2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition Specifications

Name: 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition
Brand: BMW

Custom / cruiser • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition Overview

BMW R 18 Classic First Edition is a custom / cruiser motorcycle, displacing 1802 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV with two camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.6:1. On the performance side, it delivers 67 kW @ 4750 rpm of peak power and 158 Nm @ 3000 rpm of torque. On the road, the 2021 R 18 Classic First Edition tips the scales at 365 kg, carries a 16-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 710 mm and spans a 1731 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 64.4 kg heavier than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. The full 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2021 R 18 Classic First Edition - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: With 67 kW @ 4750 rpm and 158 Nm @ 3000 rpm of torque on tap, the R 18 Classic First Edition is no slouch for its class.
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
Accessible seat height: A 710 mm seat height keeps this manageable for most riders, which helps confidence at parking-lot speeds.
Low-maintenance final drive: Running Shaft, 3.091 final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.

Considerations

Age-related wear: Nothing specific stands out as a weak point on the R 18 Classic First Edition - the usual used-bike checks (service history, consumables, tyres) apply.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Because the R 18 Classic First Edition relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.

Fuelling & injector care

The Electronic intake pipe fuel injection on the R 18 Classic First Edition needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.

Brake disc and pad wear

Braking up front comes from 2x 300mm discs, 4-piston fixed caliper - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.

Suspension condition on used examples

The R 18 Classic First Edition's suspension runs 49 mm Telescopic fork, Non-adjustable at the front. The rear uses Steel swinging fork with central shock strut. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The R 18 Classic First Edition uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.

Frame & chassis check

Built around a Construction type double-loop steel tube frame, the R 18 Classic First Edition's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.

Handling the weight at a standstill

365 kg puts the R 18 Classic First Edition toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.

R 18 Classic First Edition - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, chain and sprocket wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy R 18 Classic First Edition should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects a R 18 Classic First Edition's engine like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Fuel system care

Fuel injection on the R 18 Classic First Edition needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.

2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition have?

The 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV with two camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 1802 cc of displacement. It is air/water cooled.

How much does the 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition weigh?

The 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition weighs 365 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition make?

The 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition produces 67 kW @ 4750 rpm of power and 158 Nm @ 3000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition?

The 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition has a 16-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 266-320 km between stops.

Is the 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition suitable for shorter riders?

The 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition has a seat height of 710 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition have?

The 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition uses 2x 300mm discs, 4-piston fixed caliper at the front and Single 300mm disc, 4-piston fixed caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition use?

The 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition runs 130/90 B16 front and 180/65 B16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition have?

The 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition is fitted with a 6-speed shifting claw transmission in separate transmission housing transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV with two camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder

Power

67 kW / 91 hp @ 4750 rpm

Torque

158 Nm / 116 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

365 kg / 804.6 lbs

Fuel Capacity

16 Litres / 4.2 US gal

Full 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition Specifications

Year 2021

Make Model BMW R 18 Classic First Edition

Seat Height 710 mm / 27.9 in

Wheelbase 1731 mm / 68.1 in

Length 2440 mm / 36 in

Width 964 mm / 37.9 in with mirrors

Fuel Capacity 16 Litres / 4.2 US gal

Wet Weight 365 kg / 804.6 lbs

Max Power 67 kW / 91 hp @ 4750 rpm

Max Torque 158 Nm / 116 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Displacement 1802 cc / 110 cu-in

Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV with two camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder

Fuel System Electronic intake pipe fuel injection, 48 mm Throttle valves

Bore x Stroke 107.1 X 100 mm

Compression Ratio 9.6:1

Cooling System Air/water cooled

Emissions Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, EU5 exhaust standard

Engine Management BMS-K+ electronic engine management with overrun cut-off, twin-spark ignition: BMS-O with e-gas

Fuel Type Premium unleaded (95-98 RON)

Intake / Outlet Valve Diameter 41.2 x 35.0 mm

Lubrication Wet sump

Starter Electric, 1.5 kW

Battery Capacity 12/26 V/Ah maintenance-free

Clutch Hydraulically activated single-disc dry clutch

Final Drive Shaft, 3.091

Gear Ratios 1st 2,438 / 2nd 1,696 / 3rd 1,296 / 4th 1,065 / 5th 0,903 / 6th 0,784

Primary Drive Ratios 1.16

Transmission / Drive 6-speed shifting claw transmission in separate transmission housing

Frame Type Construction type double-loop steel tube frame

Suspension - Front 49 mm Telescopic fork, Non-adjustable

Suspension - Rear Steel swinging fork with central shock strut

Rake 32.7°

Steering Head Angle 57.3°

Trail 150 mm / 5.9 in

Wheel Travel - Front 120 mm / 4.7 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 90 mm / 3.5 in

Alternator Permanent magnet generator 600 W (nominal capacity)

Headlight LED low beam with projection module LED high beam with projection module

Brakes - Front 2x 300mm discs, 4-piston fixed caliper

Brakes - Rear Single 300mm disc, 4-piston fixed caliper

ABS BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)

Rims - Front 3.0 x 16

Rims - Rear 5.0 x 16

Tyres - Front 130/90 B16

Tyres - Rear 180/65 B16

Wheels Spoked

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.