Minor updates for 2025 R 18 family

BMW Motorrad has renewed the R 18 family for the 2025 model year. That is to say: the R 18 and R 18 Classic, with the other R 18 models the Germans have limited the news to new colors, optional accessories and equipment outside the more powerful block.

Minor updates for 2025 R 18 family

It has been five years since BMW Motorrad, after the failed adventure at the end of the last century with the R 1200 C, made a new attempt to enter the cruiser segment, this time with the completely redesigned R 18, powered by a 1,802 cc boxer engine, the biggest boxer ever. The R 18 was followed that same year by the R 18 Classic.

In 2021, the R 18 Transcontinental and the R 18 B were added to the Big Boxer family, followed two years by a fifth model, the R 18 Octane. For the 2025 model year, the R 18 models now feature updates in design, comfort and technology.

BMW Motorrad says a revision of the ECU has ensured that the 1,802 cc boxer engine now meets the Euro 5+ standard. What is more interesting, however, is that with the same power of 91 hp, the maximum torque has been increased by 5 Nm to now 163 Nm at 3,000 rpm, of which more than 150 Nm of torque is always available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm.

Markus Lederer, Head of Air-Cooled Boxer Series:

“Even more driving pleasure – that was our goal when redesigning the BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic. We’ve refined the design style, made numerous improvements in detail and comfort and made the R 18 even more fun to ride with the 18-inch rear wheel. In addition to new finishes and equipment, the BMW R 18 Roctane, R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental have also undergone a technical overhaul to bring the entire BMW R 18 family into compliance with the EU 5+ standard.”

R18

In addition to the more powerful engine, BMW Motorrad has also adjusted the styling of the R 18 and R 18 Classic. BMW Motorrad now calls the revised R 18 purist, but also more contemporary. With a new front and rear mudguard design together with an 18-inch rear wheel (previously 16 inches) and a new wheel design with seven double spokes, the R 18 should have a more dynamic appearance.

The wheels are also optionally available as Contrast Cut Wheels. Here the cast aluminum wheels are polished and then sealed with a clear finish. The well-known 19″/16″ spoke wheels are still optionally available.

Other features that harmonize with the more dynamic design style are the new dampers with a circular cross-section and the newly designed individual seat with foam that is 10 mm thicker and with modified design contours. The, according to BMW, significantly more comfortable buddy seat is removable and can be easily unlocked with a push button hidden under the cover.

To ensure a more comfortable ride, the rear shock has a new spring/damping ratio adjustment, which have been adapted to the new 18-inch rear wheel with the new tire size 180/55 B 18. Other new features include the now standard daytime running lights and a USB C connection.


R18 Classic

The styling of the BMW R 18 Classic is also somewhat refined. The most striking new feature is the front mudguard, which has been taken from the R 18 B in combination with a 19-inch front wheel (previously 16 inches). The front mudguard now includes the fender extension, which has been significantly lowered for a stylish effect.

The new mudguard not only harmonizes with the fork covers still available for the R 18 Classic, but according to BMW, emphasizes its affinity with the nostalgic touring segment. Together with newly designed side covers and rear shocks with a circular cross-section, the R 18 Classic now has an even classic and more authentic appearance. Other new features include standard daytime running lights and a USB-C connection.

Overview of the new functions in the new BMW R 18 models

All BMW R 18 models

– Euro 5+ standard.
– Maximum torque increased by 5 Nm to 163 Nm, available at 3,000 rpm as before.
– New optional equipment and original BMW Motorrad accessories.

BMW R18

– New front and rear fenders.
– 18 inch rear wheel (previously 16 inches).
– New wheel design with seven double spokes
– Side cover with more highlighted side contour.
– “Rough look” of the fork section without classic fork covers
– New rear damper with circular cross-section.
– Single buddy seat with thicker padding and modified design contour.
– Buddy seat is removable, released via push button (hidden under the cover).
– Strut with new spring/damping ratios for increased comfort.
– Daytime running lights and USB-C charging connection as standard.
– New Blacked Out equipment variant.

BMW R18 Classic

– New front mudguard in combination with a 19-inch spoked front wheel (previously 16 inches).
– Side cover with more highlighted side contour.
– Daytime running lights and USB-C charging connection as standard.
– New Blacked Out equipment variant.

BMW R18 Roctane

– New color scheme Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic.
– New optional equipment Filler Panel in body color.
– Pushrods, intake silencer and inner headlight ring in Dark Chrome.

BMW R18B

– Favorites button for quick access.
– New Blacked Out equipment variant.
– New optional equipment Filler Panel in body color.
– Optional equipment variant Option 719 Black Pearl now with pushrods and intake silencer in Dark Chrome.

BMW R18 Transcontinental

– Favorites button for quick access.
– Basic version now available in a new, additional color scheme: Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic.
– Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic exclusive with pushrods and intake silencer in Dark Chrome.

– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.

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