BMW unveiled the R18/2 Concept, a new version derived from the R18 platform.
Unlike the classic R18 showcased at Villa D’Este earlier this year, the R18/2 is a contemporary custom approach to the cruiser segment.
Powering the BMW Concept R 18 /2 is a massive 1800cc air- and oil-cooled boxer twin. The motor has been used in builds outside of BMW Motorrad, including Departed by Custom Works Zon in Japan and The Revival Birdcage by Austin’s Revival Cycles. This second-generation build from BMW proper is tantalizingly close to a production version. From what we can tell, all it needs are turn signals and mirrors—it even has a side-mount license plate holder
There will be other changes, doubtlessly. The R 18 /2 has cast iron wheels in a 19-/16-inch pairing, and we would expect the source material to be switched to aluminum. Brembo brake calipers are likely to stay, though the German-made Hattech stainless steel exhaust may not make the cut due to cost or sound-output considerations—perhaps the exhaust will live-on as a factory option. The beautiful Candy Apple Red Metallic paint deserves to be carried over to the production version, as does the bullet fairing, cantilevered rear-shock suspension, and intake shrouds
The R18/2 is not just a fantasy. It looks like a real motorcycle – put some mirrors on and it’s ready to go street-legal. So the final version is just around the corner
