BMW has globally unveiled the R18; its highly-anticipated cruiser motorcycle. The manufacturer could launch the motorcycle in India sometime next year. Here, we bring to you details of the attractive BMW R18 through this image gallery.
The BMW R18's styling has been heavily inspired from the iconic BMW R5 which was available in 1965.
The shape of the fuel tank, swingarm design, exposed shaft drive and bulbous fishtail-tip exhausts are a nod to the R5. BMW has paid minute attention to details and screwed in the logo on the tank, just like the early days.
The R18 is available in two variants- standard (pictured above)and an upmarket ‘First Edition’. The latter sports pinstripes and more chrome that is reminiscent of the R5 model.
However, the R18 is modern and gets LED lighting for the headlamp as well as tail lamp with integrated turn signals. It also boasts of ABS, stability control and three modes- Rain, Rock and Roll (yes, you read that right!) as standard.
The instrument cluster consists of an analogue speedo with a small digital display. BMW is offering hill start assist, a reverse gear and heated grips as optional equipment.
Apart from the design, the engine is the BMW R18’s highlight. The 1,802cc motor is the biggest boxer-twin engine from BMW. It produces 91bhp of power and 157Nm of torque and comes mated to a shaft drive.
The BMW R18 rides on spoke wheels; 19-inch at the front and 16-inch at the rear. The front wheel is suspended from 49mm inverted forks while the rear shock is hidden away in the frame for a hardtail look. With a kerb weight of 345kg and a wheelbase of 1731mm, the R18 is a massive motorcycle.
BMW is offering customers an option to customise the R18 with alloy wheels, different handlebars, cropped rear fender, floating seat, etc. The list includes parts from Roland Sands, Vance, and Hines as well as Mustang seats.
