The BMW R18 is a brand-new motorcycle inspired by the 1936 BMW R5 cruiser. Its available in India in two variants – Standard and First Edition – and price starts from Rs 18.9 lakhs, ex-showroom.
BMW Motarrad launched the R18 Cruiser in India a couple of days ago. Available in two variants – Standard and First Edition – the former is available for a price of Rs 18.9 lakhs while the latter BMW R18 First Edition model will set you back Rs 21.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) in India. Here’s everything you need to know about this brand new cruiser from BMW, and let’s take some moment to appreciate the beauty of this motorcycle.
But first, what set’s the First Edition model apart? Well, the First Edition variant gets some additional embellishments in the form of extra chrome elements, a Blackstorm metallic paint shade, and a seat badge with a ‘First Edition’ clasp on the chrome cover. There are a few more of them in the details – a tank emblem with copper letterings, copper screws, a pair of gloves, and even a screwdriver to fix the emblem on the tank. The First Edition model also gets a few extra features like hill-start assist, heated grips and cornering headlights.
The BMW R18 is an extremely beautiful motorcycle with a very clean design language. It’s actually inspired by the 1936 BMW R5 cruiser, and while its still very retro, there are little elements of modernity too. The round LED headlamps, the tear-drop-shaped fuel tank and the swooping rear fender, all combine retro with modernity seamlessly. The attention to detail on this motorcycle is simply stunning as well. You get an exposed drive shaft which is utterly cool. The front fork covers and the rear monoshock hidden inside the frame are also a hark back to the R5 Cruiser.
Powering this behemoth of a motorcycle is a brand new 1,802cc, air and oil-cooler boxer-twin engine, the biggest BMW has ever produced. The engine also acts as a stressed member of the chassis and looks like a piece of sculpture in itself. The engine produces 91hp at 4,750rpm, and while that might not sound much from such a large engine, it produces as much as 158Nm of torque at 3,000rpm, and that’s the real essence of this motor. In fact, 150Nm of that torque is available between 2,000-4,000rpm, enough to propel this 345kg motorcycle from 0-100 kph in just 4.8 seconds. The top-speed is limited to 180 kph.
Also Read : Here’s Your First Look at the Upcoming 2021 Ducati Monster 821!
Although deemed to be a retro motorcycle, the BMW R18 comes with modern-day electronics as well. It features three riding modes – Rain, Roll and Rock – a very cool take on the usual Rain, Road and Sport riding modes. The motorcycle also comes with switchable automatic stability control (ASC) and engine drag torque control or MSR. The latter essentially prevents the rear wheels from slipping incase of aggressive downshifting. The R18 also comes with a reverse gear that is driven by an electric motor, which should be a pretty handy feature considering it weighs like a boulder.
Also Read : New Honda 300cc-Plus Motorcycle Launching on September 30 – What is It?
For suspension duties, the R18 uses 49mm telescopic fork (120mm travel) at the front while the rear gets a cantilever strut (90mm travel), mounted directly to the frame and swingarm. For barking, the R18 uses twin 300mm discs at the front with four piston calipers while the rear gets a single disc of the same size. BMW is also offering plenty of customization options with the R18 Cruiser. Starting with custom-made seats, exhausts, side panels, and even a handlebar – you can have this motorcycle built to your taste.
