This time a bit different – BMW presents its newest bike via online live stream. But not less exciting. There it is, the brand new BMW R18. With its massive 1800 cubic centimeter boxer engine the bike reminds in many ways of its heritage, the 1936 brought to market R5. It’s a tribute. But with more than 3 times the displacement to the R5, it truly is a banger. BMW speaks of its 180° boxer engine as the “epicentre of riding pleasure”. Design wise, the air cooled powerplant definitely is an eye catcher.
BIGGEST DISPLACEMENT IN A BMW BIKE OF ALL TIME
The centrepiece of the new BMW R18 is a newly developed 2-cylinder boxer engine – they call the “Big Boxer”. The most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever used in motorcycle series production has a displacement of 1 802 cc. The peak output is 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 rpm. From 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, over 150 Nm of torque is available at all times.
A DESIGN THAT PROMISES EASY CUSTOMIZATION
BMW promises that they have taken customizing aspect into the design concept of the R18 and easy customization is possible:
More so than virtually any other motorcycle, the new R 18 offers a highly conversion-friendly design – a focus even in the early design phases of the basic motorcycle layout. As a result it is equipped with an easily removable rear frame and a simple-to-dismantle painted part set. Carefully conceived attachment points for the hydraulic lines of the brake, clutch and cable harness likewise allow easy installation of higher or lower handlebars in conjunction with matching hydraulic lines and cable harnesses. In addition, the visible valve covers (cylinder head covers) and the belt cover (engine housing cover) are designed in such a way that they are located outside the oil chamber, making them very easy to change.
ERGONOMICS, HANDLING & SAFETY
The BMW R18 ergonomics concept focuses on a so called “mid mounted footpeg”-position – classically positioned behind the the cylinders of the boxer engine. This is not only a characteristic of a classic BMW motorcycle, it should also enable the rider to sit in an relaxed but riding-active position offering best possible bike handling.
The R18 offers with 3 different ride modes (“Rain”, “Rock” and “Roll”), automatic stability control (ASC, disengageable), engine drag torque control (MSR), a reverse assist and hill start control everything that one would expect from a bike in that class.
AVAILABILITY
Referring to BMW, the market introduction of the R18 is targeted to autumn this year. The R18 “First Edition” can already be ordered now. The base model for the U.S. market starts at a price of $17,495 and the “First Edition” at a price of $19,870.
Links
BMW Motorrad International
