The R18 is BMW’s second foray into the heavyweight cruiser market, after the now-discontinued R1200C. The R18 was launched in 2020 and is powered by a 1,802 cc (110 ci) engine, the largest two-cylinder boxer ever made.
Inspired by the legendary R5 of the 1930s, the R18 has shaft drive and a double-loop tubular steel frame: like the Softail range sold by Harley-Davidson, the rear shock is concealed, in an attempt to mimic a classic ‘rigid’ frame design.
The initial ‘First Edition’ model was soon followed by the R18 Classic, and in 2021 BMW revealed the R18B (bagger) and Transcontinental models—with slightly modified frames and an increased focus on touring.
Like the R nineT, the R18 is designed to make life easier for custom builders, with several easily removable parts and plug and play electronic connections. BMW has commissioned several custom builds to date, enlisting the services of leading shops during the prototyping and initial sales stage—including Revival Cycles, Roland Sands Design, Bernhard Neumann, Kingston Custom and Zillers Garage.
What is it that makes BMW motorcycles the perfect canvas for customization? Is it the visual distinctiveness of powerplants like the no-nonsense airheads or the outlandishly equipped K-series? Or possibly the rigorous engineering that makes these platforms stand the test of time. Whatever the cause, BMWs are a staple of the custom scene, and the…
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It’s hard to deny the allure of a vintage BMW boxer with a sidecar. But for one French brand, the combination signifies more than just fond nostalgia. Founded in 1935 by Victor Bastide, Précision Side-Cars got its start building sidecar rigs specifically for BMW motorcycles. The story goes that Monseiur Bastide visited Germany to secure…
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110 years of motorcycling history separate the motorcycles in this week’s list. We kick off with a modern Ducati Diavel from China, then take a look at the first made-to-order Janus Motorcycles Gryffin 450 scrambler to roll off the Indiana company’s production line. BMW updates the R18 for 2025, while an incredibly rare American-made board…
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When Bryan Fuller learned that BMW had secretly sent prototype 1,800 cc engines to a handful of custom builders ahead of the BMW R18’s release, he went straight into imagination mode. The founder of Fuller Moto couldn’t get the big boxer out of his mind—so when he was finally approached to build a custom R18,…
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Big bikes bookend this edition of Speed Read. We start with a 1,700 cc single-cylinder chopper and finish with a BMW R18…
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When BMW hinted that they’d be unveiling something at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza—happening right now on the scenic banks of Lake Como—we…
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This edition of Speed Read might just boast the biggest difference in engine size we’ve ever featured. We go from a monstrous…
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VTR Customs leads the charge this week, with an aggressive take on the gigantic BMW R18. We also look at a couple…
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Few motorcycles possess the on-road presence of the formidable BMW R 18. It’s a cruiser designed for purists, featuring discreet, no-frills technology…
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Designing a movie-themed motorcycle is risky business. They usually turn out gaudy and gimmicky, with little appeal beyond the mere novelty of…
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Two very different Yamahas dominate this weekend’s edition of Speed Read. We take a closer look at the new Yamaha XSR900 DB40…
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Whenever Dirk Oehlerking builds another custom BMW boxer, it feels like his signature art deco style has reached its zenith. But then…
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