Imposing Cruiser

When BMW showcased the R 18 concept at 2019 EICMA in Milan, many wondered if the Bavarian powerhouse is trying to bite more than it can chew because of the shrinking of the traditional cruiser segment globally. However, BMW, is serious about locking horns with Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles, and it expects 50% of the R 18 units to be sold in the US. This BMW’s version of a true-blue cruiser weighs 345kgs, sports the biggest Boxer engine ever made by the German automobile manufacturer and it comes with no counterbalance. Yes, BMW has purposely left this out to give the R 18 some character and an involving ride experience like the iconic American cruisers. We find out whether R 18 will give Harley-Davidson and Indian a run for their money.  BMW has stuck to a traditional low-slung cruiser design with a simple round headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank like the classic BMW R 5, two chunky front forks and twin 300mm front discs with chrome finish brake calipers. The centrepiece is no doubt the gigantic 1,802cc Boxer twin-engine with an air vent grille below it. With a unique horizontal design, the Boxer powertrain looks like something George Lucas would have