BMW previews ‘100 Years’ R 18 and R nineT
BMW Motorrad are marking 100 years since the debut of the first motorcycle to wear a BMW badge – the R 32 - with the release of two limited-edition bikes, both of which come with special finishes and several optional extras.
The R 32 that kicked off BMW’s motorcycle journey was officially unveiled in September, 1923, and carried features still found on many BMW bikes today; namely a four-stroke Boxer twin engine and shaft final drive.
Styling touches applied to that original motorcycle, like the black paint finish with double white coachlines, can also be found on some modern BMWs, specifically those within the brand’s ‘Heritage’ family. It is from this group that the two tribute models have been drawn
100 Years edition – Choice of Two
To mark their centenary of motorcycle production, BMW Motorrad will build special ‘100 Years’ edition versions of their R nineT roadster and R 18 cruiser. Each will be defined by unique paint and chrome finishes and will also carry many components from their respective accessories range as standard.
Reflecting BMW Motorrad’s birth year, only 1,923 units of the R nineT 100 Years edition will be released worldwide, with the same number for the R 18 100 Years edition. Of those totals, only 35 of each are allocated for Australia.
2023 R nineT 100 Years edition
Although it’s unchanged mechanically from the R nineT it’s based on (80kW/116Nm 1170cc Boxer twin with six-speed transmission and shaft drive), the R nineT 100 Years edition comes with a range of cosmetic parts from the Option 719 range, as well as unique painted and chromed surfaces.
While the 100 Years edition celebrates a centenary, the “Classic Chrome surface concept” on the R nineT 100 Years edition references BMW bikes from the more recent past, specifically the R 75/5 from 1972 that featured tank panels and slotted ‘toaster’ side covers that were chrome plated.
The fuel tank on the 100 Years edition is finished in black and features a chrome treatment that curves around rubber knee pads and is encased within double white coachlines, while a fade applied to the outer edge of this chrome panel is in the style of the ‘smoke’ treatment applied to the famous R90S that debuted in late 1973.
A ‘100 Years’ badge atop the chrome-and-black tank carries BMW branding, as well as each bike’s individual build number in the 1,923-unit run.
The humped pillion seat cover gets a similar treatment to the tank, with chromed side panels over black, separated by two white coachlines.
To complement the retro chrome and paint finish, the fork legs are blacked out and the front mudguard is finished in back with white coachlines.
Selected parts from the Option 719 accessories range for the R nineT that are fitted to the 100 Years edition start with 719 Classic spoked wheels, while Option 719 Shadow parts include cylinder head covers, engine covers, seat brackets and other parts, all with milled sections to complement the brightwork.
Option 719 Shadow II milled parts continue the theme, with levers, pegs, pedals, bar-end mirrors and expansion tank covers from this range all fitted as standard to the 100 Years edition.
Providing some contrast to this monochrome treatment is a two-tone finish on the solo seat, with black sides and an oxblood top.
Other features on the R nineT 100 Years edition include the Comfort Package of heated grips, Driving Modes Pro and cruise control, as well as an adaptive headlight. Selected options are available, too, including an anti-theft alarm.
R 18 100 Years edition
The R 18 100 Years edition runs the same ‘Big Boxer’ as the standard R 18, which at 1802cc is the largest that BMW has built for a production bike. Outputs of 67kW and 158Nm from this air/oil cooled big twin are unchanged for the 100 Years edition, as are things like the six-speed transmission and shaft drive.
The 19/16 wheel combo, tele fork front and monoshock rear suspension, 16-litre fuel tank and 300mm brake discs with 4-piston calipers all round also carry over from the standard R 18.
Like the Classic Chrome finish applied to the R nineT 100 Years edition, the chrome-over-black treatment for the R 18 100 Years edition follows the contours of the fuel tank and is continued on the upper surface of the valanced rear mudguard, with smoked edging and double white coachlines in each instance.
The front mudguard and side covers are finished in black, with a two-tone seat also used, although in this instance the oxblood upper section has a deeply quilted finish.
Instead of grey, the engine is finished in Avus Black, which makes the bright metal parts from the optional Chrome design package, like the cylinder head covers, engine covers and intake manifold trim, stand out even more.
The exhaust system is fully chromed, too, with Akrapovic mufflers replacing the regular fishtail silencers and incorporating BMW’s logo inside the tips.
Other chromed parts include the brake calipers and master cylinders, handlebar (including risers and end weights), mirrors, levers and pedals, but most of these are the same as what’s fitted to the regular R 18.
The electric Reverse Assist that’s normally an option on the R 18 is fitted to the 100 Years edition as standard, as is the Headlight Pro adaptive turning light, electronic cruise control and heated grips.
Options include a pillion package, Hill Start Control, power reduction, footboards, an alarm and lockable fuel cap.
Coming Soon
Australian arrival of the R nineT 100 Years edition is expected before the end of March, with the R 18 100 Years edition to follow in early Q2. Local pricing had not been released at time of writing, but the version of the R nineT that the 100 Years edition is based on lists for $26,735 ride away, with the R 18 starting at $24,870 ride away.
The extra features, unique finish and limited-edition status of each 100 Years edition means they will certainly carry significant premiums over the standard model, but regardless of the pricing, the fact that only 35 units of each limited-edition are allocated for Australia means they’re sure to sell out.
For more details and to order, see your BMW Motorrad dealer.
