We had been hoping for this for a while, and this long wait has fueled strong demands. The R18 Concept at the Villa d'Este Concours d'Eleganza last May only exacerbated them while, since 2016, the opus paying homage to the R5 of the 30s had released desires. Generally, when the finished model intended for dealerships arrives, we experience a hint of disappointment, even disillusionment. But there, BMW did well by satisfying us. So here is the R18 which is going to hurt in the neo retro cruiser segment. Because from style to technique, it has it all. Even with an attractive price…
BMW finally releases its R18, and in view of what it offers, it has only one rival likely to close the doors to success: the Coronavirus ! Because when the pandemic is gone, leaving behind a very damaged world, men will undoubtedly have other concerns than that of affording such a beautiful motorcycle.
But the proposition is there. It's sober, it's consistent with history, all this is statutory and therefore identity-related, the R18 therefore hits the mark for a clientele who wants to enjoy a slice of life on the handlebars. Harley-Davidson, Moto Guzzi and other Indians have problems to worry about…
The piece of choice, the centerpiece is the new 1 cc boxer shorts which shows itself to its advantage, both to the eye and on the road Car BMW did not skimp on technique to make this motorcycle a modern piece despite its vintage appearance. Four valves per cylinder, dual ignition, injection and an electronic management system to guarantee the greatest possible torque as well as low fuel consumption and emissions (CO 2129 g/km, average consumption 5,6 l/100 km) for Euro 5 approval. The distribution is not a classic overhead camshaft, like the boxers formerly produced by BMW, but uses two camshafts (one per cylinder) positioned one on the right and the other on the left above the crankshaft, controlled by chain.
The result is a maximum power of 91 hp at 4750 rpm and 150 N m of torque permanently available from 2 to 000 rpm. It is air and oil cooled, with heads and cylinders covered with generous fins, and weighs 4 kg, including the gearbox and fuel system. The engine is equipped with everything necessary to help the rider enjoy its performance without risk. The three driving modes are called Rain, Roll et Rock… An entire program !
The clutch is equipped with an anti-jump system. The gearbox is six-speed. Reverse gear controlled by an electric motor is also available as an option, thanks to a pinion which allows rotation to be reversed. Useful for a heavy animal 350kg... Moreover, Hill Start Control to facilitate hill starts is also available. The final drive, it could not be otherwise, is a universal joint with a splendid chrome rod in full view.
The front suspension and rear Cantilever system are deliberately devoid of electronic adjustments to accentuate the model's retro philosophy. The saddle positioned at only 69 cm of the ground. As always, BMW offers a whole host of accessories to personalize riding comfort, from handlebars of different widths and heights to differently designed saddles, including the “suspended” solo saddle, a nod to the R5… The Braking system includes a dual 300mm disc at the front and a single disc of the same size at the rear, controlled by ABS.
The new R 18 will initially be offered only in the same first edition version worldwide. The standard version specific to different markets will arrive in 2021. The First Edition sports black paint with white stripes that is unmistakably reminiscent of the BMW style of a few decades ago. To further embellish it, there will be additional chrome plating, a plaque on the saddle, a chrome buckle with "First Edition" written and a "welcome" kit that will delight fans, for 22 990 €, an entirely correct sum for a motorcycle which risks becoming a real “object of desire” for fans of the Bavarian brand, whether they like custom motorcycles or not. Knowing that the supplements for this edition would cost 2 euros, it is easy to assume that the standard version, when it arrives, will trade at around 21 000 euros… We can’t wait for the end of confinement!
