{"id":14702,"date":"2020-10-21T09:42:23","date_gmt":"2020-10-21T13:42:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/?p=14702"},"modified":"2020-10-21T12:25:34","modified_gmt":"2020-10-21T16:25:34","slug":"the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2021 BMW R 18: a Beast of a Motorcycle!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a5ccd5ee6495\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a5ccd5ee6495\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/#The_2021_BMW_R_18_a_beast_of_a_motorcycle\" >The 2021 BMW R 18 : a beast of a motorcycle!<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/#A_modern_machine_with_historical_roots\" >A modern machine with historical roots<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/#First_Edition\" >First Edition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/#YOU_MIGHT_WANNA_READ_THIS_ALSO\" >YOU MIGHT WANNA READ THIS ALSO:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/#i\" >\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/#As_refined_as_it_is_powerful\" >As refined as it is powerful<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/#Other_specs\" >Other specs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/#Rock_Roll_Rain\" >Rock, Roll, Rain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/#My_impressions\" >My impressions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/#Final_thoughts\" >Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/#PS_I_wish_to_sincerely_thank_BMW_Canada_for_this_incredible_opportunity\" >PS I wish to sincerely thank BMW Canada for this incredible opportunity!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_2021_BMW_R_18_a_beast_of_a_motorcycle\"><\/span>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwmotorcycles.com\/en\/models\/heritage\/r18.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2021 BMW R 18<\/a> : a beast of a motorcycle!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>This year, it seems the designers at BMW were feeling nostalgic, and also extra badass. They decided to remake an old classic into a modern beast, and I was lucky enough to test it.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_modern_machine_with_historical_roots\"><\/span>A modern machine with historical roots<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Inspired by the R 5 &#8211; often referred to by motorcycle fans as one of the most beautiful bikes ever made &#8211; the R 18 will immediately conquer the hearts of motorbike enthusiasts who are feeling nostalgic of BMW Motorrad\u2019s early days. The R 18 revisits classic BMW staples such as the double loop steel tube frame and the flowing exhaust. Thanks to the traditionally purist, no-frills design of the motorcycle, the attention immediately shifts to the iconic boxer engine as the bike\u2019s centerpiece, like in the good ol\u2019 days.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;14694&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"First_Edition\"><\/span>First Edition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Those lucky enough to get their hands on the First Edition of the R 18 will get a bike that is truly reminiscent of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwgroup-classic.com\/en\/classic-heart\/classic-heart-pool\/classic-heart\/BMW-R5.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the classic R 5<\/a>. The iconic double white stripes on the Black Storm Metallic fuel tank and rear fender is one example of an element that was taken from BMW\u2019s classic archives for this model. The emphasis on chrome design elements also make this edition stand out: the valve covers, hand and foot controls, master cylinders, brake calipers, mirrors and bar ends are all made of chrome. The \u201cFirst Edition\u201d side-panel badges are a nice final touch.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;14689&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;14690&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"YOU_MIGHT_WANNA_READ_THIS_ALSO\"><\/span><em>YOU MIGHT WANNA READ THIS ALSO:<br \/>\n<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<div id=\"attachment_14704\" style=\"width: 1246px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/road-test-2020-bmw-f900-r\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14704\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14704\" src=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Capture-en.jpg\" alt=\"BMW F900 R 2020\" width=\"1236\" height=\"295\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Capture-en.jpg 1236w, https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Capture-en-300x72.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Capture-en-1024x244.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Capture-en-768x183.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Capture-en-1170x279.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Capture-en-585x140.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1236px) 100vw, 1236px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-14704\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">BMW F900 R 2020<\/p><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i\"><\/span><em>\u00a0<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"As_refined_as_it_is_powerful\"><\/span>As refined as it is powerful<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The horizontally opposed cylinders certainly give the motorcycle a striking appearance, but this newly developed 2-cylinder boxer engine does so much more than add to the look of the bike.<\/p>\n<p>Affectionately nicknamed the \u201cBig Boxer,\u201d this engine boasts an incredible displacement of 1802 cc.\u00a0 With four valves per cylinder and dual overhead camshafts on each, this is the most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever to be used in motorcycle series production, and certainly the biggest boxer BMW has ever offered. An astounding 116 lbs-ft of torque is available at 3,000 rpm, with 91 hp at 4,750 rpm. Clocking in at a whopping 761 pounds, this bike is truly a monster of a machine.<\/p>\n<p>At lower revolution levels, you can really feel the motorcycle\u2019s vibrations purring as it begs for more throttle; and it can certainly take it! All in all, the R 18 offers a ride that is as refined as it is performant.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThis bike\u2019s elegance is matched only by its incredible power.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;14691&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_specs\"><\/span>Other specs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Despite the classic essence of the bike, its designers sprinkled some state-of-the-art technology here and there, which I really appreciate.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cLoving the look of a classic bike shouldn\u2019t mean forfeiting comfort, safety and general riding pleasure.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The headlight is a modern LED light that shines very brightly; I got to test this bike in a mountainous road at night, and I could see incredibly well and far ahead. This is thanks to the reflective panels within the headlight, which serve to optimize lighting in all directions. I especially love the rear and brake light, which are integrated in a single LED indicator. This really adds to the motorcycle\u2019s purist look, which I love. Furthermore, the driveshaft is exposed, giving the bike an original and striking edge.<\/p>\n<p>Add to that the keyless ride and the sweet, sweet heated handles (I can no longer live without them), and you\u2019ve got yourself quite a motorcycle! A reverse gear is also available as an optional addition, which can come in handy when handling such a hefty bike.<\/p>\n<p>A wide selection of seats, windshields, foot rests and other accent accessories are also available, enabling the bike\u2019s new owner to truly make it theirs.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;14697&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rock_Roll_Rain\"><\/span>Rock, Roll, Rain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Three driving modes offer the rider the option to adjust the way the motorcycle behaves by the simple flick of an easily accessible button.<\/p>\n<p>Rain mode limits the power and torque and softens the throttle response, for enhanced safety on wet pavement.<\/p>\n<p>Roll is perfect for every day cruising; it can be considered the bike\u2019s \u201cregular\u201d setting.<\/p>\n<p>If you really want to have fun, you can switch into Rock mode, which unleashes the motorcycle\u2019s full power and torque for a more aggressive (read: awesome) ride.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;14693&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_impressions\"><\/span>My impressions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As soon as I turned it on, I had to plant my feet solidly into the ground because of the sheer power of the boxer engine as the motor roared to life.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cI could tell I was about to have the time of my life.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>At first, I was somewhat intimidated by the strength of the engine I held between my hands and by the size and weight of the motorcycle. However, I quickly became comfortable controlling the clutch and throttle, and was grateful for the low seat height, which enabled me to have both feet firmly on the ground at intersections.<\/p>\n<p>I can assure you that this bike is a head-turner. I had several people come up to ask questions about the bike, and many people on the road did double takes when I passed by. It\u2019s such an impressive, unique, refined motorcycle; it is no surprise that it attracts so much attention.<\/p>\n<p>If I were to buy this bike, however, I would start by changing the handles. The stock grip is made of vertical lines, which doesn\u2019t offer much grip much at all. I constantly had to readjust my hands because they were slipping, which became frustrating and quite physically tiresome. If you are a shorter person like me, I would also recommend choosing another set of handlebars that is more curved towards the rider: the stock ones were too far forward for me, and my hands were very wide apart. For reference, I am 5 feet tall.<\/p>\n<p>If you purchase this bike, make sure you get a crash course on removing the gas cap and putting it back into place; because the mechanism isn\u2019t instinctive, I had to do a few Google searches and give a phone call or two for help when I was at the gas station!<\/p>\n<p>That being said, I was very impressed with how easy it is to manoeuvre this giant! By the time I arrived at Mauricie Park, I was already comfortable enough to attack the curves with full confidence; and the motorcycle responded beautifully. Don\u2019t let the initial vibration of the boxer engine fool you: as soon as the bike hits its sweet rpm spot, the ride is as smooth as can be.<\/p>\n<p>All in all, the R 18 is an exceptional, sophisticated, and powerful bike that is both modern and reminiscent of simpler times.<\/p>\n<p>It is truly a beautiful homage to the R 5.<\/p>\n<p>Consider me highly impressed, BMW Motorrad![\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;14692&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_thoughts\"><\/span>Final thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With the R 18, BMW has entered the cruiser market with a major bang. The competition has better watch out, because there\u2019s an impressive new player in town.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a beast inside this bike, and it wants out.<\/p>\n<p>Will you unleash it?<\/p>\n<p>xx<\/p>\n<p>\u00c9milie<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PS_I_wish_to_sincerely_thank_BMW_Canada_for_this_incredible_opportunity\"><\/span>PS I wish to sincerely thank <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmw-motorrad.ca\/fr\/home.html#\/filter-tous\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BMW Canada<\/a> for this incredible opportunity!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The 2021 BMW R 18 : a beast of&hellip;","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":14713,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1771],"tags":[2703,1866,2701,3872,120,1858,2702,1847],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14702"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14702"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14702\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14713"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14702"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14702"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14702"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}