The latest addition to the R 18 lineup, the 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser, joins the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B, and R 18 Transcontinental as the fifth member of the family. Like its siblings, it draws inspiration from BMW Motorrad’s rich heritage while incorporating advanced motorcycle technology with a nostalgic design charm.
Technically and visually, the 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser takes cues from legendary BMW models like the R 5. It focuses on the core of motorcycling with minimalist, no-nonsense engineering and the iconic boxer engine at its heart. It combines timeless styling with modern functionality, creating a uniquely emotional riding experience. Its sleek, streamlined rear-end styling reflects the refined design language of a bygone era.
The 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser embodies effortless cool. With the appearance of a bagger, the comfort of a touring bike, and the boldness of a custom-built hot rod, this motorcycle is built to make every road feel like Route 66. Its look is striking—matte finishes and deep blacks express pure joy on two wheels. With a distinctive bagger silhouette, a dragster seat, and raised handlebars, it’s clear this isn’t your average cruiser. And if you’re after even more flair, the bike is fully prepared for customization. Just make it yours.
2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser – Features and Specs
Character: independent
This bold bike refuses to blend in. It stands out confidently, mainly because of its dark color palette. Available in three paint schemes, each reveals a different personality side. Customization will take that to the next level if you like to ride your way.
More than a bike – your statement
The signature round LED headlamp, paired with a striking 21-inch cast aluminum front wheel, leads the charge. You’ll easily ride, gripping the raised “midi” ape-hanger handlebars and resting your feet on the standard footboards. The dragster-style seat ensures stability even on long journeys. The flowing bagger-style design ends at the sleek tail section featuring integrated hard-shell cases. It commands attention, especially when paired with the deep growl of the dark chrome exhaust.
Your bike, your rules
Want to turn up the intensity? Add more personality with optional accessories like the custom Filler Panels or Roland Sands Design’s Machined Series. Prefer to ride solo? There’s a single seat available just for that. And the customization possibilities extend far beyond the basics—your imagination sets the limits.
Big boxer for long tours
The new 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser doesn’t hold back. It features the most powerful boxer engine BMW has ever built for production bikes. Delivering a consistent surge of torque ensures thrilling rides across any distance. You’ll get up to 150 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, and at 4,750 rpm it puts out an impressive 91 hp (67 kW). Its nickel-plated, high-gloss exposed Cardan shaft visually underscores the powerful performance.
For the UK
The 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser is also offered in a 35 kW (48 hp) version for riders holding a European A2 license. It means that even newer riders can experience the bike’s responsive handling right from the start.
The boxer engine is finished in Avus Black Metallic Matte and features high-gloss black covers. It is matched with a dark chrome exhaust system and black star counter nuts, making a bold visual statement that reflects its performance.
Double-loop tube frame and rear swing arm design
At the heart of the brand-new chassis is a double-loop tubular steel frame, staying true to BMW’s long-standing design heritage. Every detail reflects high craftsmanship, visible in the seamless welds between the steel tubing and forged components. The rear swing arm closely mirrors the iconic BMW R5, enclosing the axle drive using bolted connections for a classic rigid-frame appearance.
Suspension, wheels, and brakes
The 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser’s suspension is deliberately analog, avoiding electronic adjustability. Up front, telescopic forks and a centrally mounted rear suspension strut with adjustable preload and travel-dependent damping provide excellent ride quality. Like the R5, the fork tubes are encased in classic sleeves. Handling remains comfortable and precise with 120 mm of front travel and 90 mm at the rear.
Braking is handled by dual front discs and a single rear disc with four-piston fixed calipers. Stylish alloy wheels enhance the stance, measuring 3.5 x 21″ with 120/70 B 21 front tires, and 5.5 x 18″ with 180/55 B 18 tires in the rear.
Ergonomics and rider position
Designed with balanced ergonomics, the 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser offers a mid-mounted footpeg setup that places your feet just behind the cylinders—a signature BMW feature. This classic arrangement supports both comfort and control. The slim two-level seat includes a passenger strap, wide footboards, and a heel-toe shifter. A tall, black-coated handlebar promotes an upright, relaxed riding posture.
Touring-ready cases and accessory windshield
The motorcycle has painted cases that match the bike’s bodywork, each offering 27 liters of storage—perfect for cruising or touring. A windshield with auxiliary headlights and mounted turn signals is available as part of the BMW Motorrad Accessories line for added comfort on longer rides.
Color options include a standard black finish, with Mineral Grey Metallic Matte and Manhattan Metallic Matte offered as premium upgrades.
Rider modes and safety features
The 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser includes three standard riding modes: Rain, Roll, and Rock—an uncommon feature in this class. It also has Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and engine drag torque control as standard safety features. Additional options include a reversing aid for tight spaces, Hill Start Control for uphill launches, and heated grips to keep your hands warm in cold weather.
Classic style meets modern tech
The 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser blends nostalgic elements with cutting-edge engineering. Inspired by classics like the 1936 BMW R 5, it features authentic touches like a metal gas tank, metal fenders, and a classic-style headlight with a built-in analog-style gauge. Even the frame and suspension reflect vintage cues, while delivering today’s ride quality.
One standout detail is the round instrument cluster housed inside the headlight—a nod to BMW motorcycles from the 1930s to 1970s. It’s a timeless touch updated with current technology. The “BERLIN BUILT” label proudly declares its origin from BMW’s Berlin-Spandau plant.
Built for customization
Like the rest of the R 18 series, the 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser was engineered with customization in mind. Many components are designed to be easily replaced or modified. For instance, the valve covers and engine housing cover are external to the oil chamber, allowing for simple swaps. Whether you’re a builder or rider, the 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser gives you the creative freedom to make it your own.
2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser – Price
The new 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser is available at $18,695 only.
2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Cruiser – Technical Specifications
Engine
| Rated output | 91 hp at 4,750 rpm |
| Emission control | Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter |
| Type | Air/oil cooled twin-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with two chain-driven camshafts above the crankshaft |
| Bore x stroke | 107.1 mm x 100 mm |
| Capacity | 1,802 cc |
| Max. torque | 116 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 9.6: 1 |
| Mixture control | Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wire |
Performance/fuel consumption
| Maximum speed | over 112 mph |
| Fuel type | Super unleaded (max. 15% ethanol, E15), 95 ROZ/RON, 90 AKI |
Electrical system
| Alternator | Permanent magnet alternator with 600 W (nominal power) |
| Battery | 12 V / 26 Ah |
Power transmission
| Clutch | Single-disc dry clutch |
| Gearbox | Constant-mesh 6-gear gearbox with separate transmission housing |
| Drive | Cardan shaft drive |
Chassis/brakes
| Frame | Double-loop steel frame with bolted beams |
| Front wheel location/suspension | Telescopic fork, diameter 49 mm |
| Rear wheel location/suspension | Steel twin-sided swing arm, central spring strut |
| Suspension travel, front/rear | 4.7″ / 3.5″ |
| Wheelbase | 67.7″ |
| Wheels | Aluminum cast wheels |
| Rim, front | 3.50 x 21″ |
| Rim, rear | 5.50 x 18″ |
| Tire, front | 120/70 B21 |
| Tire, rear | 180/55 B168 |
| Brake, front | Twin disc brake, diameter 300 mm, 4-piston fixed caliper |
| Brake, rear | Single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, 4-piston fixed caliper |
| ABS | BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (fully integral) |
Dimensions/weights
| Seat height at unladen weight | 28.3″ |
| Inner leg curve at unladen weight | 65.9″ |
| Usable tank volume | approx. 4.2 gal |
| Reserve | approx. one gal |
| Length | 103″ (over license plate holder) |
| Width | 38.7″ (above mirror) |
| Unladen weight, road-ready, fully fueled | 825 lbs |
| Permitted total weight | 1,234 lbs |
| Payload (with standard equipment) | 399 lbs |
