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2021 BMW R 18 Overview
For 2021, BMW offers the R 18 as a custom / cruiser motorcycle with 1802 cc on tap. The 2021 BMW R 18 is built around a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV w/ two camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.6:1. Out on the road, the R 18 delivers 67 kW @ 4750 rpm of peak power and 158 Nm @ 3000 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2021 R 18 tips the scales at 345 kg, carries a 16-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 690 mm and spans a 1731 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 44.4 kg heavier than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2021 BMW R 18 spec sheet below.
2021 R 18 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the R 18 is 67 kW @ 4750 rpm and 158 Nm @ 3000 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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Accessible seat height: At just 690 mm, flat-footing at a stop is easy for most riders - a genuine confidence builder for less experienced owners.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft, Final Drive 3.091 final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the R 18 - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Air cooling on the R 18 keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the R 18 comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Brake disc and pad wear
2X 300mm discs up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by 49 mm Telescopic fork, Non-adjustable up front and Cantilevered spring-preload adjustable shock at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Shaft final drive on the R 18 removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
Frame & chassis check
The Construction type Double-loop steel tube frame chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The R 18's 345 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
R 18 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2021 BMW R 18 should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 18 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 18's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the R 18's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
2021 BMW R 18 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 BMW R 18 have?
The 2021 BMW R 18 uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV w/ 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 weigh?
The 2021 BMW R 18 weighs 345 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2021 BMW R 18 make?
The 2021 BMW R 18 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?
The 2021 BMW R 18 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 suitable for shorter riders?
The 2021 BMW R 18 has a seat height of 690 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2021 BMW R 18 have?
The 2021 BMW R 18 uses 2X 300mm discs at the front and Single 300mm disc at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2021 BMW R 18 use?
The 2021 BMW R 18 runs 120/70 R 19 or B 19 front and 180/65 B 16 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 have?
The 2021 BMW R 18 is fitted with a Constant-mesh 6-speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV w/ 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
345 kg / 760.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity
16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
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Full 2021 BMW R 18 Specifications
Year
2021
Make Model
BMW R 18
Seat Height
690 mm / 27.2 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
345 kg / 760.5 lbs
Displacement
1802 cc / 110 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV w/ two camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder
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-O
Fuel Induction
Fuel injection, 48 mm Throttle valves
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, Final Drive 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
Constant-mesh 6-speed
Frame Type
Construction type Double-loop steel tube frame
Suspension - Front
49 mm Telescopic fork, Non-adjustable
Suspension - Rear
Cantilevered spring-preload adjustable shock
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
80 mm / 3.5 in
Alternator
600W
Headlight
LED low beam with projection module LED high beam with projection module
Brakes - Front
2X 300mm discs
Brakes - Rear
Single 300mm disc
ABS
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)
Tyres - Front
120/70 R 19 or B 19 (manufacturer-dependent)
Tyres - Rear
180/65 B 16
Wheels
Spoked
Wheels - Front
3.5 x 19
Wheels - Rear
5.0 x 16
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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