BMW Motorrad brought to light the Concept R 18 /2 – and it seems ready to hit the road
BMW Concept R 18 /2 is the second custom bike concept from BMW, after the BMW Concept R 18, and it might come into production form in 2020.
BMW Concept R 18 /2 was presented at the Custombike-Show which is one of the biggest shows for customised motorcycles. The show that takes place from 6 to 8 December 2019 in the East Westphalian town of Bad Salzuflen brings together more than 300 brands that unveil over 1,000 custom bikes. And BMW Motorrad stole the show with its Big Boxer bike the Concept R 18 /2.
We had the chance to see the first concept bike from the German manufacturer at Villa D’Este earlier this year in the form of the BMW Concept R 18. The Concept R 18 /2, on the other hand, seems to keep the classical touches of the old school BMW boxer bikes from the ’60s with a big boxer engine that might scare even the most hardcore bad boy bikers with its sound and torque. The BMW R 18, for example, brings 91 hp and 158 NM of torque at 3,000 rpm and that is a lot of torque.
But back to the BMW Concept R 18 /2 which looks amazing from our point of view. Probably the engine is around 1,802 cc that his “older” brother, the R 18, has and it looks ready to hit the highways if you put mirrors on it. So, the production version is close.
“In contrast to the classic, elegant BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, the Concept R 18 /2 draws on its large boxer engine and frame to create a modern custom concept,” said BMW Motorrad head of design Edgar Heinrich.
“The Concept R 18 /2 is uniquely extrovert. Elements from the past and future of BMW Motorrad merge here to create a captivating cruiser, making a powerful statement. It's a highly emotional bike designed for active riding. At the same time, the Concept R 18 /2 reflects the range of characterisations and customer dreams that we are able to realise using the same backbone,” he added.
On the front, we find a 19” wheel and 16” rear wheel and both are made of cast iron. Like every other bike that respects itself, the brakes feature Brembo brake callipers. All in all, we are eager to see and ride the BMW Concept R 18 /2 in its production form, soon.
According to the latest specs released by BMW, the new air-cooled engine features 158 NM of Torque at low rpm and 91 horsepower. This immense pulling force comes from BMW's biggest engine ever produced. Read more about the R18 big boxer engine.