BMW S 1000 R versus BMW R 18 Classic

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
BMW

BMW R 18 Classic

Cruiser

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2025~
Built von 2021 bis 2025~
RRP 16.280 €
RRP 23.950 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • Windbreak
  • Beefy Boxer
  • Great look
  • Casual sitting position
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • Cylinders sometimes get in the way
  • Manoeuvring almost impossible without reversing aid
  • Not for beginners

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.731 mm
Length :
2.440 mm Height : 1.342 mm
Seat :
710 mm
Weight :
365 (max: 560 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 2 Cyl. Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.802 ccm
Hub: 100 mm
Hole: 107 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 km
Maximum speed: 180 km/h
Performance: 91 HP at 4.750 U/Min
Torque: 158 NM bei 3.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 16 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
285 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
Double loop steel frame with bolted beams (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 90 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm made of steel
Tyres at the front: 130/90 B16
Rear tyres: 180/65 B16

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 300 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

Conclusion - what sticks

The BMW R 18 Classic is a fully equipped cruiser tourer with which you can also tackle a longer journey as a couple. In contrast to an adventure bike, the luggage capacities are limited, but nothing stands in the way of a longer day trip on Route 66. This bike is simply an impressive piece of engineering due to its sheer size and performance. We would also like to have in the stable.
 
The test motorcycle was kindly provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg near Hamburg for this test. If you would like to try out the R 18 Classic, you are welcome here and there is even a good coffee. In addition, there are a lot of used machines and other demonstrators around, so a visit to Pinneberg is always worthwhile.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 23.955€
  • Used (1 year old): 22.000€
  • Availability: from 02/2021
  • Colours: black, white, red, violet, nürburg silver