The R18 is BMW’s second foray into the heavyweight cruiser market, after the now-discontinued R1200C. The R18 was launched in 2020 and is powered by a 1,802 cc (110 ci) engine, the largest two-cylinder boxer ever made.
Inspired by the legendary R5 of the 1930s, the R18 has shaft drive and a double-loop tubular steel frame: like the Softail range sold by Harley-Davidson, the rear shock is concealed, in an attempt to mimic a classic ‘rigid’ frame design.
The initial ‘First Edition’ model was soon followed by the R18 Classic, and in 2021 BMW revealed the R18B (bagger) and Transcontinental models—with slightly modified frames and an increased focus on touring.
Like the R nineT, the R18 is designed to make life easier for custom builders, with several easily removable parts and plug and play electronic connections. BMW has commissioned several custom builds to date, enlisting the services of leading shops during the prototyping and initial sales stage—including Revival Cycles, Roland Sands Design, Bernhard Neumann, Kingston Custom and Zillers Garage.
When BMW hinted that they’d be unveiling something at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza—happening right now on the scenic banks of Lake Como—we automatically assumed it would be another variant of the new BMW R 12 nineT. As it turns out, we were very, very wrong. Get a load of the BMW R20 Concept; a hot…
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This edition of Speed Read might just boast the biggest difference in engine size we’ve ever featured. We go from a monstrous nitrous-fueled BMW R18 from Roland Sands Design, to a 49 cc Suzuki scooter from Taiwan’s MetalCave. We also look at the limited edition Ducati Monster Senna, and a lightly-fettled Indian FTR 1200 from…
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VTR Customs leads the charge this week, with an aggressive take on the gigantic BMW R18. We also look at a couple of kits for the retro-fantastic Yamaha XSR900 GP, the special edition Triumph Trident Triple Tribute, and a spunky Kawasaki ZXR400 SP that’s currently on auction.
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Few motorcycles possess the on-road presence of the formidable BMW R 18. It’s a cruiser designed for purists, featuring discreet, no-frills technology and the most extensive displacement boxer engine ever installed in a production BMW motorcycle. The R 18 is also a distinct homage to BMW Motorrad’s heritage, drawing inspiration from renowned models like the…
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Designing a movie-themed motorcycle is risky business. They usually turn out gaudy and gimmicky, with little appeal beyond the mere novelty of…
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Two very different Yamahas dominate this weekend’s edition of Speed Read. We take a closer look at the new Yamaha XSR900 DB40…
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Whenever Dirk Oehlerking builds another custom BMW boxer, it feels like his signature art deco style has reached its zenith. But then…
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It’s been three years since the BMW R18 hit the scene, and the massive boxer cruiser still hasn’t quite found its feet.…
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This week, we’re profiling a new small-capacity electric motorcycle from a Colorado-based startup. But first, three petrol-powered bikes; a Royal Enfield Interceptor…
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As the custom arm of an official BMW motorcycle dealership, VTR Customs is well-versed in the art of modifying BMWs. But that…
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Here’s a custom motorcycle matchup we never expected: the wily custom bike builder, XTR Pepo, and the monstrous BMW R18. But the…
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Despite its initial lukewarm reception, the BMW R18 has become a regular fixture on the custom scene. Numerous workshops have customized the…
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