Zach from Revzilla takes us on a 35-minute ride to give his thoughts on the new and beautiful BMW R 18.
Personally, I find this new bike one of the most beautiful and classically styled cruiser bikes in recent years. Unfortunately, as I learned today, sometimes you must trade comfort and ergonomics for style.
Being an 1800cc cruiser, it’s obvious that you will be riding a bike catered towards going in a straight line for long distances but I got worried after Zach mentioned the awkward seating position due to the low nature of the motorcycle. Albeit, we’re both tall dudes but if you’ve ever sat on a Harley-Davidson you will understand the importance of comfort in a motorcycle suited for cruising.
The peg scraping. Oh my lord. I cringed every time this bike went into any form of a mellow corner. This thing couldn’t turn without scraping if its life depended on it. I can’t stress this enough; BMW made a major tradeoff to take lowered styling to the nth degree as the suspension has lower travel and as a result gives the motorcycle quite a bumpy ride as noted in the video.
There are still some great features to note stemming from the mechanical components of the motorcycle though. BMW has made high-quality motorcycles for a very long time now, and it really shows in the overall performance of the engine and clutch.
Zach puts it perfectly in his own words, “The problem with the R 18 in my mind, is Harley-Davidson is leaning on all that heritage and history that they have of building bikes like that – building big cruisers – and I guess I just don’t see it with the R 18. It feels like a beautiful well-engineered homage to a heritage that doesn’t exist and I guess I don’t know why it’s a thing, even though I think its well-executed and rides nicely…”
This first R 18 cruisers out of the BMW are expected to land in Australia soon and the first shipment of bikes will all land at $31,690. These First Edition bikes will sport signature double pin striping paint and chrome. The R 18 takes its cues and historic inspiration from the BMW R 5.
1936 BMW R5
Ahead of the machines hitting showrooms BMW has partnered with various custom bike builders around the world and set them to work on their own interpretations of the opportunities that BMW’s new Big Boxer presents.
1936 BMW R5 with the new 2020 BMW R 18
The latest of these customs comes from Bernhard Naumann, a renowned customiser from Austria, who also goes by the name of Blechmann, thus here we have The Blechmann R 18.
The Blechmann R 18
Bernhard Naumann changed as little as possible on the frame and the technology and used only the original fixing points in creating the Blechmann R 18. No chop job then.
The Blechmann R 18
When starting off with a new creation, Bernhard Naumann never uses sketches in advance. He gathers his inspiration while working on the bike itself. “I draw my design directly on the object using the final material. This allows me to directly respond to the requirements and to keep an eye on the proportions at all times“, explains the designer.
The Blechmann R 18
For the Belchmann R 18, he initially “put the cart before the horse” in order to be able to correctly assess the proportions for the front fairing. The aggressive looking single-seater is based on the original supporting structure of the rear fender, seat and pillion.
The Blechmann R 18
The rear light is from Kellermann. The fuel tank has been extensively modified: For one thing, it is narrower making it sportier and exposes the engine even more. On the other hand, it features knee cut-outs, which further support the athletic line. The original steering tube was used as the basis for the stub handlebar.
The Blechmann R 18
Next, Blechmann customised the headlights. As with his last BMW custom bike “Giggerl”, a conversion of the BMW R nineT, the headlights were to have a subtle kidney-shaped design this time. Analogous to the classic boxer engine, Blechmann placed a filament lamp prominently in the center. Here, too, the steering angle and the forward-tilted headlamp determine the basic layout of the custom bike.
The Blechmann R 18
Bernhard Neumann perfected his personalization efforts with discreet black paint and classic white BMW Motorrad pin-stripes. In total, the team around Blechmann worked 450 hours on his version of the BMW R 18.
The Blechmann R 18
Other BMW R 18 Customs (Click for more detail)
Yuichi Yoshizawa and Yoshikazu Ueda with the Custom Works ZonRevival Cyles showcased the new BMW Big Boxer cruiser engine in their showpieceRoland Sands and his latest creation, a drag custom based on BMW’s new R 18
BMW Australia says the classic R 18 cruiser will arrive the third quarter of this year with prices starting at $26,890 (plus on-road costs).
The R 18 First Edition, which features classic double pin striping paint and chrome will be is available in limited numbers for $30,190.
The initial batch of R 18 First Editions allocated to Australia arriving this year will be fitted with “reverse assist”, bringing the price to $31,690.
At 345kg dry weight, it needs reverse assist!
We also reckon the riding position looks a little uncomfortable with the inability for forward controls because of the massive boxer heads.
It will come with a range of accessories including ape hanger bars, tractor saddle, racks, pipes and more.
The biennial Intermot and annual EICMA motorcycle shows in October and November appear to be in jeopardy with BMW Motorrad the first to declare they will not attend.
The shows in Cologne and Milan are the biggest in the world and are the showcase for manufacturers around the world to debut their new models.
Despite being more than seven months away, BMW Motorrad has issued a statement saying they won’t attend.
It follows their recent decision to halt manufacturing at its Spandau factory in Berlin and their G 310 production in India for two weeks. They are expected to return to production next week.
BMW Motorrad factory in Spandau, Berlin
BMW’s decision not to attend the motorcycle shows several months from now is significant as BMW uses these major shows to launch all their next-year models.
Their withdrawal could be the first of many companies to do the same.
Here is the official statement:
Due to the hardly foreseeable development of the corona pandemic and its effects, BMW Motorrad will not be participating in the two leading motorcycle shows Intermot in Cologne in October and EICMA in Milan in November in 2020.
This decision was made in order to counteract current planning uncertainty at an early stage, also for all our partners involved in BMW Motorrad motorshow appearances, in the interests of the greatest possible security, predictability and transparency.
BMW Motorrad will present the world premieres and product highlights planned for these motorcycle shows on alternative platforms in autumn 2020. In doing so, the company will increasingly rely on its own formats and digital communication channels.
However, they now tell us it has been postponed and to “stay tuned”.
We have published several photos of the various models configurations as shown below and will update you with the production model when it is released.
Virtual shows
It follows recent motorcycle show closures in Japan, forcing companies such as Suzuki and Honda to stage “virtual” exhibits and launches.
Cherry red Katana virtual launch
Honda CB-F virtual launch
Yet, the organisers of the world’s biggest motorcycle rally in the world at Sturgis are still confident it will go ahead as planned in August.
BMW Motorrad will unveil their much-anticipated R 18 on 3 April 2020, but exactly what it will look like is still anyone’s guess.
So far they have shown two concepts – a retro classic and a modern cruiser – and there have been spy shots of touring models.
Perhaps they will unveil a whole family of R 18 models, all powered by the same massive 1802cc Boxer engine.
Modern R 18 concept
Retro R 18 prototype
Bagger spy shot
BMW Motorrad boss Dr. Markus Schramm certainly isn’t giving anything away:
With the R 18 and the associated entry into the cruiser segment, we are consistently pursuing our growth strategy with the clear goal of becoming the number one in the premium segment worldwide”.
The most recent spy shots show a full dresser to take on the HarleyDavidson and Indian Motorcycle tourers.
All spy images: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Full dresser details
BMW R 18 (Image: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien)
Harley Street Glide
The most obvious feature is the fork-mounted “batwing” fairing that closely resembles that used by Harley.
However, it has a much higher four-dial instrument section. Unlike Harley and Indian full dressers, this doesn’t include satnav as there is a separate aftermarket GPS mounted on the bars.
There are also tacked-on lowers to protect your knees from the cold and rain that look more like an afterthought.
Panniers are hard and the hinges are on the outside so you can open them while seated, just like Harley introduced a few years ago. Convenient, but a Harley rip-off.
BMW R 18 (Image: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien)
But unlike a Harley, there are no forward controls and big floorboards.
We reckon touring on this beast would be hard on the knees which are bent back further than 90 degrees.
BMW Motorrad are heading to the Custombike-Show held in the East Westphalian town of Bad Salzuflen in Germany, with the Concept R 18 /2 and R5 Homage in tow, with a thousand custom machines from 300 firms expected to be on display.
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2
For the seventh time, BMW Motorrad is highlighting the customizing potential of its models in cooperation with selected customiser garages. With a total of 11 models, the entire customising range will be on show at the stand of BMW Motorrad extending over an area of approx. 180 square metres – from the individually customised series production bike to true custom bike treasures requiring a great deal of craft skills.
The highlight is the new BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2, which, following its digital presentation at the EICMA, can now be experienced exclusively at close range. With the modern custom cruiser, BMW Motorrad adds a new facet to its heritage concept.
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2
At the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este on Lake Como the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 celebrated its much acclaimed world premiere. Now BMW Motorrad is showing the second sensational Concept Bike based on the Big Boxer at the Custombike-Show.
The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 is the stylistic counterpart to the Concept R 18: a modern, dynamic custom cruiser with a somewhat rougher performance appeal.
The show also features the BMW Motorrad R 5 Homage, which represents the history of the brand. Other accents are provided by selected “SoulFuel Bikes”, converted bikes by renowned customisers based on current as well as earlier BMW motorcycles.
BMW Concept R18 ‘Big Boxer’
The Maximator based on the BMW R 1200 C is another highlight. The custom bike was built with meticulous manual care by the BMW Motorrad development engineer Ulf Musekamp, who was also involved in the realisation of the BMW R nineT family.
BMW Concept R18 ‘Big Boxer’
The Type 18 models from customiser Auto Fabrica, Achilles von Kraftstoffschmiede, the winner of the Factory Class Sultans of Sprint and other exciting R nineT derivatives round off the portfolio at the BMW Motorrad stand.
In addition, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 is exclusively showcased on the presentation area of the Custombike-Show at the following times: 6 December at 4.30pm, 7 December at 12.09pm as well as 8 December at 11.30am.
All this and a great deal more awaits visitors from 6 to 8 December 2019 at the Custombike-Show in the Bad Salzuflen trade fair centre. Opening hours are: Friday from 12pm – 8pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm.
There have also been some spy shots, but not a full reveal which is expected early next year.
BMW R 18 spy photo
Even before a production model R 18 cruiser has rolled out of the Spandau factory gates, BMW Motorrad Australia is taking orders and deposits and has set up a dedicated site.
Big Boxer details
BMW says the Big Boxer engine will have overhead valves and a separate engine and transmission housing, but otherwise the same structural features of their first boxer which had laterally controlled valves.
It is BMW’s highest-capacity twin-cylinder boxer engine in motorcycle series production.
The Big Boxer weighs a hefty 110.8kg and has a 107.1mm bore and 100mm stroke.
Other features are large ribbed cylinders and heads with a vertically split aluminium engine housing.
Unlike their classic air-cooled two-valve boxer engines, the crankshaft is forged from quenched and tempered steel.
It has an additional main bearing at the centre, which is necessary to prevent “undesirable bending vibrations of the crankshaft”.
Like the crankshaft, the two connecting rods with I-shaft are mounted on plain bearings and are also forged from quenched and tempered steel.
They accommodate cast aluminium pistons with two compression rings and an oil wiper ring. The running surface of the light metal cylinders is coated with NiCaSil.
Lubricating and cooling oil is supplied by a wet sump lubrication system with a two-stage oil pump via sleeve-type chain driven by the crankshaft.
Two camshafts
Modern features include four valves, dual ignition, a modern combustion chamber architecture, intake manifold injection and the BMS-O engine management system for optimum torque and to meet Euro emissions targets.
However, it uses the classic OHV configuration for its valve drive of the legendary R 5 to R 51/2 from 70 years ago.
2016 R 5 Hommage concept
As in the historical role model, the two camshafts are positioned to the left and right above the crankshaft in the Big Boxer.
BMW says the advantage of this “twin camshaft boxer” is shorter pushrods which reduces moving masses, minimises deflections and lowers linear expansions for a stiffer valve drive with improved control precision and higher speed stability.
In the traditional BMW Motorrad boxer design, the two pushrods actuate one pushrod per cylinder side for the intake and one for the exhaust side, guided in a sealed pushrod tube on the top of the cylinders. The two intake and exhaust valves in the cylinder head are actuated in pairs via fork toggle levers.
In contrast to today’s widespread engine technology, valve clearance compensation is not effected by means of hydraulic elements, but – as was the case in most classic air-cooled BMW two-valve boxers for decades – via one adjusting screw with one lock nut for each valve.
As was formerly the case in the classic two-valve boxers, valve clearance adjustment (0.2 – 0.3 mm) in the R18 Big Boxer is also quick and easy. The valves are made of steel, with a disc diameter of 41.2mm on the inlet side and 35mm on the outlet side. The valve angle is 21 degrees on the inlet side and 24 degrees on the outlet side.
Transmission
It is married to a constant-mesh six-speed transmission and self-reinforcing single-plate dry clutch with anti-hopping function to prevent rear-wheel lock-ups on rapid downshifts.
The transmission is located in a dual-section aluminium housing and is designed as a four-shaft transmission with helical gear pairs.
The gearbox input shaft with lug dampers drives the two gearbox shafts with the gear wheel pairs. An output shaft is provided to bridge the distance and reverse the direction of rotation. A reverse gear is available as an optional extra. This is driven by an intermediate gear and an electric motor and can be shifted manually.
As in all BMW motorcycles with boxer engines, torque is transmitted from the gearbox to the rear wheel in the R 18 via a propeller-shaft or universal-shaft drive with universal joint, shaft and rear-axle drive with bevel and ring gear.
The propeller shaft and universal joint are classically nickel-plated and open, as used by BMW Motorrad in models up to 1955.
A so-called tripoid joint is applied on the gearbox side for length compensation.
Many had expected BMW to unveil new production ready cruisers at EICMA this week but it seems Motorrad are keeping their powder dry and competitors guessing for now. Leaving us longer to wait before they publicly unveil the first production ready models that will roll out from Munich next year.
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2
What they have shown in Milan this week though are two ‘concept’ machines. The R 18 had already been seen at the Villa d’Este on Lake Como earlier in the year but this week it was joined by the even more strangely named R 18 / 2 which had its public debut at EICMA.
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2
Generally if BMW brings ‘Concept’ bikes to a major show you can almost guarantee that 6-18 months later they will announce a production model almost identical to the publicly shown concepts. And I think we can expect new models along these lines to be added to the BMW inventory in due course.
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2
The Concept R 18 /2 “Slash Two” is a stark contrast to the previous R 18 heritage concept, with a more modern custom cruiser design and built around the instantly recognisable egg-like 1800 cc two-cylinder ‘Big Boxer’ engine.
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2
In contrast the R 18 offered a traditionalist design, with iconic historic BMW styling for a very retro overall theme.
BMW Concept R18 ‘Big Boxer’
The R 18 /2 offers another look at how the Big Boxer can be realised, with minimalist handlebar trim, flowing lines and a tear-drop fuel tank. Candy Apple Red is a custom favourite and used to great effect in the R 18 / 2/
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2
The 1800 cc boxer-twin is a modern air/oil-cooled powerplant built to a 1960’s aesthetic, with the R 18 /2 following in the footsteps of ‘Departed’ by Custom Works Zon and ‘The Revival Birdcage’ by Revival Cycles in Texas, now offering the fourth interpretation.
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2
The R 18 /2 features a loop-frame dominated by the Big Boxer, while contrast cut cast-iron wheels are sized to a 19-inch front and 16-inch rear to add a touch of dragster to the look.
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2
Also notable is the well displayed shaft final drive. Large disc brakes adorn both ends, a dual rotor set-up on the front complete with Brembo four-piston calipers.
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2
A Hattech stainless steel tail-pipe system is also featured, with the two into two system running a conical exhaust on either side of the bike.
Who knows if these bikes were the production version or more concepts!
BMW R 18/2 press release
Rather than trying to work out what the Germans are planning, we are just presenting their press release:
A performance cruiser à la BMW. The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 celebrates the fascination of cruisers in an interpretation that is both sporty and modern. Minimalist handlebar trim together with the deep, elongated proportions promises a dynamic driving experience. The fairing, tear-drop fuel tank and seat form a flowing line that finds its perfect conclusion in the shortened rear wheel cover. All body parts are finished in Candy Apple Red metallic, an expressive red tone that highlights the flowing movement on the side. This luminous custom red with lots of depth is a real eye-catcher, changing from bright red to almost black depending on the incidence of light. Another striking feature is created by the graphic lines on the painted body parts, which extend from the side and top view of the fuel tank to the wheel cover and are visually prolonged across the seat. These give the Concept Bike a distinctive appeal.
The large boxer at the centre. As in the Concept R 18, the centrepiece of the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 is a large 2-cylinder boxer engine with 1800 cc, including modern air/oil cooling and designed in a 1960s aesthetic. The engine is finished in a warm grey tone and has a sporty look, with an integrated breast cover, valve covers in a high-gloss black finish and a black frame. The engine badge bears the name of the Concept Bike, adding a high-quality accentuation. After “Departed” by the Japanese customizer CUSTOM WORKS ZON, “The Revival Birdcage” by Revival Cycles in Austin, Texas and the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 is now the fourth interpretation of the large-volume BMW Motorrad boxer engine.
Attention to detail. As a genuine BMW, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 not only features a boxer engine, loop frame and tear-drop fuel tank, it also has a classic and elegantly showcased universal shaft. The striking cast iron wheels with 19” at the front and 16” at the rear create an equally discreet and dynamic dragster look, authentically rounding off the bike’s overall appearance. Meanwhile features such as high-performance Brembo brake calipers and Hattech stainless steel tailpipe system reflect the close attention to detail with which the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 was designed.
Multitude of possibilities. The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 puts forward a new interpretation of a dynamic performance cruiser that not only taps into an area previously unexplored by BMW Motorrad but also demonstrates the true versatility of the “big boxer” platform. “After the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, our aim with the Concept R 18 /2 is to demonstrate how flexible the basic engine and suspension are as a starting point for customisation, and how easy it is to authentically realise different styles. And I have to admit: we were very impressed at how it was possible to bring this boxer concept forward from the 30s via the 80s into the 2020s,” says Bart Janssen Groesbeek, BMW Motorrad Vehicle Designer for the Big Boxer Concepts.
Spy photos and concepts
Ape hanger bars and matte black accessories
All spy images: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
BMW R 18 (Image: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien)
BMW R 18 Big Boxer
