A closer look at the BMW R 18 Cruise, the HD Fat Boy’s stunning rival

BMW is once again trying its hands on the cruiser motorcycle, the last one being the R 1200 C. With the all-new R 18, BMW aims to deliver stunning performance, pushing all the other American cruisers behind. For the purpose, the bike has taken a lot of inspiration from the past. Let’s now have a closer look at it, bit by bit

Design -

• For the R 18s design inspiration, BMW went back to the late- 1930s when it used to build motorcycles like the R 5 and the R 51
• As can be seen from the images, the R 18 displays easy-on-eye lines that sure looks stunning. And the gloss black splash does full justice to the brand’s heritage, with just enough chrome not making the bike all gaudy
• There’s no doubt the BMW R 18 is a gorgeous motorcycle with its pear-drop shaped tank with traditional white pinstripes and BMW badge on both sides, only enhancing its appeal

• The BMW motorcycle at the front displays a rather simple headlight; however, it gives out an elegant vibe and is LED-lit
• At the rear, the R 18 gets a clean look, and like the HD Fat Boy and the Triumph Bonneville Bobber, it too receives a hardtail bobber look. It gets taillight integrated LED turn indicators, which is a nice touch but isn’t something new, as the same is seen on several Triumph and Harleys

Features -

• Not deviating far from the old-school character, it gets a single-pod info cluster. It comes with a digital inset that helps toggle through tachometer, electronic aids, and trip meters. The speedometer is analog here

• As for the electronic aids, it gets all one can find on a BMW motorcycle. The R 18 gets traction control, reverse mode, rider modes, hill start assist, stability control, and dual-channel ABS
• The reverse mode and hill start assist are part of the Premium package. All these settings can be changed via the switches present on the left panel. Like the ones seen on S 1000 RR and the R 1250 GS

Mechanical bits -

• The BMW R 18 is powered by a 1802cc air-cooled boxer twin engine that churns out a maximum power of 91.1 PS along with a peak torque of 158 Nm. These output numbers are on par with their American counterparts. The engine unit is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox and offers a rear-wheel drive. The fishtail tips are a neat touch to the dual exhaust pipes
• Braking duties in the BMW R 18 are handled by twin discs and a single disc at the front and rear, respectively. Both acted upon by a four-piston fixed caliper

Additionally -

• Also, part of the package are several customisation options like ape hangers, different sized rims, seats and all the other things to give HD accessories catalog a run for its money. Besides, BMW has partnered with legendary custom bike builder Roland Sands and exhaust specialists Vance & Hines

BMW R 18 would be available in two trims across the world - standard and First Edition. The later gets a seat badge, fuel tank, a little extra chrome, and First Edition moniker on the side panels.

As for its arrival in Malaysia, we don’t have an exact date, but it would be great to see it on our shores by the end of this year.