BMW’s Cruising Beauty Is Here

It has been on a country tour and now finally after attracting a lot of attention, BMW Motorrad has launched its first cruiser in over 16 years. Prices for the BMW R 18 start at Rs 18.90 lakh (ex-showroom India) with the more appealing First Edition version priced at Rs 21.90 lakh. Bookings for the bike had already begun a while back.

So, what do you get for Rs 18.90 lakh? How about the largest ever boxer twin fitted to a BMW bike? Yep, a whole 1,802 cubic centimetres displaced by two horizontally opposed big bore pistons. Since it is all about torque here, you would not be disappointed with the output: 158Nm at 3000rpm. That’s an insane amount of torque being delivered to the rear wheel, all via a slender exposed shaft drive.

The Germans being glutton for electronics aids have made sure that all of that torque is put to the ground in a proper manner. Three rider modes, switchable traction control, engine drag torque control and hill start control are a few of the rider aids you get on this cruiser.

For the extra Rs 3 lakh, the First Edition offers a lot of subtle aesthetic differences that enhance the appeal of the bike. The tank and tail unit get white pinstripes that are so in tune with BMW’s heritage. All of the brushed metal bits that you find on the standard bike, like the exposed shaft drive, the pushrod covers, the large engine case and a few others, are finished in chrome here. Lastly, there are First Edition badges to differentiate the two trims. We have gotten up close and personal with the bike. Head here to check the video out.