BMW’s New Retro R 18 Comes With An New “Big Boxer” Engine To Remind Us Of Happier Days

BMW Motorrad is embracing cruisers as the company has unveiled the new R 18 motorcycle.

Billed as a “supreme cruiser with historical roots,” the R 18 is a classically styled bike aimed at purists.

The model is heavily influenced by the R 5 and features a double-loop tubular steel frame, a pear-drop tank and an open-running driveshaft. The model can also be equipped with pinstripes which are reminiscent of those used on the “legendary boxer dating back to 1936.”

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Despite the old school styling, there are some modern touches including LED lighting units and a circular speedometer with a digital display. The motorcycle has also wire-spoked wheels which are backed up by four-piston calipers and disc brakes.

Buyers looking for something more exclusive can get the R 18 First Edition. It features a classic black exterior with contrasting white pinstripes. There are also additional chrome accents, a special seat badge and “First Edition” plaques.

Owners who want to customize the bike are in luck as designers created the R 18 to be easy to disassemble. In particular, BMW said the rear frame is easily removable and the model has a “simple-to-dismantle painted part set.” Likewise, the valve covers and belt cover can be easily swapped out.

Speaking of customization, BMW Motorrad will offer a wide range of accessories. At launch, there be two collections of milled aluminum components developed in cooperation with Roland Sands Design. Owners can also look forward to seats from Mustang Seats and exhaust systems from Vance & Hines.

Power is provided by a new 1.8-liter two-cylinder engine that has been dubbed the “Big Boxer.” That’s a fitting name as it’s the most powerful two-cylinder BMW boxer engine of all time. However, the numbers won’t blow you away as it develops 90 hp (67 kW / 91 PS) and 117 lb-ft (158 Nm) of torque.

Speaking of performance, the retro philosophy extends beyond styling as BMW “deliberately” avoided high-tech electronics. Instead, the model uses a “telescopic fork and a directly mounted central suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure superior wheel control and attractive suspension comfort.”

Despite eschewing some high-tech goodies, the bike isn’t ‘dumb’ by any stretch of the imagination. Instead, owners will find an automatic stability control system as well as hill start control and reverse assist. The R 18 also has three different riding modes called Rain, Roll and Rock.

The R 18 is currently available to pre-order and U.S. pricing starts at $17,495 – excluding a $695 destination and handling fee.