BMW R18
The R18 is BMW's first true cruiser, built around an enormous 1802cc pushrod Big Boxer with exposed shaft drive.
Made to order: your copy is researched, fact-checked, and typeset to our standard, then delivered within about two weeks. We'll email you the moment it's ready.
About the BMW R18 (2020-2024)
The R18 is BMW's answer to the American cruiser, and it answers with the largest boxer twin ever fitted to a production motorcycle. The 1,802 cc Big Boxer is air and oil cooled, pushrod operated, and sits in a twin-loop steel frame styled after the 1936 R5, with a rigid-look rear end and a bare nickel-plated driveshaft.
It is built around one sensation: the pull of 158 Nm from just above idle, and the way the bike rocks sideways when you blip the throttle at a stop. The family grew to include the Classic, the B and Transcontinental baggers, and the Roctane. BMW revised the range for 2025, so 2020 to 2024 bikes are the original specification.
Specifications at a glance
| Years | 2020 to 2024 (revised for 2025) |
| Engine | 1,802 cc air and oil cooled flat twin, 107.1 x 100 mm |
| Output | 91 hp (67 kW) at 4,750 rpm |
| Torque | 158 Nm (116 lb-ft) at 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed constant mesh, single-plate dry clutch, shaft drive |
| Weight | 345 kg (761 lb) wet |
| Seat height | 690 mm (27.2 in) |
| Fuel | 16 litres (4.2 US gal) |
Known issues to check before you buy
- Reverse gear control unit. Recall 24V-716 covers 2021-2024 R18s with the optional reverse: the unit is not sealed properly, moisture corrodes the contacts and the resulting short is a fire risk. The first sign is reverse not working. The interim fix disconnects the unit, so confirm what the bike has had.
- Adaptive headlight. Recall 23V884 covers 2021-2024 R 18, R 18 B and Transcontinental models with the adaptive headlight: the attachment points on the low beam reflector break and the beam shifts out of aim. A rattle from the headlight is the tell.
- Cornering clearance. The pegs and pipes touch down early. Look at the peg feelers, the underside of the exhaust and the heel plates: heavy grinding tells you how the bike was ridden.
- Rear suspension. The hardtail look leaves only 90 mm of travel, so it crashes over sharp bumps. Check the shock for weeping oil and make sure the preload adjuster still turns.
- Drop damage. At 345 kg the R18 tips easily at walking pace, and the cylinder heads take the hit. Check the valve covers, bar ends, mirror stems and levers for scuffs, then sight down the bars.
Owning one
Service is old-fashioned: valve clearances are set by hand, and the dry clutch is a proper job when it wears. Range is short, around 180 miles. This volume documents the BMW R18 (2020-2024) specifically: verified specifications, the documented weak points and how to inspect each, the service data, and the parts and owner community behind the bike.
Inside this volume
Known issues & a buyer's guide
The documented weak points for this exact model, how to inspect each, and what a proper fix costs.
Full specifications
Every published figure, engine and frame detail, and running change, with the conflicts flagged, not guessed.
Systems & maintenance
Engine, fueling, electrical, and chassis, plus service intervals and torque and fluid data.
Parts & community
Where the parts are, what cross-references, and the clubs and forums that keep the model alive.
Make it your bike.
We fold in your year, your engine and options, your rebuilds and modifications, your VIN, and your own motorcycle's photo on the cover. The book stops describing the bike that left the factory and starts describing the one in your garage.