BMW has developed something of a reputation for debuting amazing concepts, often with a decidedly historical bent. This year’s offerings proudly uphold that tradition, BMW Concept R18 Motorcycle with old style has been introduced. BMW Motorrad has unveiled the third custom creation based around the new 1800cc Big Boxer power-plant. This time offering a modern interpretation of the classic boxer power bike alongside an R5 inspired overall theme.
Coming o it style and design, the BMW Motorrad Concept R18 features a boxer engine, cradle frame, exposed shaft and drop-shaped fuel tank. Its black paintwork and hand-applied contrast lines are typical design icons of BMW Motorrad classics.
BMW Concept R18 Motorcycle
The bike’s exclusive stance is reminiscent of BMW’s motorcycles from the history, and that’s accomplished in part by its staggered wheel setup. The R18 concept’s front wheel is a colossal 21-inch spoked affair, while the rear wheel sizes in at 18 inches. For context, those are wheel sizes more often associated with dirt-bikes than low-slung road bikes. On the other hand, the frame and tank create a common line all the way from the steering head to the rear wheel hub.
Besides being in old style, but the techs are modern. One of the most significant recognition to modern motorcycle design comes from the braking system. No there are no more sketchy-but-pretty drums brakes, as they have been replaced by modern, highly capable disc brakes. These brakes actually stand a chance of slowing the bike down more than once.
Edgar Heinrich, head of BMW Motorrad Design says, “With its clear aesthetics openly on display, the Concept R18 embodies for me what motorcycling, at its core, is really about. It is all about feeling instead of thinking, and not using technology for self-staging, instead giving space for imagination. This concept bike appeals to something deep down, you just want to just get on it and ride off. But when you get off it again, you don’t just put it in the garage and walk away. You turn around again and give it a final parting glance”,
On the bike, lighting is another area where technology is employed, thankfully. There are no candle-dim incandescent 6-volt bulbs to be found on the R18. Everything uses modern, bright and highly power-efficient LED units.
BMW Concept R18 motorcycle packs a massive 1.8 liters of displacement. If you’re not into bikes, 1.8 liters might not sound like much, but in the land of two wheels, that’s gigantic.
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