BMW Motorrad reveals Concept R 18 /2 at EICMA 2019

The Candy Apple Red motorcycle features a nose fairing, leading into a tear-drop fuel tank and creating a line which culminates at the tyre-hugging rear fender. In turn, graphic lines on the tank lead into the gloss black loop frame of the motorcycle, accentuating its radical design.

An exposed driveshaft leads to the 16-inch cast iron wheel at the rear, while a 19-inch unit features at the front, creating a dragster look. Quality equipment includes Brembo brake calipers and a Hattech stainless steel tailpipe system.

The concept is powered by a typically BMW air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer, making 1,800cc, and designed to replicate the BMW Boxer of yesteryear. Finished in a warm grey tone, with gloss black valve covers, it bears the name of the concept machine.

The Concept R 18 ‘slash’ two’s purpose is to demonstrate the flexibility and wide-ranging customisation options offered by the Heritage concept architecture and the big boxer engine. Previously, this platform has been utilised by the Japanese customizer CUSTOM WORKS ZON’s in the ‘Departed’ motorcycle, Austin’s Revival Cycles for their ‘Revival Birdcage’ and the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18.

Bart Janssen Groesbeek, BMW Motorrad Vehicle Designer for the Big Boxer Concepts, commented: “After the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, our aim with the Concept R 18 /2 is to demonstrate how flexible the basic engine and suspension are as a starting point for customisation, and how easy it is to authentically realise different styles. And I have to admit: we were very impressed at how it was possible to bring this boxer concept forward from the ‘30s via the ‘80s into the 2020s.”