BMW Motorrad has unveiled the new R18 concept at the
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Billed as a “bike in its
original, natural form,” the concept was designed by Bart Janssen Groesbeek and
is a throwback to the early days of motorcycles. As a result, the bike is largely
devoid of covers and this allows the components to shine. Speaking of the
latter, the R18 has a black cradle frame, a drop-shaped fuel tank and an
exposed universal shaft.
The heart of the bike is a new 1800cc two-cylinder
boxer engine which the company says is “reminiscent of the flat twin engines
that BMW Motorrad used to build up until the end of the 1960s – but with a
considerably bigger displacement and modern air/oil cooling.” BMW didn’t
mention performance specifications, but said the engine block and transmission
are made from glass bead-blasted aluminum which meshes nicely with
hand-polished aluminum components such as the belt guard and valve covers. The
engine has also been equipped with Solex dual carburetors which are similar to
those used on the BMW 2002.
Other notable features include a black leather seat
and an LED headlight with a U-shaped cover for an old school look. Designers
also installed 18- and 21-inch wire wheels which are wrapped in Metzeler tires.
In keeping with the retro theme, the bike is devoid of electronics other than
the starter and lighting units.
The R18 was envisioned as an “emotional and
authentic” large cruiser and BMW Motorrad Design boss Edgar Heinrich said “This
concept bike appeals to something deep down – you just want to just get on it
and ride off.”
