BMW R 18: Very American Bavaria cruiser

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BMW R 18

Very American Bavaria cruiser

In 1997 BMW tried to penetrate the cruiser segment with the R 1200 C – with modest success. With the new R 18, BMW is once again daring a cruiser service in 2020 – with a lot of displacement and consistently classic styling.

W.he cruisers have to look like brands like Indian and Harley-Davidson have lived long before. Now BMW is following suit. After several studies, the first production model, the R 18, is finally following. A 16 liter drop tank, falling sideline and a good dash of BMW nostalgia in the form of the R5 from 1936 define the Bayern cruiser style. There is also a Trumm von Motor, which contributes its part to a DIN curb weight of 345 kilograms.

Biggest BMW boxer of all time

The new 1,800 boxer is the largest twin that the Bavarians have ever built. In the new R 18 Cruiser, the Big Boxer develops 91 hp and provides a maximum torque of 158 Nm. It is shifted by a six-speed gearbox. There is also an optional reverse gear that is operated via the starter. The single-disc anti-hopping dry clutch works with servo assistance.

Chopper / cruiser

BMW Boxer 1800 cc

Insights into the big boxer for the cruiser

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The drive torque is passed on to the rear wheel via an open cardan shaft. It sits in proper style in a steel double loop frame. The rear swing arm mimics a rigid frame together with a directly hinged spring strut that can only be adjusted in the preload. At the front, the R 18 relies on a conventional, non-adjustable telescopic fork with mighty 49er stanchions. So that it looks even more massive, it is covered with fork sleeves. The suspension travel is 90 mm at the rear and 120 mm at the front.

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The standard 19 and 16 inch wire-spoke wheels combine the Bavarians with a 300 double disc brake system at the front and a single-disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed calipers and of course integral ABS. The tire dimensions measure 120/70 at the front and 180/65 at the rear.

Retro look and up-to-date electronics

The R 18 comes across as cruiser-like with a seat height of just 690 mm. However, the R18 cannot offer a casual cruiser posture with legs stretched forward. The cylinders are in the way here. BMW communicates the forced positioning of the feet behind the cylinders with more casual "Mid mounted footpeg"-position.

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Different accessory benches and handlebars should bring variance in the seating position. The instrumentation is absolutely reduced. A single round instrument must be enough. The speedometer shows analog. The information from the on-board computer is transmitted digitally to the driver. The boxer starts keyless, but the key has to be used for the tank cap.

Despite its classic appearance, the R 18 is modern in terms of electronics. On board are an engine drag torque control, three driving modes and a stability control. Hill start assist and grip heating are available for an extra charge.

At the market launch, BMW will also be launching the R 18 as a First Edition, which will then be able to carry more paintwork, double lining and much more chrome, among other things.

Prepared for factory customizing

And because BMW is BMW, there are plenty of custom parts available right from the market launch with which the R 18 can be further customized. The studies on the R 18 have already shown what bandwidth is possible. In the second cruiser attempt, Bayern obviously don’t want to leave anything to chance. Least of all success. If you want to contribute, you can put together your personal R18 on the BMW website in an online configurator. However, not all options are available for all markets.

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Oh yes, if R 18 customers are really interested: The standard sprint should be possible in 4.8 seconds. A maximum of over 180 km / h is possible.

The R 18 should be available from autumn 2020. BMW cites 22,800 euros as the base price. Other model variants based on the new boxer will follow later.

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