{"id":49540,"date":"2023-05-12T12:03:43","date_gmt":"2023-05-12T16:03:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=49540"},"modified":"2023-05-12T12:03:43","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T16:03:43","slug":"2023-bmw-r18-roctane-is-a-forward-thinking-tribute-to-past-motorcycles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=49540","title":{"rendered":"2023 BMW R18 Roctane is a forward-thinking tribute to past motorcycles – Autoblog"},"content":{"rendered":"

BMW’s<\/a> motorcycle-building division is turning 100 years old in 2023; it’s several years older than the group’s car-building arm. It’s celebrating this significant milestone by adding a new model called R18 Roctane to its range of heritage-inspired, flat-twin-powered two-wheelers.<\/p>\n

Low, aerodynamic, and relatively long, the R18 Roctane borrows a handful of styling cues from some of the most emblematic models in BMW’s past, including the R 5 released in 1936. The company refers to the look as “streamliner,” a term that alludes to the swept-back shape that characterizes panels like the rear fender, but it adds that the air-cooled flat-twin engine remains at the heart of the design.<\/p>\n

There’s more to the Roctane than initially meets the eye. The mid-rise handlebars were developed specifically for this model, and the round instrument cluster is integrated into the headlight for a cleaner, back-to-the-basics look. Similarly, the rear turn signals are mounted on the hard side cases. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, the trim pieces, and many of the mechanical components are finished in black.<\/p>\n

BMW explains that fitting mid-rise handlebars “allows for a relaxed and active riding position for optimally controlling the motorcycle<\/a>.” The seat height checks in at 28.3 inches, which is relatively low, and a long list of riding aids are offered to help riders stay safe and alert on long trips. ABS brakes<\/a> and cruise control come standard, and an adaptive LED headlight that takes the lean angle into account is optional.<\/p>\n

Power for the Roctane comes from a 1.8-liter air-cooled flat-twin that delivers 91 horsepower at 4,750 rpm and 116 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. Known as the Big Boxer, and already found in several members of BMW’s line-up<\/a>, it’s a surprisingly advanced engine built with a forged crankshaft, forged connecting rods, and a two-stage oil pump drive by the crankshaft via a chain. While BMW has churned out flat-twin-powered bikes for many decades, the Big Boxer stands proud as the largest engine the firm has ever put in a production model.<\/p>\n

One of the coolest design features \u2014 and one of the few parts that’s not blacked-out \u2014 is the driveshaft visible when you look at the right side of the bike. While most modern motorcycles use a chain or a belt to drive the rear wheel, the R18 Roctane and other members of the R18 family are fitted with an old-school metal driveshaft. It’s spun by a six-speed transmission, and a reverse gear driven by an electric motor is offered as an option. Find a straight stretch of road and you’ll hit 62 mph from a stop in 5.5 seconds on your way to 111 mph.<\/p>\n

Available now, the BMW R18 Roctane carries a base price of $18,695 excluding destination. Deliveries will start in the third quarter of 2023.<\/p>\n

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