The beautiful BMW R18 is sold out for 2020

After a brief delay caused by the Pandemic, BMW Motorrad Philippines finally revealed it’s much awaited R 18.

Initially unveiled at Villa d’Este in 2019 as a custom concept “Concept R 18” by BMW Motorrad , it was officially introduced in April 2020 and finally launched in September 2020 in Germany.

It is BMW’s first cruiser to be launched since the R1200C stopped production more than 16 years ago . Powered by the biggest boxer twin engine to date, the 1,802cc torque monster is a thing of beauty and can almost be seen as art.

Before the digital reveal, BMW Motorrad Phillipines gathered a select number of media to join them at their Sucat warehouse for an intimate bike reveal and a very brief test ride.

BMW Philippines President Mr. Spencer Yu welcomed everybody and together with BMW Motorrad PH Director Mr. Gil Balderas, introduced to is the beatiful First Edition R 18.

The bike is tastefully done in BMW’s classic black color with white double pinstripes with a healthy lashings of black steel and chrome. It looks simply looks amazing and evokes the history and the iconic hallmarks of the BMW brand. Elegant and refined, we think it is the look that most new cruiser riders will definetely opt for. It is also almost art-deco in its composition.

The bike is dominated by its big 1,802cc BMW boxer twin engine, the biggest ever in production. The high-quality machined engine housing cover made of milled aluminum impressively give the engine an attractive art deco appeal. The Euro 5 compliant motor delivers a maximum torque of 116 lbs-ft at 3,000 rpm and maximum 91 HP at 4,750 rpm.

It also has three engine Ride Modes creatively labelled as “Rain” , “Rock” and “Roll”!

It has a very low seat height if only 690 mm and weighs 345 kgs. Wheelbase is 1.731m It features a dry clutch and 6-speed transmission coupled to a shaft drive. Its top speed can reach almost 180 kph according to BMW. It has a 16 liter fuel tank.

A few nice features include the exposed shaft drive and an electric reverse gear to get you out of tight parking situations.

Accessories like handle bars and exhaust pipes from Roland Sands Designs and Vance and Hines will be available. Meanwhile, the seat and rear fender, like the other heritage model the R9T, can easily be unbolted to create a Bobber look.

The engine sound is very refined and characterful. The large chrome twin fish tail exhausts giving just the right amount of engine burble. An elegant cruiser,not an obnoxious one for sure.

Despite its heft, the R18 is an easy bike to ride even at low speeds and tight turns. The ergonimics are relaxed (naturally, it’s a cruiser!) and the seat is plush. It’s a bit different cruiser bike experience for some as you have a big cylinder head directly in front of your legs as compared to in between them.

The First Edition R 18 is priced at P1.955M and so far the whole BMW Ph allocation of 60 units for 2020 have already been spoken for and are just awating delivery to the lucky owners.

The R18’s reception by the local riding comminty was so good that even the next 34 units arriving in early 2021 are also already sold!

So if you want an R18 also within 2021, you better hurry to your nearest BMW Motorrad dealer now.

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