxed riders triangle and saddlebags reverberating with the classic Americ touring culture.
Design & Styling
The R 18 Classic comes with a pure heritage cruiser design language and its looks can be further enhanced by adding a large touring visor. The motorcycle comes with a large almond-shaped fuel tank, low slung design exhausts, wide handlebars, chopped fenders, classic spoke-wire rims, chrome parts all around the powertrain etc. The large boxer engine is central to the design and the motorcycle takes inspiration from the BMW R 5 from the 1930s.
Powertrain
Powering the BMW R 18 Classic is the 1802cc ‘Big Boxer’ engine, an Air/Oil Cooled twin-cylinder horizontally opposed unit that is capable of pumping out 91 hp of power and 150 Nm of torque matched to a 6-speed transmission. The engine also does duty on the BMW R 18 and known for its full-bodied torque and sonorous grunt. The brand started producing the Big Boxer back in 1923 and the power train architecture is still appreciated by many aficionados. The engine comes with an enclosed axle drive in a rigid-frame that makes its way to the swingarm of the motorcycle.
Chassis, Suspension, & Brakes
The BMW R 18 Classic comes with a double loop steel tube frame with barely visible welded joints and rides on 49mm diameter telescopic fork with fork sleeves and a directly mounted central suspension strut with travel-dependent damping cantilever suspension. The suspension offers 120mm of travel at the front and 90 mm of travel at the rear. Braking duties performed by twin disc brakes on the front and a single disk on the rear.
Electronics Package
The BMW R 18 Classic also comes with three standard riding modes ‘Rain’, ‘Rock’ and ‘Roll’ along with ASC (Automatic Stability Control) as standard. Furthermore, the motorcycle features engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard and options such as reverse assist for easy manoeuvres. The bike also gets a Hill Start Control function and Electronic Cruise Control as standard.
