Great name and a great looking motorcycle.
The new BMW R 18 Roctane joins the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental – and is set to arrive here before the end of this year.
Both technically and visually, the BMW R 18 borrows from famous BMW models such as the BMW R 5 and puts the focus back on the essentials of motorcycling: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicentre of riding pleasure.
Its classic design and clear, yet contemporary technology merge to form a compelling overall package.
The combination delivers a unique emotional riding experience and an aesthetic that is characterised by skilfully staged design language.
The heart of the new BMW R 18 Roctane is the celebrated two-cylinder flat twin engine, known as the “big boxer”.
Finished in Avus black metallic matt and with black high-gloss covers, the engine harks back to the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have provided an exhilarating riding experience for more than seven decades.
The most powerful two-cylinder boxer engine ever built in motorcycle series production boasts an engine capacity of 1802cc and generates an output of 67kW at 4750 rpm.
In the 2000 to 4000rpm rev range, it delivers more than 150Nm of torque at all times as well as elemental pulling power and sonorous sound.
The black engine is perfectly matched by the dark chrome exhaust system and star counter nuts.
A double-loop tubular steel frame is at the heart of the chassis of the new R 18 Roctane and perpetuates the longstanding BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame type.
The high level of manufacturing quality and attention to detail are also evident in barely perceptible details such as the welded joints between steel tubes and cast or forged parts. As with the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swinging arm, manufactured in a similar design, encloses the rear axle drive in the same style using bolted connections.
The suspension elements of the new BMW R 18 Roctane deliberately feature no electronic adjustment options.
Instead, telescopic forks and a directly linked central sprint strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure superior wheel guidance and responsive suspension comfort.
As with the legendary BMW R 5, the fixed tubes of the telescopic forks are encased in fork sleeves.
The fixed fork tube diameter is 49mm, suspension travel is 120mm at the front and 90mm at the rear.
The new BMW R 18 Roctane is decelerated by a twin disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed calipers.
The alloy wheels give the bike a stylish look and significant additional road presence.
The sizes are 3.5 x 21-inch at the front with 120/70 B 21 tyres and 5.5 x 18-inch at the rear with 180/55 B 18 tyres.
The new BMW R 18 Roctane features a casual, mid-mounted footpeg position of the footrests, entirely in keeping with the BMW Motorrad philosophy.
A two-level seat tapers slimly towards the rear, with rear passenger straps, and is equipped with running boards in conjunction with a gearshift paddle.
The high, black-coated handlebars ensure an upright and relaxed riding position.
The cases offer 27 litres of luggage space each to provide added convenience.
For longer tours, the new R 18 Roctane can be equipped with a windshield with auxiliary headlights and suspended turn indicator lights.
Three riding modes as well as ASC and engine drag control are standard equipment and ensure high-level riding enjoyment and safety.
Reversing aid and Hillstart Control are available as optional equipment as part of the Highline Package.
In order to meet individual customer needs, the new R 18 Roctane also features three riding modes “Rain”, “Roll” and “Rock” as standard, which is unusual in the segment.
The standard equipment also includes ASC (Automatic Stability Control), which ensures a high level of riding safety. In addition, the new R 18 Roctane is equipped with engine drag torque control as standard.
Local specification and pricing
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- 1802cc 2-cylinder boxer engine with 67kW and 158Nm
ASC, ABS, 3 x riding modes (Rock, Roll, Rain) - Keyless ride
- Cast aluminium wheels
- Twin disc front brake
- Steering stabiliser
- Telescopic forks with fork covers
- LED tail light, brake light and indicators
- 12v socket
- Rev counter in on-board computer
- MSR (Dynamic engine brake control)
- Adjustable Hand Levers
- Cruise Control
- Powertrain finished in black
- Panniers finished in body colour
- One-piece seat bench
- 1802cc 2-cylinder boxer engine with 67kW and 158Nm
Colour options
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- Black Storm Metallic (standard fitment)
- Mineral Grey Metallic Matt ($475)
- Manhattan Metallic Matt ($475)
Highline Package ($3100)
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- Lockable Fuel Cap
- Hill Start Control
- Headlight Pro (inc. Adaptive Headlight and Daytime Riding Light)
- Floorboards
- Reverse Gear
- Tyre Pressure Control
- Anti-theft alarm system
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