The all-new 1800cc R18 cruiser motorcycle has been recently unveiled by BMW Motorrad in its production form. One of the most anticipated bikes from the brand was initially showcased at the Concorso d’Eleganza 2019 in a concept form while the production variant of the motorcycle features an almost identical design as well as other mechanical aspects.
The BMW R18 is inspired from the 1936 BMW R5 cruiser that was the brand’s first-ever motorcycle equipped with a foot-operated transmission. Comparing the two motorcycles, one can easily recognize a host of similar traits when it comes to their classic styling. Both the motorcycle variants have been equipped with a round LED headlight in addition to featuring a similar tear-drop fuel tank as well as many more similar details that have been designed with utmost perfection.
The motorcycle from the German two-wheeler prodigy has been equipped with a powerful 1802cc air+oil cooled, boxer twin engine and is based on a steel cradle chassis that makes it compete in the markets against the likes of Harley-Davidson and Triumph motorcycles. The engine is capable of churning out a maximum power of 91HP @ 4750 rpm and a peak torque of 158Nm @ 3000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a six-speed gearbox and features an exposed shaft drive.
The manufacturer also offers the motorcycle with an optional reverse gear while offering a host of all the latest electronics to add to its premium profile. The BMW R18 features a traction control system in addition to getting ride-by-wire technology, hill control, heated grips, switchable Automatic Stability Control (ASC), an anti-skid mode and more.
The BMW R18 can be operated in three riding modes namely Rain, Roll, and Rock. The motorcycle has been equipped with a keyless ignition system while gestures cornering ABS and more. The cruiser with a kerb weight of 345kgs is capable of registering its top speed at 180kmph. According to the brand, the R18 can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 4.8sec.
The customers can avail the cruiser in two variants namely standard model and the First Edition. The former is available in the markets at a price tag of $17,495 (INR 13.32 lakh approx) while the latter is available at $19,870 (INR 15.13 lakhs approx) in the US markets. The brand is expected to launch the BMW R18 in the Indian markets sometime in the next year though there is no official confirmation received on the same as of yet.