2022 BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic First Look (6 Fast Facts)

July 16, 2021

The 2022 BMW R 18 cruiser and R 18 Classic bagger will be functionally unchanged from last year. As the name implied, the First Edition versions of each model will not be available in 2022—it was a first-year-only offering.

New for ’22 is the Option 719 Galaxy Dust Metallic/Titanium Silver 2 Metallic paint scheme. The striking Option 719 color, as shown in all the photos, is accompanied by a black drivetrain and something you wouldn’t expect with an optional color—electric-powered reverse.

According to BMW, lighting changes the color of the Option 719 Galaxy Dust Metallic paint. The paint color transforms from violet to turquoise blue, with even more color changes from the Titanium Silver 2 Metallic paint in direct sunlight. Check out the photos—they will look the same until you look carefully at the paint.

Black Storm Metallic returns as the standard color for both models.

There’s a new Option 719 Design Package Aero. It provides cylinder head covers and front engine cover, plus left and right intake snorkel covers in aluminum with a brushed, anodized finish. The cylinder heads have deco streamliner-style vents, while the badges on the front and side coverage are chrome-plated solid copper with a partially white finish. The ‘719’ logo gives the look of the enamel lining used in the deco period.

There are other new Option 719 goodies available in 2022. There’s a quilted seat at the standard height, as well as Aero (matte silver) and Icon (matte black) six-spoke cast-aluminum wheels. Don’t miss the milled spoke ribs.

We don’t have a price on any of the R 18s or the Option 719 accessories. We can tell you that you can see the bikes at a BMW dealer in the final quarter of this year.

2022 BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic Specs

ENGINE

Type: Opposed twin
Displacement: 1802cc
Bore x stroke: 107.1 x 100mm
Maximum power: 91 horsepower @ 4750 rpm
Maximum torque: 116 ft-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Maximum speed: Over 111 mph
Compression ratio: 9.6:1
Valvetrain: Pushrod-actuated OHV w/ two camshafts; 4 vpc
Cooling: Air and oil
Transmission: 6-speed (w/ optional reverse)
Clutch: Single-disc dry w/ slipper function
Final drive: Shaft

CHASSIS

Frame: Steel-tube double-loop
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 49mm Showa fork; 4.7 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Cantilevered spring-preload adjustable Sachs ZF shock; 3.5 inches
Wheels: Wire-spoked
Front wheel: 16 x 3.0
Rear wheel: 16 x 5.0
Front tire: 120/70 x 19 (Classic: 130/90 x 16)
Rear tire: 180/65 x 16
Front brake: 300mm discs w/ 4-piston Brembo calipers
Rear brake: 300mm disc w/ 4-piston caliper
ABS: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS w/ linked braking