BMW’s R 18 Cruisers Updated for 2025

It’s been a minute since we called out BMW’s R 18 cruiser series for any major newsbreaks, but for 2025, the Bavarians are stepping up with a smattering of updates. For 2025, Motorrad has deigned to grace its five heavyweight boulevardiers with some relatively minor revisions, including a boost in the peak torque output of the boxer engine, which is shared across the family, as well as minor edits specific to each model, including improved ergonomics, small chassis changes, and a few styling upgrades.

For 2025 the main revision to all R 18 models is to the Big Boxer engine, which gains 4 lb.-ft. of torque for a new peak output of 120 lb.-ft. at 3,000 rpm and now meets the latest Euro 5+ emissions standards. Over 110 lb.-ft. of torque is now available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, though power output from the 1,802cc air/oil-cooled twin remains at 91 hp. For the new model year, the R 18 family now counts the R 18, the R 18 Classic, the R 18 Roctane, R 18 B, and R 18 Transcontinental as members, and all of them now also come with BMW’s Ultimate Care Break-in Service, or “600 Mile Service,” as standard.

Related: A Timeline Of The 2021 BMW R 18 Launch

The original R 18 gains a more modern look this year courtesy of newly designed front and rear fenders along with the switch to an 18-inch rear wheel (it was previously a 16-incher). That meant the rear shock’s spring/damping rates were also retuned to better match the new hoop and its new 180/55B-18 tire. Upfront, the fender gets a reshaped, raised center section, while a new sculpted top section now runs over the entire length of the gas tank and down to the rear fender, while the side covers are recontoured to match the new look.

Other tweaks include a resculpted solo seat with new padding that’s said to be significantly more comfortable, and the seat is now also removable. The new height of 28.3 inches comes as the result of the saddle’s new foam as well as the new wheel/tire combo. Also out back comes a welcome change to the R 18’s mufflers, which now sport a circular design rather than the previously polarizing fishtail unit. The bike also adds a new USB-C charging socket.

In base trim, the R 18 features a silver powertrain, a chrome-plated exhaust system, and black cast aluminum wheels, but there’s now a BMW R 18 Style Blacked Out option as well, which features black elements throughout the entire motorcycle. MSRP starts at $15,395.

The BMW R 18 Classic also gets a switch to its wheels, going from a 16-inch front hoop to a new, spoked 19-incher that’s topped with a striking fender copped from the R 18 B. To add a touch more style, the fender clamps on an extension that’s been lowered for a more dynamic effect. Together with the newly designed side covers and round exhaust pipes, the R 18 Classic also adds the USB-C charging socket.

Like the R 18, the 2025 R 18 Classic’s seat height is also revised, now sitting at 28.7 inches versus the previous 28.0 inches. The Classic bagger includes spoked wheels, a steering stabilizer, fork covers, side bags, LED fog lights, passenger seat, windshield, and cruise control in addition to the R 18’s standard equipment. The base model appears with a silver powertrain, chrome-plated exhaust, spoked 19-inch/16-inch wheels and fork covers, but you can opt for the Style Blacked Out here as well. The standard paint finish is Blackstorm Metallic, and goes for $18,395 and up.

The optional Style Blacked Out equipment, by the way, includes a dark finished powertrain, cylinder head covers, engine front cover, airbox cover, fork, handlebar, fuel tank cover, headlight ring, airbox cover, pushrod tubes, turn signal housings, foot controls, exhaust system, and R 18 badges.

The R 18 Roctane’s design already included contemporary touches like cast aluminum wheels and the Blacked Out styling option and, as before, adds a steering stabilizer, fork covers, one-piece bench seat, integrated saddlebags, floorboards, cruise control, and a black powertrain to the R 18’s standard feature list.

For 2025 the R 18 Roctane can now be optioned with body-colored Filler Panels to visually plug the gap between the side cases and the rear fender, and there’s also a new Dark Chrome finish for the pushrod tubes, airbox cover, and headlight ring.

The base color for the R 18 Roctane is Blackstorm Metallic, with a black powertrain and dark chrome exhaust, airbox cover, and pushrod tubes, with black 21-inch/18-inch alloy wheels. Optional colors include Mineral Gray Metallic Matte and Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic. MSRP starts at $18,995.

On the R 18 B and the R 18 Transcontinental, the changes are more subtle; on both, a new Favorites button on the right-hand handlebar instrument panel now gives you quick access to functions such as the grip heating without having to go through the console menu. Both also now offer the optional Style Blacked Out finishes for the powertrain and other elements, with an exhaust system in Dark Chrome. The optional Option 719 Black Pearl now also includes the pushrod tubes and airbox cover in Dark Chrome. The new body-colored Filler Panels are also an option for both models.

The standard version of the BMW R 18 B is offered in Blackstorm Metallic with a silver powertrain, chrome exhaust, and black 19-inch/18-inch alloy wheels; MSRP is $20,375.

The standard version of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental is available in the new Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic color and the new body finish is supplemented exclusively with a black powertrain as well as pushrod tubes and airbox cover in Dark Chrome. As on previous models, the R 18 Transcontinental adds fairing lowers, a top case in the body color, seat heating, a chromed rearview mirror, and engine protection bar on top of the R 18 B’s standard equipment. MSRP is $24,395.

As for additional style, performance, and electronic options, BMW still offers a ton of choices for any of the above bikes, including for finishes, wheels, Hill Start, TPMS, and on and on.