BMW rocked the motorcycling world by unveiling the production version of the R18 and the maker also launched it in India recently. There have been talks regarding BMW developing a touring-friendly version of the R18 and the same has now been revealed by BMW. Little birds had already spotted the touring version of the R18 on multiple occasions. Dubbed as ‘R18 Classic’, the retro tourer will go on sale in February 2021. BMW has yet to announce the prices of the same.
More details
Most of the R18’s elements are present on the R18 Classic, meaning that it is still utterly gorgeous. The only difference is, the R18 Classic would feel more comfortable at those long highway jaunts as compared to the standard R18.
The differences
The Classic features a large windscreen, passenger seating, saddlebags, electronic cruise control, additional LED lighting and a 16-inch front wheel. While on the base R 18, the wheels are asymmetrical at 19 inches in the front and 16 inches in the back. The classic also gets straight pipes as compared to the standard ones. The R18 Classic’s windshield is also removable, fitting at the top of the fork tube and connecting at the bottom with brackets. The windshield is connected to a bar which carries additional lighting.
The seat on the Classic is thicker and flatter than on the R18, and its 28-inch height is 0.8 inches higher as a result. The R18 Classic’s passenger seat is removable for those riding solo. Up front, the R18 Classic uses a smaller 3.00×16″ wire-spoke wheel fitted with a 130/90 tire compared to the R18’s 3.5×19″ wheel and 120/70 tire. Both models share the same 5.0×16 rear wheel with a 180/65 tire.
The similarities
Both models share the same suspension, with a 49mm telescopic fork and a directly-mounted central rear strut with adjustable spring preload. One of the most defining feature apart from the looks is its massive 1.8-litre horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine.
The engine too, has remained in the same state of tune. This is the biggest boxer that BMW has ever offered — by over half a litre — and it’s still air-cooled. The performance figures are quite impressive though as the massive boxer engine is good for 91 hp and a whopping 157 nm of torque. Such performance on tap is definitely required to get something going which weighs this much!
The two R18 models also share the same braking system, with dual axially-mounted four-piston calipers and 300 mm discs up front, and a single 300 mm disc at the rear. An integral anti-lock braking system comes standard, with the hand lever activating both front and rear brakes.
Also read: 2021 BMW R1250RT Unveiled, Gets Radar Tech!
Like the R18, the R18 Classic will initially launch with a “First Edition” model in Blackstorm metallic with Lightwhite striping. First Edition models also come with additional badging, a book on BMW Motorrad’s history and other various accessories. BMW Motorrad has also partnered with the biggest names in motorcycling including Roland Sands, Mustang Seats, and Vance & Hines to offer owners an impressive selection of components to customize their R 18. Everything from seat materials and colours, gas caps, headlight bezels, and wheels to gauges, grips, levers, and engine covers can be personalized.