BMW Motorrad returns to the cruiser category with the R 18, but will they soon add a Dragster version like this produced by renowned LA designer Roland Sands?
His custom job was made easier by the fact that the R 18 has an easily removable rear frame and a simple-to-dismantle painted parts set.
Roland Sands and his R 18 DragsterDragster parts
I think BMW will build a model like this because this is a fully BMW-sanctioned custom build by the same person who helped them design the R nineT.
And have a loom at that “R 18 Dragster” engine stamp. That looks like a production model to me!
If BMW doesn’t build a Dragster model, you may be able to customise your own.
Roland has also 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.
Roland also created custom parts for the R nineT.
These are expected to be available when the bike launches next month.
BMW Australia says the classic R 18 cruiser will start 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. 
R 18 reverse assist
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.
At 345kg dry weight, it needs reverse assist!
We also reckon the riding position looks a little uncomfortable with the inability for forward controls because of the massive boxer heads.
It will come with a range of accessories including ape hanger bars, tractor saddle, racks and more.
Yes, thankfully it also includes pipes to replace that dreadfully massive standard exhaust!
The R 18 is styled after the 1936 R 5, including double white pinstriping.
BMW R 18 and R 5We’ve seen several other variants of the bike in concepts, prototypes and spy photos.
So we expect this is just the first in a new line with the 1802cc boxer engine, probably including a Dragster like Roland’s design.
Highlights of the new BMW R 18 – $26,890
- 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 |
R 18 classic photo gallery
