2021 BMW R 18

[Hugh Janus]

2021 BMW R 18 First Edition (BMW/)

Ups

Traditional BMW styling inspired by 1936 BMW R5

Nostalgic engine feel and sound

Downs

Excessive engine vibration

Limited suspension travel

Low cornering clearance

Verdict

BMW has succeeded greatly in building a traditionally American-style cruiser, but in doing so has sacrificed some of the superior technical and performance qualities we expect from the brand.

2021 BMW R 18 First Edition (Jeff Allen/)

Overview

BMW’s 2021 R 18 is a Berlin-built cruiser, but done in a traditionally American way. Low seat height, 16-inch wheels, and a torque-rich 1,802cc, opposed twin-cylinder engine make the R 18 feel at home on California’s Pacific Coast Highway. As one of the most highly anticipated new models of 2021, we expect to see more variations on this platform in the coming years.

Updates for 2021

The BMW R 18 is a new model for 2021.

Pricing and Variants

The base-model BMW R 18 starts at $17,495. The First Edition Package is only available this first year, costing an additional $2,150 and includes unique white pinstriping and a package of chrome accessories. The Premium Package is available for $1,450 more and includes Hill Start Pro, BMW’s adaptive headlight, and reverse assist. Lastly, the Select Package adds $225 to the base MSRP and includes an anti-theft alarm system, locking gas cap, and heated grips.

2021 BMW R 18 First Edition (Jeff Allen/)

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2021 BMW R 18 is powered by an air-and-oil-cooled, 1,802cc, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder, six-speed in-unit transmission, and an exposed shaft drive. Tested on the Cycle World in-house dyno, the R 18 showed 81.3 hp at 4,800 rpm and 103.1 pound-feet of torque at 2,880 rpm. “With such a large engine, perhaps power-cruiser levels of horsepower and torque are expected, but this was not the goal in going big. BMW aimed for friendly and ample class-competitive power, not dragstrip dominance,” Justin Dawes states in his CW review. “Best to slow down, skip the freeway, and take back roads or skirt the coast. Remember, this is a cruiser.”

2021 BMW R 18 First Edition (Jeff Allen/)

Handling

The long, low chassis limits cornering clearance and any form of non-cruising-pace cornering will be met with peg feelers a-sparkin’ on these mid-mounted controls. Heeding speed suggestion signs before the corners is enough to keep grinding to a minimum. Turn-in at speed is light despite its CW-measured 790-pound wet weight, 32.7 degrees of rake, 5.9 inches of trail, and 68.1-inch wheelbase. Parking-lot maneuvering, however, reveals nearly every pound of that weight thanks to the wide bars that make full-lock turns a stretch, while the torque-effect of the engine just adds another challenge to the slow-speed-balance equation as it rocks the chassis.

Brakes

Where BMW did go very American is brake-lever effort. A firm squeeze is definitely required. You’re rewarded with a powerful response in slowing the R 18′s considerable heft, as the front-brake lever operates all three calipers. BMW’s “partial” Integral ABS applies the rear brake when the front is applied, but the rear brake pedal only operates the rear brake. A trio of 300mm rotors are clamped down upon by BMW-branded four-piston calipers, bringing the R 18 to a stop from 60 mph in 135.52 feet—a distance similar to that achieved by smaller and lighter standard and naked motorcycles on the same tarmac at our test facility.

Fuel Economy and Real-world MPG

A combination of beachside cruising, mountain-road riding, and freeway commuting over multiple days returned an average of 35.9 mpg; that theoretically gets you 150 miles on this 4.2-gallon tank. At 110 miles you’ll be searching for a station when the low-fuel warning illuminates, indicating a gallon reserve remains. With no fuel gauge or estimated range displayed, the tripmeter comes in handy often.

2021 BMW R 18 First Edition (BMW/)

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

The riding position is comfortable despite the low 27.2-inch seat height; mid-mounted footpegs give an agreeable 90-degree bend at the knee; and the long-but-still-relaxed reach to the handlebar is well-suited for leisurely rides. Thankfully, BMW kept the handlebar grips to a reasonable diameter which makes squeezing the decidedly cruiser-wide (and reach-adjustable) clutch and brake levers easy.

2021 BMW R 18 (base) (BMW/)

Electronics

Rock and Roll are your two selectable ride mode selections for sunny days—a Rain mode is also available. Throttle response is sharper and power comes on stronger at the bottom in Rock—it also provides a lopier idle that makes you feel the engine more. Roll smooths out the idle a bit and is more relaxed on low-end delivery, with less aggressive throttle response and torque delivery. Rain mutes engine character and response to suit slippery conditions. Also tied to the modes are ASC (Automatic Stability Control) and MSR (engine drag control). ASC is BMW’s traction control; it is possible to slightly break the rear tire loose under hard acceleration in Rock; Roll is all forward movement without slip; and Rain is extremely conservative about wheelspin. MSR controls rear tire sliding on decel when traction is too low for the rear tire back torque to engage the slipper clutch.

Partial linked ABS applies the rear brake when the front is applied, but allows the rear to be applied independently.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The 2021 BMW R 18 comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile warranty.

2021 BMW R 18 First Edition (Jeff Allen/)

Quality

Fit and finish on this bike is unparalleled, and the attention to detail on hiding virtually every possible hose, wire, clip, clamp, or any other cluttering detail is remarkable. From the crisp pinstripes to the exposed nickel-plated shaft drive and all the way down to the nicely radiused bends of the frame, its presentation and presence are stunning. The R 18′s high level of style and nostalgia make slowing down to enjoy its character worth it.

2021 BMW R 18 Claimed Specifications

MSRP:	$17,495/$19,870 (First Edition)
Engine:	1,802cc, air-/oil-cooled, horizontally opposed twin; 2 valves/cyl.
Bore x Stroke:	107.1 x 100.0mm
Horsepower:	91 hp @ 4,750 rpm
Torque:	116 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission/Final Drive:	In-unit 6-speed/exposed shaft
Fuel Delivery:	Electronic fuel injection w/ 48mm throttle bodies
Clutch:	1-disc dry clutch w/ slipper
Engine Management/Ignition:	BMS-K+ electronic engine management w/ overrun cutoff and twin-spark ignition
Frame:	Double-cradle steel
Front Suspension:	49mm telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Steel swingarm w/ central shock strut; 3.5 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston fixed calipers, twin 300mm discs w/ linked ABS
Rear Brake:	4-piston fixed caliper, 300mm disc w/ linked ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Spoked; 19 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 5.0 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	120/70R-19 / 180/65B-16
Rake/Trail:	32.7°/5.9 in.
Wheelbase:	68.1 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.75 in.
Seat Height:	27.2 in.
Fuel Capacity:	4.2 gal.
Wet Weight:	761 lb.
Contact:	bmwmotorcycles.com

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Seat Height:	27.2 in.
Wet Weight:	790 lb.
Rear-Wheel Horsepower:	81.3 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Rear-Wheel Torque:	103.09 lb.-ft. @ 2,880 rpm
0–60 mph:	4.96 sec.
1/4-mile:	13.82 sec. @ 100.82 mph
Braking 30–0 mph:	34.0 ft.
Braking 60–0 mph:	135.5 ft.

Source