For P 1.955M, the BMW R 18 is a Rock-and-Roll Cruiser (w/ Specs)

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official distributor of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the Philippines caps off 2020 by launching the first-ever BMW R 18 motorcycle. As the German brand’s first foray into the world of cruiser bikes, the R 18 focuses back onto the motorcycle essentials: purist, no-frills technology, and a boxer engine at the epicenter of riding pleasure.

The centerpiece of the R 18 is a newly-developed two-cylinder boxer engine. Dubbed the “Big Boxer,” it’s the most powerful two-cylinder boxer engine ever used in motorcycle series production. With a displacement of 1,802-cc (yes, that’s 1.8 liters), it’s rated at 91 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque—more than even a conventional sub-compact sedan.

Surrounding the engine is a double-loop steel tube frame. As with BMW Motorrad tradition, it’s constructed with high attention to detail, seen in the welded joints between the steel tubes and cast or forged parts. The rear swingarm meanwhile surrounds the rear axle transmission by means of bolted connections.

Additionally, the R 18 has a classic teardrop tank, a bodywork contrasted by pinstripe paintwork, and open-running driveshaft.

Deliberately eschewing electronic suspension adjustment, the R 18 adopts a telescopic fork, and a directly-mounted central suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload. The 49-mm tubes of the telescopic forks are encased in fork sleeves, with the suspension travel measured at 120 mm at the front, and 90 mm at the back. The braking system consists of a twin disc brake at the front, and a single disc brake at the rear with four-piston fixed calipers. Wire-spoked wheels ensure a stylish appearance.

The R 18 has three riding modes: Rain, Roll, and Rock—unusual in this segment—to adopt to individual rider preferences. The standard trim also includes part-integral ABS and Automatic Stability Control. It also comes with engine drag torque control. For the Philippine market, standard conveniences also include a reverse assist Hill Start Control, and full LED lighting with adaptive cornering function.

Initially, the BMW R 18 that enters the Philippines are all First Edition models. It adds a classic black finish with white pinstriped paintwork. It also has numerous chrome surfaces, a seat badge, and “First Edition” in chrome on the side covers.

The BMW R 18 is priced at P 1.955 million and comes with a industry-leading BMW 5-year warranty that covers the motorcycle for that period or 500,000 kilometers whichever comes first.

Source: Car Guides PH