The new large capacity boxer cruiser combines numerous iconic hallmarks from the history of BMW Motorrad
It’s been three long months since the BMW R18 First Edition was teased but the wait is finally over as BMW Motorrad Malaysia has officially launched the large cruiser. As previously confirmed, only 18 units will be made available at RM149,500 each.
The First Edition model stands out more than the rest thanks to its gloss black paint with pinstripe and First Edition logo, as well as chrome finishes on the handle bars, shifter lever, handle end caps, cylinder head covers, crank covers and air intake.
Other standard equipment includes LED headlight, LED rear and brake lamps, a milled aluminium engine housing cover created in collaboration with Roland Sands Design, a multi-display speedometer, Keyless Ride and a 16-litre fuel tank shaped like a teardrop.
Powering the R18 is a 1,802 cc, two-cylinder boxer engine that makes 91 hp at 4,750 rpm and 158 Nm at 3,000 rpm, which is enough to carry the bike to a top speed of more than 180 km/h. BMW says this is the largest boxer engine it has ever built.
As for electronics, there are three riding modes – Rock, Roll and Rain – to choose from, engine drag torque control (MSR), Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Integral ABS.
Here’s the press release with more info:
PRESS RELEASE
BMW Motorrad Malaysia introduced the All-New BMW R 18 today, entering the cruiser segment with a riding experience that is bold and built with a lot of Soul. The new large capacity boxer cruiser combines numerous iconic hallmarks from the history of BMW Motorrad and modernises its ride with a uniquely bold character.
“BMW Motorrad Malaysia delivers on ‘Make Life A Ride’ once again as we enter the cruiser segment with the All-New BMW R 18 First Edition, which was first introduced as the Concept R 18 at the Concorsod’Eleganza Villa d’Este event. The pure, stripped-down, raked-out concept cruiser gave the world more than a hint of what was coming our way for the segment, and we look forward to delivering pure riding enjoyment with this cruiser,” said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
The All-New BMW R 18 is a true BMW cruiser that is full of character. The cruiser borrows from famous models such as the legendary BMW R 5 both technologically and visually, shifting the focus back onto the motorcycle essentials: purist, no-frills technology, and the boxer engine as the epicentre of riding pleasure.
The exclusive First Edition variant combines the classic BMW 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 – invoking an unparalleled sense of style and edge. The new cruiser’s impressive presence is established by the Chrome handle bars, shifter lever, handle end caps, cylinder head covers, crank covers and air intake. Only 18 units of the exclusive All-New BMW R 18 First Edition will be made available in Malaysia.
The All-New BMW R 18 is the modern interpretation of a cruiser that upholds the BMW Motorrad tradition. The classic bodywork features on the cruiser are made of metal, as befits an authentic cruise: the 16-litre fuel tank with its tear shape derived from the BMW 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 offers clear illumination with the full LED headlight, as well as LED rear and brake lights included in the rear indicators – all of which demonstrate how state-of-the-art lighting technology can be skilfully integrated into the design style of a classic motorcycle. The high-quality ‘Machined’ engine housing cover made of milled aluminium, created in collaboration with Roland Sands Design, features an attractive colour contrast between black and silver. The All-New BMW R 18 also features double striping and chromed design elements.
The biggest displacement boxer engine BMW has ever built sits at the heart of the All-New BMW R 18. The newly developed two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with two chain-driven camshafts placed above the drive shaft bears a capacity of 1,802 cc capable of a maximum torque of 158 Nm at 3000 rpm and maximum speed of 180km/h. Also known as the “Big Boxer”, the boxer engine is air/oil-cooled.
Fuel consumption of the new cruiser is 5.6 litres per 100km of travel. Emission control is offered via a regulated three-way catalytic converter. The alternator in the All-New BMW R 18 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 in the All-New BMW R 18 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 to the All-New BMW R 18, 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 also 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 All-New BMW R 18 is equipped with engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard.
The All-New BMW R 18 is fitted with a specifically designed circular instrument with multifunctional display. The circular instrument features an analogue speedometer display for a classic style. As with other BMW Motorrad models, the Keyless Ride system also replaces the conventional ignition in the All-New BMW R 18.
The new cruiser now features the reverse gear and lockable fuel filler cap as standard. To further personalise the All-New BMW R 18, owners also have the option to accessorise with a variety of Original BMW Motorrad Accessories be it for storage, design and appearance as well as for ergonomics and comfort.
The All-New BMW R 18 First Edition test ride unit will be available at selected BMW Motorrad Heritage showrooms including Auto Bavaria Ara Damansara, ChearMotorrad Puchong and El Chong Motor Sungai Jawi and can be viewed at all BMW Motorrad’s showroom nationwide.
Financial Services.
With the Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, ownership of the All-New BMW R 18 First Edition starts from RM2,411.00 per month. This is based on estimates of 80% loan on a 5-year tenure.
Owners can also enjoy additional benefits with the All-New Industry-Leading 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 retail price (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s All-New 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year Roadside Assistance Programmes) for the All-New BMW R 18 First Edition is:
The All-New BMW R 18 First Edition: RM 149,500.00
