BMW R 18: new contact with tradition [VIDEO]

The new BMW R 18 It features a retro and customizable style. An immediately distinguishable design, linked to an equally distinctive engine.

Remembering the historic BMW R 5

From the chassis setup to the various details, such as the peculiar exposed transmission shaft, when looking at the new one R18 common traits with the historic model of the 1936. Analogies that however diverge significantly when technological solutions such as lights stand out LED or the different devices such as the three driving modes (“Rain”, “Roll” e "Rock"), the ASC (Automatic Stability Control) system which can be excluded, the engine drag torque control (MSR), or the optional Hill Start Control to support hill starts.
Overall, however, an essential nature emerges designed to savor a type of driving more closely linked to tradition. Just notice the instrumentation or the double-arm swingarm and the Cantilever system of the rear suspension to realize this, with the possibility of customizing the same style according to taste. Customization allowed for example by the arrangement of the fixing points of the hydraulic brake lines, including cables and clutch, inserting another handlebar more or less high, as well as it is possible to replace the visible valve covers, adopt new rims and even remove the rear frame . The options are selectable from Original BMW Accessories Motorrad, like the two collections developed in partnership with RHolland Sands Design the “Machined” and the “2-Tone-Black”, but also the saddlery made with Mustang Seat or the exhaust system developed with Vance & Hines.

cycling

The total length of the vehicle reaches i 2.440 millimeters, the standard seat height is 690 mm, the tank can accommodate 16 liters of fuel.
The steel frame is defined by a double cradle structure with welded joints between the steel tubes and cast or forged parts, aesthetically taking up a traditional approach. You can see a telescopic fork with fork cover and a solution cantilever rear with built-in axle, offering the effect of a rigid frame. The position in the saddle is facilitated by footrests present "in a central position". No electronic suspension adjustment options are indicated, but a directly present central suspension system with progressive damping and spring preload management.
The telescopic fork tubes are wrapped in fork covers and the diameter is 49 mm, while at the front the suspension travel reaches i 120 mm unlike the 90 mm of the one behind. The braking system includes a double brake disc at the front and a single disc at the rear, in each case 300 mm, together with a four-piston fixed caliper with Integral ABS BMW Motorrad partially integral. The brake pedal is connected to the rear area. The front rim is 19 inches, the rear 16 inches.
During the launch phase, an R 18 First Edition version is introduced into the world, alongside a standard model in some markets, taking up the information. Exclusive references stand out on the First Edition, considering a black finish with paintwork featuring white lines. The chrome elements are also different, as are the logo on the saddle and the chrome plate on the side with the indication "First Edition".

A voluminous boxer

The push is proposed by a twin-cylinder boxer air-cooled 1802 cc defined “Big Boxers”. The most powerful of its kind on a two-wheeled example made by the brand. Develop 91 horses (67 kW) of maximum power at 4.750 rpm and from 2.000 to 4.000 rpm are constantly offered over 150 Nm of couple. A thrust to be compared to a curb weight of 345 kg, as reported.

Video: BMW Group and BMW Motorrad
Photo: BMW Motorrad