BMW R 18 Cruiser Bike Launched

The R 18 is BMW’s first cruiser motorcycle in 16 years

• The R 18 pays homage to the BMW R 5
• The bike is powered by the largest boxer production engine made by BMW
• Prices in international markets start at Rs 13.30 lakh 

Among all the negativity surrounding us due to COVID-19, BMW Motorrad unveiled the absolutely stunning R 18. The R 18 is probably the most important motorcycle for the German two-wheeler giant after the BMW S 1000 RR and the R 1250 GS as it tries its luck in the premium cruiser segment to compete against Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle. 

If we had to describe the styling of the BMW R 18, only one word is enough gorgeous! The new BMW cruiser offering is inspired from the BMW R5 and the fluid lines, clean design and attention to detail means that the new motorcycle is rolling art on two-wheels. All the body panels and the fuel tank have been crafted from metal and the first edition also gets contrast pinstriping to add to its retro vibe. Head here to take a closer look at the cruiser.

While the BMW R 18 looks old-school it's a thoroughly modern bike and it features the largest boxer motor built by BMW yet.  The 1,802cc horizontally opposed, oil-cooled motor produces 90PS and 158Nm of torque. What’s more impressive is the fact that 150Nm of the torque is made available under 4,000rpm. Power is transmitted via a shaft drive system and the exposed drive linkage is mechanical porn! It’s also the only production cruiser bike currently to offer a boxer motor and shaft drive. 

At 345kg (wet weight), the R 18 isn’t a light motorcycle to move around while parking and to assist the rider it features a reverse gear. In terms of electronics, the BMW cruiser sports three riding modes, traction control, engine drag torque control (MSR) and hill start control is optional. Cornering light is an option while keyless ignition comes as standard. 

The frame is a double-loop steel unit with enclosed axle drive to give the bike a hard-tail look. Suspension duties are handled by conventional fork and a monoshock with just preload  adjustability. The bike rolls on spoke wheels and gets dual-channel as well. Customisation is second nature to cruiser owners and there will be an array of official aftermarket options such as different handlebars, seat options and wheels. In fact, owners can fit either a 16in, 18in, 19in and 21in front wheel. My personal favourite is the bobber option with cantilever sear, wider handlebars and bobber tyres. 

Prices for the base BMW R 18 start at $17,495 (Rs 13.30 lakh), but the one that BMW enthusiasts would really aspire to own is the BMW R 18 First Edition which carries a sticker price of $22,000 (Rs 16.80 lakh). We are confident to see the BMW R 18 going on sale by late 2020 in India if the coronavirus pandemic subsides. Prices in India may start around Rs 24 lakh (ex-showroom).