What’s new with the BMW R 18 for 2025?
In 2020, BMW surprised by releasing a fat boxer motorcycle with a classic look. That was the BMW R 18, with a displacement of 1,802 cc and the look of an authentic American custom cruiser. A pure motorcycle, where the engine plays a central role in the appearance. A boxer engine, Big Boxer, which drives the rear wheel via an open cardan shaft. Model variants soon followed: the BMW R 18 Classic, R 18 Continental, R 18 B and the R 18 Roctane.
BMW R 18 gets more torque
For 2025, the R 18 model line has been given a major overhaul. The 67 kW (91 hp) engine meets the Euro 5+ emissions standard due to a modified electronic engine management. At the same time, the operation yielded a higher torque of 163 Nm, which is 5 Nm more. Between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, 150 Nm is always available. In practice, you experience a very powerful engine reacting to the throttle at low revs.
Larger 18-inch rear wheel
The BMW R 18, say the base model, gets an 18-inch rear wheel with seven double spokes. That was 16-inch. Such a larger wheel provides a bit more stability. The 19-inch front wheel remains. However, you can choose the Contrast Cut Wheels option, where the cast aluminum wheels are polished and finished with clear lacquer. The front fender gets a more modern shape. At the front fork, the classic fork covers are gone. Also new is the single-seat saddle with thicker foam for a bit more comfort. The exhausts are different in shape. Also new is the silver powertrain and aluminum wheels finished in black.
BMW R 18 Classic
The most striking new feature on the Classic variant is the front fender. This has been carried over from the R 18 B in combination with a 19-inch spoke front wheel (previously 16-inch). The new fender harmonizes with the fork covers still available on the R 18 Classic. The base version of the BMW R 18 Classic has a silver powertrain and chrome exhaust system, wire wheels (19″/16″). Paint color finishes are Blackstorm Metallic and Mineral Grey Metallic Matt, with the optional Option 719 Aquamarine variant featuring a two-tone paint finish in Blue Planet Metallic/Oriental Blue Metallic.
BMW R 18 Continental
With the R 18 Continental, there are now alternative color schemes to the original black version. There is an additional color scheme Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic, with a black driveline and pushrods and intake silencer in Dark Chrome. The optional Comfort Package includes Hill Start Control, tire pressure monitoring, central locking and lockable fuel filler cap.
BMW R 18 Roctane
The Roctane is also available in the Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic color scheme. Also new as optional equipment is the Filler Panel, which visually eliminates the gap between the side case and the rear fender. Also for the R 18 Octane, you can tick off the Comfort Package with Hill Start Control, lockable fuel cap, tire pressure monitoring and grip heating.
BMW R 18 B
In the basic version of the R 18 B, the so-called favorites button is standard. This provides quick access to functions such as handlebar heating. You don’t have to enter the menu with the Multicontroller first. This is the rotating ring near the left handlebar that allows you to scroll through all the menus on the display. Grips can now be heated quickly at the touch of a button. The R 18 B also offers more color options and additional equipment options.