BMW r18 is a big cruiser. Everyone loves big bad cruiser motorcycles. All major players like Harley Davidson, Indian, Triumph have some thing big to offer in their portfolio. But, BMW was lacking in this respect. BMW made great automobiles, be it a car or a motorcycle. What they were lacking was a big behemoth of a motorcycle. BMW r 18 is going to silence this allegation form lovers and critiques alike. With the introduction of the 1800 cc big boxer BMW r18, a new chapter in the history is unfolding.
Recent past of BMW big boxer engine.
BMW big boxer engine has been here for quite some time now. BMW took a very interesting approach for showcasing their new engine. They commissioned some hugely reputed custom bike builders to present different designs based on their engine.
First in this series of concept designs was a peculiar concept form the Revival Cycles. They gave us a never seen before quite interesting BMW r18 concept. Behold the ‘Bird Cage’.
‘Exotic’ that is what comes in mind when I see this bike. Instant attention grabber the ‘Revival Birdcage’ tells us the artists had a very
Inspiration for BMW r18 concept.
Almost every major two wheeler manufacturer is reviving past. Inspiration of BMW r18 concept also finds its roots in the past. Actually, BMW launched the BMW r5 in the year 1936. Though this bike lasted in production for just 2 years from 1936-1937 but it made a lasting impression on motorcycling world. R5 was the first bike ever to introduce the double cradle frame and the telescopic suspension. Yes, that was a novelty and pioneer in many technological upgrades.
2020 BMW r 18.
It is a fortunate day of 3rd April 2020 when we got news of the official launch of r 18. Oh i was mesmerized by the flowing beauty and the sheer presence of that big boxer. And then after the big reveal variants started to roll. Oh my my! I was drooling over that single spring suspended seat and chopped down fender.
With my words you may have interpreted that I am a fan. So, what I write about this bike will be solely based upon my dream to own this magnificent piece of automotive history. Yes there are so many reviews about the impractical nature of this bike. But almost all of those are coming from people who are not going to buy this motorcycle. Lets examine criticism of this motorcycle.
The design of BMW r 18.
As I have mentioned earlier, design of this bike is based upon BMW R 5. Following that design strategy BMW created a bike focused on clean and clutter free design. With the behemoth 1800cc boxer engine the agility of BMW r5 is not in focus. Instead BMW r18 focuses on simplicity of design and construction. It is beautiful. No one has a second thought on this.
The riding posture of BMW r 18.
I have not ridden it personally. But I can tell that it will be comfortable to ride on a long stretch. Now, I know that several readers will argue that those massive cylinders are a threat to comfort. Well, many experienced riders are pointing that this will never be comfortable. But one thing that they are missing is the target audience of BMW r18 is not going to go cross country. Most of the riders, I mean at least 95% of BMW r 18 owners will use it for pleasure riding and inter city riding. May be on weekends for 2-3 hours in a stretch. Seeing it as a prospective owner I do not see any problem in riding posture of this bike. Again I would like to point out that I will buying it for sheer pleasure of riding on long lonely stretches of highways but not more than 200 km in one go.
Why I don’t agree with negative reviews of BMW r 18.
Mostly, negative reviews are based upon two thing. Firstly, the protruding cylinders. Secondly, the fish body exhausts. Let us first talk about those fish body exhausts. I agree that they are hideous. I guess that some one in the top brass at BMW really wants to push these. But thanks to Vans and Hines a more easy on eyes exhaust is developed. My point here is that exhausts can be changed and in most cases will be. But BMW should have provided a more likable design.
Now lets talk about those cylinders. 1800 cc boxer is a big decision even more so than the engine itself. And I admire BMW taking that brave decision. People are saying that these will limit its maneuverability. I say 1800 cc monster is not intended to be agile. They say you wont be able to stretch your legs, I said I don’t need to. Critics said you won’t be able to ride for long hours, I say I will take a break every now and then. And, I am going to buy it for its beauty and to ride form home to business. That’s it!
Why I think that riding position of BMW r 18 is good.
In my opinion the riding position is alright. Actually the criticism is because of the size of cylinders. Reviewers are pointing out that rider will not be able to stretch out their feet. But in my opinion that is unnecessary. Before you draw a conclusion let me explain.
I am riding Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. Apart from this bike I have kept triumph thruxton R for an year. Along with Continental GT 650 I am also having Royal Enfield Classic 500 and I am riding that for past one decade.
Why have I pointed out cafe racers in this discussion? Because with my friends I use to visit other cities on weekend rides and return on the same day. In these trips we ride for 400-500 km to and fro usually. Riding a cafe racer is far more uncomfortable than riding the BMW r 18. Until and unless you are too wide to touch down your toes I really don’t believe that stretching your legs wont be needed.
Expected price for BMW r 18.
This is a massive bike and will compete with Harley 107 range and Indian 111 range at the base of the market. So, to keep up with the competition they have to either undercut their rivals or at least price this bike closest the competition. If they bring it around 20-22,000$ then its fair. But beyond that it would be really difficult to get this bike in good numbers on street.
But, wait a minute! Its just 17,500$ ex showroom for the base model. Does it mean its going to up root all others. Well I think that every brand have its loyalists and some will stick to BMW. For the numbers they really have to market this bike aggressively.
One thing is for sure, I am going to get it. For me its better to buy BMW r 18 than a Fat Boy. That is a personal view no offence to Harley loyalist.
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