Go for a ride aboard BMW’s R 18 Classic variation—a heavyweight cruiser with some touring-friendly accommodation. (Joseph Agustin/)

BMW Motorrad continues to expand its presence in the heavyweight cruiser segment with the addition of its boxer twin-powered R 18 Classic ($24,015 as tested). This iteration of the R 18 adds touring-friendly accommodations, including a fixed oversize windscreen, and double-buckle saddlebags that allow for added practicality.

Editor’s note: We’ve covered BMW’s four-motorcycle cruiser platform in depth during the 2021 BMW R 18 Cruiser MC Commute Review, 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Look Preview, 2022 BMW R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental First Look, 2021 BMW R 18 Power Cruiser First Look Preview, BMW Concept R18 Cruiser First Look, and 2022 BMW R 18 B Transcontinental MC Commute Review articles and videos.

BMW’s R 18 Classic looks like a piece of motorized jewelry. We love its lines that are an ideal blend of old and new. (Joseph Agustin/)

Long and low the R18 Classic makes a presence. Of all the motorcycle reviews we’ve published over the past few years, there are few streetbikes that make the subtle statement of this Black Storm Metallic Beemer. It stirs quick gas station chats everytime we fuel up and it’s noteworthy how the non-motorcycling public understands that it’s an “old bike that looks new.”

Limited rear suspension travel aside, the R 18 Classic pounds out pavement nicely—especially with its 16-inch wheels front and back. (Joseph Agustin/)

Lifting the 805-pound machine off its kickstand isn’t the easiest feat, but with 16-inch wheels in motion it’s astounding how agile it is. A wide and pleasing handlebar bend makes it easy to cast direction changes even at parking lot speeds. Still with two giant cylinders protruding off either side, caution is exercised when negotiating curbed turns and while splitting California traffic.

The handlebar bend and the oversize fixed-windscreen are highlights of the R 18’s classic ergonomics package. (Joseph Agustin/)

Twist the throttle and the 1,802cc (110ci) boxer twin doles out a punchy spread of power with upwards of 90 pound-feet torque just above idle. The engine’s horizontal power pulses are visceral and make for an engaging ride. Engine vibration is present throughout the rev range, but it feels calculated and further adds to its pleasing cruiser motorcycle experience. Both the engine and exhaust note sound unique. Its crisp note makes you want to yank on the twist grip hard. Maintenance-wise the engine requires oil and filter changes every 6,000 miles. BMW Motorrad also recommends owner’s inspect the valve clearances too. A tad early for our tastes. During fast-paced riding, we recorded a 34 mpg average.

The R 18 Classic uses a proximity key fob with an integrated key so owners can lock the fuel tank if desired. The key is shaped like the fuel tank of the original 1936 R5. (Joseph Agustin/)

A heel-toe shifter makes it easier to row through the six-speed gearbox. We value its precise mechanical feel and the easy ability to notch it into neutral at stops. A beautiful mechanical driveshaft transfers power to the Bridgestone Battlecruise H50-shod 16-inch rear wheel. The final drive is nearly devoid of maintenance aside from scheduled 24,000-mile differential case oil changes.

We’re big fans of the R 18’s boxer twin. Its horizontal power pulses are visceral and make for a pleasing riding experience. (Joseph Agustin/)

The ride-by-wire throttle affords three throttle maps (Rock, Roll, and Rain), in addition to cruise control. Each setting provides a smooth, accurate sensitivity, but we like the Rock setting’s more rowdy response. Traction control (BMW calls it Automatic Stability Control) is standard as is ABS that automatically reroutes brake pressure to the front or rear circuit based on rider control input and vehicle load.

BMW Motorrad has been crafting its boxer twin engine configuration for more than 90 years and it performs marvelously. This configuration does however emit, at times, excessive engine heat when riding in slow stop-and-go traffic. (Joseph Agustin/)

Similarly to the 19-inch front wheel equipped R 18, ground clearance is limited and it doesn’t take much lean for hard parts to scrape against the asphalt. Still, with its high level of stability, and strong triple-disc hydraulic brakes, the R 18 Classic responds well to hard riding as long as you keep the vehicle more or less in line. High-speed stability is equally pleasing and we were impressed how well it rides at triple-digit speeds. Still, we wish this R 18 Classic offered full-travel rear suspension like its bagger and Transcontinental siblings.

Triple-disc hydraulic brakes with equally sized discs and calipers keep speed in check for this 805-pound cruiser. The brakes offer pleasing calibration and are neither too soft, nor too sharp. (Joseph Agustin/)

Our testbike was outfitted with the Premium Package ($1,450) which adds Adaptive (cornering) Headlights, electronic reverse, and Hill Start Control. These doodads make it easier to operate, however we wish the cornering headlamps were brighter through turns—which is surprising, considering its limited cornering clearance. The reverse feature on the other hand functions well and makes this nearly half-ton motorcycle easy to get out of tight parking spots. Our bike also had the $2,150 First Edition package, which adds chrome and white pinstriping around the fuel tank. We could easily forgo this pricey option.

The R 18 Classic’s use of a 16-inch front wheel (instead of the 19-inch on the standard R 18) makes for a motorcycle that is more agile than it should be for a 805-pound motorcycle. (Joseph Agustin/)

Motorcyclists seeking a functional real-world cruiser that rides as well as it looks will appreciate the R 18 Classic. It is more functional than its big wheel R 18 brother, and offers a pleasing riding experience, as long as you’re not idling in stop-and-go traffic or blasting around steep turns. Factor in its CVO-levels of craftsmanship, and the R 18 Classic is a cruiser that other manufacturers will have a hard time matching inside its price range.

The rider’s seat has a pleasing dish which helps keep the rider in place during braking and acceleration. We also love the look and function of the saddlebags. (Joseph Agustin/)

Gear Box

Helmet: Shoei J-Cruise II

Jacket: Saint Unbreakable Denim Shearling Collar

Pant: Saint Unbreakable

Gloves: Racer Guide

Boots: TCX Rush 2 Air

The R 18 Classic offers three adjustable throttle maps in addition to cruise control. Auxiliary LED lighting is also standard. (Joseph Agustin/)

2021 BMW R 18 Classic Technical Specifications and Price

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com