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BMW is entering the custom segment with force with its new R 18. Long awaited, the machine allowed desire to work until the adoption of a huge and elegant presence. With its 1802 cc Big Boxer, its R5 (1936) tunes and its visible cardan transmission, this cruiser immediately makes a solid impression..
Strength ! Big arms, a dimension that spreads out, a precious moment riding on a heap of mechanical lyrics – here the custom R18 asserts itself. It makes us forget the messed up episode of the R 1200 C so much that we will not devote more than this line to it..
This time BM wants to hit hard in this segment. And as we do not compete with the tenors of the category without serious provisions, the Bavarian firm mixes with its intense memories the technique of yesterday and the canons of today..
BM clearly insists on the affiliation between saR5 and this R18. Yeah … We feel more the inspiration drawn from the American bison, those of Milwaukee and Springfield in priority.
Since we are at the crossroads of the stories, let’s briefly compare some information on the 1936 bike and its great-great-granddaughter. Small is not necessarily the most adequate word.
LaR5 put out 24 horsepower; today, we are talking about 91 nags – almost 4 times more. Twin flat for both, with 494 cm3 in the thirties against 1802 cm3 eight decades later. Question weight, we can say that it is the gazelle (165 kilos) noting the abuse of cream, torque, fat and metal (345 kilos) of his offspring. Inflation all over the place, which the Big Boxer sums up all by itself.
Huge, dazzlingly present, proud of its lungs exploding perimeter space, the R18’s engine looks like a metal ogre. With its (almost) 111 kilos, it already weighs 2/3 of an R5. For amateurs, you need cubage, poise, a Dantesque hand that lifts the steel and the heart. Exactly 1802 cm3, which makes it the biggest of BMW Motorrad’s twins … also the biggest of all the manufacturer’s motorcycle mechanics.
From its bowels, the Big Boxer already leaves 15.3 mkg from 2000 rpm. A minimum value, because the peak reaches 16.1 at 3000 rpm. Insist a little on the fat, there are 150 Nm up to 4000 rpm. Continue further to reach full power, showing its 91 horsepower at 4,750 rpm. But you will have passed intercourse long before.
BMW did not apply its most recent (and even older) innovations for this 1800. No Shiftcam, no liquid cooling, not even overhead camshafts. You would almost expect to see carbs … and that would suit him well. This block is however entirely new, but the manufacturer wanted it to feel the authenticity, the scent of a time when metal flowed in the hands of men. Here, the camshafts are located in the center of the engine, actuating the valves via rocker arms proudly displayed above the cylinders. This OVH configuration takes us back in time; yet, all around, it is 4 valves per cylinder, injection with BSM-O engine management, dual ignition, as well as an anti-dribble system to counter strong downshifts. We are not going to bombard you with technique – except for fans who want to discover more with the details of this big twin here..
Eyes converge on the pulsating metal, twinkle around the chrome, then assess the musculature of the whole R18. Plastic is hardly welcome. The line is long, deep and clean. It’s almost a shame that the rear is so classic, especially since the proto had promised us more visual character with a stern purged to the extreme. Fortunately, the bobber kit (optional) allows you to find a much more rebellious character, with a suspended saddle and a cut fender. An Apehanger kit allows you to hoist your hands up to the tree branches. A bit more surly? The Machined kit gives more tone. The R18 thus shows that it is not limited to one version but suitable for several demonstrations.
A personal regret, that BMW did not push the tribute to include the speedometer in the headlight, as on the R5. Kitch surely, but sweetly confusing.
The chassis opts for the most suitable design in terms of cruiser rank. It consists of a double-cradle tubular steel frame terminated by a falsely rigid rear. As with the Harley Softail and the Triumph Bobber / Speedmaster, a monoshock is hidden under the saddle. The huge fork has 49 mm tubes, without the possibility of adjustment. As for the 19 and 16 inch wheels, one could only suffer from spoke rims. The brakes are as follows: three 300 mm discs, fitted with 4-piston calipers at the front. The partially integral ABS supervises the action, and a Dynamic brake light is part of the equipment. A gear that will be responsible for stopping 345 kilos. Better to have teeth full of molars.
Performance is not a priority, and wanting to ensure a certain level of safety, BMW has limited the speed of the R18 to 180 km / h. Let us pay only incidental attention to the disproportionate wheelbase (1731 mm) and the generously open column angle (32.7 °). As handy for tacking as a Panamax ship.
BMW regularly approaches the holy grail of driving, outrageously dominating the debates with high road comfort, like traveling with the RTs or expeditioning with the GS. He intends to bring this dimension to the R18, with the particularity (inherent in the category) of having the buttocks closer to the ground. The seat is only 690 mm high. Contrary to the “feet forward” position typical of customs, the German keeps the sides vertically.
Once in place, just switch on the ignition.
Well, where do we put the key? No barrel under the nose. Ah, yes, no, flute; on a custom, it happens on the side, between the knee and the fork.
Except … there is nothing there either. We understand better when we see the inscription “Keyless Ride”. With the key in the pocket, the bike recognizes the carrier then unlocks the steering and ignition. This is just one aspect of digital technology that the R18 is on board. It also has ASC (disengageable) stability control, engine torque control (MSR) acting in concert with the clutch and three Riding Modes. With rather nice appellations.
– The “Rain” mode needs no definition but no explanation. The throttle response is smoother and the ASC and MSR control characteristics are calibrated for wet and slippery pavement.
The other two modes are called “Rock” and “Roll”. Funny, and great nod to a philosophy of life.
– With the “Rock”, we take full advantage of the dynamics of the R 18. The throttle response is very spontaneous and direct, while the ASC allows a little more slip.
– In “Roll” mode, the engine provides optimum throttle response, while ASC and MSR are set to deliver optimum performance on all roads..
The pilot will have plenty of time to test the modes from the first foray. The 16 liters of the tank allow (according to BMW) up to 290 km of autonomy.
We have seen that this Bavarian also hit in terms of weight. BM has provided an optional electric reverse gear. A radius where we also find the heated grips, hill start aid, as well as a curved lighting system that can be housed in the circular headlight. When it comes to accessories, it’s the American-style catalog. Everything is planned to polish his R18 with small onions. Especially since remarkable names joined the festivities, such as Roland Sands, Mustang Seats or Vance & Hines.
Let’s come back to the series, where the brand did not skimp on the “Heritage” side. “Berlin built” inscriptions confirm the reputation of quality and finish that the designers wanted to engrave in the DNA of their big custom. Rightly so, the motorcycle is built in the Berlin-Spandau plant.
For its debut, the 1802 R18 is marketed in First Edition. This gives it certain advantages, such as this black paintwork with very vintage white edges, several chrome parts, a badged seat, and a “First Edition” chrome insert on the sides..
It comes to challenge American motorcycles with a similar cubic capacity, comparable power and tonnage, and to fit well in the wheel, a premium price.
The custom BMW R 18 – the key points:
– Largest BMW boxer engine in history, with a displacement of 1 802 cm3.
– Power from 91 hp (67 kW) at 4 750 rpm, maximum torque of 158 Nm at 3 000 rpm.
– More than 150 Nm of torque available at any time between 2 000 and 4 000 rpm.
– Visible drive shaft as on classic boxers.
– Tubular steel double cradle frame.
– Rear swingarm “covering” the secondary transmission, creating the visual impression of a rigid frame
– Faired telescopic fork and central cantilever shock absorber with adjustable preload.
– 300mm disc brakes front and rear, spoke rims.
– State-of-the-art LED technology interpreted in classic style.
– Adaptive lighting for optimum illumination in curves, optional.
– Classically designed circular meter with integrated on-board computer.
– Keyless Ride as standard for more comfort.
– Three driving modes, ASC system and MSR function offered as standard.
– Reverse assist for easy parking maneuvers and optional hill-start control.
– R 18 “ First Edition ”: paint and chrome for an exclusive style.
– Extensive range of original BMW Motorrad customization options and accessories and Ride & Style equipment collection.
– For the first time at BMM Motorrad, accessories will be integrated into the internet configurator.
What you must remember
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Prices
22 990 €
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Opinion
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Model marketed in
2020
Performances
-
Max speed:
180 km / h -
Acceleration
0 to 100: 4.80 s -
Consumption
medium: 5.60 l
The technical aspect
2020 BMW 1800 R 18
- Frame
- Frame: Structure in steel tubes
- Tank: 16 liters
- Seat height: 690 mm
- Length: 2,440 mm
- Width: 964 mm
- Wheelbase: 1,731 mm
- Weight in running order: 345 kg
- Train before
- Telehydraulic fork Ø 49 mm, deb: 120 mm
- 2 discs Ø 300mm, 4 piston calipers
- Front wheel:
120/70
– 19
- Transmission
- 6-speed gearbox
- secondary by cardan
- Rear axle
- Mono-shock absorber, deb: 90 mm
- 1 disc Ø 300 mm
- Rear wheel:
180/65
– 16
- Motor
- Twin cylinder
Flat
, 4 stroke - Cooling: mixed air / oil
- injection Ø 48 mm
- 2 AC + rocker arms
- 4 valves per cylinder
-
1,802 cc
(107.1 x 100 mm) -
91
ch
at 4,750 rpm -
16.10 mkg
at 3000 rpm - Compression: 9.6: 1
- Crit’air:
Detached pieces
exhaust
motor
fluid
electricity
filtration
braking
chain kit
Competitors
2020 Harley-Davidson 1870 Softail Low Rider S FXLRS
2020 Harley-Davidson 1870 Softail Fat Boy FLFBS
2020 Harley-Davidson 1745 Softail Deluxe FLDE
Indian 1811 Chief Dark Horse 2020
Triumph 1200 Bonneville Bobber Black 2020
Gallery
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