BMW R 18 cruiser launched in India at Rs 18.90 lakh, ex-showroom
BMW Motorrad has launced their first ever cruiser offering in the country, the R 18 at an attractive price of Rs 18.90 lakh, ex-showroom. We are calling it an attractive pricing as it was previously anticipated to be priced between Rs 20 - 24 lakh. Interestingly, the R 18 is priced at just Rs 50,000 more premium over the recently launched Triumph Rocket 3 GT.
BMW is also offering the more feature rich R 18 First Edition at Rs 21.90 lakh, ex-showroom. The German motorcycle manufacturer is bringing the R 18 through the completely built unit route. The company dealerships across the country have started accepting bookings and the deliveries are expected to commence shortly.
Starting with the BMW R 18 First Edition, this version will feature a special paint shade with pinstripes in white along with a seat badge, Headlight Pro, Adaptive Headlight, Daytime Riding Light First Edition Pack and a 'First Edition' chrome clasp on the side cover. To make it special, BMW will be offering a Welcome Box with insignia, lifestyle accessories, collectibles and a prized book on the near 100-year history of BMW Motorrad.
The R 18's design is inspired by the yesteryear R 5 BMWs and therefore it showcased a similar, lean and minimalist design theme. It is powered by a 1,802cc boxer-twin engine - the largest of its kind on any production motorcycle - larger than even the R 1250 GS and is good for 91PS of power and 150Nm torque that is fed to a shaft drive configuration. The R 18 also features a BMW-typical electronics package, which includes riding modes, automatic stability and traction control, engine drag torque control which limits slip under hard downshifting, a reversing assist and even a Hill Start Control, much like the new R 1250 GS.
Optional extras include a million options right from 21-inch front wheel options, headlamp designs, auxiliary lamps, a windshield and much more. There is a Bobber Kit which keeps the motorcycle barebones along with the side mounted number plate. If you want you can also build the R18 to be a complete bagger (pictured below) with the exhaust options, chrome packs, engine guards amongst other options