BMW Unveils the retro R18

[Discogodfather]

Mr. Heinriech, the new head of design at BMW Motorrad, has unveiled the R18 concept this week. I am usual a harsh critic of "retro" motorcycles as I believe they take away from the originals we all love and have (at least pretty girls don't know the difference) and I hate how everything is rounded off and none of the original spirit of these amazing old bikes seems to make it through.

But this bike struck me as different and very cool. They essentially took a softail style concept and captured the essence of some of the earlier plunger frames in a neat way. The single coolest feature is the exposed driveshaft- so cool. Because the shock is mounted under the seat there is no need for the plungers. The engine is very retro and seems to have been done with real taste. In fact the whole bike, minus the Earles front end of course, is pretty spectacular.

No idea if this will make it into production but what an amazing job capturing the original black baron bikes! I would love to have the power, ABS, and dual front discs. If they could make it around 500-550 pounds and under $20,000 I think it would be a wild hit.

I know those guys in Miami are doing a retro R7 but this is a real BMW potentially! What do you guys think?

[schrader7032]

Have to wonder how far the concept can go. Don't think a naturally carbureted engine will get past the EPA these days.

[miller6997]

As a boulevard cruiser, it would be brilliant for claiming bragging rights, but I really don't think I would want to ride it very far. My bones ache just thinking about a 1500 mile trip with those ergonomics.

[skychs]

Im on the fence here. I love the retro look on a modern bike but it also has to be practical. Like Jon said, I don't see anyone taking very long trips on that bike. Add a little rain and the cool look goes right down the drain. Im sure it would be fun to ride but my guess is its a weekend rider to bike shows and coffee shops.

[Discogodfather]

Just saw a video on youtube where Hennreich says it's going into production, for 100% sure. Not sure what that means, but look for lots of changes. I see a plastic airbox and tons of lights, etc. But they are committed to a 1800cc crusier targeted for the Harley market in the USA, including a sport, regular, and touring model.

[Didess]

It's a pity that it's just a concept: I'm sure you can't take buy it like that in the future...

[mcsherry1328]

At first glance I think it looks great. I was in Miami last winter and looked at the R7 replica. In my opinion the R7 is much nicer and I plan to buy one this year.

[Discogodfather]

Finally got to ride an R18 last weekend. It was very nice. All the feelings of a modern bike in terms of smoothness and poise, and it was extremely powerful. Missing from the experience of the old bikes is any real connection to the road, and it feels pig heavy. I mean Harley softail slim like weight.

I don't really know what to say about it other than that, it's so expensive but these days an original is about the same. I have ridden so many /2's and /3's over the years. I was shocked that no one at the event knew anything about them. Watching reviews about the R18 on youtube they never mention the originals at all. There is literally no connection to the past really. BMW just vaguely talks about the R7, but who the hell ever really rode one of those?

I was disappointed in the lack of any real oldschool people around the whole project. It seems like just another yuppie mobile, but I can appreciate the return to some kind of form that made these bikes so amazing. I just don't get modern bikes.

[schrader7032]

A member on the MOA posted pictures of the R18 and the 1938 R51...it's amazing the similarity in visual cues between the two bikes. Here's the post...should be visible even for guests.

https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.ph ... ost1224765

[srankin]

I have mixed feelings about this bike. I like the similarities between the new versus old up to the point of the rear half of the bike. Sorry, the seat and rear fender, turn my head away. I think something more "BMW"could have been designed rather than copying "Harley". St.