BMW motorrad reveals new R18 cruiser with biggest ever boxer engine

focusing on no-frills technology, authentic materials and a powerful boxer engine, BMW motorrad has unveiled its new R18 motorcycle. taking notes from the R5, the latest model brings iconic styling into the present day with classic metal bodywork and a rigid-frame look. offering a purist motorcycle experience, the R18 promises to provide optimum riding pleasure and ‘good vibrations’.

the latest model follows BMW’s two concept bikes that were presented in 2019: the R18 and R18 / 2. showcased at concorso d’eleganza villa d’este and EICMA 2019 respectively, designboom also gained an exclusive interview with edgar heinrich, head of design at BMW motorrad, where he discussed the company’s vision of blending motorcycling tradition with innovative technology.

all images courtesy of BMW motorrad

the focal point of the R18 is the newly developed 2-cylinder boxer engine – the ‘big boxer’ – which marks the most powerful BMW boxer engine of all time. the engine boasts a displacement of 1 802 cc with a peak output of 67 kw (91 hp) at 4 750 rpm. from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, over 150 nm of torque is available at all times, and this elemental pulling power is combined with a full, resonant sound.

the centrepiece of the R18’s suspension is a double-loop steel tube frame, in keeping with BMW motorrad’s longstanding tradition of this frame type. outstanding manufacturing quality and a meticulous attention to detail is also evident in features such as the welded joints between the steel tubes and the cast or forged parts. like the legendary R5, the rear swingarm – sporting a comparable design – surrounds the rear axle transmission in authentic style by means of bolted connections.

the R18 is also designed to provide optimum vehicle control with a ‘laid-back’ positioning of the footrests to allow for a relaxed and active riding experience. some other features of the new BMW R18 include a telescopic fork with sleeves and cantilever suspension strut featuring travel-dependent damping, disc brakes front and rear, with wire-spoked wheels, and three standard riding modes, ASC and MSR.

the first edition will be available in paint and chrome finish, combining the R18 look with exclusive equipment features in a classic black finish with white pinstriped paintwork. the ‘conversion-friendly’ design also offers an extensive range of optional extras and an easily removable rear frame and a simple-to-dismantle painted part set, allowing for easy customising and individualisation.