BMW reveals R 18 Classic touring version
The first of a range of BMW R 18 variants has been revealed by the Munich-based companyFollowing the launch of the new BMW R 18 in April, BMW Motorrad has revealed a second variant in its boxer-powered cruiser range.
The new BMW R 18 Classic is a touring cruiser that will sit alongside the standard BMW R 18. It adds a bunch of accessories and functions to the base R 18 platform.
Featuring a large windscreen, a passenger seat, saddlebags, additional LED headlights and a 16-inch front wheel, the BMW R 18 Classic offers a nostalgic look that harks back to early touring cruiser models. The bike also includes electronic cruise control as standard.
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Launched in April, the R 18 platform is BMW’s latest foray into the cruiser market and its first since the ill-fated R1200C in the early ‘00s.
The BMW R 18 is powered by the Munich firm’s most powerful boxer engine yet, with the 1800cc power plant offering 91hp at 4750rpm and 158Nm at 3000rpm. BMW also claims that more than 150Nm is available at all times between 2000 and 4000rpm.
Other structural features of the R 18 platform include an open-running universal shaft drive based on classic BMW models, an elaborately crafted double-loop steel tube frame, a rear swinging arm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame design, and a telescopic fork with sleeves and cantilever suspension strut featuring travel-dependant damping.
While the R 18 is definitely a throwback to classic BMW models, it isn’t completely void of modern tech, with state-of-the-art LED lighting, a classically designed instrument cluster with integrated display, keyless ignition and two ride modes. Options include reverse assist, hill start control, and adaptive cornering lights.
In a bid to compete with the likes of Harley-Davidson, BMW’s intention with the R 18 is to encourage customers to personalise their bikes using the brand’s extensive accessory and parts catalogue.
Like Harley, BMW is expected to build a whole model range with the standard R 18 as the platform. Each new model will combine accessories and options into a dedicated package, with the R 18 Classic being the first example. A bagger-style version is anticipated in the near future.
Arrival dates and pricing for the BMW R 18 Classic are yet to be announced, but the standard R 18 was expected to arrive in Australia late 2020. Pricing for the standard R 18 will start at $26,890 (plus ORC), with a limited run of ‘First Edition’ models available for $30,190.
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