With just a few weeks left in what has been a challenging year for everyone, BMW Motorrad Philippines wants to end 2020 on a positive with the launch of the much-awaited R 18, otherwise known as ‘The Big Boxer.’
The R18 was first shown in various concept forms at the 2019 EICMA show. It is equipped with a brutal 1,802cc, twin-cylinder boxer engine-the biggest horizontally opposed powerplant ever fitted on a production bike by the bright boys from Berlin. This explains why you’ll see ‘Berlin-built’ proudly stamped at the bottom of the round-shaped, chrome-laced gauge at the center of the cockpit. This gauge has an analog speedometer combined with a tiny LCD screen showing the engine rpm, time, trip meters, and average fuel consumption. There’s no fuel gauge, but you do get a low-fuel warning light.
The R18’s massive mill is on par with Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin found on the Fat Boy. These two massive engines generate a maximum power output of 91hp and 93hp, respectively. The shaft-driven R18 produces 158Nm of torque, while the V-twin churns out 156Nm.
Nearly every detail on the R18 flows cleanly in a graceful manner, which is truly reflective of its fine German craftsmanship and engineering-from the bulging engine and shiny chrome wheels to the double-cradle frame that’s mounted on a triangular swingarm. Available in a deep black color scheme, everything about the R 18 is just clean and classy.
BMW Motorrad has fitted the cruiser with loads of tech, including three riding modes (Rock, Roll, and Rain); ride-by-wire technology stability, traction, and engine drag control; a cornering-sensitive adaptive headlamp; hill-start control; and a reverse mode. All of these come standard on the PH-spec R18, whereas other countries receive them as options.
The R18 comes in one variant, the First Edition, and is available for P1,955,000. If you’re into customization, BMW Motorrad offers a wide array of original aftermarket accessories so you can personalize your cruiser.
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopBikes.ph. Minor edits have been made.
