BMW R18 A throwback to the 1936 BMW R5, BMW’s 1802cc R18 is a brand-new bike taking a look at the world of old bikes.
THE ENGINE STARTS WITH A charismatic rock, and if you have never ridden an opposed twin before, it may take you by surprise. Each blip of the throttle pushes the bike to the left. I celebrate this quirkiness. At tickover, around 900rpm, displayed on a digital clock, the bar ends dance around while the instruments vibrate slightly; adding to the appeal. It has character all right, something I was afraid BMW would weaken.
It’s a stunning bike in the flesh; clearly inspired by BMW’s early boxer machines from the 1920s and 30s, like the R32 and R5. Elements are almost art deco, like the R7 prototype from 1934. It doesn’t scream at you like a sportsbike. It’s not covered in lavish chrome like a Harley; it doesn’t need neon lights and a radio like a Honda GoldWing. It is unique, yet clearly BMW. Remove the badge, and it’s still a BMW.
Similar to the older bikes, the modern frame blends into the swingarm to give the sense it’s a rigid frame. The fishtail exhausts mirror the R5 from 1936, the exposed nickel-plated shaft drive is lovely, even the little manual chrome lever which activates a reverse gear is neatly tucked away (an optional extra).
The centrally mounted clocks have ‘Berlin Built’
