The new BMW R 18 Roctane is the fifth member of the R 18 family – cruising and touring in custom bagger style.
The new R 18 Roctane joins the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental as the fifth member of the R 18 family. Once again, it draws on the history and tradition of BMW Motorrad and combines state-of-the-art motorbike technology with the design and fascination of days gone by. Both technically and aesthetically, the BMW R 18 is inspired by famous BMW models such as the BMW R 5 and brings the focus back to the essentials: purist technology and the boxer engine as the epicentre of riding pleasure. Classic design and contemporary technology come together in a fascinating unicum. This combination offers a unique and exciting riding experience and the model is characterised by a skilful design language that is expressed in particular in the rear section, in the so-called ‘aerodynamic design’.
BMW’s mightiest boxer engine of all time delivers muscular torque in a matte metallic black finish with gloss black covers, as well as a dark chrome exhaust system and star locknuts. At the heart of the new BMW R 18 Roctane is the well-known flat-twin (2-cylinder) engine, the ‘big boxer’. Not only because of its imposing appearance, but also because of its technical specifications, the engine of the new R 18 Roctane, finished in matt Avus black metallic and with gloss black covers, recalls the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have offered an exhilarating riding experience for more than seven decades since BMW Motorrad began producing motorbikes in 1923. The most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever built in motorbike series production boasts a displacement of 1,802 cc. It generates a power output of 67 kW (91 hp) at 4,750 rpm. In the range between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, it delivers torque of more than 150 Nm at all times, as well as essential power and an unmistakable sound. The black engine is perfectly matched to the dark chrome exhaust system and star-shaped locknuts.
Tubular steel double-cradle frame and rear swingarm with integral drive shaft with rigid frame appearance
The tubular double-cradle steel frame is the heart of the new R 18 Roctane’s chassis. Its design carries on the long BMW Motorrad tradition of this type of frame. The particularly high build quality and attention to detail are evident even in barely noticeable details, such as the welded joints between the steel tubes and cast or forged parts. Like the legendary BMW R 5, the similarly designed rear swingarm includes the gimbaled drive shaft in the same style, using bolted connections.
Telescopic forks, cantilever rear suspension and alloy wheels of 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear, plus disc brakes.
The suspension elements of the new BMW R 18 Roctane were designed to have no electronic adjustment function. Rather, a mechanical system was desired, with a telescopic fork and a suspension system mounted directly on the swingarm with progressive damping and adjustable spring preload ensuring superior wheel control and responsive suspension comfort. As on the legendary BMW R 5, the telescopic fork stems are enclosed in a fork cover. The diameter of the fork stanchions is 49 mm, the suspension travel is 120 mm at the front and 90 mm at the rear. The new BMW R 18 Roctane is stopped by a double disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in combination with fixed four-piston callipers. The alloy wheels give the bike an elegant look. 3.5 x 21″ at the front with 120/70 B 21 tyres and 5.5 x 18″ at the rear with 180/55 B 18 tyres.
Consistent ergonomics with two-level seat, footpegs, shift paddles and high handlebars.
The new BMW R 18 Roctane is characterised by a relaxed, so-called ‘central’ footpeg position, entirely in line with the BMW Motorrad philosophy. This classic position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW, but also allows a comfortable and active riding position for optimum control of the motorbike. The R 18 Roctane has a two-tier seat that tapers towards the rear, with straps for the pillion passenger, and is equipped with long footrests together with a rocker gear pedal. The high, black-coated handlebars ensure an upright and comfortable riding position.
Matching panniers and windshield as original BMW Motorrad accessories. Three attractive paint finishes.
The new R 18 Roctane is ideally equipped for relaxed riding and touring thanks to luggage in the same colour as the bike. The cases offer 27 litres of luggage space each. For longer tours, the new R 18 Roctane can be equipped with a windscreen with additional headlights and suspended indicators from the BMW Motorrad Genuine Accessories range. The new R 18 Roctane features a black paint finish as standard. Matt metallic mineral grey and matt metallic Manhattan paint finishes are available as options.
Three riding modes, ASC and engine brake control come as standard and guarantee high levels of riding fun and safety. Reverse Assist, Hillstart Control and heated grips are available as factory options.
To meet individual customer requirements, the new R 18 Roctane comes as standard with the three riding modes ‘Rain’, ‘Roll’ and ‘Rock’, an unusual feature in this segment. The standard equipment also includes ASC (Automatic Stability Control), which guarantees a high level of driving safety. In addition, the new R 18 Roctane is equipped with torque control as standard. In addition to other options, a reverse assist makes manoeuvring comfortable and the Hill Start Control function facilitates hill starts. Heated grips, available as an optional extra, keep your hands warm on cold days.
The new R 18 Roctane: the “big boxer” with rigid-looking frame, modern technology and authentic custom bagger-style materials. Headlamp with integrated round instrumentation in classic design.
The R 18 Roctane skilfully reinterprets the iconic styling of bygone eras in custom bagger style, and many details reflect the purist design that was mainly modelled on classics such as the BMW R 5. Functional and stylish elements such as the double-cradle steel frame, the drop-in fuel tank, the open gimbal drive or the white double-threaded finish (optional ex works) are reminiscent of the legendary 1936 boxer. Even the classic body parts of the R 18 Roctane, such as the fuel tank, the front and rear wheel covers or the headlight housing, are made of metal, just like an authentic classic. Even the suspension is reminiscent of the legendary R 5. Together with the double wishbone and a cantilever suspension system, the rigid frame structure of the R 5 has been perfectly reinterpreted for today. Wherever you look, technology designed with love and dedication is in every detail. This also applies to the headlamp with the integrated round instrument in classic design. The legendary BMW R 5 of 1936 and, since then, almost all BMW motorbikes up to the early 1970s featured this characteristic combination. The new BMW R 18 Roctane revives this tradition with state-of-the-art technology and contemporary design. The inscription “BERLIN BUILT” on the dial is a reference to the motorbike’s origins. The new R 18 Roctane is also produced at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau.
A design that can be easily modified for perfect individualisation.
Like all other members of the R 18 family, the new R 18 Roctane features a very easy-to-modify structure, which was already the focus of attention when the basic design of the R 18 series was conceived. In addition, the visible valve covers (cylinder head covers) and engine covers (engine housing covers) are designed so that they are located outside the oil chamber, making them very easy to replace.
Highlights of the new BMW R 18 Roctane:
- Iconic styling through the use of modern technologies and authentic materials.
- Largest BMW boxer engine ever with a capacity of 1,802 cc.
- Power of 67 kW (91 hp) at 4,750 rpm, maximum torque of 158 Nm at 3,000 rpm.
- Over 150 Nm always available from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm.
- Open shaft drive based on the classic model.
- Exhaust system and star locknuts in Dark Chrome.
- Tubular steel double-cradle frame.
- Rear swingarm with through-drive shaft with rigid frame effect.
- Telescopic fork with fork cover, cantilever suspension with progressive damping
- Well-balanced ergonomics with high handlebars ensure relaxed riding and optimum control.
- Disc brakes front and rear and cast alloy wheels 21 inch front and 18 inch rear.
- Side covers with emblem.
- Headlamp housing with integrated round classic instrument.
- State-of-the-art LED lighting technology, classically interpreted.
- Adaptive headlights for even better illumination of the road when cornering, as a factory option.
- Keyless Ride for convenient remote operation (on and off).
- Manual steering lock (with key): Locking on the right-hand side of the handlebar tube:
- Manual locking (with key).
- Three driving modes, ASC and engine resistance control as standard.
- Reverse Assist for convenient manoeuvring and Hill Start Control for easy hill starts as optional ex works.
- Heated grips, anti-theft alarm, TPM and 35 kW version as standard options.
- Wide range of optional equipment and original BMW Motorrad accessories, plus a fantastic Ride & Style Collection.
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of premium cars and motorbikes and also offers premium mobility and financial services. The BMW Group comprises more than 30 production and assembly facilities worldwide and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. In 2022, the BMW Group sold more than 2.4 million cars and over 202,000 motorbikes worldwide. Pre-tax profit in the financial year 2022 was EUR 23.5 billion with revenues of EUR 142.6 billion. As at 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees. The success of the BMW Group has always been based on a long-term vision and responsible action. The company has set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently places sustainability and the conservation of resources at the heart of its strategic orientation, from the supply chain through production to the end-of-use phase of all products BMW Group Italy has been present in our country for more than 50 years and today boasts four companies employing 850 people. The Italian branch is one of the BMW Group’s six main markets worldwide for the sale of cars and motorbikes. bmw.it
