BMW’s R18 is rolls out in style

While BMW has stayed true to the original 1936 R5 style wise, the R18’s engine is a pleasant surprise, among other things

It won’t be long before we are in an age where motorcycle companies will find it difficult to individualise the experience their battery-powered machines offer. BMW, however, appears to have no such qualms. Whether this is a last hurrah or just German humour, the R18 delivers an unforgettable internal-combustion experience. What helps it do so is that massive engine it isn’t shy of flaunting. The large-ribbed cylinders you see on this bike are 901cc each! That makes it much bigger than the GS’ motor and the highest capacity twin-cylinder boxer engine on a production motorcycle. On the move, it is smooth as can be with just the right amount of pulses coming through under the acceleration. Despite its gigantic size, this engine is no powerhouse. It only puts out 91hp which doesn’t feel like a lot on a bike this heavy. But what this engine aces at is making loads of torque — 158Nm to be precise, almost all of which comes in as early as 2,000rpm. It also doesn’t complain as much as a V-twin at low revs and you can lug it from as low as 1,300rpm without protest.