Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster versus BMW R 18

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Triumph

Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Cruiser
BMW

BMW R 18

Cruiser

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2007 bis 2024~
Built von 2020 bis 2024~
RRP 15.145 €
RRP 21.600 €
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Pros:
  • casual appearance
  • casual seating position
  • casual performance
  • casual gliding
  • high-quality workmanship and loving details
Pros:
  • Torque - bearish engine
  • Processing
  • Details
  • Comfort
Cons:
  • Handlebar hits the knees when hit hard
  • Rear braking power 1b
  • Pillion comfort 1b
Cons:
  • High price
  • Effort for front brake

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.500 mm
Length :
2.220 mm Height : 1.055 mm
Seat :
705 mm
Weight :
263 (max: 477 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.731 mm
Length :
2.440 mm Height : 1.232 mm
Seat :
690 mm
Weight :
345 (max: 560 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: 8V two-cylinder SOHC in-line engine, 270° lifting pin offset 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.200 ccm
Hub: 80 mm
Hole: 98 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.802 ccm
Hub: 100 mm
Hole: 107 mm
Cooling: Luft-/ölgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 175 km/h
Performance: 78 HP at 6.100 U/Min
Torque: 106 NM bei 4.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
267 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:
Tubular Steel Loop Frame (Steel)
Front suspension:
Showa cartridge fork 47 mm (travel 90 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut with deflection and adjustable preload (travel 73 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm steel
Tyres at the front: 130/90 B 16
Rear tyres: 150/80 R 16
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:
Steel two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 180/65 B16

Brakes

Front brake
Double brake disc, Brembo double piston floating caliper ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Nissin single piston floating caliper ( 255 mm)
Front brake
Double disc brake, 4-piston fixed caliper ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 4-piston fixed caliper ( 300 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The Triumph Speedmaster is visually a feast for the eyes and delights its owner with many loving details. It is super processed, you would like to put it in the living room. But she doesn't belong there, because she also drives great. For a cruiser almost feather-light, it is also suitable for people under 100 kg. Sound, engine and handling make every ride a little experience - that's how it should be!
 
Our test bike was provided by Q-Bike Triumph Hamburg . There it is for sale as a demonstrator with about 4,000 km for 13,280 euros . This includes engine protection bar, bag, heated grips and a residual warranty until 1/2026.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 14.395 €
  • Used (3 years old): 12.000€
  • Availability: since 2002
  • Colors: red, black, black and white

Cruiser in BMW style

Now the BMW R18 is finally available for testing at the dealership, and that's a good thing. Even though the guardians of the Holy Grail reviled the BMWs in advance and as producers of these bikes only Indian or Harley or otherwise, but certainly not the Bavarians, let it come into question, it has become very good. Attention: very good, not great. It is full of loving details, enthusiastic with workmanship and the whole concept – but can't do anything that the others couldn't.

In this respect: Welcome to the cruiser market, BMW R18. From now on, you don't have to convince with marketing, but on the street. You all have the facilities for this, but Harley or Indian can stay calm.

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg.

Price / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: from 22.250€
  • Years of construction: from 2020
  • Colours: First Edition only in glossy black