BMW Motorrad recently tasked famed design house Roland Sands Design (RSD) to customise and set up its R 18 cruiser for the drag strip.
The result, a stripped-back and low-slung monster, cutting a reasonable pass with the bike’s 1802cc boxer engine.
Affectionately dubbed the ‘Big Boxer’, this engine delivers 67kW and 158Nm in stock form, and is backed up by high-end fueling and ignition systems.
As seen in the imagery, RSD’s BMW R 18 Dragster has been significantly modified from the stock model, with significant frame adjustments and the rear suspension removed.
The R 18 Dragster also features custom front and rear guards, a headlight taken from the original R 18, twin stainless steel megaphone pipes, and a front fork taken from the BMW R nineT.
Performance upgrades include front brakes from the S 1000 R superbike, while aesthetic niceties include a two-tone metallic blue paint scheme, a bespoke seat and a tank taken from the original R 18.
Production R 18 units are expected to roll into Australian showrooms in the coming months. It will launch in a limited-run First Edition variant equipped with Reverse Assist, with about 200 units expected to arrive priced from $31,690 plus on-road costs.
Distinguishing the First Edition is double pin-stripe paint and chrome touches.
More units are earmarked for a November arrival, including a First Edition without the Reverse Assist option for $30,190 as well as the base model which will check in from $26,890.
From standard, the bike comes with adaptive LED lights, daytime running lights, heated grips, Keyless Ride and a lockable fuel tank. It also comes with traction control, ABS and three riding modes, dubbed Rock, Roll and Rain.
The R 18 will also be available with a large list of accessories, including a sissy bar and luggage options.
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.
