The 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane is the fifth member of the R 18 family, a windshield-free bagger with a custom attitude. It uses the same 1802cc Big Boxer as its siblings, and the list price is $18,695.
The wheels define the Roctane. It rolls on custom-style 21-/18-inch alloys, compared to 19/16 on the standard R 18, and that raises the seat an inch to 28.3 inches. Rake is an ultra-relaxed 34.7 degrees, trail is 7.3 inches, and a steering stabilizer is standard. Travel matches the standard R 18, with 4.7 inches from the non-adjustable fork and 3.5 inches from the spring-preload adjustable shock.
Styling draws on the 1936 R 5. The 4.2-gallon fuel tank and exposed chrome driveshaft look the part, and the instrument cluster sits in the headlight bucket with an analog-style speedometer, warning lights, and an LCD panel. There is no fuel gauge, only a warning light. The handlebar is a black mid-rise, the engine is blacked-out, and the exhaust is Dark Chrome.
Painted side cases make it a bagger. They hold 27 liters each, lock, have integrated turn signals, and are not removable. The cases match the three colors: Black Storm Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic Matte, and Manhattan Metallic Matte.
The opposed twin makes 91 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque, and its mellow thrum never blurs the mirrors. A 6-speed transmission with a heel-and-toe shifter and shaft final drive are standard, along with cruise control. Rock, Roll, and Rain modes alter throttle response, traction control, and engine compression braking.
The 825-pound curb weight disappears once underway, because the low center of gravity makes this 67.7-inch-wheelbase cruiser feel agile. The floorboards touch down only occasionally. The hand brake actuates all three 300mm discs, the foot brake is rear-only, and ABS is standard.
The Select Package adds the adaptive Headlight Pro, heated grips, and tire pressure monitoring. Individual options include hill start control, reverse gear, and a locking fuel cap. BMW builds the Roctane in Berlin for riders who want an alternative to American V-twins, with the Harley-Davidson Road King Special as a natural rival.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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