We review BMW’s more touring-friendly R 18 Classic cruiser.By Adam WaheedSeptember 28, 2021

BMW Motorrad continues to expand its presence in the heavyweight cruiser segment with the addition of its boxer twin-powered R 18 Classic ($24,015 as tested). This iteration of the R 18 adds touring-friendly accommodations, including a fixed oversize windscreen, and double-buckle saddlebags that allow for added practicality.

Editor’s note: We’ve covered BMW’s four-motorcycle cruiser platform in depth during the 2021 BMW R 18 Cruiser MC Commute Review, 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Look Preview, 2022 BMW R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental First Look, 2021 BMW R 18 Power Cruiser First Look Preview, BMW Concept R18 Cruiser First Look, and 2022 BMW R 18 B Transcontinental MC Commute Review articles and videos.

Long and low the R18 Classic makes a presence. Of all the motorcycle reviews we’ve published over the past few years, there are few streetbikes that make the subtle statement of this Black Storm Metallic Beemer. It stirs quick gas station chats everytime we fuel up and it’s noteworthy how the non-motorcycling public understands that it’s an “old bike that looks new.”ADVERTISEMENT

Lifting the 805-pound machine off its kickstand isn’t the easiest feat, but with 16-inch wheels in motion it’s astounding how agile it is. A wide and pleasing handlebar bend makes it easy to cast direction changes even at parking lot speeds. Still with two giant cylinders protruding off either side, caution is exercised when negotiating curbed turns and while splitting California traffic.

Twist the throttle and the 1,802cc (110ci) boxer twin doles out a punchy spread of power with upwards of 90 pound-feet torque just above idle. The engine’s horizontal power pulses are visceral and make for an engaging ride. Engine vibration is present throughout the rev range, but it feels calculated and further adds to its pleasing cruiser motorcycle experience. Both the engine and exhaust note sound unique. Its crisp note makes you want to yank on the twist grip hard. Maintenance-wise the engine requires oil and filter changes every 6,000 miles. BMW Motorrad also recommends owner’s inspect the valve clearances too. A tad early for our tastes. During fast-paced riding, we recorded a 34 mpg average.

A heel-toe shifter makes it easier to row through the six-speed gearbox. We value its precise mechanical feel and the easy ability to notch it into neutral at stops. A beautiful mechanical driveshaft transfers power to the Bridgestone Battlecruise H50-shod 16-inch rear wheel. The final drive is nearly devoid of maintenance aside from scheduled 24,000-mile differential case oil changes.

The ride-by-wire throttle affords three throttle maps (Rock, Roll, and Rain), in addition to cruise control. Each setting provides a smooth, accurate sensitivity, but we like the Rock setting’s more rowdy response. Traction control (BMW calls it Automatic Stability Control) is standard as is ABS that automatically reroutes brake pressure to the front or rear circuit based on rider control input and vehicle load.

Similarly to the 19-inch front wheel equipped R 18, ground clearance is limited and it doesn’t take much lean for hard parts to scrape against the asphalt. Still, with its high level of stability, and strong triple-disc hydraulic brakes, the R 18 Classic responds well to hard riding as long as you keep the vehicle more or less in line. High-speed stability is equally pleasing and we were impressed how well it rides at triple-digit speeds. Still, we wish this R 18 Classic offered full-travel rear suspension like its bagger and Transcontinental siblings.

Our testbike was outfitted with the Premium Package ($1,450) which adds Adaptive (cornering) Headlights, electronic reverse, and Hill Start Control. These doodads make it easier to operate, however we wish the cornering headlamps were brighter through turns—which is surprising, considering its limited cornering clearance. The reverse feature on the other hand functions well and makes this nearly half-ton motorcycle easy to get out of tight parking spots. Our bike also had the $2,150 First Edition package, which adds chrome and white pinstriping around the fuel tank. We could easily forgo this pricey option.

Motorcyclists seeking a functional real-world cruiser that rides as well as it looks will appreciate the R 18 Classic. It is more functional than its big wheel R 18 brother, and offers a pleasing riding experience, as long as you’re not idling in stop-and-go traffic or blasting around steep turns. Factor in its CVO-levels of craftsmanship, and the R 18 Classic is a cruiser that other manufacturers will have a hard time matching inside its price range.

Gear Box

Helmet: Shoei J-Cruise II

Jacket: Saint Unbreakable Denim Shearling Collar

Pant: Saint Unbreakable

Gloves: Racer Guide

Boots: TCX Rush 2 Air

2021 BMW R 18 Classic Technical Specifications and Price

PRICE	$24,015 as tested
ENGINE	1,802cc, OHC, air/oil-cooled boxer twin; 4 valves/cyl.
BORE x STROKE	107.1 x 100.0mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	9.6:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Fuel injection
CLUTCH	1-disc dry clutch; hydraulically actuated
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/shaft
FRAME	Double-loop steel
FRONT SUSPENSION	49mm telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Cantilever shock; 3.5 in. travel
FRONT BRAKES	Axial-mount 4-piston calipers, 300mm discs w/ integral ABS
REAR BRAKE	4-piston caliper, 300mm disc w/ integral ABS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	Light alloy cast; 16 x 3.0 in. / 16 x 5.0 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	Bridgestone Battlecruise H50; 130/90-16 / 180/65-16
RAKE/TRAIL	32.7°/5.9 in.
WHEELBASE	68.1 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	28.0 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	4.2 gal.
CURB WEIGHT	805 lb.
WARRANTY	36 months
AVAILABLE	August 2021
CONTACT	bmwmotorcycles.com