2021 BMW R 18 First Look

BMW has just unveiled the new R 18, the 1,802cc cruiser motorcycle it’s been teasing us with for the last year. Centered around the newly developed two-cylinder boxer engine, the biggest ever produced by BMW, the R 18 has classic lines but the modern refinement we can expect from the Bavarian manufacturer. This is a different type of bike than we are used to seeing from Germany with no-frills technology, keeping the bike and its engine at the center of focus. We don’t have a date that we can hope to find these in dealerships, but we do have pricing, some high-quality pictures and a full list of specs that you can find below.

Not only the largest displacement, but claimed to be the most powerful boxer engine ever produced, BMW says the R 18 puts out 91 hp at 4,750 rpm and 116 pound-feet at 3,000 rpm. But it says that torque will also be readily available throughout most of the rev range, putting out more than 110 pound-feet from 2,000–4,000 rpm. A healthy balance of torque and ponies, favoring torque like most bikes in this segment, but with enough ponies to never leave the rider wanting. For more detailed information on the engine, check out Kevin Cameron’s in-depth piece on Cycle World.

The big new engine is housed in a double-loop steel frame designed to look rigid, similar to modern H-D Softails. Front suspension is a 49mm telescopic fork with 120mm (4.7 inches) of travel, and rear shock is a cantilever suspension strut with 90mm (3.5 inches) of travel and travel-dependent damping. Stopping the bike are twin 300mm front discs and one 300mm rear, all equipped with four-piston calipers. In classic cruiser fashion, the wheels are wire spoked with a rear of 16 inches and a front tire of 19 inches.

Ergonomics on the R 18 are a little closer to standard motorcycles than your typical cruiser, with relaxed cruiser bars and mid-mounted foot controls. A nice low seat height of 27.2 inches (on standard model) keeps the new bike approachable for riders shorter in stature. Accessory floorboards and forward-mounted controls will be available through BMW as well.

Despite the “no frills” technology package on this bike and the desire to maintain focus on the powerplant and bike, the R 18 does still host a nice little package of modern tech. LED lighting comes standard throughout and an adaptive turning light is an option from the factory. The circular gauge looks classic and minimal when the bike is off, but the digital display wakes up as the bike turns on and brings the R 18 into the 21st century. A few fancier tech options are available as factory accessories, like Hill Start Control, Reverse Assist, and heated grips.

Three ride modes break away from the status quo with three adjustable ride modes: Rain, Rock, and Roll. BMW’s switchable Automatic Stability Control (ASC) also comes standard, as does engine drag-torque control, which the engineers call MSR, to limit rear-wheel slip. Rain mode is obvious, with the most gentle throttle response and control characteristics of the MSR and ASC. Roll mode is the middle-ground street mode, offering what BMW calls optimal throttle response, while still using the MSR and ASC to achieve “ideal performance.” The Rock mode, as you might expect, unleashes the potential of the R 18 with quicker throttle response and ASC that will allow a little slip.

The R 18 takes aesthetic influence from vintage BMW models like the R5 from the 1930s, evoking nostalgia like many popular cruiser models do. At first glance, it does look very classic BMW, and, honestly, I love the way it looks. But as you get into the accessorized pictures with steep-backed seats, it’s clear there is some American touring influence there as well, as you may expect from a new large-displacement cruiser. The thing is, BMW has always been the anti-Harley to me. There were always H-D riders in their vests and jeans, and BMW riders in their full Aerostich suits, but maybe the time for a sensible medium has come. One of my first bikes was a BMW R90/6, and so this machine really is emotionally evocative and nostalgic for me—I can’t wait to see it in person, hear it, and most of all ride the thing!