BMW R 18 B: dynamism and sound on straights and hairpin bends [VIDEO]

A copy of BMW R18B conducted on a stretch of the Julian Alps, in Slovenia, is the protagonist in a film proposed by BMW Motorrad on YouTube.

The motorcycle

The specimen was recently shown together with the BMW R18 Transcontinental. The BMW R18B It does not have a top case and is equipped with a low windshield, a matte black metallic engine and a slimmer seat placed at a height of 720 millimeters.
The aforementioned examples recall the style of the great cruisers and tourers of the past, considering various elegant details including the double ring tubular frame, a finish with a double white stripe (optional ex works), a 24 liter teardrop tank and the transmission open gimbal. Also highlighted is the suspension part which recalls a tradition, given a bilateral swingarm and a cantilever suspension system.

The instrumentation consists of four circular analog instruments as well as a color display TFT from 10,25 inches. For music lovers, a Marshall audio system is highlighted, created in collaboration with the British manufacturer, with 2-way speakers integrated into the front part of the fairing, characterized by speakers with black grilles and white Marshall lettering. Also mentioned are the Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and Stage 2 audio solutions, proposed as optional ex works, for intensified listening using up to 4 speakers and 2 subwoofers, with 280 watts of total power.
Optional options also include a Hill Start Control function to make hill starts easier, an assisted reverse gear and Active Cruise Control (ACC) which promotes comfort with distance control using radar sensors integrated into the front fairing.
With the market launch, the exclusive R 18 B First Edition and R 18 Transcontinental First Edition versions will be available with distinctive features such as a black finish with double white stripe, the wording “First Edition” and high-quality stitching on the seat.
Among the varied range of original BMW Motorrad accessories to personalize the models, there are also milled aluminum parts developed in collaboration with Roland Sands Design and exclusive options under the name "Option 719", such as the Option 719 Galaxy Dust metallic finish.

Traveler character

The engine is a twin-cylinder boxer “Big Boxers” da 1.802 cc. The power touches 91 horses (67 kW) at 4.750 rpm and between 2.000 and 4.000 rpm, more than 150 Nm of torque is always reported.
There are three driving modes indicated: “Rain”, “Roll” e "Rock". ASC (Automatic Stability Control) is standard to support safety, as is engine drag torque control (MSR) and electronic cruise control DCC (Dynamic Cruise Control) with automatic management of the driving speed set by the driver.

The frame is double cradle tubular steel with a rear beam made of pressed sheet metal parts with welded joints between the steel tubes and the forged or cast parts.
On these models, the location of the footrests is extended or "central", behind the cylinders and typical of the brand, favoring a comfortable and at the same time functional driving position for control. The new R 18 B is equipped with wider footrests than those of the R 18, while on the new R 18 Transcontinental the footrests are standard.
The suspension scheme consists of a telescopic fork with fork covers and 49 mm stanchions and a cantilever suspension system mounted on the rear swingarm, developed with a similar design, crossed by the rear drive axle in the same style using bolted joints with shock absorbing progressive and spring preload can be managed automatically. The rear suspension includes a progressive shock absorber and automatic load compensation. In any case, the suspension travel reaches i 120 mm. The braking system consists of a double disc brake at the front and a single disc at the rear in combination with rigid four-piston calipers. The diameter of the disk is 300 mm in both cases and we also note a Full Integral ABS solution linked to BMW Motorrad.

Video: BMW Motorrad
Photo: BMW Motorrad – BMW Group