BMW R18 Range Updated for 2025

They might not be flying out of showrooms as quickly as BMW would like, but that hasn’t stopped the Bavarian marque from bestowing a smattering of updates on its gargantuan R18.

Built around that gargantuan 1,802cc engine, all the R18s for 2025 boast a slight increase in torque, with an extra 3.6lb ft arriving at 3,000rpm, taking the new bikes to 120lb ft peak torque. The changes come from ECU and mapping updates, while BMW states that between 2,000 and 4,000rpm, more than 110lb ft of torque is always available. On the power front, the boxer engine produces the same 89bhp as it did before.

All bikes in the R18 range now also feature a revised rear wheel size, rising to 18-inch with revised front and rear front and rear mudguards also a feature. The 16-inch rear wheel, as found on the outgoing R18, is still available as a spoked item from the BMW options list. The styling of the standard wheels is also new and features seven “double spokes”, with a new contrast cut finish to them. These wheels are gloss-finished over machined elements, sealing the shine into the rims.

The suspension has been adjusted to help make the 2025 R18 more comfortable on the road, with new spring and damping rates within the rear shock absorber. The changes match the new rear wheel size, with 180/55 being the new rear tyre size for the standard bike.

The R18 range also features new silencers, which are circular in shape and replace the more vintage-looking ‘fishtail’ exhausts found on the previous bikes. Further visual tweaks come in the form of new side covers and a fuel tank which is also adapted for the 2025 model.

One of the most noticeable changes is the move from the shrouded forks of the outgoing R18, to the “Rough look” of the 2025 bike. It’s only the base model that gains the new naked front suspension, while the Classic, Roctane, R18 B, and Transcontinental all feature fork shrouds for a more vintage and authentic look.

The R18 Classic gains a new front mudguard, borrowed from the R18 B, which is joined by a 19-inch front wheel spoked front wheel that replaces the 16-inch item found on the 2024 bike. The Classic also gains a new single seat (the optional seats are still available) which is bolstered by 10mm thicker foam than before. It also gets DRLs as standard in the UK and a USB-C charging socket.

BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic Blacked Out editions

As has been the case with some other R18s, the stock bike and the classic are now available as a stealthy Blacked Out edition. Available as an option, the bikes gain a high-gloss black paintjob and dark chrome touches. The Blacked Out optional equipment includes the black powertrain, the Design Option Black, the exhaust system in Dark Chrome and other components in Black High Gloss or Dark Chrome. The R18 Blacked Out is available in the colours Blackstorm Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic Matt and Two-Tone Brooklyn Grey. The R18 Classic Blacked Out is finished in Two-Tone Brooklyn Grey Metallic.

The R18 Roctane is now also available in the new colour scheme Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic. Also new as optional equipment is a filler panel between the side case and the rear fender now available in the body colour, and the dark chrome elements on the push rods, intake silencer and headlight inner ring. One new addition is the Comfort package, which includes hill hold control, a lockable fuel filler cap, tyre pressure monitor system and heated grips. The R18 B also gains the same Blacked Out option, while the Transcontinental now comes in an additional colour scheme, Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic. The new colour is supplemented with a black powertrain, push rods, intake and silencer in Dark Chrome.

More information can be found on the official website.

Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com