BMW Motorrad Australia will release its R 18 cruiser this year, which is expected to check in from $30,200 plus on-road costs.
As we predicted, the German brand’s local wing revealed its new model at a private event earlier in March, as it readies for its assault on the high-selling cruiser segment.
While BMW Motorrad Australia has yet to release imagery, INFO MOTO can exclusively report that the R 18 closely resembles the Concept R 18, although it sports a number of road-going elements like a plastic licence-plate-holder, a larger exhaust and an adjusted stance.
When the bike launches, a limited-run First Edition variant will be available from $31,700, which adds a number of accessories compared to the standard bike, like unique badging and a reverse gear.
BMW Motorrad Australia expects this bike to be a volume seller, rather than just a hero bike, although it suggests that customers will have to get in quick to secure a unit from the initial allocation.
From standard, the bike comes with adaptive LED lights, daytime running lights, heated grips 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, and INFO MOTO believes that more variants will be made available based on the same platform.
As previously reported, the R 18 is fitted with an 1802cc boxer engine which is tuned to produce 67kW and 158Nm of torque.
While aesthetically the engine, and bike, is reminiscent of historic BMW models, it is equipped with a number of modern features.
The air/oil-cooled donk uses large ribbed cylinders and cylinder heads, a vertically split aluminium engine housing, dual ignition, intake manifold injection and the brand’s BMS-O engine management system.
A six-speed transmission and a single-plate dry clutch with an anti-hopping function is used to handle the large torque figure.
The BMW R 18 will rival the likes of the Triumph Rocket 3 as well as Harley-Davidson’s extensive cruiser and touring range.
BMW will officially reveal the R 18 Cruiser this Saturday at 6AM AEST.
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.
