KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Motorrad Malaysia today entered the cruiser segment with the R 18.
The first batch, known as R 18 First Edition, are available in limited numbers — 18 to be exact. Each unit goes for RM149,500.
The cruiser borrows from famous models such as the legendary R 5 both technologically and visually, shifting the focus back onto the motorcycle essentials: purist, no-frills technology, and the boxer engine as the centrepiece.
This is not the first modern cruiser from BMW Motorrad. It had waded into this segment with the R1200C from 1997 to 2004.
And now it's back with the R 18.
The First Edition combines the classic R 18 look with exclusive equipment features in paint and chrome. The large capacity classic boxer features the First Edition logo with pin strip design on gloss black paint. The new cruiser gets chrome handle bars, shifter lever, handle end caps, cylinder head covers, crank covers and air intake.
The classic bodywork features on the cruiser are made of metal: the 16-litre fuel tank with its tear shape derived from the R 5, the front and rear fenders the side panels below the seat, the fork sleeves and the housings of the headlights and circular instrument panel are all made of sheet steel.
The luxurious cruiser is fitted with full LED headlight, as well as LED-based rear and brake lights.
The R18 gets the biggest displacement boxer engine BMW has ever built. The newly developed two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with two chain-driven camshafts placed above the drive shaft has a capacity of 1,802cc capable of a maximum torque of 158 Nm at 3000 rpm and maximum speed of 180kph. Also known as the “Big Boxer”, the boxer engine is air/oil-cooled.
Fuel consumption is rated at 5.6 litres per 100km of travel. Emission control is by way of a regulated three-way catalytic converter. The alternator is a 600W permanent magnet generator paired with a maintenance-free 12 V/26 Ah battery.
Power is transmitted to the new cruiser via a single-disk dry clutch with a six-speed transmission in a separate transmission housing. The secondary open, nickel-plated driveshaft, meanwhile, puts focus on the torque.
The centrepiece of the suspension is a double-loop steel tube frame. The front suspension is offered via the classic telescopic fork with fork sleeves and cantilever suspension strut with travel-dependent damping. In the rear is the steel swinging fork with central shock strut.
A 300mm twin disk brake with four-piston fixed callipers in front is also standard, with single disk brakes in the rear. The BMW Motorrad Integral Anti-Lock Braking System (partially integral) is also available to prevent wheel lock in hard braking situations. The new cruiser is equipped with the Automatic Stability Control (ASC) to ensure a high level of riding safety, and features three riding modes: Rock, Roll and Rain. Additionally, the R 18 is equipped with engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard.
The R 18 is fitted with a circular instrument with multifunctional display. The circular instrument features an analogue speedometer display for a classic style. As with other BMW Motorrad models, the R18 has a keyless ride system that replaces the conventional ignition system.
The new cruiser now features the reverse gear and lockable fuel filler cap as standard. To further personalise the R 18, owners also have the option to accessorise with a variety of original BMW Motorrad accessories.
The R 18 First Edition test ride unit will be available at selected BMW Motorrad Heritage showrooms including Auto Bavaria Ara Damansara, Chear Motorrad Puchong and El Chong Motor Sungai Jawi and can be viewed at all BMW Motorrad’s showroom nationwide.
With the financing plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, ownership of the R 18 First Edition starts from RM2,411 per month. This is based on estimates of 80% loan on a 5-year tenure.
Owners can also enjoy additional benefits with the Premium Engine Oil Inclusive, Service Inclusive and Warranty Extension Programmes by BMW Motorrad Malaysia. For more information on the programmes, please visit https://www.bmwmotorrad.com.my/en/service/services/warranty.html.
The R 18 is backed by a 3-year warranty and 3-year roadside assistance programme.
