BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2
Many had expected BMW to unveil new production ready cruisers at EICMA this week but it seems Motorrad are keeping their powder dry and competitors guessing for now. Leaving us longer to wait before they publicly unveil the first production ready models that will roll out from Munich next year.
What they have shown in Milan this week though are two ‘concept’ machines. The R 18 had already been seen at the Villa d’Este on Lake Como earlier in the year but this week it was joined by the even more strangely named R 18 / 2 which had its public debut at EICMA.
Generally if BMW brings ‘Concept’ bikes to a major show you can almost guarantee that 6-18 months later they will announce a production model almost identical to the publicly shown concepts. And I think we can expect new models along these lines to be added to the BMW inventory in due course.
The Concept R 18 /2 “Slash Two” is a stark contrast to the previous R 18 heritage concept, with a more modern custom cruiser design and built around the instantly recognisable egg-like 1800 cc two-cylinder ‘Big Boxer’ engine.
In contrast the R 18 offered a traditionalist design, with iconic historic BMW styling for a very retro overall theme.
The R 18 /2 offers another look at how the Big Boxer can be realised, with minimalist handlebar trim, flowing lines and a tear-drop fuel tank. Candy Apple Red is a custom favourite and used to great effect in the R 18 / 2/
The 1800 cc boxer-twin is a modern air/oil-cooled powerplant built to a 1960’s aesthetic, with the R 18 /2 following in the footsteps of ‘Departed’ by Custom Works Zon and ‘The Revival Birdcage’ by Revival Cycles in Texas, now offering the fourth interpretation.
The R 18 /2 features a loop-frame dominated by the Big Boxer, while contrast cut cast-iron wheels are sized to a 19-inch front and 16-inch rear to add a touch of dragster to the look.
Also notable is the well displayed shaft final drive. Large disc brakes adorn both ends, a dual rotor set-up on the front complete with Brembo four-piston calipers.
A Hattech stainless steel tail-pipe system is also featured, with the two into two system running a conical exhaust on either side of the bike.
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2 Images
