The 2024 BMW R 18 Classic Cruiser blends timeless BMW styling with the comfort of a modern cruiser. It pays tribute to the brand’s earliest touring cruisers while offering a refined riding experience. At its core lies the most powerful boxer engine BMW has ever built, designed specifically for relaxed rides and maximum enjoyment. This bike results from consistent heritage development — or in BMW’s words, pure #SoulFuel.
Inspired by iconic moments in BMW Motorrad history, the 2024 BMW R 18 Classic Cruiser revives the spirit of early long-distance cruisers and brings their characteristics back to life.
2024 BMW R 18 Classic Cruiser – Features and Specs
Colors
The standard paint option remains Black Storm Metallic. Manhattan Metallic Matte is available as an optional color and remains unchanged. Black Storm Metallic and Vintage accents replace the previous Mars Red color option. The new Style Option 719 Moon Stone Mineral White Metallic replaces Option 719 Mineral White Metallic and Option 719 Galaxy Dust / Titan Silver Metallic.
Safety & Connectivity
For 2024, BMW’s Intelligent Emergency Call feature will be standard or an option for various models in the U.S. and Canada, including the R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental. This system includes a covered SOS button, a built-in speaker, and a microphone on the right handlebar. When activated or triggered automatically in the event of a crash, it connects the rider to a call center agent who can assess the situation and dispatch emergency services if needed.
Also Read: 2024 BMW R 18 Transcontinental Cruisers Review
Additionally, all 2024 BMW M motorcycles now include the 600-mile Ultimate Care Break-In Service, a part of BMW’s service offerings launched in 2021.
Power
Initially introduced in the 2021 model year, the 2024 BMW R 18 Classic Cruiser competes with Harley-Davidson’s Heritage Classic. It is powered by BMW’s 1,802cc boxer twin engine, capable of delivering 91 horsepower and more than 100 lb-ft of torque to the 16-inch rear wheel.
Additional Features
This model features a six-speed transmission, a hydraulically actuated dry clutch, and a visible mechanical shaft drive to give power to the rear wheel. It holds 4.2 gallons of fuel and achieves an estimated fuel economy of 34 mpg. Fully fueled, the bike weighs 805 pounds and offers nearly 5 inches of front suspension travel and 3.5 inches at the rear.
Also Read: 2024 BMW R 18 B Cruisers Review
Unlike the standard 2024 BMW R 18 Classic Cruiser, the Classic edition has a large windshield and soft leather saddlebags for storing your gear. The bags can be opened and closed, though they are not lockable. When configured with the premium Option 719 Galaxy Dust Metallic / Titan Silver 2 paint, the motorcycle is priced at $21,455. The 2024 BMW R 18 Classic Cruiser is manufactured in Germany and includes a three-year warranty.
2024 BMW R 18 Classic Cruiser – Price
The new 2024 BMW R 18 Classic Cruiser is available at $17,995 only.
2024 BMW R 18 Classic Cruiser – Technical Specifications
Engine
Design | Air/oil cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with two chain-driven camshafts above the crankshaft. |
Bore x stroke | 4.2” x 3.9” |
Capacity | 1,802 cc |
Horsepower | 91 hp at 4,750 rpm |
Max. torque | 116 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm |
Compression ratio | 9.6: 1 |
Fuel delivery | Electronic intake pipe fuel injection, BMS-K+ electronic engine management with overrun cut-off, twin-spark ignition |
Emission control | Regulated three-way catalytic converter |
Mileage/consumption
Maximum speed | over 111 mph |
Fuel type | Premium unleaded |
Electrical system
Alternator | Permanent magnet generator 600 W (nominal capacity) |
Battery | 12 V / 26 Ah |
Power transmission
Clutch | Single-disk dry clutch |
Gears | 6-speed transmission |
Secondary drive | Shaft drive |
Suspension/brakes
Frame | Double-cradle steel frame |
Front suspension/spring elements | Telescopic fork |
Rear-wheel guide/spring elements | Steel swingarm with central shock strut |
Spring travel, front/rear | 4.7″ / 3.5″ |
Wheelbase | 68.1” |
Caster | 5.9” |
Steering head angle | 57.3° |
Wheels | Spoked wheel |
Rim dimensions, front | 3.00″ x 16″ |
Rim dimensions, rear | 5.00″ x 16″ |
Tire, front | 130/90 B16 |
Tire, rear | 180/65 B16 |
Brake, front | Twin disc brakes, diameter 300 mm, 4-piston fixed caliper |
Brake, rear | Single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, fixed caliper |
ABS | BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partially integral) |
Dimensions/weights
Seat height at unladen weight | 28.0” |
Rider step length unladen | 65.2” |
Usable tank capacity | Approx. 4.2 gal |
of which is reserved | 1.0 gal |
Length | 96.1” |
Height (excluding mirrors) | 52.8” |
Height (above windshield, at DIN empty weight) | 55.0″ |
Width (with mirror) | 38.0″ |
Unladen weight, fully fueled/road-ready | 805 lbs |
Max. permitted weight | 1,234.6 lbs. |
Max. load (with standard equipment) | 430 lbs |