BMW has the fame and longevity to suit the American brands, but with the recent engine it can perfectly fit in the cruiser category. The boxer engine interprets iconic architecture designs of BMW motorcycle history, cradle frame, exposed universal cylinder and fuel tank with its black paintwork and hand-applied contrast lines.
The BMW Motorrad concept R18 aims to maximize the most essential components of a bike. 'The biggest challenge is to make everything transparent,' says Bart Janssen Groesbeek, the concept bike designer. 'Each section has a functional purpose.'
What's new in Motorrad Concept R18?
The frame and tank produce a standard line from the steering head to the rear wheel hub and give the side view a flowing appeal, while the big spoked wheels (front 21 inches, back 18 inches) provide a safe position and a perfect balance between the powerful power units.
FEATURES:
The core of the R18 BMW motorcycle idea is the newly constructed big 1800 cc two-cylinder boxer engine. The engine is made from glass bead-blasted aluminum, while Solex dual carburetors reflect the manufacturing history of the brand. Another characteristic is the exposed, chrome-plated universal shaft that connects the back wheel to the engine. Anywhere on the motorcycle, there are no further covers which aim to maintain its engineering visibly.
In this two-wheeled masterpiece, BMW does the legacy thing exceptionally well. All features of BMW's most popular motorcycle designs are included such as a steel cradle frame, a twin-cylinder boxer engine, and shaft drive. Modern touches are seen throughout the bike apart from the giant engine. One of the most exceptional feature that has been added in the modern motorcycle design is the powerful braking system. The sketchy but splendid drum brakes of the days of the previous eras are gone, and contemporary, extremely competent disc wheels are in place that will have a greater opportunity of slowing the motorcycle more than once.
Technology is also used for lightning purpose. There are no 6-volt incandescent candle-dim bulbs on the R18. Everything uses LED units that are modern, vibrant, and extremely powerful.
Each of these specifications gives the R18 a vintage yet modern character built for 2019 and beyond.
Point of view of the Designer of Motorrad Concept R18:
"For me, motorcycles like the BMW Motorrad Concept R18 react to a emerging motorcycle society need: instead of technology, the focus here is on simplification, authenticity and simplicity," said BMW Motorrad Design Heinrich in a remark. "I feel an almost passionate longing for real mechanical engineering. Our goal with this concept bike is to address this need and turn it into an analog statement in a digital age. We have a wealthy background of iconic motorcycles, and they all have the same construction features. We believe that technology can change everything."
What the BMW'S Marketing Vice President has to say about Motorrad Concept?
"We naturally want to continue growing," said Timo Resch, BMW Motorrad's Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the "Revival Birdcage" demonstrate motorcycle unveiling. His words take on much more significance in the context of what we have now seen at Villa d'Este: "One step we will take to do so, definitely on the US market, is to join the Cruiser segment. BMW Motorrad is continuously pursuing its development strategy with the clear objective of becoming the number one in the Premium Big Bike segment."
The company describes the R18 as demonstrating "how a forward projection of a 1960s boxer engine could look like today in combination with all the classic BMW Motorrad design icons as a purist custom bike."
Summary time
We have often wondered where BMW would go next with its heritage motorcycle division, with the R NineT series having reached its capabilities beyond limits. Today we know, thanks to confirmation from representatives of BMW that in the latter half of 2020 there will be a production version of the R18. Time for some new excitement!!!