With an old-school charm and a ton of customizations on offer, the R 18 Classic oozes retro at its best.
BMW Motorrad recently announced the first of five new heritage motorcycles it plans to introduce. The R 18 Classic makes an appealing initial impression. It looks like a muscle cruiser with creature comforts and technologies, making it suitable for long distances.
The bike still retains the charm of old-school muscle bikes of the late 20th Century. It features a girthy body, complete with a bare pillion seat and a set of massive straight pipes.
However, the R 18 Classic also features some new-age technological advancements and touring bike comforts. For instance, the headlights utilize LED technology, auxiliary lighting, standard cruise control, floorboards, and a pair of saddlebags.
Meanwhile, the “First Edition” will feature extra badging, more chrome bits, and a white pinstripe around the fuel tank sides for that extra classic look.
The Classic features a 1,802 cc twin-cylinder boxer engine. This old-school monster is supposedly the biggest engine BMW has ever built. Moreover, it promises to deliver a healthy 91 hp at 4000+ rpm and a massive 116 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. Thus, the engine sets the mood for a nice comfortable cruise down the road without troubling the engine. The R 18 base model sits on 19-inch front and 16-inch rear tires, while the Classic sits on symmetrical 16-inch tires.
BMW has also announced a detailed customization program. The company has tied up with known customizers such as Roland Sands, Mustang Seats, and Vance & Hines. As a result, customers have a wide selection of parts ranging from seat materials and colors to the wheels, grips, levers, and engine covers.
The R 18 base model starts at $17,495, while the Classic at $19,495. For the Classic First Edition, you’ll need to shell out $21,870. The motorcycles will be available in showrooms by February 2021.
R 18 Gallery:
Source: BMW