Its the world premiere the custom scene has been eagerly awaiting - a BMW Motorrad custom concept featuring a new prototype flat-twin engine - the highest capacity boxer motorcycle ever produced. Simply named 'Concept R 18', this pure, stripped-down, raked-out bike gives more than a hint of what's coming - in the cruiser segment. BMWMotorrad says it will bring its most powerful boxer engine ever made there, the new R18 unit unveiled earlier this week. The 2-cylinder monster will be shown on the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18/2 . TheBMW Motorrad Concept R18 shows how a forward projection of a 1960s boxer engine could look like today as a purist custom bike in combination with all the classic design icons of BMW Motorrad cash. Concept R 18 /2 makes EICMA debut Second BMW Motorrad cruiser concept unveiled Just six months ago, BMW Motorrad took the custom scene by storm with the world premiere of the Concept R 18 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Now, a second design study featuring the awe-inspiring 1800cc flat-twin engine has been successfully presented in Milan at the international EICMA motorcycle exhibition. Concept R 18 /2 paves the way. Concept R 18 /2 paves the way. Simply designated Concept R 18 /2’, this completely new and markedly different interpretation of a dynamic performance cruiser shows the true versatility of the big-boxer’ platform and gives fans of the genre a strong suggestion of what to look forward to when a series production cruiser from BMW Motorrad enters the market in 2020. Cruiser fans have already been enticed on several occasions over the past 12 months, not only by the Concept R 18, but also by the two fascinating custom builds from Japan and the USA that used BMW Motorrad’s big boxer engine as a base – namely CUSTOM WORKS ZON’s Departed’ and Revival Cycles’ Birdcage’. Expect the unexpected. Expect the unexpected. However, no one was expecting what would follow next – direct from BMW Motorrad’s design studio in Munich and finished to perfection by Swedish builders UCC. Enter the Concept R 18 /2, a more dynamic, modern cruiser interpretation that occupies a place towards the performance end of the segment, while retaining the elegant proportions of its predecessor. The /2 displays a more extrovert character that’s far removed from the chrome-laden, retro feel of the original Concept R 18. The latest big boxer wears its colours proudly, with deep, multi-layered paintwork contrasting with dark frame, forks, valve covers and seat. " With the Concept R 18 and this /2 project, we wanted to show two bookends –this is completely on the other side. “ Bart Janssen Groesbeek BMW Motorrad Design Sign up for the newsletter and don't miss anything anymore. Dynamic details. Dynamic details. A closer look reveals black and white cast wheels rather than spoked on silver rims with dimensions of 19” front and 16” rear. A modified R nineT Racer bikini fairing sits on top of the raked forks and triples, offering stylish protection from the elements, while high-end Brembo brakes suggest stopping power worthy of this performance cruiser. Gone is the floating leather saddle from the Concept R 18, replaced with a one-and-a-half person chopper-style seat, lending the bike a more dynamic, hot-rod character. Underneath a subframe, the rear fender has been bobbed and fixed to the frame, so it appears to hug the rear wheel. Begs to be ridden, not just admired. Begs to be ridden, not just admired. Whereas the original Concept R 18 is undoubtedly a thing of beauty, its sibling is designed to show just how flexible the base engine and chassis is as a starting point for customisation, and how easy it is to break out into different styles – in this case, a contemporary dynamic softtail with the character of a customised production motorcycle, rather than the uniqueness of the Concept R 18. " The Concept R 18 had this jewel quality from the past. With the /2 the character is much more achievable, like a modified production bike. “ Bart Janssen Groesbeek BMW Motorrad Design While the Concept R 18 took its creators deep into the brand’s past for inspiration, the /2 has more of a ’80s feel to it and has clearly been designed for higher speeds and longer distances. It’s lowered – but not nearly as low as the Concept R 18 – and the rider enjoys a more dynamic seating position, with less of a stretch to the higher bars. The low and long proportions are traditional for the segment, with the tank and frame cradling the huge muscular engine with its black metal-finished, stainless steel valve covers. Sitting higher than the Concept R 18, the /2 exudes an attitude that is not overly aggressive, but still sporty. As a fitting compliment to the original design strategy, the frame is shared with the Concept R 18, with no change in dimensions, angles or the distinctive flyline. The exposed shaft-drive remains, as does the classic teardrop tank. To complete the customised production look, the exhaust is made by German outfit Hattech, which has an established reputation for fabricating mufflers for classic and custom BMW bikes. The manufacturing process Less elegant, more raw attitude With the /2, the aim is to show the flexibility inherent in the original design concept, which allows for small changes to various body parts, without the main components frame/tank/engine etc. needing any degree of modification. Conceived by BMW Motorrad and hand-crafted by respected enthusiasts, the /2 definitely demonstrates this flexibility – exuding a completely different character, despite the same basic backbone. It’s a successful continuation of the story that leads us ever closer towards a genuine, series production cruiser in 2020. Until then, enjoy seeing the Concept R 18 /2 at motorcycle events across the globe. Concept R 18 roars into life. BMW Motorrad custom concept unveiled at Villa d’Este. Learn more Concept R 18 roars into life. BMW Motorrad custom concept unveiled at Villa d’Este. It’s the world premiere that the custom scene has been eagerly awaiting – a BMW Motorrad custom concept featuring a new prototype flat-twin engine – the highest capacity boxer motorcycle ever produced. Simply christened Concept R 18’, this pure, stripped-down, raked-out bike gives more than a hint of what’s coming our way in the cruiser segment. Concept cruiser steals the show at the Concorso. Concept cruiser steals the show at the Concorso. It has become something of a tradition for BMW Motorrad to present breathtaking design studies in Italy every May at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event on the shores of Lake Como. Visitors to the world’s most exclusive beauty contest’ for historic cars and motorcycles have witnessed some outstanding two-wheeled contributions from BMW Motorrad’s design department in recent years. These have included the Concept Ninety homage to the original R 90 S, the Concept 101 six-cylinder bagger’ and the R 5 Hommage – a tribute to the original and iconic 1936 model. Fans of the burgeoning cruiser segment have noted with significant interest two fascinating custom bikes recently unveiled by reputable builders in Japan and the USA that have both featured prototypes of BMW Motorrad’s big boxer engine. The builders – CUSTOM WORKS ZON and Revival Cycles – were each given free rein for their own interpretations of how a large-capacity boxer custom bike could look, and the stunning results witnessed in the Departed’ and Birdcage’ models that followed have begged the question among enthusiasts in the scene – how might a genuine BMW Motorrad hand-built’ machine look and sound? Subscribe to the newsletter now and don't miss a thing. " A motorcycle is the biggest accessory you can wear. It’s not about being the fastest. “ Edgar Heinrich BMW Motorrad Head of Design Well, the wait is over, and judging by the enthusiastic reaction of the visitors who saw and heard! it unveiled at the 90th anniversary Concorso’ celebratory event, the Concept R 18 is set to win the hearts and souls of many fans worldwide, for whom heritage and history are important factors – even in a modern interpretation of a cruiser. Equally exciting is the fact that BMW Motorrad will be presenting a series production cruiser motorcycle powered by the big boxer’ engine during 2020. If it looks and performs anything like the Concept R 18, then custom bike fans are in for a treat. " We have a history other companies would kill for, and it’s great to capitalise on it. “ Edgar Heinrich BMW Motorrad Head of Design Stripped-back and laid-bare, BMW Motorrad style. Stripped-back and laid-bare, BMW Motorrad style. Feast your eyes on the Concept R 18 and it’s clear that a desire to make a true, pure-emotion, hand-built, custom bike has taken the designers deep into the brand’s past for inspiration. Without a doubt these talented enthusiasts – many of whom chop’ bikes in their spare time – have certainly made good on the promise initially shown with the unveiling of the R 5 Hommage in 2016, exactly 80 years after the legendary sports boxer made its debut. For this segment though you need a big motor, so if the 500cc unit of the original R 5 doesn’t cut it by modern standards then the biggest motorcycle boxer engine of all time certainly does. " BMW decided a long time ago to make a heritage bike with a big boxer engine. “ Michael Eder BMW Motorrad Design Reduced to only the absolute, pure essentials. Reduced to only the absolute, pure essentials. Clearly an exciting bridge between the aforementioned hommage’ bike and the forthcoming series production motorcycle, the Concept R 18 has presence, attitude and promise in equal measures. The undoubted focus is the huge boxer engine – physically much larger in size than the 500cc version used in the hommage showbike, and designed to make a real statement. The characterful spoked wheels have been chosen 21” front and 18” rear to match the considerable proportions and the overall stance of this latest showbike exudes attitude and presence. The modified front end and fishtail exhaust contribute to its custom, hand-made feel. Low and long, raked out and understated, the Concept R 18 is a thing of beauty, with its polished aluminium cylinder covers, subtle colour treatment to the motor, teardrop tank and fork, and areas of pin-striping with golden yellow effect in the deep, layered paint treatment. There are only three metal surface treatments used – either blasted, painted or polished – in order to give a clean, authentic atmosphere around the bike, while the iconic Metzeler-branded RILLE tyres have a custom-made tread pattern and special colour treatment on the sidewalls. Anyone familiar with BMW bikes from the 50s will recognise the Pagusa-style seat, with embossed logo and hammered area on the leather. Uncomplicated riding that feeds your soul. Uncomplicated riding that feeds your soul. Open shaft-drive, cantilever rear suspension, a twin-Solex carburetor from a BMW 2002 car, a 1950s Bosch-inspired LED headlight mounted between the fork legs, no visible switchgear – the list goes on and a walk around the Concept R 18 as the motor’s plaquette proudly states throws up many surprises. For sure, it’s the continuation of a story that started with the R 5 Hommage but what is most exciting is where this story is leading us now – not down the high-technology road, but in a more individual, authentic, and, dare we say it, emotional direction. Time to slow down and look at the view? A masterpiece made of titanium. Revival Cycles is showcasing big boxer engines with the Birdcage. Learn more BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW Motorrad R18 Concept Third concept with BMW Motorrad's boxer twin presages a line of production motorcycles to arrive later this year. Image Credit BMW BMW took six wheels to the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shore of Lake Como. Four of those wheels sit under the Marcello Gandini-designed Garmisch concept. The other two are for this, the Motorrad division's R18 concept. This is the third concept bike in the last six months to showcase the company's new boxer engine, coming after the cyberpunk cafe racer Departed concept out of Japan in December, and last month's barely-there Revival Birdcage concept built in Texas. This in-house design from BMW goes all-in on classic motifs given the slightest of modern touches. Instead of the air-cooling of yore, this engine is air- and oil-cooled, and fed by dual Solex carbs instead of fuel injection. The unit is supported in the kind of round-edged cradle frame one can trace all the way back to the R5 from the 1930s. The block and transmission housing are made of bead-blasted aluminum, contrasting with the hand-polished belt guard and valve covers. An exposed, chrome-plated driveshaft running to the rear hub is the kind of historical touch that should be etched with the phrase, "When Men Were Men." Since the R18 concept's philosophy is leaving out anything superfluous, the only electronics to be found work the starter and the lights. A cantilever spring strut hides beneath the minimalist leather seat. A "U" pattern graces the headlight glass, just as with historic units, but this one goes for LEDs instead of halogen. The staggered wheels - 21 inches in front, 18 inches in back - wear rubber from in BMW Motorrad's historic tire partner, Metzeler. The only ornamental item on the bike is the paintwork. The teardrop tank and fork are bathed in black, overlaid with a yellow-gold metallic varnish and white, hand-applied pinstripes. The rider gets some ornament, too, with the smooth horse leather jacket featuring built-in protectors. This two-wheeled teaser is an "emotional and authentic offer for the large cruiser segment," meaning that we're being prepared for a line of production motorcycles from BMW with the flat-twin. Observers think a bagger, a tourer, and a cruiser are on the way, and a thrust at segments owned by Harley-Davidson. BMW Motorrad will reveal the first of them sometime later this year, perhaps in advance of the EICMA show in November. BMW Information All BMW Models For Sale Rebates & Incentives Owner Ratings News and Reviews Photos Videos More BMW Information

bmw motorrad concept r18