BMW Motorrad India has finally launched the new retro-themed cruiser R18 in the country with a starting price of Rs 18.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The German manufacturer started accepting pre-bookings back in April. The motorcycle will be available in two variants, Standard and First Edition, with the latter being the more exclusive version with a price tag of Rs 21.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). For the extra money, the First Edition comes with chrome elements, a Blackstorm metallic paint shade, and a seat badge with a ‘First Edition’ clasp on the chrome cover. BMW will also provide a tank emblem with copper letterings, copper screws, a pair of gloves, a screwdriver to fix the emblem on the tank. In terms of hardware, the First Edition also comes with hill-start assist, heated grips, and cornering headlights. BMW, however, will additionally offer a wide range of customisation options.
BMW revealed a concept variant of the heritage-inspired cruiser at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este last year. The concept’s pre-war design was inspired by the 1936 BMW R5 cruiser and created as a tribute to the iconic motorcycle. Everything from its round LED headlamp, tear-drop-shaped fuel tank, and the swooping rear fender all hark back to the classic BMW motorbikes. At the centre of the design is BMW’s biggest boxer twin ever made with a displacement of 1800cc. The air-cooled unit produces 91hp and 158Nm of torque. BMW claims a 0-100kph time of 4.8sec and a top speed limited to 180kph. The BMW R18 will compete against the likes Harley-Davidson’s famous Fat Boy and Triumph’s Rocket III.
