A MASTERPIECE OF POWER AND ELEGANCE
BMW Motorrad is proud to unveil its latest marvel of engineering and design, the all-new R18 Octane. This extraordinary motorcycle combines timeless elegance with unmatched power, delivering an exhilarating riding experience like no other. With its distinctive features and superior performance, the BMW R18 Octane is set to captivate motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.
The BMW Motorrad R18 Octane is aimed at passionate motorcyclists who seek the perfect blend of classic aesthetics and cutting-edge technology. This model appeals to those who appreciate the rich heritage of BMW motorcycles and desire an iconic machine that turns heads at every corner.
The Latest in The R18 Lineup
BMW first introduced the R18 Cruiser in 2020 at which time it was made clear that this was just the beginning of their foray into the world of large displacement air/oil cooled cruiser/tourers. Since that release we have seen a number of variations which included windshields, saddlebags and a full dress model dubbed the “Transcontinental”.
The BMW R18 Roctane model is dubbed a “Cruiser” and brings some traditional cruiser styling features to the pavement this time out. A 21” wheel now spins on the front end below black finished “mini-ape” handlebars. The power train is blacked out and breathes through a dark chrome exhaust system. The 21” front wheel extends the trail to over 7 inches which is sure to produce much better straight line stability than the standard R18 whose trail is under 6 inches.
Black chrome exhaust on the R18 Roctane
The Essential Details
At the heart of the BMW R18 Roctane lies the robust and reliable BMW Motorrad Boxer engine. The huge 1,802 cc air/oil-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder powerhouse produces a claimed 91 hp and 116 lb-ft of torque. This power is delivered through a smooth-shifting 6-speed transmission to the shaft final drive. Reverse assist and hill start control are offered as options. Keyless start and multiple ride modes are standard.
“Mini-Ape” (mid rise) handlebars are standard
A single cantilever rear shock has travel-dependent damping and full adjustable spring preload. The standard solo seat sits 28.3” above the pavement. Optional 2-up saddles for the pillion position are available, or you can fill that spot on the rear fender with an optional luggage rack.
Claimed curb weight is 825 pounds fully fueled and includes all road-ready lubricants. Fully fueled on this big bike is a rather smallish 4.2 gallons; sufficient for cruising. Keep your eye on that fuel gauge, however, if you hit the highway on this large displacement machine.
The standard R18 Roctane solo saddle
A Great Bit of Nostalgia
Speaking of gauges, the BMW R18 Roctane has a single round instrument cluster integrated into the metal headlamp housing. This is reminiscent of the BMW R5 motorcycles of 1930’s vintage. Unlike it’s inspiration from the last millennium, the BMW R18 Roctane gauge features a traditional style analog speedometer while all other essential information can be displayed by navigating through an LED screen located below the speedo needle.
The nostalgic headlamp-mounted gauge setup
MSRP for the BMW R18 Roctane has been set at $18,695. Though this price point is almost $4,000 higher than a standard R18, it is still well below its American V-Twin counterparts: The Harley-Davidson Road King and The Indian Springfield Dark Horse…both priced at $23,999.
The first BMW R18 Roctane motorcycles should hit the US shore in the third quarter of 2023. They will all be 2024 model year units. Three color choices are available: Black Storm Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic Matte and Manhattan Metallic Matte.
Color choices for the 2024 model year
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