Paying homage to historic BMW motorcycles, the new R18 showcases sleek, classic design with traditionally inspired elements evident throughout its suite of details.

Prices starting at $26,890* with the R 18 First Edition, which features an exclusive look within signature double pin striping paint and chrome, is available in limited numbers for $30,190*.

The initial batch of R 18 First Editions allocated to Australia arriving this year are fitted with Reverse assist, bringing the price to $31,690*.

The new BMW R 18: supreme cruiser with historical roots

With the new R 18, BMW Motorrad now enters the cruiser segment. Like no other BMW motorcycle before it, this model stands entirely in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles – both technically and in terms of design style. It borrows from famous models such as the BMW R 5 both technologically and visually, shifting the focus back onto the motorcycle essentials: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicentre of riding pleasure, combined with “good vibrations”. What is more, classic design is combined in the R 18 with clear-cut yet contemporary technology to create a fascinating overall concept – offering a riding experience that is as cultivated as it is emotional.

The most powerful BMW boxer engine of all time with abundant torque.

The centrepiece the new BMW R 18 is a newly developed 2-cylinder boxer engine – the “Big Boxer”. Both its impressive appearance and its technology reflect a continuation of the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have offered an inspiring riding experience since BMW Motorrad began production in 1923. 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 alltimes, and this elemental pulling power is combined with a full, resonant sound.

Double-loop steel tube frame and rear swingarm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame look.

The centrepiece of the suspension in the new R 18 is a double-loop steel tube frame. Its design perpetuates the longstanding BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame type. Outstanding manufacturing quality and a meticulous attention to detail is also evident in unapparent features such as the welded joints between the steel tubes and the cast or forged parts. Like the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swingarm – sporting a comparable design – surrounds the rear axle transmission in authentic style by means of bolted connections.

Telescopic fork with fork sleeves, cantilever suspension strut, wire- spoked wheels and disc brakes.

The suspension elements of the new BMW R 18 deliberately dispense with electronic adjustment options. Instead, a telescopic fork and a directly mounted central suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure superior wheel control and attractive suspension comfort. As in the legendary BMW R 5, the tubes of the telescopic fork are encased in fork sleeves. The fork tube diameter is 49 mm, while the suspension travel is 120 mm at the front and 90 mm at the rear. The new BMW R 18 braking system consists of a twin disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed callipers. Meanwhile the wire-spoked wheels ensure a supremely stylish appearance.

Harmonious ergonomics for optimum vehicle control.

In keeping with the BMW Motorrad philosophy, the new BMW R 18 features a laid-back positioning of the footrests – so-called “mid-mounted footpegs”. This classic position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW, it also enables a relaxed and active riding position for optimum vehicle control.

Three riding modes along with ASC and MSR for a high degree of riding pleasure and safety as standard. Reverse assist and Hillstart Control as ex factory options

The new R 18 also offers the three standard riding modes “Rain”, “Roll” and “Rock” – unusual in this segment – so as to be able to adapt to individual rider preferences. The standard trim also includes ASC (Automatic Stability Control, disengageable), which ensures a high level of riding safety. In addition, the new R 18 is equipped as standard with engine drag torque control (MSR). Among other options, a reverse assist makes manoeuvring convenient, while the Hill Start Control function facilitates uphill starts.

The new R 18: iconic style newly showcased, featuring a rigid-frame look, modern technology and authentic materials.

The R 18 masterfully transposes the iconic style of bygone times to the present day, retaining a purist design in numerous details that is mainly influenced by classics such as the BMW R 5. It is no coincidence that functional and stylistic elements such as the double-loop frame, the pear-drop tank, the open-running driveshaft and the pinstriped paintwork (ex factory option) are reminiscent of the legendary boxer dating back to 1936. The classic bodywork features of the R 18 are also made of metal – as befits an authentic classic. The suspension is likewise aptly reminiscent of the legendary R 5. Together with the double-sided swingarm and a cantilever suspension strut, the rigid-frame concept of the R 5 is perfectly transported into the modern age in visual terms.

The R 18 First Edition: exclusive look in paint and chrome.

The new R 18 will be offered worldwide as an exclusive R 18 First Edition right from launch, with a standard model reserved additionally for certain markets. It combines the R 18 look with exclusive equipment features in a classic black finish with white pinstriped paintwork. Other highlights include numerous chrome surfaces, a seat badge and a “First Edition” chrome clasp on the side covers.

Conversion-friendly design as a prerequisite for straightforward customising and optimum individualisation.

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.

Customising parts and Roland Sands design collections “Machined” and “2-Tone Black” for the new R 18.

The BMW Motorrad equipment range offers a maximum selection of individualisation options with which to adapt the R 18 to personal taste and preferences. The wide range of different parts available from the programme of Original BMW Motorrad Accessories allows individual customising that significantly alter the character of the R 18. For the market launch of the new R 18, two different design collections of milled aluminium parts are available, created in collaboration with Roland Sands Design: “Machined” and “2-Tone-Black”.

Co-branding with famous brands: BMW and Mustang seats as well as BMW and Vance & Hines exhaust systems “Made in USA”.

For the accessories and customising programme of the new R 18, BMW Motorrad is collaborating with Roland Sands Design and several well-known suppliers including US manufacturer Mustang Seat to offer different versions of high-quality hand-made seats. In addition the customising potential for the exhaust systems in cooperation with Vance & Hines is no less creative.

Highlights of the new BMW R 18 – $26,890 MRLP*
  • Blend of iconic styling with advanced, modern technology
  • Largest-ever two-cylinder BMW boxer engine at 1802cc
  • Output of 67kW at 4,750rpm and maximum torque of 158Nm at 3,000rpm. More than 150Nm available at all times from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm
  • Exposed drive-shaft and elaborate double-loop steel tube frame based on classic models
  • Rear swingarm with enclosed axle drive in rigid frame design
  • Telescopic fork with sleeves and cantilever suspension strut that includes travel-dependent damping
  • Harmonious ergonomics for relaxed riding and optimum control
  • Disc brakes front and rear with wire-spoked wheels
  • State-of-the-art LED lighting technology with classically interpreted design
  • Adaptive turning light for enhanced road illumination and cornering illumination available as an ex-factory option
  • Classically designed circular instrument cluster with integrated display and ‘Berlin-Built’ label
  • Keyless Ride for convenient functionality and activation by remote control
  • Three standard riding modes, ASC and MSR
  • Reverse assist for convenient manoeuvring and Hill Start Control for easy hill starts available as ex-factory options – $1,500*
  • R 18 First Edition package offers an exclusive look in signature double pin striping paint and chrome – $30,190*
  • Initial allocation of R 18 First Edition units for local market fitted with Reverse assist, bringing price to $31,690*.

*Recommended Retail Pricing is shown and includes GST, but excludes on-road costs. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW Motorrad dealer for all pricing enquiries.