BMW Motorrad Unveils R 18 Classic

The tourer based on the 1802cc boxer twin will hit the road in February 2021

• It is the touring-friendly sibling of the standard R 18.
• Gets 16-inch front wheel.
• Massive customisation programme announced for the bike.

After numerous spy shots, the wraps are finally off the BMW R18 Classic — a tourer based on the R 18. Along with this behemoth, the Bavarian brand also introduced the updated R Nine T lineup. 

The big boxer tourer now features specific changes to make it comfortable for long hauls. The Classic gets a large touring windshield, LED headlights, auxiliary lights, a pillion seat, footboards and saddlebags along with cruise control as standard. Another distinguishing feature is the use of 16-inch wheels at both ends as opposed to the 19/16-inch wheel setup on the standard R 18.

Just like with R 18, the Classic will be available in the First Edition trim which gets the classic  black finish and white pinstriping along with chrome bits, inspired by the original R 5. The R 18 Classic will be also offered in two Roland Sands Design customisation editions christened Machined and Two-tone Black.

BMW also announced a massive personalisation program, in collaboration with brands like Mustang Seats, and Vance & Hines to offer everything, from custom grips and seat materials to gauges, tank caps and engine covers.

The R 18 Classic features the same 1802cc boxer engine churning 91PS as well as 158Nm at 3,000rpm with 150Nm available right from 2,000rpm. The bike gets three riding modes— "Rain", "Rock", and "Roll". There’s also automatic stability control and traction control to keep things rubber side down if the road conditions get tricky. Customers can also opt for the optional hill assist control and reverse assist to make moving this beast around a little easier.

The R 18 was launched in India last month at Rs 18.9 lakh (ex-showroom), taking a direct shot at Triumph Rocket 3 GT. Though BMW hasn't announced the international pricing yet, expect the Classic to carry a premium over the standard 18, and we believe it will roll out in some markets from February 2021.