Design registrations have surfaced which appear to show a touring version of the yet-to-be-released BMW R 18 cruiser.
The R 18 has not been seen in production guise, however, we have a fair idea of what to expect from the Concept R 18 that was shown at the Italy bike show last year.
BMW later uncovered the Concept R 18/2 (pronounced Slash Two), which appeared to be even closer to the road-going product.
Overseas publication Motor1 Brasil recently surfaced design patents that show an R 18-based touring bike, with classic Harley-esque bagger lines.
Rather than going for a modern approach, as seen on BMW’s K 1600 touring range, this R 18 variant sports old-school cruiser styling with a large winged fairing and hard swooping pannier bags.
A BMW Group Australia spokesperson told INFO MOTO that it expects to release the BMW R 18 later this year, although exact specifications and model line-up information will be confirmed after the bike is officially revealed.
“We expect to see a production version of the Concept R 18 arrive in Australia within the second half of this year,” they said.
“This model is of great interest to us and the response from our customers to a local introduction has been overwhelmingly positive.”
As previously reported, the BMW R 18 will use the highest-capacity boxer engine used in motorcycle volume production, with a displacement of 1802cc.
Tuned for low-end grunt, the ‘Big Boxer’ produces 67kW at 4750rpm, and 158Nm from 3000rpm.
Power is sent through a six-speed transmission to the rear wheel via a shaft drive system.
While pricing has yet to be confirmed, it is expected to check in above $30,000.
For comparison, the just-launched Triumph Rocket 3 which will surely be a close rival to the R 18, is priced from $29,990 rideaway in base form.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
