BMW MOTORRAD CONCEPT R18
P110
Feature
I observe an almost romantic yearning for real mechani-
cal engineering. Our aim with this Concept bike is to ad-
dress this need and turn it into an analog statement in a
digital age. We have a rich history of iconic motorcycles,
and they all bear the same design characteristics. We
believe that this can still work well today together with
current technology."
The BMW Motorrad Concept R18 shows how a
modern projection of a 1960s Boxer engine might look
today as a purist custom bike in combination with all the
classic design cues of BMW Motorrad design.
"With its clear aesthetics openly on display, the
Concept R18 embodies for me what motorcycling, at
its core, is really about," says Heinrich. "It's all about
feeling instead of thinking, and not using technology for
self-staging, instead giving space for imagination. This
concept bike appeals to something deep down—you just
want to just get on it and ride off. But when you get off it
again, you don't just put it in the garage and walk away—
you turn around again and give it a final parting glance."
BMW says that this retro-themed cruiser is a tribute to
the original 1936 R5, its first customer superbike. The
21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels give it a classic
stance and visually balance the dominant flat-twin power
(Top to bottom) The exposed
driveshaft is a beautiful touch. No
gauges, no electronic wires. The
R18 concept is as clean as can
be. (Left) The R18 at about the
midpoint of the build. There's still
clay modeling going on.
