- BMW R 18 Roctane the latest addition to the R 18 cruiser portfolio
- Biggest ever BMW boxer engine with capacity of 1,802cc
- Max. output of 67kW (91 hp) at 4,750rpm and torque of 158Nm at 3,000rpm
- More than 150Nm of torque available from 2,000 to 4,000rpm
- Signature open propeller shaft drive based on classic model
- Exhaust system and star counter nuts in Dark Chrome
- Elaborately manufactured double loop tubular steel frame
- Rear swinging arm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame design
- Classically-interpreted state-of-the-art LED lighting technology
- Keyless Ride for convenient activation of remote functions
- Three riding modes as well as ASC and engine drag control as standard
- Reversing aid for convenient manoeuvring and Hill Start Control for hill starts
- Priced from $27,890* with availability in Q4, 2023
The new BMW R 18 Roctane, which was unveiled overnight and will be the fifth member of BMW Motorrad's renowned cruiser family – joining the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental – is set for arrival in Australia at the end of this year.
As with other variants, the BMW R 18 Roctane harks back to the history and tradition of BMW Motorrad while delivering state-of-the-art motorcycle technology with the design and charm of times gone by.
Both technically and visually, the BMW R 18 borrows from famous BMW models such as the BMW R 5 and puts the focus back on the essentials of motorcycling: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicentre of riding pleasure.
Its classic design and clear, yet contemporary technology merge to form a compelling overall package.
The combination delivers a unique emotional riding experience and an aesthetic that is characterised by skilfully staged design language.
Most powerful BMW boxer engine of all time delivers beefy torque
The heart of the new BMW R 18 Roctane is the celebrated 2-cylinder flat twin engine, also known as the "big boxer".
Finished in Avus black metallic matt and with black high-gloss covers, the engine harks back to the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have provided an exhilarating riding experience for more than seven decades since BMW Motorrad began manufacturing motorcycles in 1923.
The most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever built in motorcycle series production boasts an engine capacity of 1,802cc and generates an output of 67kW (91hp) at 4,750rpm.
In the 2,000 to 4,000rpm rev range, it delivers more than 150Nm of torque at all times as well as elemental pulling power and sonorous sound. The black engine is perfectly matched by the dark chrome exhaust system and star counter nuts.
Steel double-loop tube frame and rear swinging arm with enclosed axle drive
A double-loop tubular steel frame is at the heart of the chassis of the new R 18 Roctane and perpetuates the longstanding BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame type.
The high level of manufacturing quality and attention to detail are also evident in barely perceptible details such as the welded joints between steel tubes and cast or forged parts. As with the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swinging arm, manufactured in a similar design, encloses the rear axle drive in the same style using bolted connections.
Telescopic forks and cantilever suspension strut combine with 21-inch and 18-inch wheels with disc brakes
The suspension elements of the new BMW R 18 Roctane deliberately feature no electronic adjustment options. Instead, telescopic forks and a directly linked central sprint strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure superior wheel guidance and responsive suspension comfort.
As with the legendary BMW R 5, the fixed tubes of the telescopic forks are encased in fork sleeves. The fixed fork tube diameter is 49mm, suspension travel is 120mm at the front and 90mm at the rear. The new BMW R 18 Roctane is decelerated by a twin disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed callipers.
The alloy wheels give the bike a stylish look and significant additional road presence. The sizes are 3.5 x 21" at the front with 120/70 B 21 tyres and 5.5 x 18" at the rear with 180/55 B 18 tyres.
Well-balanced ergonomics with two-level seat, footboards, gearshift paddle and high handlebars
The new BMW R 18 Roctane features a casual, mid-mounted footpeg position of the footrests, entirely in keeping with the BMW Motorrad philosophy.
This classic position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW; it also allows a relaxed and active riding position for optimally controlling the motorcycle. The R 18 Roctane features a two-level seat that tapers slimly towards the rear, with rear passenger straps, and is equipped with running boards in conjunction with a gearshift paddle. The high, black-coated handlebars ensure an upright and relaxed riding position.
Cases in the motorcycle paintwork and windshield as Original BMW Motorrad Accessories
The new R 18 Roctane is ideally equipped for laid-back cruising and touring thanks to cases painted in the colour of the bike. The cases offer 27 litres of luggage space each to provide added convenience.
For longer tours, the new R 18 Roctane can be equipped with a windshield with auxiliary headlights and suspended turn indicator lights from the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range.
The new R 18 Roctane features black paintwork as standard, while Mineral grey metallic matt and Manhattan metallic matt paint finishes are available as optional equipment.
Three riding modes as well as ASC and engine drag control are standard equipment and ensure high-level riding enjoyment and safety. Reversing aid and Hillstart Control are available as optional equipment as part of the Highline Package (details listed below).
In order to meet individual customer needs, the new R 18 Roctane also features three riding modes "Rain", "Roll" and "Rock" as standard, which is unusual in the segment. The standard equipment also includes ASC (Automatic Stability Control), which ensures a high level of riding safety. In addition, the new R 18 Roctane is equipped with engine drag torque control as standard.
Prominent details assist in making the ultimate statement
The R 18 Roctane skilfully reinterprets the iconic styling of past eras in custom bagger style and many details reflect the purist design that was primarily shaped by classics such as the BMW R 5.
Functional and style-defining elements such as the double-loop tube frame, the pear-drop fuel tank, the open propeller shaft drive or the double-line paintwork (optional equipment ex works) are reminiscent of the legendary 1936 boxer. The classic body parts of the R 18 Roctane, such as the fuel tank, front and rear wheel covers and headlight housing are also made of metal – as befits an authentic classic. The suspension is likewise aptly reminiscent of the legendary R 5. Together with the double-sided swinging arm and a cantilever suspension strut, the rigid frame layout of the R 5 has been perfectly transferred to modern times.
Wherever the eye wanders, lovingly designed technology can be seen in every detail. This also applies to the headlight with the integrated, classically designed round instrument.
The legendary BMW R 5 from 1936 and from then on almost all BMW motorcycles until the early 1970s featured this characteristic combination. The new BMW R 18 Roctane now revives this tradition, with state-of-the-art technology but contemporary design. The "BERLIN BUILT" lettering on the dial is a reference to the bike's origin. The new R 18 Roctane is also manufactured at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau.
Conversion-friendly architecture for customising and optimal individualisation
As with all other R 18 family members, the new R 18 Roctane offers a conversion-friendly architecture, which was already the focus when the basic design of the R 18 series was being conceived. In addition, the visible valve covers (cylinder head covers) and the chest cover (engine housing cover) are designed in such a way that they are located outside the oil chamber, making them straightforward to change.
Local specification and pricing
The BMW R18 Roctane includes an array of standard specification elements, with highlights listed below:
- 1,802cc 2-cylinder boxer engine with 67kW (91hp) and 158Nm
ASC, ABS, 3x riding modes (Rock, Roll, Rain)
- Keyless Ride
- Cast aluminium wheels
- Twin disc front brake
- Steering stabiliser
- Telescopic forks with fork covers
- LED taillight, brake light and indicators
- 12v socket
- Rev counter in on-board computer
- MSR (Dynamic engine brake control)
- Adjustable Hand Levers
- Cruise Control
- Powertrain finished in black
- Panniers finished in body colour
- One piece seat bench
Colour options
- Black Storm Metallic (standard fitment)
- Mineral Grey Metallic Matt ($475)
- Manhattan Metallic Matt ($475)
Option program
Highline Package ($3,100)
- Lockable Fuel Cap
- Hill Start Control
- Headlight Pro (inc. Adaptive Headlight and Daytime Riding Light)
- Floorboards
- Reverse Gear
- Tyre Pressure Control
- Anti-theft alarm system
*Recommended Retail Pricing is shown and includes GST, but excludes on-road costs. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW Motorrad dealer for all pricing enquiries.
…ends
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With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world's leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2021 was € 16.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 111.2 billion. As of 31 December 2021, the BMW Group had a workforce of 118,909 employees.
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