- R 18 Classic arrives in Australia to complement BMW's first-ever cruiser line-up following launch of R 18 in 2020
- New variant embodies nostalgic style echoing the beginnings of great touring cruiser models
- Features a large windscreen, LED auxiliary lights, cruise control, saddlebags and 16-inch front wheel
- Available in three grades with pricing starting at $28,550*
- Customisable with bespoke handmade seats, exhausts and milled aluminium parts via collaboration with specialist suppliers
BMW Motorrad's R 18 Classic, the second variant of BMW's first-ever cruiser, is now available in Australia.
The new model, which joins the R 18 model that launched locally last year, borrows from famous models such as the iconic R 5 of 1936.
It shifts the focus back onto motorcycle essentials with purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the dominant focal point.
Its heritage-inspired design cues are merged in the R 18 Classic and R 18 with contemporary technology to create a compelling overall concept for enthusiasts.
BMW Motorrad Australia General Manager Andreas Lundgren said the R 18 Classic was the ideal complement to the brand's expanding line-up.
"The R 18 Classic brings a host of iconic touches and features to our first-ever cruiser, the R 18, which made a huge impression on the local market at launch last year," Mr Lundgren said.
"The R 18 and R 18 Classic showcase BMW's manufacturing and design expertise with a product that delivers incredible road presence and amazing levels of riding enjoyment. Performance or presence, that 'Big Boxer' is truly an engine to behold."
The most powerful BMW boxer engine of all time with full torque
The centrepiece of the new BMW R 18 Classic and R 18 is a newly developed two-cylinder boxer engine – the "Big Boxer".
Its impressive appearance and technology reflect a continuation of the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have offered an inspiring riding experience for more than seven decades, back to when BMW Motorrad began production in 1923.
The most powerful two-cylinder boxer engine ever used in motorcycle series production has a displacement of 1802cc with peak output of 67kW (91hp) at 4750rpm. From 2000 to 4000rpm, more than 150Nm of torque is available. It combines this elemental pulling power with a full, sonorous sound.
Double-loop steel tube frame and swingarm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame look
A double-loop steel tube frame is at the heart of the new R 18 Classic's suspension.
Its design perpetuates the longstanding BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame type. Outstanding manufacturing quality and a meticulous attention to detail is also evident in barely perceptible features such as the welded joints between the steel tubes and the cast or forged parts.
As with the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swingarm – sporting a comparable design – surrounds the exposed shaft drive in authentic style with bolted connections.
Telescopic fork with fork sleeves, cantilever suspension strut, wire-spoked wheels and disc brakes
The suspension elements of the new BMW R 18 Classic and R 18 deliberately dispense with electronic adjustment options.
Instead, a telescopic fork and a directly mounted central suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure superior wheel control and suspension comfort.
As with the legendary BMW R 5, the tubes of the telescopic fork are encased in fork sleeves. The fork tube diameter is 49mm, while the suspension travel is 120mm at the front and 90mm at the rear.
The new BMW R 18 Classic and R 18 are decelerated by a twin-disc braking system at the front and a single-disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed calipers.
The wire-spoked wheels ensure a stylish appearance.
Harmonious ergonomics for optimum control
In keeping with the BMW Motorrad philosophy, the new BMW R 18 Classic and
R 18 feature a laid-back positioning of the footrests. The positioning is also known as 'mid-mounted footpegs'.
This classic position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW – it also enables a relaxed and active riding position for optimum control.
Three riding modes along with ASC and MSR for a high degree of riding pleasure and safety as standard
The new R 18 Classic and R 18 offer the three standard riding modes – "Rain", "Roll" and "Rock" – to adapt to individual rider preferences.
The standard trim also includes ASC (Automatic Stability Control; disengageable), which ensures a high level of riding safety.
In addition, the new R 18 Classic and R 18 are equipped as standard with engine drag torque control (MSR). Among other options, a reverse assist makes manoeuvring convenient, while the Hill Start Control function facilitates uphill starts.
Iconic style, a rigid-frame look, modern technology and authentic materials
The R 18 Classic and R 18 transpose the iconic style of bygone times to the present day, retaining a purist design in numerous details that is mainly influenced by classics such as the BMW R 5.
The functional and stylistic elements such as the double-loop frame, tear-drop tank, open-running universal shaft and the double-lined paintwork are reminiscent of the legendary boxer dating back to 1936.
The classic bodywork features of the R 18 Classic and R 18 are also fashioned from metal – as befits an authentic classic.
The suspension is also aptly reminiscent of the legendary R 5. Together with the double-sided swingarm and a cantilever suspension strut, the rigid-frame concept of the R 5 is transported into the modern age in visual terms.
Exclusive look in paint and chrome
The First Edition package, which is optional on the R 18 Classic and R 18 Classic Custom, combines the R 18 look with an exclusive classic black finish with white double-lined paintwork.
Other highlights include numerous chrome surfaces, a seat badge and a "First Edition" chrome clasp on the side covers.
Conversion-friendly architecture a prerequisite for customising and individualisation
The new R 18 Classic and R 18 offer conversion-friendly architecture.
Both models are fitted with an easily removable subframe and a simple-to-dismantle painted part set.
Carefully conceived interface points for the hydraulic lines of the brake, clutch and cable harness allow trouble-free installation of higher or lower handlebars in conjunction with matching hydraulic lines and cable harnesses.
In addition, the visible valve covers and the belt cover are located outside the oil chamber, making them simple to change.
Customising parts and Roland Sands design collections "Machined" and "2-Tone Black" add to individualisation options
The BMW Motorrad equipment range offers a maximum selection of individualisation options with which to adapt the R 18 Classic and R 18 to personal taste and preferences.
The wide range of different parts available from the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories line enables individual conversions that significantly alter the character of the R 18 Classic and R 18.
Two different design collections of milled aluminium parts available for local customers were created in collaboration with Roland Sands Design: "Machined" and "2-Tone-Black".
Co-branding with famous brands: Mustang seats and Vance & Hines "Made in USA" exhaust systems
BMW Motorrad is collaborating not just with Roland Sands Design but also several well-known suppliers for its accessories and customising program.
It has partnered with US manufacturer Mustang Seat to offer different versions of high-quality handmade seats. The customising potential for the exhaust systems in cooperation with Vance & Hines is no less creative.
Local specification and pricing
The R 18 Classic is offered in three levels – R 18 Classic, R 18 Classic Custom and R 18 Classic Deluxe – with a high level of equipment and features offered across the line-up.
Pricing and specification of all models is listed below.
R18 Classic: $28,550*
Rideaway: $30,863#
Included features:
- Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
- ABS
- 3 riding modes (Rock, Roll, Rain)
- Keyless Ride
- Spoke wheels
- Twin front brakes
- Preload adjustable rear
- Telescopic forks with fork covers
- LED headlight, tail-light, brake and indicators
- LED auxiliary lights
- 12-volt socket
- MSR (Dynamic engine brake control)
- Adjustable hand levers
- Saddle bags
- Cruise control
Optional equipment:
- Lockable Fuel Cap: $75
- Hill Start Control: $155
- Headlight Pro (inc. Adaptive Headlight and Daytime Riding Light): $605
- Floorboards: $235
- Heated Grips: $340
- First Edition (Inc. Pinstripes and Chrome Package): $3300
- Reverse Gear: $1500
- Anti-theft alarm system: $365
- Low Seat (690mm): No cost option
R 18 Classic Custom: $30,090*
Rideaway: $32,448#
Includes all specification from the R 18 Classic and adds the following as standard:
- Lockable Fuel Cap
- Hill Start Control
- Headlight Pro (inc. Adaptive Headlight and Daytime Riding Light)
- Heated Grips
- Anti-theft Alarm System
R 18 Classic Deluxe: $35,090*
Rideaway: $37,598#
Includes all specification from the R 18 Classic Custom and adds the following as standard:
- Floorboards
- First Edition (Inc. Pinstripes and Chrome Package)
- Reverse Gear
*Recommended Retail Pricing is shown and includes GST, but excludes on-road costs. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW Motorrad dealer for all pricing enquiries.
#Rideaway based on Sydney, NSW, 2000 pricing
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world's leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.
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