s
turgis 2021 was an event that changed the way I forever view the events that I have attended for decades. The first issue of TORQUE Magazine was launched, we hosted our first performance show, and I found out that BMW was entering the V-Twin Bagger market. I caught a glimpse of the new bagger models from a distance, and I was instantly drawn to them. BMW has a stellar reputation for performance motorcycles. Their dualpurpose bike is lauded by those that ride them, and the BMW S1000RR is one of the world’s fastest production motorcycles with a top speed of 188mph in stock form. I was certain that if BMW Motorrad had decided to enter the bagger market, they hadn’t come to play…this was serious business! I stopped by the BMW Motorrad display and was instantly greeted by a fellow named Oleg. I was eager to ask questions, and Oleg was eager to oblige with answers. Almost immediately, I offered to ride one home to Florida. Oleg couldn’t make that happen, but he offered to allow me to attend the upcoming
30
WINTER 21
-
TORQUE PERFORMANCE
press ride in Denver a few weeks after Sturgis, so that would have to do. First Impressions: Immediately upon first inspection, I was impressed. Even though the R18 bagger models (two of them) are newly engineered and designed, they were very “BMWesque.” Their boxer engine and shaft-
driven driveline were in place just as I expected they would be. BMW engines, particularly the “boxer” type engines, are a signature of BMW motorcycles, for good reason. The opposed-twin engines are very balanced by nature. Their cylinder design lends itself to an amazing ability to cool itself. It also makes for an interesting overall look. I later found out that this engine design also provides ample torque for a smooth ride, but we will get into that in a
minute. I would like to point out that BMW went to great lengths to attract potential new customers without sacrificing the mechanical advantages that BMW is most known for. One example is the nickel-plated driveshaft. BMW cruisers have always been shaft-driven. Rather than compromise and install a belt drive, they elected to accentuate the driveline by making it stand out. Nickel is a warm plated finish and really adds panache to an otherwise mundane but necessary part of the driveline. The paint is elegant, as are the body lines. It is clear that BMW designers and engineers spent ample time studying what types of aesthetics riders in the States are most inclined towards. Europe offers very different riding opportunities, and European riders have very different riding habits. Since the R18 Transcontinental and R18 Bagger (as it is called) were intended primarily for the U.S. market, it was very important that designers hit the mark with a bike that fits into U.S. consumers’ expectations both mechanically as well as visually.
