Few bikes possess the on-road presence of the formidable BMW R 18. It’s a cruiser designed for purists, that includes discreet, no-frills expertise and essentially the most in depth displacement boxer engine ever put in in a manufacturing BMW bike.
The R 18 can also be a definite homage to BMW Motorrad’s heritage, drawing inspiration from famend fashions just like the 1936 R 5, designed by Rudolf Schleicher. That mannequin launched improvements akin to a double-cradle body and hydraulically damped telescopic entrance forks.
The R 5 elevated driving pleasure and curb enchantment to new ranges, and the Berlin-built R 18 100 Years continues the theme many years later.
It’s additionally eminently collectible, since manufacturing is proscribed to only one,923 items worldwide—reflecting the 12 months the very first BMW bike rolled out of the manufacturing facility.
So what’s additional particular about this large boxer? At first look there’s a powerful nostalgic vibe, with a gleaming drop-shaped gas tank main the best way. BMW calls the end ‘Traditional Chrome,’ and it’s a up to date reincarnation of old style craftsmanship.
Layers of lustrous black paint are laid on prime of shiny chrome, topped off with elegant white pinstriping and a ‘100 Years’ badge.
Black has all the time been the colour related to traditional BMWs, so it additionally adorns the engine and drive prepare of this R 18. The paint code is Avus Black—named after the legendary 12.1-mile-long racetrack within the the Grunewald Forest close to Berlin. This was the venue of many BMW Motorrad triumphs, and the religious residence of legendary manufacturing facility rider Ernst Henne.
Most elements that aren’t black invariably have a shiny, sturdy coat of chrome. That features the handlebar fittings, the foot controls, the mirrors and the brake calipers. There’s even chrome on the engine and cylinder head covers.
The BMW R 18 engine is famend for its stump-pulling torque, however the 100 Years version takes it as much as one other stage—each audibly and visually. Exhaust gases exit through chromed Akrapovič mufflers and should you look intently, you’ll additionally spot perforated tailpipe trims echoing the BMW brand ‘propeller.’
Amidst this essay in monochrome, the one apparent flash of shade is the Possibility 719 seat. The higher part is oxblood crimson leather-based with high-quality diamond quilted stitching.
Regardless of the unapologetically classic vibe, there are delicate fashionable touches to make life safer and extra comfy for riders. The headlight incorporates an adaptive turning system, and there’s a ‘reverse gear’ pushed by the starter motor.
For the lengthy hauls, the R 18 100 Years additionally provides you digital cruise management—and heated grips to care for chilly mornings.
It provides as much as an especially fascinating bundle, so it’s in all probability lucky that consumers of the 100 Years bike may specify it with an anti-theft alarm system.
Different choices on prime of the $18,990 MRSP embody a pillion bundle, old-school model working boards and even Hill Begin Management.
In case you’re extra of a roadster fan than a cruiser man, there’s additionally an identical R nineT 100 Years version.
However it doesn’t matter what your choice is, each machines are a nice solution to have fun a really large anniversary—and naturally the start of the enduring BMW boxer engine.
Proudly sponsored by BMW Motorrad USA | Photos by The Easy Machine
