BMW Motorrad continues to expand its presence in the heavyweight cruiser segment with the addition of its boxer twin-powered R 18 Classic ($24,015 as tested). This iteration of the R 18 adds touring-friendly accommodations, including a fixed oversize windscreen, and double-buckle saddlebags that allow for added practicality.
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Long and low the R18 Classic makes a presence. Of all the motorcycle reviews we’ve published over the past few years, there are few streetbikes that make the subtle statement of this Black Storm Metallic Beemer. It stirs quick gas station chats everytime we fuel up and it’s noteworthy how the non-motorcycling public understands that it’s an “old bike that looks new.”
Lifting the 805-pound machine off its kickstand isn’t the easiest feat, but with 16-inch wheels in motion it’s astounding how agile it is. A wide and pleasing handlebar bend makes it easy to cast direction changes even at parking lot speeds. Still with two giant cylinders protruding off either side, caution is exercised when negotiating curbed turns and while splitting California traffic.
Twist the throttle and the 1,802cc (110ci) boxer twin doles out a punchy spread of power with upwards of 90 pound-feet torque just above idle. The engine’s horizontal power pulses are visceral and make for an engaging ride. Engine vibration is present throughout the rev range, but it feels calculated and further adds to its pleasing cruiser motorcycle experience. Both the engine and exhaust note sound unique. Its crisp note makes you want to yank on the twist grip hard. Maintenance-wise the engine requires oil and filter changes every 6,000 miles. BMW Motorrad also recommends owner’s inspect the valve clearances too. A tad early for our tastes. During fast-paced riding, we recorded a 34 mpg average.
A heel-toe shifter makes it easier to row through the six-speed gearbox. We value its precise mechanical feel and the easy ability to notch it into neutral at stops. A beautiful mechanical driveshaft transfers power to the Bridgestone Battlecruise H50-shod 16-inch rear wheel. The final drive is nearly devoid of maintenance aside from scheduled 24,000-mile differential case oil changes.
The ride-by-wire throttle affords three throttle maps (Rock, Roll, and Rain), in addition to cruise control. Each setting provides a smooth, accurate sensitivity, but we like the Rock setting’s more rowdy response. Traction control (BMW calls it Automatic Stability Control) is standard as is ABS that automatically reroutes brake pressure to the front or rear circuit based on rider control input and vehicle load.
Similarly to the 19-inch front wheel equipped R 18, ground clearance is limited and it doesn’t take much lean for hard parts to scrape against the asphalt. Still, with its high level of stability, and strong triple-disc hydraulic brakes, the R 18 Classic responds well to hard riding as long as you keep the vehicle more or less in line. High-speed stability is equally pleasing and we were impressed how well it rides at triple-digit speeds. Still, we wish this R 18 Classic offered full-travel rear suspension like its bagger and Transcontinental siblings.
Our testbike was outfitted with the Premium Package ($1,450) which adds Adaptive (cornering) Headlights, electronic reverse, and Hill Start Control. These doodads make it easier to operate, however we wish the cornering headlamps were brighter through turns-which is surprising, considering its limited cornering clearance. The reverse feature on the other hand functions well and makes this nearly half-ton motorcycle easy to get out of tight parking spots. Our bike also had the $2,150 First Edition package, which adds chrome and white pinstriping around the fuel tank. We could easily forgo this pricey option.
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Photography: Joseph Agustin
Videography/edit: @AdamWaheed
Motorcycle Riding Gear Worn
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27 сен 2021
