PHOTOS BMW R18: BMW
The same thing happens in the world of motorcycles as in the world of cars. For a few years now, the strategy of making stylistic winks to the past is the most common. But not only the most common, but also the most lucrative. There are examples like the Mini or the FIAT 500 to corroborate it. For whatever reason within the advertising logic nostalgic sells. A fashion capable of attracting thousands of buyers, seduced by participating in an attractive past capable of projecting itself into the future. We have already talked about it other times.
In this sense, a few months ago we talked to you about the Moto Nostalgia. A particular update of the legendary BMW R7, made on the basis of a NineT. Using one of these models, the Florida company inserts nearly a hundred handcrafted pieces to carry out its creation. Something like what Touring does when “sacrifices”An Alfa Romeo 8C to create his tribute to the Disco Volante 1954. However, today we are not going to talk about small bodybuilders enraptured by the modifications.
Far from it, we will echo the launch of a new series motorcycle by BMW itself. It's about the BMW R18, the latest whim of the Bavarian house when it comes to its range of two wheels. A machine at the latest in technical components, but with a multitude of details capable of evoking several classic models. An established formula, but that now reaches one of the top echelons of the brand. And it is that this is the last German bet within the cruiser motorcycles.
FAITHFUL TO BOXER ESSENCES 97 YEARS LATER
As in motor racing, within motorcycling you have segments for all tastes. One of them is that of the cruiser motorcycles. Popularly called cruisers, these are to two wheels what saloons are to four. A mount for long trips in comfort and ease, characterized by a relaxed posture in which you carry your legs in front, your hands raised and your back more or less straight. However - as with many sedans - cruisers can get muscle.
And, although they have not been created to link curves, their powerful engines ensure plenty of power for those who like abundant torque. Especially if it is on nice roads. In that sense, motorcycles like the BMW R18 are committed to traveling placidly, being able to add some spice to the route. For this, the star component is its new two-cylinder boxer engine. With 1.802cc and 91CV at 4.750 rpm, this air-cooled device lives up to its nickname of “Big Boxer ". It also weighs nothing more and nothing less than 345 kilos in running order.
Not surprisingly, it is the largest engine of this type fitted to date in a BMW. And be careful, because in the Bavarian house they have been developing engines with opposite cylinders and air ventilation since they presented the BMW R32. Legendary among the legendary, since it is the first motorcycle manufactured under its own initials. Now, almost a century later, the BMW R18 remains faithful to the philosophy of the brand by mounting an engine with the same basic architecture. And not only that, as it also makes aesthetic nods to the old days. Can you be more classic?
BMW R18: LOW ELECTRONICS
Many of you will be saying “OK, from a mechanical layout point of view it's obvious that the BMW R18 makes a nod to the classic, but also to the modern. But only there? " Well, from what we have been able to know this bike winks to the past in more respects. One of them is do without a large part of electronic aids common today. Something that is seen in its suspensions, which rule out last generation aids to install a purely mechanical telescopic fork.
In the braking section, the BMW R18 rear mounts a single disc with four pistons, while in front it opts for a double disc. All this to control wheels dominated by spoked rims, which give an aesthetic of undoubted classic flavor. In fact, if you want to be a true purist when it comes to behavior ... The BMW R18 gives you the option to deactivate the traction control. It does not have a rigid rear axle but something is something. And it's really cool; If you like it, it costs 24.600 euros, a price almost as fat as the rest of the bike 😉