BMW Motorrad entered the cruiser segment in 2020 with the BMW R 18, followed in the same year by the R 18 Classic, a nostalgic touring bike. Finally, in 2021, the R 18 Transcontinental and the R 18 B were added to the Big Boxer Heritage series – a Grand American touring motorcycle for luxurious travel and a bagger for cool highway cruising. In 2023, the BMW R 18 Roctane became the fifth member of the fascinating R 18 family, offering superior cruising and touring in custom bagger style ever since. For the 2025 model year, the R 18 models feature updates in terms of design, comfort and technology.
Offering increased torque, the Big Boxer now complies with Euro 5+ in all BMW R 18 models.
A revision of the engine control now ensures compliance with the Euro 5+ standard. The maximum torque of the 67 kW (91 hp) 1,802 cc Big Boxer has been increased by 5 Nm to 163 Nm at 3,000 rpm. From 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, more than 150 Nm of torque is available at any time – an absolutely superior source of riding pleasure.
BMW R 18: custom cruiser staged in modern, dynamic style.
As a cruiser, the revised BMW R 18 is now purist but also more contemporary. Featuring newly crafted designs for the front and rear wheel covers along with an 18-inch rear wheel (previously 16-inch) and a new wheel design featuring seven double spokes, the R 18 has a more dynamic appearance that goes even further in emphasising its authentic cruiser character. The wheels are also optionally available as Contrast Cut Wheels. Here, the cast aluminium wheels are given a glossy polish and then sealed with clear finish. The familiar 19”/16” spoked wheel combination is still available as an option.
Extending over the entire length of the tank on the top, the sculpture of the iconic fuel tank is seamlessly continued at the rear fender and ends at the level of the BMW emblem. Having previously stylised the classic round arch, the front fender now has a much more modern and dynamic appearance due to a sculptural surface elevation. All three body components now look as if they have been cast from a single piece. The side cover perfectly matches this design style with its more marked side contour. The more modern styling is also reflected in the “rough look” of the fork section, the fork tubes now free and without classic fork sleeves.
Other features that harmonise with the more dynamic design style are the new silencers with a circular cross-section and the newly designed individual seat with foam that is 10 mm thicker and with modified design contours. The significantly more comfortable seat is removable and can be conveniently unlocked using a push button concealed under the cover.
In order to ensure a more comfortable ride, the spring strut has a new set-up in terms of its spring/damping rates. This was applied together with the new 18-inch rear wheel, with the new tyre dimension 180/55 B 18 to match. Other new features include the now standard daytime running lights (depending on the market) and a USB-C charging socket.
The basic version of the BMW R 18 features a silver powertrain, a chrome-plated exhaust system and black cast aluminum wheels. The body colour is Blackstorm Metallic.
In the Option 719 Olivine variant available ex works as optional equipment, the R 18 has a black powertrain, the Aero design package, surface-enhanced Option 719 Icon cast wheels (19”/16”), a chrome-plated exhaust system and the Option 719 seat. The body finish is Velvet Green Metallic.
The BMW R 18 Blacked Out equipment variant is new and features black elements almost throughout.
BMW R 18 Classic: even more classic and authentic.
The BMW R 18 Classic likewise benefits from a refined design style to further hone its character as a nostalgic touring bike. The most striking new feature is the front mudguard adopted from the R 18 B in conjunction with a 19-inch spoke front wheel (previously 16-inch). The front fender now incorporates the mudguard extension, which has been significantly lowered for a stylish effect. The new fender not only harmonises with the fork sleeves still available for the R 18 Classic but also confidently underlines its affiliation to the nostalgic touring segment. Together with newly designed side covers and rear silencers featuring a circular cross-section, the R 18 Classic now has an even more classic and authentic appearance. Other new features include daytime running lights as standard (depending on the market) and a USB-C charging socket.
The basic version of the BMW R 18 Classic has a powertrain finished in silver, a chrome-plated exhaust system, spoked wheels (19”/16”) and fork tube trim elements. The body finishes are Blackstorm Metallic and Mineral Grey Metallic Matt.
In the Option 719 Aquamarine variant available ex works as optional equipment, the R 18 Classic features a silver powertrain, the Aero design package, surface-enhanced Option 719 Icon cast wheels (19”/16”), the front mudguard of the R 18 Transcontinental, fork tube trim elements, a chrome-plated exhaust system and the Option 719 seat. The body colour is a two-tone paint finish in Blue Planet Metallic/Oriental Blue Metallic.
The BMW R 18 Classic Blacked Out equipment variant is new and features black elements almost throughout.
BMW R 18 und R 18 Classic Blacked Out: black, elegant and powerfully expressive.
In the Blacked Out variant available ex works as optional equipment, the BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic look particularly elegant and powerfully expressive with a range of equipment features in Black High Gloss and Dark Chrome.
The Blacked Out optional equipment includes the black powertrain, the Design Option Black, the exhaust system in Dark Chrome and other components in Black High Gloss or Dark Chrome
The BMW R 18 Blacked Out is available in the colours Blackstorm Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic Matt and Two-Tone Brooklyn Grey.
The BMW R 18 Classic Blacked Out is finished in Two-Tone Brooklyn Grey Metallic.
