Motorcycle specifications BMW1800 R 18 B 2023 Deep inspiration for the road

When BMW re-entered the custom sector, it didn't introduce a new model but a genuine platform. The R18 made a strong impression, establishing itself as a powerful, heavy, noble cruiser, with an engine as big as the category demands.

After that, you expand. That's Harley's technique: build 20 different bikes around the same engine. BM has not yet reached this stage, preferring to move forward gradually, and is now concentrating on touring. The R 18 B is a tactical bagger, with more on-road pretensions than the R 18 Classic. But not too much either, to maintain a certain dynamism.

This German touring custom is dressed up with much more wraparound mudguards , a longer and higher seat (720 mm seat height), stick rims, a black engine finish, and shock references to taunt the competition. With its Batwing-type fork head and 27-liter hard cases, the R 18 B instinctively shows its purpose, and its target: the indestructible Street Glide; and to a lesser extent, the Indian Chieftain. The arguments are the same: plenty of chest and hand protection, a windscreen that's not too big, a bit of luggage, a seat that's more comfortable than a cruiser's, and above all, a big twin. Except that on the German, it's flat.

No change for the Big Boxer. Imposing as an airplane engine, this 1802 cm3 entity retains identical layouts for the whole family. Its torque reaches 16.1 mkg at mid-range and spreads out over 15 mkg between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, the range most used - enough to provide this big steel cruiser with a deep, muscular thrust. The 91 horsepower are there to quantify the maximum power at 4,750 rpm, but this value is less blatant than the "fat" inherent in the engine's displacement and design.

the engine will have to "give back" a little to performance, because of the extra weight. The R 18 B is 53 kilos heavier than the original custom. Yes, the fairing, suitcases and equipment all add up. And so does the extra fuel. The machine must like to cover a lot of miles. So it needs to carry more benzine. The fuel tank here is 24 liters, 8 more than on the R 18.

The chassis has also been modified. The wheelbase is 36 mm shorter, the rear shock absorber offers 30 mm more travel, the caster is increased from 150 to 183.5 mm, and the steering angle opens further from 57.3 to 62.7°.
No suspension adjustment... at least not for the rider. The manufacturer has ensured that the crew can ride without question, while the preload adjusts automatically. What's more, an automatic rear-load compensation system allows you to load whatever you want, without having to worry about damping settings.
Other components are common to all Bavarian models. A big 49 mm fork, three 300 mm brake discs with 4-piston calipers, 120/70-19 tires at the front and 180/65-16 at the rear, the rear suspension hidden under the seat and the attractive visible cardan shaft transmission.

comfort takes on another dimension here, with wider footpegs, heated grips as standard, a Marshall audio system in the fairing, Keyless Ride keyless technology, and a Star Trek-style welcome in the cockpit.
There's no denying the talent and thought that went into the design when you see the successful marriage between the battery of old American-style dials, the almost techno lighting and the huge TFT multimedia screen. A 26 cm slab, almost as wide as an A4 sheet of paper, capable of displaying GPS navigation, all on-board information, telephone pairing, radio... Its format commands respect, and is understandable given the bike's standing, but... it seems oversized in relation to its function.
This high-tech module does not overshadow the four main dials, which provide information on fuel quantity, speed, engine rpm and, a rare and very chic touch, available power reserve.

The flirtations with the endless roads, the stubborn salute, the full-casual feet with the optional supports above the cylinders, the Boxer's rhythm... Everything contributes to leaving the laptop outside a good cruising bubble. BM has just installed a ventilated glovebox with USB port on top of the fuel tank... for the phone. Once this piece of electronics is locked away, the rider has no more to do than let himself be carried away by his riding.
This in turn is heavily pitted with silicon. The R 18 B can be set to three driving modes (Rock - Roll - Rain), prevent certain antics thanks to ASC traction control, hold back the racket of torque overload thanks to MSR engine braking regulation, warn help via the intelligent emergency call - and then load up on a few options, it can make maneuvering easier with reverse gear and Hill Start Control (for hill starts), light up corners, fit the adaptive cruise control introduced on the latest R 1250 RT, and even make itself available to young drivers thanks to A2 clamping.

options also (and above all?) allow you to further personalize your R 18 Bagger. In any case, it's almost unimaginable to have a custom bike without your own personal touch. there 's a beautiful psychedelic Galaxy Dust paint job, a whole host of Option 719 parts, others created with Roland Sands Design, two higher sound levels capable of spitting out up to 280 watts and cutting into the suitcase capacity a little, cylinder head covers, rims, engine covers, bubbles... and a First Edition pack for the market launch. As with the first R18, this densifies the heritage aspect with white piping on the black paint, plenty of chrome, First Edition badges and stitching on the seat.

And there' s a special feature. Whereas American bikes like the rider's feet to rest forward, as if in front of the engine, the German prefers a more standard pose. With legs at right angles and knees behind the cylinders.

Perhaps you'd be tempted by an even more highways Tourer? BMW has foreseen this, and offers a longer-haul version of its R18 with the Transcontinental variant. More protection, more luggage, more cachet, more comfort, more dollars.... sorry, euros. A fact that customers look at in a different way for this category of machines.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos