The world knows that BMW is working on its new power cruiser that goes by the name R18 for quite some time now. We were expecting its production model to be showcased at the EICMA 2019, however, what we got was another concept, only a tad bit closer to a production model. Well, BMW is still to share information about the R18’s arrival, it has shared details about the cruiser’s engine which is the company’s most powerful boxer engine of all time!
The heart of the new BMW R 18 is a completely newly developed 2-cylinder boxer engine – the “Big Boxer” – which has played a key role not just in the two BMW Motorrad prototypes – the Concept R 18 and the Concept R 18 /2 – but also in the custom bikes supported by BMW Motorrad.
It is the highest-capacity twin-cylinder boxer engine ever used in motorcycle series production. It is a 1802cc engine that produces 91 hp at 4750 rpm and a maximum torque of 158 Nm which is available at 3000 rpm. In fact, more than 150 Nm is available from as low as 2000 to 4000 rpm. This ensures enormous pulling power and exemplary running smoothness as well. The maximum engine speed is 5750 rpm, while the idling speed is 950 rpm.
A lot of thinking and engineering have gone behind the development of the Big Boxer. Some of its highlighting features include-
- Over-head valve with dual camshaft design inspired by its R5 model from 1936
- Shorter pushrods
- Its crankshaft has an additional main bearing at the centre in order to reduce the vibrations
- Mated to a 6-speed gearbox
- Engine weighs 110.8kg
With the engine details now out, we are waiting for the actual motorcycle to be out soon as well.
