It is a certain bet that BMW will introduce more variants of the R 18 – their first cruiser in 16 years since the R 1200 C – like this solo-seat custom model.
The company launched the R 18 cruiser in April and BMW Australia says the classic R 18 cruiser will arrive next month starting at $26,890 (plus on-road costs).
The R 18 First Edition, which features classic double pin striping paint and chrome will be available in limited numbers for $30,190.
The initial batch of R 18 First Editions allocated to Australia arriving this year will be fitted with “reverse assist”, bringing the price to $31,690.
They could soon be followed by more variants.
Earlier this month, BMW unveiled a “dragster” model commissioned from LA custom builder Roland Sands.
Now they have unveiled the “Blechmann” which is the nickname of Austrian customiser Bernhard Naumann.
Bernhard changed little on the frame or the technology.
It features a sporty solo seat, a modified tank, Kellermann taillight, kidney-shaped headlight and a narrower, cleaner look to expose the massive 1802cc engine.
The custom also comes in classic BMW black with white pin-stripes to reflect the 1936 R 5, after which the R 18 is styled.
In total, the team around Blechmann worked 450 hours on his version of the BMW R 18.
“My work begins by removing parts of the original version until a white canvas remains,” he says.
“As the construction progresses, the design develops. I call this ‘rapid-prototyping-Blechmann-style’.”
Whether BMW Motorrad will produce a custom like this is debatable, but it shows they are searching for customer reaction to model variants.
Unlike the Roland Sands Dragster, customers won’t be able to personalise their own Blechmann. Whereas Roland has created two design collections of milled aluminium parts for the launch of the R 18 Cruiser: “Machined” and “2-Tone-Black”.
They include front and rear wheels in different dimensions from standard, plus speedometer housings, handlebar clamps, risers, handlebar grips, hand levers and mirrors as well as engine housing trim elements, filler caps, intake silencer covers and much more.
Highlights of the new BMW R 18
- Largest two-cylinder BMW boxer engine at 1802cc (click here for more engine details)
- 67kW of power at 4,750rpm and 158Nm of torque at 3,000rpm. More than 150Nm available at all times from 2000-4000rpm;
- Exposed drive-shaft and elaborate double-loop steel tube frame based on classic models;
- Rear swingarm with enclosed axle drive in rigid frame design;
- Telescopic fork with sleeves and cantilever suspension strut that includes travel-dependent damping;
- Harmonious ergonomics for relaxed riding and optimum control;
- Disc brakes front and rear with wire-spoked wheels;
- State-of-the-art LED lighting technology with classically interpreted design;
- Adaptive turning light for enhanced road illumination and cornering illumination available as an ex-factory option;
- Classically designed circular instrument cluster with integrated display and ‘Berlin-Built’ label;
- Keyless Ride for convenient functionality and activation by remote control;
- Three standard riding modes (Rain, Roll and Rock), ASC and MSR;
- Reverse assist for convenient manoeuvring and Hill Start Control for easy hill starts available as ex-factory options – $1500;
- R 18 First Edition package offers an exclusive look in signature double pin striping paint and chrome – $30,190;
- Initial allocation of R 18 First Edition units for local market fitted with Reverse assist, bringing price to $31,690.
Classic R 18 Tech specs
| Engine | |
| Capacity | 1802cc / cui |
| Bore x stroke | 107.1x100mm |
| Output | 67kW (91hp) |
| at engine speed | 4750rpm |
| Torque | 158Nm |
| at engine speed | 3000rpm |
| Type | Air/water-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine |
| No. of cylinders | 2 |
| Compression/fuel | 9.6:1 / premium unleaded (95-98 RON) |
| Valve/accelerator actuation | OHV |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Ø intake/outlet | 41.2/35mm |
| Ø throttle valves | 48mm |
| Engine control | BMS-O |
| Emission control | Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, EU5 exhaust standard |
| Electrical system | |
| Alternator | 600W |
| Battery | 12/26V/Ah maintenance-free |
| Headlight | LED low beam with projection module LED high beam with projection module |
| Starter | 1.5kW |
| Power transmission – gearbox | |
| Clutch | Hydraulically activated single-disc dry clutch |
| Gearbox | Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox |
| Primary ratio | 1.16 |
| Transmission ratios I | 2,438 |
| II | 1,696 |
| III | 1,296 |
| IV | 1,065 |
| V | 903 |
| VI | 784 |
| Rear wheel drive | Universal shaft |
| Transmission ratio | 3.091 |
| Suspension | |
| Frame construction type | Double-loop steel tube frame |
| Front wheel control | Telescopic fork, fork tube Ø 49 mm |
| Rear wheel control | Cantilever |
| Total spring travel, front/rear | 120/90mm |
| Wheel castor | 150mm |
| Wheelbase | 1731mm |
| Steering head angle | 57.3° |
| Brakes front | Twin disc brake Ø 300 mm |
| Brakes rear | Single disc brake Ø 300 mm |
| ABS | BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral) |
Ape hanger bars and matte black accessories
| Wheels | Wire-spoked wheels |
| front | 3.5 x 19” |
| rear | 5.0 x 16” |
| Tyres front | 120/70 R 19 or B 19 (manufacturer-dependent) |
| Tyres rear | 180/65 B 16 |
| Dimensions and weights | |
| Total length | 2440mm |
| Total width with mirrors | 964mm |
| Seat height | 690mm |
| DIN unladen weight, road ready | 345kg |
| Permitted total weight | 560kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 16L |
| Performance figures | |
| Fuel consumption (WMTC) | 5.6l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions (WMTC): | 129g/km |
| 0‒100 km/h | 4s 800ms |
| Top speed | 180km/h |