BMW in a digital world premiere introduced the BMW R 18 which is based on the BMW R 18 Concept which made its debut last year at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event on the shores of Lake Como. The production version of the BMW R 18 is near identical to the Concept R 18 and merges the classic cruiser design with modern technology.
The modern classic cruiser takes its design inspiration from the 1936 BMW R 5 and has a classic low cruiser stance with sloping lines, elements from the brands 30s and 40s cruisers and timeless proportions. In terms of styling, the BMW R 18 features a rounded LED headlight unit with LED daytime running lights, teardrop tank design finished in black with white double pinstripes, chopped-off fenders, a wide single-seat and a classic double-loop frame.
The pièce de résistance is the 1802cc air-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine. The engine comes with a lot of chrome accents, chrome treated low slung exhausts, black finished cooling fins, silver-finished engine block, a mirror-finished front and cylinder head covers. The engine also features a nickel-plated open shaft drive that compliments the motorcycles old school look. The 1802cc air-cooled twin boxer engine produces 91 hp of power and 158 Nm of torque matched to a 6-speed gearbox with an optional electric reverse.
But not everything on the motorcycle is old or from the 1930s. The BMW R 18 in its electronic package features keyless ignition, ride-by-wire throttle, riding modes, traction control, antilock braking system, hill-hold control, drag-torque control and heated handlebar grips.
For cycle parts, the BMW R 18 features a conventional front suspension setup on the front covered in a shroud and a cantilevered Softail rear end with a hidden shock absorber. The stopping power comes from dual discs on the front with hydraulically operated brake callipers and a single disc on the rear with a hydraulic calliper.
The BMW R 18 is slated for its market launch in the second half of 2020 and compete with the likes of American cruisers such as Indian Motorcycles and Harley-Davidson. The BMW R 18 is expected to be priced around EUR 21,500.
