BMW’s R18 cruiser is billed as a pure, no-frills bike which is less about technology and more about pure riding pleasure.
Built around their latest 2-cylinder boxer; the most powerful boxer engine they’ve made to date with a displacement of 1802cc.
As you’d expect with any cruiser, there’s a wide range of custom parts available to make the bike your own, and the German brand has collaborated with the likes of Roland Sands, Vance & Hinds and Mustang Seats to name a few.
The factory fresh bike comes fitted with either the Bridgestone Battlecruise H50 or Michelin Commander III Touring as standard.
The Commander III Touring is one of two new tyres added to Michelin’s custom bike range last year, along with the Commander III Cruiser.
Bike Magazine editor Mike Armitage has had one these new Bavarian cruisers on test recently, and in the most recent issue of the magazine he had this to say about the factory fitted Michelin rubber:
“Forget dual compound and edge-rip twadle. You want ‘velvet sidewall styling’ from Michelin’s ‘premium touch technology’, which uses sciency stuff to create contrast and shading on the sidewall. I can’t notice anything with the Commanders on our long-term test BMW R18, but I can vouch for confidence-boosting feel and gloopiness from the silica rich rubber.
Low, long, heavy bikes can work the front tyre hard but the Michelin’s are always secure. There’s enough grip and sense of connection to touch the pegs down in damp conditions, which is ace – you can pretty much ride the same regardless of conditions.”
