2024 BMW R18 Roctane Specs & Review

The 2024 BMW R18 Roctane is a big-bore cruiser built around BMW’s massive air/oil-cooled boxer twin. It targets riders who want classic style, relaxed miles, and stump-pulling torque. If you’re cross-shopping heavyweight cruisers, the 2024 BMW R18 Roctane specs show a machine engineered for effortless thrust and long-haul poise.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 1,802 cc
• Power: 67 kW (91 hp) at 4,750 rpm
• Torque: 158 Nm (116.55 lb-ft) at 3,000 rpm
• BMW R18 Roctane weight: 374 kg (825 lbs) unladen
• BMW R18 Roctane seat height: 720 mm (28.35 in)
• Engine type: Air/oil cooled twin-cylinder four-stroke boxer with two chain-driven camshafts above the crankshaft; electronic injection (BMS-O) with throttle-by-wire

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the Roctane sits BMW’s 1,802 cc boxer twin. With a rated output of 67 kW (91 hp) at 4,750 rpm and a thumping 158 Nm at just 3,000 rpm, this cruiser makes its case with low- to midrange muscle. In city traffic, the abundant torque means you surf a tall gear and glide away from stops with minimal effort. On the highway, the big twin settles into a relaxed cadence, with enough roll-on to pass without downshifts. BMW lists a maximum speed of over 180 km/h (112 mph), underscoring its easy, unstressed cruising.

Fueling is modern and precise thanks to electronic intake pipe injection and the BMS-O digital engine management with throttle-by-wire, paired with EU 5 emissions compliance and a closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter. For long days, the WMTC-based fuel consumption is 5.6 l/100 km, and the usable tank volume is approximately 16 l (4.23 gal) with about 4 l (1.06 gal) in reserve. The claw-shifted 6-gear gearbox, single-disc dry clutch, and cardan shaft drive deliver a traditional cruiser feel with the solid, direct connection many enthusiasts prefer. An alternator rated at 600 W supports lighting and accessories, backed by a 12 V / 26 Ah maintenance-free battery.

Handling, Comfort & BMW R18 Roctane Seat Height

The BMW R18 Roctane seat height is a low 720 mm (28.35 in), giving most riders an easy reach to the ground. That’s confidence-inspiring at lights and in tight spaces, especially given the substantial BMW R18 Roctane weight of 374 kg (825 lbs). As with any heavyweight cruiser, slow-speed maneuvers reward deliberate inputs and planning, while the stretched-out stability pays off at highway pace.

Chassis hardware leans classic and stout: a double loop steel frame with bolted beams, a 49 mm telescopic fork up front, and a steel twin-sided swingarm with a central spring strut at the rear. Suspension travel is 120 mm front and 90 mm rear (4.72 in / 3.54 in), typical for the class and tuned for composed, steady cruising rather than aggressive corner carving. Aluminium cast wheels contribute to a planted, predictable feel.

Equipment & Features

Braking is handled by a twin 300 mm front disc setup with 4-piston fixed calipers and a single 300 mm rear disc with a 4-piston fixed caliper. BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (fully integral) is standard, enhancing confidence when you need to shed speed decisively. The drivetrain combination of the 6-gear gearbox, dry clutch, and cardan drive suits long-mile durability and smooth power transfer.

Further details include EU 5 emissions, CO2 of 129 g/km (WMTC), and compatibility with super unleaded fuel (max 15% ethanol, E15) at 95 ROZ/RON or 90 AKI. Practical figures include a permitted total weight of 560 kg (1,234.59 lbs) and a payload with standard equipment of 181 kg (399.04 lbs), offering scope for rider, passenger, and luggage.

Who Is the 2024 BMW R18 Roctane For?

This is a cruiser for riders who value characterful torque, long-legged stability, and classic BMW engineering. Experienced riders will appreciate the tractable power delivery and the shaft-driven smoothness over long distances. Newer riders may love the approachable seat height, but the sheer mass and torque mean the Roctane is best for those with some experience handling heavyweight machines. For commuting, it’s relaxed and easy-going; for weekend tours, its torque-rich nature and comfort-first geometry shine.

Torquepedia Verdict

If you’re after a big, soulful cruiser, the 2024 BMW R18 Roctane specs tick the right boxes: a 1,802 cc boxer with 158 Nm at 3,000 rpm, a low 720 mm seat, and robust braking with fully integral ABS. The fueling, EU 5 compliance, and throttle-by-wire add modern polish, while the cardan drive and steel frame deliver that traditional, substantial BMW feel.

Trade-offs? The BMW R18 Roctane weight of 374 kg demands respect at parking-lot speeds, and the suspension travel is aimed at comfort cruising rather than aggressive sportiness. But for riders who want a torque-rich, refined cruiser with classic boxer character, this BMW R18 Roctane review lands it squarely among the most compelling heavyweight options.

FAQ

• Is the 2024 BMW R18 Roctane good for beginners?

  • It’s manageable in seat height (720 mm / 28.35 in), but its 374 kg (825 lbs) mass and 1,802 cc torque make it better suited to riders with some experience.

• What is the seat height of the 2024 BMW R18 Roctane?

  • 720 mm (28.35 in) at unladen weight.

• How heavy is the 2024 BMW R18 Roctane?

  • 374 kg (825 lbs) unladen.

• What is the fuel capacity and consumption?

  • Usable tank volume is approx. 16 l (4.23 gal) with an approx. 4 l (1.06 gal) reserve; consumption is 5.6 l/100 km (WMTC).

• Does it have ABS and strong brakes?

  • Yes. It features BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (fully integral) with twin 300 mm front discs and a single 300 mm rear disc, all with 4-piston fixed calipers.