Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2023 BMW R18 100 Years: 100 YEARS OF SOUL IN ONE MOTORCYCLE.
Introducing the 2023 BMW R18 100 Years…
OUR LIMITED EDITION MODEL FOR THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY
One hundred years ago, the R 32 kick-started a unique success story. Today we are celebrating our eventful history with a new icon: the BMW R 18 100 Years. Limited to 1,923 units, it is a model for absolute aficionados that conveys a feeling of nostalgia.
The edition model boasts historic features with plenty of chrome. For example, the drop-shaped fuel tank with white lines, an element that made the R 5 unmistakable in as early as 1936. And of course the unique boxer engine. #SoulFuel in its most exclusive form.
One of 1,923
The glamour of ten decades can be this timeless and modern. This motorcycle was, is and remains a design icon. A statement. This limited edition is an icon thanks to its attention to historic details. And its willingness to be glamorous. A fair bit from being modest. The generous use of chrome lends it its radiance. A true masterpiece. The 100 Years badge makes it official: “1 of 1,923” says it all. This means that it’s not a bike for everyone, it’s one for genuine aficionados.
All things chrome
A dazzling appearance: the 100 Years model comes with a chrome design option involving many elegant chrome parts, such as hand and foot levers, handlebar clamps, front engine cover and mirrors.
Classic chrome
The Classic chrome paintwork sets exciting highlights. The paint-on-chrome method ensures a high-quality look. The white lines underscore its historic origin.
2023 BMW R18 100 Years Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
The 2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years and R 18 100 Years Editions.
BMW Motorrad USA proudly presents the 2023 BMW R 18 100 Years Edition and the BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition to commemorate 100 Years of BMW Motorrad. In keeping with the year in which BMW Motorrad was founded, each model will be limited to 1,923 units globally.
In December 1922, BMW chief designer Max Friz put the first full-scale BMW motorcycle on the drawing board. At its heart was a 494 cc, 8.5 hp, air-cooled two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine. The first BMW motorcycle, the R 32, was unveiled in September 1923 at the German Motor Show in Berlin. Production began that same month in an area of the BMW engine works on the edge of the Munich’s Oberwiesenfeld airfield. Just 56 motorcycles were built that first year. Those humble beginnings of BMW motorcycle production launched an unprecedented success story that would span a century.
BMW R 18 100 Years Edition
- 1,802 cc air/oil-cooled, two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine.
- 91 hp @ 4,750 rpm and 116 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm.
- Constant-mesh 6-speed transmission with nickel-plated drive shaft.
- ASC Automatic Stability Control.
- MSR Dynamic Engine Brake Control.
- DBC Dynamic Brake Control.
- BMW Motorrad Integral ABS
- Full LED lighting.
- Keyless Ride.
- Heated Grips.
- Cruise Control.
- Reverse Assist.
Special Edition Features
- Avus Black paint and Classic Chrome highlights.
- 100 Years “1 of 1923” BMW Motorrad tank badge.
- Classic Chrome / Avus Black 4.2-gallon fuel tank with white double-pinstriping.
- Classic Chrome / Avus Black rear fender with white double-pinstriping.
- Avus Black front fender with white double-pinstriping.
- Black engine and front fork covers.
- Option 719 black / oxblood red diamond-embossed solo seat.
- Chrome Akrapovič rear muffler with perforated BMW logo tailpipe trim.
- Design Option Chrome
- Chrome plated front engine cover, cylinder covers, exhaust manifold, handlebar fittings, gear shift and foot brake levers, handlebar clamps, handlebar weights, mirrors, brake master cylinders, brake calipers, and intake covers.
- Optional Equipment
BMW R 18 100 Years Edition
- Floorboards – Dealer installed accessory.
- Anti-Theft Alarm – Dealer installed accessory.
100 YEARS OF “MAKE LIFE A RIDE” YOUR STORY MAKES OURS COMPLETE
BMW Motorrad’s history is characterised by an urge to succeed. Succeed in challenges and celebrate success. However, there have also been setbacks and it’s taken quite some perseverance. Giving up was never an option. The company’s history is mainly about people sharing a passion: adventurers, dreamers, inventors, athletes, visionaries – men and women aiming to revolutionise the streets with great ideas on two wheels. 100 years of the “Make Life a Ride” spirit. In this spirit, we take the time to simultaneously look at our past and our future: at events and highlights in the anniversary year 2023. And lots of ideas are still to come.
One history, countless stories
The people substantially shaping the history of BMW motorcycles go beyond the norm. It all began with Chief Designer Max Friz, who designed the first BMW motorcycle that was showcased at the German Motor Show on 28 September 1923. He was followed by designers, racers and pioneers who also challenged the status quo. In 1924, Rudolf Schleicher played a leading role in the development of the BMW R 37’s engine, the first BMW Motorrad sports model. In 1937, Ernst Jakob Henne broke the land speed record on a BMW 500 Kompressor fitted with full trim panel, reaching 279.503 km/h. In 1939, Georg “Schorsch” Meier won the Senior TT on the Isle of Man as the first non-British person on a BMW Kompressor. Even today, people at BMW Motorrad are still thinking ahead, developing new vehicle concepts based on new drives, for example.
Two models aimed at aficionados on occasion of the anniversary
In 2023, we will be celebrating our history with two edition models: the BMW R 18 100 Years and the BMW R nineT 100 Years. With its chrome-plated tank and paint-on-chrome technology, the R nineT is reminiscent of the 1969 R 75/5. With its drop-shaped tank, the R 18 reflects the design of the 1936 R 5. These two models aimed at real enthusiasts are each limited to 1,923 units.
2023 BMW R18 100 Years Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
The legend lives on
The edition model embodies nostalgia, yet remains contemporary. The R 18 set off on its road trip as a modern interpretation of our historic motorcycles. The BMW R 18 100 Years sets the scene for the iconic components even more strikingly. Countless chrome parts reflect the sun as you cruise into the distance. The straight, chrome-plated Akrapovic rear silencer with integrated BMW Motorrad logo and the Oxblood red seat with a quilted look make it unique.
The unmistakable center piece of the R 18 100 Years is the 1,802 cc, 91 hp boxer motor, the largest displacement engine ever installed in a BMW motorcycle. Both technically and visually, the BMW R 18 borrows from famous BMW models such as the 1936 BMW R 5 and puts the focus back on the essentials of motorcycling: Purist and no-frills, with the boxer engine as the epicenter of the riding experience. The big boxer is complemented by numerous special features and details. The paint finish of the R 18 100 Years, like that of the anniversary model of the R nineT, is in Classic Chrome and thus combines black paintwork and high-gloss chrome surfaces as well as white double-pinstriping and a 100 Years badge. The paint-on-chrome Classic Chrome finish is also found on the rear fender in combination with white double-pinstriping. The front fender and the side covers are painted in black, complemented by white double-pinstriping on the front fender. The Option 719 seat is upholstered in the two-tone combination black/oxblood red and features diamond embossing.
Black is a symbolic and traditional BMW Motorrad color and also adorns the engine, transmission housing and rear axle drive. The exact designation of the color is Avus Black – a nod to the legendary 12.1-mile-long high-speed racetrack running through the Grunewald Forest, West of Berlin, where BMW Motorrad once celebrated great racing successes and where the AVUS monument with BMW Motorrad factory rider Ernst Henne still stands today. Berlin is also home to the BMW Motorrad production plant. The plant, located in Berlin-Spandau, is the lead plant for BMW Motorrad’s international motorcycle production.
The R 18 100 Years Edition is complemented by numerous Chrome design parts. The durable galvanic surface coating can be found on: The handlebar fittings, gear shift and foot brake levers, handlebar clamps, handlebar weights, mirrors, brake master cylinders, brake calipers, engine cover, cylinder head covers and intake manifold covers.
Other features of the BMW R 18 100 Years also include a chromed Akrapovič rear muffler with perforated tailpipe trim in the shape of the BMW logo. Safety and comfort are ensured by ASC Automatic Stability Control, Headlight Pro, cruise control and heated grips.
With the Heritage line R nineT and R 18 models, BMW Motorrad is paying tribute to its 100-year history and tradition, which is inextricably linked with the legendary boxer engine. Tradition and history can also be found at the BMW Motorrad production plant in Berlin – the birthplace of almost every BMW motorcycle for over 50 years. The iconic design and the unmistakable boxer engine illustrate that it’s about the roots of BMW Motorrad, about historically inspired shapes and details, about an authentic riding experience and about reducing motorbikes to the essentials. In short: The Heritage line experience is all about a unique attitude to life, shaped by the legendary boxer engine.
2023 BMW R18 100 Years – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $18,990 USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $22,465 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: from £ See Dealer GBP (total selling price)
Engine
Design
Air/oil cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with two chain-driven camshafts above the drive shaft.
Bore x stroke
4.2” x 3.9”
Capacity
1,802 cc
Nominal capacity
91 hp at 4,750 rpm
Max. torque
116 lbs-ft at 3,000 rpm
Compression ratio
9.6 :1
Fuel preparation
Electronic intake pipe fuel injection, BMS-K+ electronic engine management with overrun cut-off and twin-spark ignition.
Emission control
Regulated three-way catalytic converter
Mileage / consumption
Maximum speed
over 111 mph
Fuel type
Super plus lead-free (max. 15% ethanol, E15) Gasoline (min. 90 AKI Octane Rating, max. 15% ethanol content)
Electrical system
Alternator
Permanent magnet generator 600 W (nominal capacity)
Battery
12 V / 26 Ah
Power transmission
Clutch
Single-disc dry clutch
Gears
6-speed transmission
Secondary drive
Shaft drive
Suspension / brakes
Frame
Double-cradle steel frame
Front suspension / spring elements
Telescopic fork
Rear suspension / spring elements
Steel swingarm with central shock strut
Spring travel, front / rear
4.7” / 3.5”
Wheelbase
68.1”
Caster
5.9”
Steering head angle
57.3°
Wheels
Spoke wheel
Rim dimensions, front
3.5″ x 19″
Rim dimensions, rear
5.0″ x 16″
Tire, front
120/70 R 19
Tire, rear
180/65 B16
Brake, front
Twin disc brake, diameter 300 mm, four-piston fixed calipers
Brake, rear
Single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, four-piston fixed caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partially integral)
Dimensions / weights
Seat height, unladen
27.2”
Rider step length, unladen
64.2”
Usable tank capacity
approx. 4.23 gal
of which reserve
1 gal
Length
96.1″
Height (excluding mirrors)
44.3″
Height (above mirror, at DIN empty weight)
48.5″
Width (with mirror)
38.0″
Unladen weight, fully fuelled/road-ready
761 lbs
1)
Max. permitted weight
1,234.6 lbs
Max. load (with standard equipment)
474 lbs
1) As defined in EU directive 93/93/EEC, filled with all operating fluids, fuelled to at least 90% of usable tank capacity
2023 BMW R18 100 Years – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Design
Air/oil cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with two chain-driven camshafts above the drive shaft.
Bore x stroke
4.2” x 3.9”
Capacity
1,802 cc
Nominal capacity
91 hp at 4,750 rpm
Max. torque
116 lbs-ft at 3,000 rpm
Compression ratio
9.6 :1
Fuel preparation
Electronic intake pipe fuel injection, BMS-K+ electronic engine management with overrun cut-off and twin-spark ignition.
Emission control
Regulated three-way catalytic converter
Mileage / consumption
Maximum speed
over 111 mph
Fuel type
Super plus lead-free (max. 15% ethanol, E15) Gasoline (min. 90 AKI Octane Rating, max. 15% ethanol content)
Electrical system
Alternator
Permanent magnet generator 600 W (nominal capacity)
Battery
12 V / 26 Ah
Power transmission
Clutch
Single-disc dry clutch
Gears
6-speed transmission
Secondary drive
Shaft drive
Suspension / brakes
Frame
Double-cradle steel frame
Front suspension / spring elements
Telescopic fork
Rear suspension / spring elements
Steel swingarm with central shock strut
Spring travel, front / rear
4.7” / 3.5”
Wheelbase
68.1”
Caster
5.9”
Steering head angle
57.3°
Wheels
Spoke wheel
Rim dimensions, front
3.5″ x 19″
Rim dimensions, rear
5.0″ x 16″
Tire, front
120/70 R 19
Tire, rear
180/65 B16
Brake, front
Twin disc brake, diameter 300 mm, four-piston fixed calipers
Brake, rear
Single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, four-piston fixed caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partially integral)
Dimensions / weights
Seat height, unladen
27.2”
Rider step length, unladen
64.2”
Usable tank capacity
approx. 4.23 gal
of which reserve
1 gal
Length
96.1″
Height (excluding mirrors)
44.3″
Height (above mirror, at DIN empty weight)
48.5″
Width (with mirror)
38.0″
Unladen weight, fully fuelled/road-ready
761 lbs
1)
Max. permitted weight
1,234.6 lbs
Max. load (with standard equipment)
474 lbs
1) As defined in EU directive 93/93/EEC, filled with all operating fluids, fuelled to at least 90% of usable tank capacity
2023 BMW R18 100 Years – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Design
Air/oil cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with two chain-driven camshafts above the drive shaft.
Bore x stroke
107.1 mm x 100 mm
Capacity
1802 cm³
Nominal capacity
67 kW (91 hp) at 4750 rpm
Max. torque
158 Nm at 3000 rpm
Compression ratio
9.6 :1
Fuel preparation
Electronic intake pipe fuel injection, BMS-K+ electronic engine management with overrun cut-off, twin-spark ignition: BMS-O with e-gas
Emission control
Regulated three-way catalytic converter
Mileage / consumption
Maximum speed
over 110mph
Consumption per 100 km based on the WMTC
5.6 l/100km
CO2 emission based on WMTC
129 g/km
Fuel type
Super plus lead-free (max. 15% ethanol, E15) ROZ 95 90 AKI
Electrical system
Alternator
Permanent magnet generator 600 W (nominal capacity)
Battery
12 V / 26 Ah, maintenance-free
Power transmission
Clutch
Single-disk dry clutch
Gears
6-gear shifting claw transmission in separate transmission housing
Secondary drive
Shaft drive
Suspension / brakes
Frame
Double-cradle steel frame with screwed-on underbeams
Front suspension / spring elements
Telescopic fork
Rear suspension / spring elements
Steel swinging fork with central shock strut
Spring travel, front / rear
120 mm / 90 mm
Wheelbase
1731 mm
Castor
150 mm
Steering head angle
57,3°
Wheels
Spoke wheel (front only)
Rim dimensions, front
3,5″ x 19″
Rim dimensions, rear
5,0″ x 16″
Tyre, front
120/70 R 19
Tyre, rear
180/65 B16
Brake, front
Twin disc brake, diameter 300 mm, four-piston fixed calipers
Brake, rear
Single disc brakes, diameter 300 mm, four-piston fixed calipers
ABS
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partially integral)
Dimensions / weights
Seat height, unladen
690 mm
Rider step length, unladen
1630 mm
Usable tank capacity
approx. 16 l
of which reserve
approx. 4 l
Length
2440 mm
Height (excluding mirrors)
1126 mm
Height (above mirror, at DIN empty weight)
1232 mm
Width (with mirror)
964 mm
Unladen weight, fully fuelled/road-ready
345 kg
1)
Max. permitted weight
560 kg
Max. load (with standard equipment)
215 kg
1) As defined in EU directive 93/93/EEC, filled with all operating fluids, fuelled to at least 90% of usable tank capacity
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
