2024 BMW R18 Specs & Review

The R 18 is BMW Motorrad’s big-bore boxer cruiser built for riders who crave classic looks and torque-rich character with modern safety. If you’re cross-shopping heavyweight cruisers, the 2024 BMW R18 specs reveal a machine focused on feel, stability, and mechanical simplicity. This BMW R18 review highlights how its massive twin and low stance translate to real-world riding.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 1802 cm³
• Power: 67 kW (91 hp) at 4750 rpm
• Torque: 158 Nm at 3000 rpm
• Engine: Air/oil cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer (twin-spark, electronic intake pipe fuel injection)
• Wet weight: 345 kg / 760.59 lbs
• Seat height: 690 mm / 27.17"
• Final drive: Shaft drive
• Maximum speed: over 110 mph

Engine & Performance

At the heart is an 1802 cm³ air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer with two chain-driven camshafts above the drive shaft. Output is a stout 67 kW (91 hp) at 4750 rpm, but it’s the 158 Nm at 3000 rpm that defines the R 18. In the city, that low-end torque lets you short-shift and surf the wave of grunt with minimal effort. On the highway, it settles into a relaxed lope, pulling cleanly for overtakes without frantic downshifts.

BMW pairs electronic intake pipe fuel injection with BMS-K+ engine management, twin-spark ignition, and e-gas (BMS-O) for crisp response and efficient combustion. A regulated three-way catalytic converter helps keep emissions in check, with CO2 listed at 129 g/km (based on WMTC). Fuel consumption is a claimed 5.6 l/100km, and fuel type is Super plus lead-free (max. 15% ethanol, E15) ROZ 95 90 AKI.

A 6-gear shifting claw transmission, single-disk dry clutch, and shaft drive deliver the traditional, connected feel cruiser riders want. Top speed is stated as over 110 mph, which suits its long-legged character.

Handling, Comfort & BMW R18 Seat Height

The BMW R18 seat height is a very approachable 690 mm (27.17"). Shorter riders will appreciate the ability to flat-foot, while taller riders still get a roomy stance, aided by a rider step length of 1630 mm. Stability is a headline: a 1731 mm wheelbase, 57.3° steering head angle, and 150 mm castor underscore its relaxed geometry.

Suspension is straightforward and classic: a telescopic fork up front and a steel swinging fork with a central shock strut at the rear. Spring travel measures 120 mm front and 90 mm rear (4.72" / 3.54"), tuned for a composed ride. The BMW R18 weight is 345 kg (760.59 lbs) fully fueled, so low-speed maneuvers require deliberate inputs, but once rolling it feels planted and predictable. Dimensions reinforce its presence—length 2440 mm, width with mirrors 964 mm, height excluding mirrors 1126 mm.

Equipment & Features

Braking is handled by a twin 300 mm front disc setup with four-piston fixed calipers and a single 300 mm rear disc with a four-piston fixed caliper. BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partially integral) adds confidence when stopping a large cruiser on varied surfaces.

Chassis hardware is solid: a double-cradle steel frame with screwed-on underbeams, shaft final drive, and spoke wheel (front only). Rim sizes are 3.5" x 19" at the front and 5.0" x 16" at the rear, wearing 120/70 R19 and 180/65 B16 tires respectively. Electrical capacity is robust thanks to a 600 W permanent magnet generator and a 12 V / 26 Ah maintenance-free battery.

Practical touches include an approx. 16 l usable tank with an approx. 4 l reserve. Unladen weight fully fueled is 345 kg, with a max permitted weight of 560 kg and a max load (with standard equipment) of 215 kg.

Who Is the 2024 BMW R18 For?

Experienced riders who value a torque-first power delivery, classic boxer character, and the low-maintenance appeal of shaft drive will feel right at home. It’s a natural fit for relaxed daily rides and weekend cruising, where stability and style matter more than razor-sharp agility. Newer riders may find the combination of height-friendly ergonomics enticing, but the mass and torque suggest it’s best suited to those comfortable with heavyweight cruisers.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2024 BMW R18 specs paint a clear picture: massive torque at low rpm, a low 690 mm seat, and the planted feel of a 1731 mm wheelbase. Add in BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, strong four-piston brakes, and shaft drive, and you get a cruiser that blends tradition with dependable modern safety. Fuel consumption of 5.6 l/100km and a 16 l tank support unhurried, long rides.

On the flip side, the BMW R18 weight of 345 kg means it’s not a flickable backroad scalpel, and riders should respect its size in tight spaces. If you’re after a characterful heavyweight with classic engineering, stable manners, and authentic boxer thump, the R 18 is a compelling choice.

FAQ

• Is the 2024 BMW R18 good for beginners?

  • It has a low 690 mm seat, but with 158 Nm of torque and a 345 kg wet weight, it’s better suited to riders experienced with heavyweight cruisers.

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

  • The BMW R18 seat height is 690 mm / 27.17".

• How heavy is the 2024 BMW R18?

  • Wet weight is 345 kg / 760.59 lbs.

• What are the power and torque figures?

  • 67 kW (91 hp) at 4750 rpm and 158 Nm at 3000 rpm.

• Does the R 18 have ABS and strong brakes?

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