BMW to launch 5 new heritage models tonight at midnight

BMW Motorrad launching 5 new models tonight at 12MN Manila Time

BMW Motorrad has announced that it will be launching not one, not two, and not even 3, but 5 heritage models tonight at 12MN Manila time (6PM Central European Time).

These newest heritage models from BMW will all carry the R 18 badge.

For now, we can only speculate what heritage models BMW Motorrad will be presenting. Since we know that the R 18 is a cruiser, we know that they will likely be cruiser variants or similar naked-style derivatives. These may include a bobber, a café racer, and possibly a scrambler-type motorcycle.

The R 18 is a cruiser powered by a 1,802cc “Big Boxer” engine – the largest boxer twin that BMW has ever produced – with a peak output of 92 Ps (91 hp) at 4,750 rpm. It also boasts of over 150 Nm of torque, available between 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, producing low range pulling power combined with a full, resonant sound.

While the new BMW R 18 could be considered an homage to the classic, purist, and no-frills BMW motorcycles of old, it is not without the latest technology that BMW has to offer, like riding modes, traction control, ABS, and even a reverse assist feature.

BMW has also stressed that the R 18 is highly customizable, with these 5 models based on the platform as proof of such.

The virtual launch is open to the public via the following links: Facebook, BMW Motorrad YouTube, BMW Group YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Immediately after the unveiling, initial information about the new heritage models including photos, videos, and the configurator will be available on the BMW Motorrad website www.bmw-motorrad.com.

Philippine release and pricing

BMW Motorrad Philippines Director, Gil Balderas, shared with MotoPinas.com that they plan to bring the R 18 here in the country later in the year. As for the pricing, there is still no SRP yet, but we're sure that it will be competitive compared to Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycle offerings.