2021 BMW R 18
R I D E R E V I E W
P106
sleeves, and suspension layout all tak-
ing design hues from one of the most
influential BMW's ever created.
The gorgeous double-loop steel
tube frame is also reminiscent of
BMW's of a bygone era, with that
straight line from the steering head to
the rear axle pivot giving a rigid look
with the rear suspension tucked under
the seat and away from your eyesight.
BMW fitted mid-mounted footpegs,
partly for look, partly due to the lack
of space due to the gigantic cylinders
in front of your shins, and partly due to
the fact you can make this R 18 a bit
of a shape-shifter, which the company
secretly hopes you do.
Part of what the R nineT taught BMW
was people like to customize, and this
fact has been designed into the R 18.
No doubt there'll be bobber conver-
sions, drag racers like the Roland
Sands build, perhaps even over-size
café racer versions of the R 18. The sim-
plistic design lends itself to a tinkerer's
mind, and much of that has to do with
the fact that the footpeg position gives
more options than if they were mounted
up front like traditional cruisers.
"That was why we decided we have
to condense our design icons, par-
ticularly the boxer engine, which, of
course, is a hindrance to feet forward
pegs positions, but we said we'll do it,"
said Heinrich. "There is a big crowd of
guys who don't need feet-forward. First
it was clear. If we do it, we do it our
way. Otherwise, we just leave it."
The customizing element of the R
18 can't be overlooked, for BMW has
created a mammoth accessory cata-
log and teamed with companies like
Roland Sands Design and Vance and
Hines to create everything from cos-
metic engine parts, wheels, exhausts,
Mid-mounted
controls give a
slightly sportier
stance than
traditional
cruisers.
