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Erlkonig BMW R 18 Tourer

Big Boxer also comes in a super tourer outfit

With the R 18 Cruiser, BMW has presented the basic model of the new Big Boxer family. But that will be enriched by a super tourer. We have already caught him as Erlkonig.

On April 3, 2020, BMW had the R. 18 Cruiser presented the first model around the new Big Boxer. But it won’t stop there. In line with the traditions of the major US manufacturers, Bayern will offer a whole family of models for the new two-cylinder engine. A Super Tourer variant with full equipment is sure to come. The prototype caught exclusively by our Erlkonigjager provides a first foretaste of this.

During test drives on the Autobahn, the BMW test driver got in the way of our Erlkonigjager. While the MOTORRAD photographer diligently pressed the shutter button, the test driver who was caught put a veritable emergency stop and stopped on the hard shoulder. The motorcycle, which had never been seen before, was loaded into a transporter that had also been braked at risk. Too late. The pictures were in the box, the machine exposed.

Stefan Baldauf / self-service media

So this is what it looks like, the new BMW full dresser boxer. A powerful handlebar-mounted fairing protects the driver, the cockpit is equipped with four large clocks and a wide display. Legshields, thick suitcases on a sturdy luggage rack, a very generously padded bench – travel comfort seems to be well taken care of.

Radar-based assistance systems

A radar system is integrated into the front of the vehicle above the LED headlights. Like KTM and Ducati, Bayern should be working on new driver assistance systems. With the radar, adaptive distance and speed control as well as collision warning and a blind spot assistant can be implemented.

Stefan Baldauf / self-service media

The two mufflers got noticeably long. And the bends are noticeably thick. The two fork tubes are comparatively thin. The open cardan shaft can also be admired in this otherwise fairly disguised version, and a properly sized oil cooler sits little protected behind the front wheel.

Restricted legroom

The decisive question about the weal and woe of the new BMW: What about the position of the legs behind the thick cylinders? The BMW is unlikely to be able to offer that classic cruiser feeling with footrests mounted far forward. The tester, who is certainly not one of the shortest-legged ones, has to bend his lower legs to some extent.

Stefan Baldauf / self-service media

Does the BMW not come too close to its American role models in terms of looks and concepts? Hardly likely. The new Big Boxer seems too dominant, even in this full touring regalia. This air-cooled, 91 hp muscle man will always allow the BMW to remain independent.

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