Munich/Milan. The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 – a
purist, historically inspired version of the big boxer – was presented
by the BMW Group at the Concorso d’Eleganza in the Villa d’Este at
Lake Como in the early summer. Six months later, at the world’s
biggest motorcycle show – the EICMA in Milan – BMW Motorrad now
presents its second sensational concept bike based on a big boxer
engine: the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 (pronounced: “Slash Two”). It
is the stylistic opposite of the Concept R 18: a modern, dynamic
custom cruiser with a performance appeal that is somewhat rougher
round the edges. As such, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2
demonstrates yet another potential expression of the Heritage concept,
providing an impressive example of the flexibility and wide-ranging
customisation options offered by this basic architecture.
The
presentation at the EICMA will take place exclusively by means of
films and photographs.
“In contrast to the classic, elegant BMW Motorrad Concept R 18,
the Concept R 18 /2 draws on its large boxer engine and frame to
create a modern custom concept. The Concept R 18 /2 is uniquely
extrovert. Elements from the past and future of BMW Motorrad merge
here to create a captivating cruiser, making a powerful statement:
“It’s a highly emotional bike designed for active riding. At the same
time, the Concept R 18 /2 reflects the range of characterisations and
customer dreams that we are able to realise using the same backbone,”
explains Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad.
A performance cruiser à la BMW.
The BMW Motorrad
Concept R 18 /2 celebrates the fascination of cruisers in an
interpretation that is both sporty and modern. Minimalist handlebar
trim together with the deep, elongated proportions promises a dynamic
driving experience. The fairing, tear-drop fuel tank and seat form a
flowing line that finds its perfect conclusion in the shortened rear
wheel cover. All body parts are finished in Candy Apple Red metallic,
an expressive red tone that highlights the flowing movement on the
side. This luminous custom red with lots of depth is a real
eye-catcher, changing from bright red to almost black depending on the
incidence of light. Another striking feature is created by the graphic
lines on the painted body parts, which extend from the side and top
view of the fuel tank to the wheel cover and are visually prolonged
across the seat. These give the Concept Bike a distinctive appeal.
The large boxer at the centre.
As in the Concept
R 18, the centrepiece of the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 is a large
2-cylinder boxer engine with 1800 cc, including modern air/oil cooling
and designed in a 1960s aesthetic. The engine is finished in a warm
grey tone and has a sporty look, with an integrated breast cover,
valve covers in a high-gloss black finish and a black frame. The
engine badge bears the name of the Concept Bike, adding a high-quality
accentuation.
After “Departed” by the Japanese customizer CUSTOM
WORKS ZON, “The Revival Birdcage” by Revival Cycles in Austin, Texas
and the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 is
now the fourth interpretation of the large-volume BMW Motorrad boxer engine.
Attention to detail.
As a genuine BMW, the BMW
Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 not only features a boxer engine, loop frame
and tear-drop fuel tank, it also has a classic and elegantly showcased
universal shaft. The striking cast iron wheels with 19” at the front
and 16” at the rear create an equally discreet and dynamic dragster
look, authentically rounding off the bike’s overall appearance.
Meanwhile features such as high-performance Brembo brake calipers and
Hattech stainless steel tailpipe system reflect the close attention to
detail with which the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 was designed.
Multitude of possibilities.
The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 puts forward a new
interpretation of a dynamic performance cruiser that not only taps
into an area previously unexplored by BMW Motorrad but also
demonstrates the true versatility of the “big boxer” platform. “After
the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, our aim with the Concept R 18 /2 is to
demonstrate how flexible the basic engine and suspension are as a
starting point for customisation, and how easy it is to authentically
realise different styles. And I have to admit: we were very impressed
at how it was possible to bring this boxer concept forward from the
30s via the 80s into the 2020s,” says Bart Janssen Groesbeek, BMW
Motorrad Vehicle Designer for the Big Boxer Concepts.
You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad
rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.
In case of queries, please contact:
Antonia Cecchetti, Communication BMW Motorrad
Tel.: +49 89 382-60757, Antonia.Cecchetti@bmw.de
Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communication BMW Motorrad
Tel.: +49 89 382 -57505, Tim.Diehl-Thiele@bmw.de
Internet: www.press.bmw.de
E-mail: presse@bmw.de
The BMW Group
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 31 production and assembly
facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.
In 2018, the BMW Group sold over 2,490,000 passenger vehicles and
more than 165,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the
financial year 2018 was € 9.815 billion on revenues amounting to
€ 97.480 billion. As of 31 December 2018, the BMW Group had a
workforce of 134,682 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established
ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain,
comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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