BMW reveals the 2021 R 18 motorcycle - the big boxer cruiser

BMW R 18 (2020) - Black München, Bayern, Germany

BMW's pre-war inspired boxer R18 makes it's production debut today. Wait for it… you can add your ape hangers. The new cruiser was years in the making; units are expected in dealers late 2020.

Is BMW is breaking into the cruiser segment just as Harley is breaking out?

BMW is breaking into the cruiser segment with the new R18

The boxer engine revived in the 2021 R18 - BMW's first cruiser?

BMW will offer the R 18 in the short run, First Edition along with a standard base model. First Edition buyers will receive a special welcome box that contains historical tank emblems with copper lettering, along with hardware, assembly gloves, a screwdriver, and a t-shirt. Base price for the R 18 is US $17,495 and the First Edition will start at US $19,870.

The bike features the classic BMW boxer with a dry clutch and a six-speed gearbox with the driveshaft exposed on the right side! This was done in homage to the prewar Beemers like the R5 and R51 from which the R18 takes much of its inspiration. If you don't want to push it in reverse, you can get reverse gear as an option, just like on a Goldwing.

This is a soft tail that looks like a hardtail (no rear suspension) but actually it's hiding its rear suspension bits. The Concept R18 pictured has a hidden rear mono-shock for a classic hardtail look. What you do get is multiple ride modes which include Rock (lots of power), Roll (road) and Rain (reduced power and torque).

Massive cylinders with cooling fins protrude beyond the ends of the handlebar.

Driveshaft is on the right side, brake disc with big Brembo caliper is on the left

BMW revealed the R18 on their YouTube channel today. Aesthetically, you may agree it's more beautiful than a Harley and if imitation the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness…

Interestingly, BMW has released a motorcycle that harkens back to the 1930s just as we're hitting a depression.

#ABavarianSoulstory - Episode 9: BMW R 18 l The Reveal

The R 18 is so reto, it's back to the future?

BMW R 18 Cruiser motorcycle with ape hangers

BMW R 18 side by side with the R13 hardtail

BMW R 18 Cruiser dash is quite small but simple

BMW R 18 2021 motorcycle

Could Harley be saying if you're going to play in our sandbox (Pan America 1250 ADV) then we'll pay in yours? BMW's designer Edgar Heinrich attempts to explain in this Bike EXIF interview. Possibly taking cues from Harley, he says“Technically superior solutions might not always be the best choice—which is a sometimes hard to understand for a company most renowned for innovation and technology. It was an intense development process, sometimes it took tough decisions, there were arguments and controversy, but eventually, the team of engineers and designers grew together during the process and learned from each other.”

The price for the showroom bike will be $17,495 (standard model) or $19,870 (upmarket ‘First Edition’) in the US, and €22,800 in Germany for the ‘First Edition’ only. So the cost of the R18 is on a par with much of Harley’s cruiser range, including the Low Rider S, FXDR and Fat Bob models—plus the Indian Chief.

Well, while KTM is eating BMW's lunch, BMW is taking a bite of the Harley sandwich. Yum?