The BMW R 18 Roctane is the fifth member to join the Bavarian brand’s big-bore cruiser line-up, and may just be the best one yet. Will this be the bike to propel the R 18 into the cultural zeitgeist? INFO MOTO investigates in the video test below…
What we like:
- Pure cruising experience
- Exciting engine
- BMW fit-and-finish
Room for improvement:
- Cases are not removable
- Heavy at 374kg (wet)
- Riding position not for everyone
BMW has launched its new R 18 Roctane, the fifth full-time member of the brand’s big-capacity cruiser line-up, priced from $27,890 plus on-road costs.
The Roctane bagger joins the standard R 18, which is priced from $24,870 rideaway, as well as the R 18 Classic ($27,650), the R 18 B ($37,950) and R 18 Trancontinental ($40,115), distinguished by stripped back styling elements reminiscent of rival Harley-Davidson’s long-running Road King ($41,495).
As standard, the BMW R 18 Roctane is finished in Black Storm Metallic, with optional Mineral Grey Metallic and Manhattan Metallic Matt colour options coming at a $475 premium. In all cases the standard-fit panniers are finished in the body colour, while the carry-over 1802cc boxer engine is finished in black.
Outputs are unchanged from 67kW and 158Nm, as is consistent across the R 18 range.
Other features include keyless ignition, three rider modes, a steering stabiliser, LED lighting, adjustable levers, cruise control, a one-piece bench seat and a 12-volt socket.
An optional package, priced from $3100, will also add a lockable fuel cap, hill start control, adaptive headlights, floorboards, a reverse gear, tyre pressure monitoring and an anti-theft alarm.
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.
Neat jigger Spenc’, but gees it’s screaming out for a big set of black FAT bars! The stockys look like spaghetti…… 🧐🙈
Aside from that, not a lot to complain about looks wise… 💪👍