BMW Teases 2025 R 18 Models
Big Boxer models coming January 21
BMW is teasing a new model premiere on January 21, for what we expect to be updates for its R 18 range. So far, BMW has only released a single image of a model along with the tagline “Next Level Big Boxer Culture”.
Right away, we know what this bike isn’t, and that’s the R 20 Concept BMW showed last May. That concept uses a 2,000cc version of the Big Boxer engine, and the teaser image clearly shows the “1800cc” label of the R 18 range. We still expect the R 20 to go into production at some point, but not just yet.
We do notice the fork tube looks different from any of the existing models. It still looks like a telescopic fork, but all the existing R 18 models have thick covers over the upper tubes. The lack of any visible luggage suggests it’s the base model R 18 in the image and not any of the other known variants.
That doesn’t mean that the engine has been unchanged. Thanks to homologation data from Switzerland, Motorcycle.com can confirm that the 2025 BMW R 18 range will continue to have a 1,802cc displacement, but peak torque has increased to a claimed 120.2 lb-ft. at 3,000 rpm compared to the 116.5 lb-ft. claimed by the current engine. Peak power remains unchanged at a claimed 89.8 hp at 4,750 rpm.
The homologation data also shows some changes to the dimensions of the R 18, R 18 Classic (pictured above), and R 19 Roctane, while the R 18 B bagger and R 18 Transcontinental’s measurements are unchanged. The new R 18 and R 18 B are both listed as having a 1 kg (2.2 pound) weight reduction compared to the existing models. The Roctane’s weight is unchanged but the R 18 B has gone up about 5 kg (11.0 pounds) and the Transcontinental has gained 3 kg (6.6 pounds) of weight. These figures are for their tare weights, which includes the weight of a 75 kg rider and a number of accessories, but something has definitely changed with all four models.
We’ll know more on Jan. 21 when BMW officially announces its 2025 R 18 range.
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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Yeah, I just thought that big, slow revving 1800 would be fun. I rode a 2002 R1150R for 22 years, and an R90/6 for a couple years before that, so I'm a boxer fan.
Aw, a BMW fanboy got all butthurt. Isn’t that cute.