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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 84.2 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 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition against up to 1569 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 88 of the other 1004 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a heavier wet weight than the 365 kg of the R 18 Classic First Edition.
- With 1802 cc, the R 18 Classic First Edition has the joint 179th largest engine displacement of 1569 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category, 55% above the category average of 1160 cc.
- Torque of 158 Nm is higher than that of 882 of the other 1052 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
- Narrowing the field to the 398 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 365 kg is heavier than that of 345 of the other 397.
2021 R 18 Classic First Edition - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
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.
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🔧
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
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Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
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Accessible seat height: A 710 mm seat height keeps this manageable for most riders, which helps confidence at parking-lot speeds.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Running a shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.
Considerations
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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 with its 1802 cc custom / cruiser, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 5 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. 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 the R 18 Classic First Edition's 1802 cc four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed boxer, pushrod-actuated ohv with two camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 9.6:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. 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
Weight
365 kg / 804.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity
16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
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Full 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition Specifications
Year
2021
Make
BMW
Model
R 18 Classic First Edition
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
Oil Capacity
4.0 litres
Wet Weight
365 kg / 804.6 lbs
Stroke
100.0 mm
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 Diameter (in.)
11.8 in
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
300 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
11.8 in
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
300 mm
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.
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