BMW R 18 cruiser unveiled

BMW has pulled the covers off its long-awaited R 18 cruiser. After two concept bikes and months of speculation, the German marque’s entry into the cruiser market is finally official.

Pricing for the new R 18 will start at just $26,890 (plus on-road costs), with a limited run of the ‘First Edition’ package available for $30,190 (plus on-road costs). The First Edition version features an exclusive look with signature double pin-striping paint and chrome.

The initial batch of First Editions in Australia will also feature Reverse assist, upping the price tag to $31,690 (plus on-road costs).

The BMW R 18 is set to be introduced in the third quarter of 2020.

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BMW's R 18 'Big Boxer'

Classic throwback

Taking inspiration from historic BMW motorcycles, the R 18 features a sleek, classic design with traditionally inspired elements.

The heart of the new R 18 is what BMW has dubbed the ‘Big Boxer’ – the largest-ever two cylinder boxer engine produced by the firm. The 1802cc motor is capable of producing 67kW at 4750rpm and 158Nm at 3000rpm. In addition, more than 150Nm of torque is available from 2000rpm to 4000rpm.

An exposed drive-shaft and elaborate double-loop steel tube frame are both throwbacks to classic BMW models of years gone by.

Also featured is a rear-swingarm with enclosed axle-drive in a rigid frame design, telescopic fork with sleeves and a cantilever suspension strut that includes travel-dependant damping.

Modern technology

While the R 18 is very much a tribute to the classics, BMW hasn’t deprived it of modern technology.

State-of-the-art lighting technology, keyless ignition, three standard riding modes (Rain, Roll and Rock), ASC (Automatic Stability Control, disengagable) and MSR (engine drag torque control) are just some of the tech features of the R 18.

Reverse assist (standard on the first allocation of First Editions) and Hill Start Control are both available as optional extras.

Custom culture

BMW has purposely designed the R 18 with conversion and customisation in mind. An easily removable rear-frame and an easy-to-dismantle painted part set both encourage tinkering.

Likewise, carefully conceived attachment points for hydraulic lines of the brake, clutch and cable harness allow easy installation of higher or lower handlebars, in conjunction with matching hydraulic lines and cable harness.

The visible valve covers and the belt cover are also designed to be easily changed.

Like all BMW Motorrad motorcycles, there will be a wide range of options, parts and accessories available for the R 18. In fact, BMW has gone even further than usual, creating a vast catalogue of custom parts in a similar fashion to Harley-Davidson. These include two different design collections by Roland Sands Design.

Long time coming

Whispers of a new BMW cruiser began to surface in April 2019 when BMW Motorrad boss, Markus Schramm, stated that cruisers were back on the agenda.

Fans got a first glimpse at what a new BMW cruiser might look like in the Concept R 18, which made its debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d’Este in May 2019.

There was expectation for BMW to unveil a production version at EICMA in October 2019, however it instead revealed a second concept, the Concept R 18 /2 , featuring a more modern design.

More to come?

There has been sightings of further potential variants of the BMW R 18. Eagle-eyed BMW fans have spotted a bagger-style R 18 being tested in recent months.

It’s possible that the new production R 18 will serve as a base for a number of variants, similar to what Harley-Davidson has done with its Softail range.

For now though, we can revel in the fact that BMW R 18 has finally arrived.