The BMW R18 just made its debut on the market. We’re among the first ones to test it and we tried to learn as much as we could about the first BMW cruiser. Featuring an 1,800 cc engine, it’s the first BMW to be able to compete in the American cruiser segment, ruled by Harley-Davidson.
The BMW R18 features a huge air-cooled boxer. It 1,800 cmc, which develops 158 NM at 3,000 rpm. Although you can see the pushrod covers, this is an Euro5 engine. In looks elegant and vintage, it’s shaking a bit, it pulls right when grabbing the gas, but it’s mannered.
The design line is inspired by the BMW R5, unveiled in 1936, and among the premium details are the beautifully-exposed shaft, the “hard-tail” looking frame, the fuel tank, the engine itself. Everything looks elegant and feels premium.