April’s news of a Beemer “Roctane” variant has finally broken into the Powerspots industry.
Meet the R 18 Roctane, the newest addition to BMW’s R 18 family and a custom bagger pulling inspo from as far back as the Bavarians’ first two-wheeled efforts of 1923.
Featuring an iconic, rigid rear with a streamlined aesthetic, the obligatory R 18 double-loop frame, and an exposed drive shaft, this particular 1802cc, 2-cylinder flat-twin continues the legacy of our industry’s “most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever built in motorcycle series production,” showing off a stunning 91hp @ 4,750rpm and over 150Nm of torque between 2,000-4,000rpm.
Per the recent press release, the Roctane’s punchy heart has also been complemented by a dark chrome exhaust and star nuts, with the engine herself painted black to match the visual theatrics.
For the rear, we have the original R 18’s double loop tubular steel frame complete with a swingarm that “encloses the rear axle drive… using bolted connections.”
BMW’s also been clear in their choice of suspension for the Roctane; no electronic adjustment. Instead, we’ve been given telescopic forks (and fork sleeves) complete with a “directly linked central sprint strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload.”
Stopping duties are taken care of thanks to the front twin disc brake at the front 3.5 x 21″ alloy wheel, with a single disc at the rear 5.5 x 18″ unit completing the lower ensemble, with everything primed for the bike’s three ride modes (“Rain,” “Roll” and “Rock” as standard), which includes ASC (Automatic Stability Control), hill climb assist and Hill Start Control.
Here’s a list of the more major highlights taken from the release:
- Iconic style thanks to the use of modern technology and authentic materials.
- Biggest ever BMW boxer engine with a capacity of 1,802cc.
- Output 67 kW (91 hp) at 4750 rpm, maximum torque 158 Nm at 3,000 rpm.
- More than 150Nm available at all times from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm.
- Open propeller shaft drive based on the classic role model.
- Exhaust system and star counter nuts in Dark Chrome.
- Elaborately manufactured double-loop tubular steel frame.
- Rear swinging arm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame design.
- Telescopic forks with sleeves and cantilever suspension strut featuring travel-dependent damping.
- Well-balanced ergonomics with high handlebars ensure relaxed riding and optimum control.
- Front and rear disc brakes and cast alloy wheels, 21-inch at front and 18-inch at rear.
- Side covers with emblem.
- Headlight housing with an integrated classic round instrument.
- State-of-the-art LED lighting technology, classically interpreted.
- Adaptive headlight for even better road illumination when cornering as optional equipment ex-factory.
- Keyless Ride for convenient activation of functions remotely (ignition on/off).
- Manual steering lock (with key): Locking on the right-hand side of the handlebar tube:
- Cases are locked manually (with key).
- Three riding modes, as well as ASC (and engine drag control as standard).
- Reversing aid for convenient maneuvering and Hill Start Control for easy hill starts as optional equipment ex-factory.
- Heated grips, anti-theft alarm, TPM, and 35 kW version as optional equipment ex-factory.
- Extensive range of optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories, as well as a laid-back Ride & Style Collection
By the way, we’re told by BMW’s press release that the R 128 Roctane stays true to her “BUILT IN BERLIN” badging, down to her metal accents and complete production process.
What a bike to toss out on a Thursday.
What do you think of the new BMW R 18 Roctane?