BMW has launched the new R18 cruiser in India, starting at Rs 18.9 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. It will be available in two variante, the standard model and a special First Edition. The R18 looks to BMW’s past for inspiration, mainly from the 1936 R5 cruiser. This inspiration is evident in its tear-drop tank, exposed driveshaft and its round LED headlamps.
Powering the R18 is a 1802cc, air and oil-cooled boxer engine producing 90 bhp@4750 rpm and a healthy 16.11 kgm of peak torque which is available between 2000-4000 rpm. The R18 can reach the 100 kph mark in 4.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 180 kph. Stopping power comes in from twin 300 mm discs up front and a single disc at the rear. Up front, it also gets a telescopic fork and a directly mounted central suspension strut for the rear. At the rear, it also features a travel-dependent damping and spring preload adjustment. The 345 kg R18 is a little unwieldy, but BMW offers an optional electric reverse gear to alleviate the pain of maneuvering in the city.
BMW will be offering plenty of customization options right from handlebars to seats. The R18 First Edition features a Blackstorm metallic paint shade, a ‘First Edition’ chrome clasp on the side cover, a seat badge and adaptive headlights among other things.
Prices for the R18 start at Rs 18.9 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi for the standard model and the First Edition variant is priced at Rs 21.9 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi
