BMW R18 Concept 2020 — Specifications

Motorcycle: BMW R18 Concept (2020)

While awaiting the unveiling of the next 1800 cm3 large cruiser, BMW presents a new concept based on its big boxer engine: the Concept R 18 /2 (pronounced: "Slash Two"). It presents itself as the stylistic opposite of the Concept R 18: a modern and dynamic custom cruiser, showing a certain appetite for performance with slightly sharper lines. As such, the Concept R 18 /2 presents another potential expression of the Heritage concept, providing an example of the flexibility and numerous customization possibilities offered by the basic architecture.

A "BMW-style" high-performance cruiser.

The Concept R 18 /2 aims to be both a sporty and modern interpretation. The minimalist handlebars and deep, elongated proportions promise a dynamic riding experience. The fairing, fuel tank, and seat form a fluid line that finds a conclusion in the shortened rear fender. All body elements feature metallic Candy Apple Red, an expressive red tone that emphasizes the fluid movement on the side. This bright red is a real eye-catcher, varying from vivid red to almost black depending on the incidence of light. Another striking feature is created by the graphic lines on the painted body parts, which extend across the side and over the fuel tank to the wheel cover and visually extend to the seat. They give the Concept R 18 /2 a distinctive appeal.

The big boxer at the center.

As on the Concept R 18, the centerpiece of the Concept R 18 /2 is a 1800 cm3 big boxer twin engine, with modern air/oil cooling, designed in a 1960s aesthetic. The engine finish is a warm and sporty gray, with integrated chest cover, glossy black valve covers, and black frame. The engine badge bears the name of the concept, as a testament to exclusivity. Following "Departed" from the Japanese customizer CUSTOMWORKS ZON, "The Revival Birdcage" from Revival Cycles in Austin (Texas) and the Concept R 18, the R 18 /2 is now the fourth interpretation of the boxer engine from Béhème.

Attention to detail.

As an authentic BMW, the Concept R 18 /2 not only features a boxer engine, a loop frame, and a teardrop fuel tank, but also a classic driveshaft, elegantly highlighted. The 19-inch front and 16-inch rear cast wheels give a dragster look that is both understated and dynamic, rounding out the overall appearance of the motorcycle, while features such as the Brembo brake calipers and the Hattech stainless steel exhaust system reflect the care taken in the design of the Concept R 18 /2.

A multitude of possibilities.

The Concept R 18 /2 offers a new interpretation of a high-performance cruiser in a field still unexplored by BMW Motorrad, while demonstrating the true versatility of the big boxer platform. "After the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, our goal with the Concept R 18 /2 is to demonstrate how flexible the basic engine and suspension are as a starting point for customization, and how easy it is to realize different authentic styles. And I must admit that we were very impressed by how it was possible to take this boxer concept from the 1930s to the 2020s, passing through the 1980s," says Bart Janssen Groesbeek, designer of the BMW Motorrad big boxer concepts.

Credits info and images: BMW