The BMW R18 was globally unveiled on 3 April. And in just a month, BMW has listed the motorcycle on its website and a few dealerships across India have already started accepting bookings for the same. We can expect the manufacturer to launch the R18 sometime this year priced around Rs 25 lakh. Here are all the details you need to know about the upcoming motorcycle from BMW.
Styling
The BMW R18 is the manufacturer’s step into the cruiser motorcycle scene currently dominated by Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle. And so, unlike the K1600 series, the R18 is styled like a proper cruiser motorcycle that aims to take the fight directly to the Americans. It draws inspiration from the 1965 BMW R5 which is reflected in the shape of the fuel tank, the bulbous fishtail exhaust pipes, exposed shaft-drive, and swingarm design.
BMW is offering the R18 in two variants. While the standard variant sports a blacked-out look, the ‘First Edition’ variant gets white pinstripes and more chrome around its bodywork reminiscent of the R5.
Features
The German bikemaker might have styled the R18 to exude a retro vibe but has equipped the motorcycle with modern technology. It gets a single-pod instrument cluster that consists of an analogue speedometer and a small digital unit. Moreover, it also comes with ABS, stability control as well as three ride modes- Rain, Rock, and Roll (who said ze Germans aren’t humourous?). Furthermore, BMW offers hill-hold assist, heated grips, and a reverse gear as optional equipment.
Engine
The R18’s 1802cc engine is the largest boxer-twin motor ever built by BMW. It is capable of churning out 91bhp of power and 157Nm of torque and comes mated to a shaft drive.
Cycle parts
The BMW R18 uses spoke wheels that add to its retro appeal. It gets a 19-inch wheel at the front and a 16-inch wheel at the rear. Suspension duties are looked after by 49mm inverted forks up front and a rear shock that is hidden away in the frame for a hardtail look. The R18 tips the scale at 345kg and has a wheelbase of 1731mm, making it a truly massive motorcycle.
