BMW R18 launched at Rs 18.9 lakh

BMW Motorrad has launched the new R18 in India from Rs 18.9 lakh

• Inspired by the 1936 BMW R5
• 1,802cc engine is the largest BMW boxer engine  
• Gets three ride modes- Rain, Roll and Rock

The new BMW R18 cruiser is available in two variants, Standard and First Edition, the latter features additional embellishments. The BMW R18 will set you back by Rs 18.9 lakh, while the First Edition will cost you Rs 21.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

What is special about the First Edition R18?

The BMW Motorrad R18 First Edition gets extra chrome elements, a Blackstorm metallic paint shade, and a seat badge with a 'First Edition' clasp on the chrome cover. It also includes intricate additions like a tank emblem with copper letterings, copper screws, a pair of gloves, as well as a screwdriver to fix the emblem on the tank. Additionally, the First Edition will also feature hill-start assist, heated grips and cornering headlights.

Design highlights 

The BMW R18 looks stunning and, in many ways, resembles the 1936 BMW R5 cruiser. Parked side by side, the design inspiration is clearly visible in its round LED headlamp, tear-drop-shaped fuel tank and the swooping rear fender. Period-correct details like the exposed drive shaft, front fork covers and the rear monoshock hidden inside the frame architecture, highlight the meticulous attention to detail.

What are the engine specifications?

The new BMW R18 cruiser is powered by a brand new 1,802cc, air and oil-cooler engine and it is the biggest boxer engine that BMW has ever manufactured. 

It develops 91hp at 4,750rpm, which may not seem as much considering its size, but crucially, it produces 158Nm of torque at 3,000rpm. A fat chunk of that torque, 150Nm to be precise, is available between 2,000-4,000rpm. BMW claims a 0-100kph time of 4.8sec and a top speed limited to 180kph.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via an exposed drive shaft that is inspired from the old BMW cruisers.

Modern electronics in a retro-styled cruiser

The BMW R18 is modelled on yesteryears BMW cruisers, however, it is kitted with modern-day electronics. The BMW R18 features three ride modes-Rain, Roll and Rock; a fun take on the usual Rain, Road and Sport. 

In addition, the BMW R18 also gets switchable automatic stability control (ASC) and engine drag torque control or MSR. The latter prevents rear-wheel slip under aggressive downshifts. BMW also offers a reverse gear driven by an electric motor. This will probably come in handy, since the R18 tips the scales at a hefty 345kg.

Suspension and brakes

The motorcycle has a 49mm telescopic fork (120mm travel) at the front and a cantilever strut at the rear (90mm travel), mounted directly to the frame and swingarm. The rear suspension also features travel-dependent damping and spring preload adjustment which allows the rider to set up the bike depending on their weight.

As far as brakes are concerned, the R18 has twin 300mm discs at the front (with fixed, four piston calipers) and a single disc at the rear, which is also of the same size. The braking system uses BMW's Integral ABS technology and squeezing the handlebar brake lever activates the front and rear brake.

What about customisation options?

BMW Motorrad is offering an array of customisation options. This includes custom-made seats, exhausts, side panels, and even a handlebar. You could fix a Bobber-style floating seat, replete with a side-mounted number plate holder, and also fit a variety of handlebars to convert the R18 from a cruiser to a Bobber, Bagger or even an Ape-hanger. BMW says that replacing these parts was made easy by using plug-and-play type clutch and brake lines, as well as the handlebar wiring.