The BMW R18 Cruiser Is Coming Your Way Soon

BMW’s largest cruiser has reached Indian shores and will be launched here next month. BMW Motorrad has brought one unit of the R18 as part of a preview event for potential customers. The cruiser is expected to be priced between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom). BMW Motorrad dealerships have started accepting bookings for the R18 for a token amount of Rs 1 lakh. 

Also read: BMW R 18: All You Need To Know 

BMW first unveiled the original concept at the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in May. It was globally launched in April this year with much of the concept’s design left intact. The R18’s styling is inspired by the 1936 BMW R5, with a similar looking teardrop fuel tank, a hardtail styled frame and twin fishtail type exhausts. It gets an old-school halogen headlamp and a large analogue instrument console with ‘Berlin Built’ inscribed inside. It is a long and heavy motorcycle with a weight of 345kg. 

The R18’s highlight is its humongous 1802cc air-cooled flat twin motor that puts out 91PS and 158Nm of torque of which 150Nm is available from 2000rpm onwards. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via an exposed shaft drive. Despite the simple origins, you get electronic assistance in the form of traction control, three riding modes, hill start control and a reverse assist. Underpinnings include a dual cradle frame with a telescopic fork and a monoshock hidden under the seat for that hardtail look. 

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The BMW R18 will be a worthy competitor to the likes of the Harley Davidson Fat Boy and Indian Chief Dark Horse.