2025 BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic – First Look

As we reported last week, the 1,802cc air/oil-cooled Boxer receives a 4 lb-ft. bump in peak torque, claiming 120 lb-ft. at 3,000 rpm with more than 110 lb-ft. Available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. Peak horsepower remains unchanged at 90 hp at 4,750 rpm. As with a lot of models updated in the last year, the engine changes were made mainly to ensure compliance with Euro 5+ requirements.

Apart from that, the changes are mostly cosmetic in nature, with the exception of new standard wheel sizes for the R 18 and R 18 Classic.

2025 BMW R 18

The standard R 18 receives the most substantial changes, with the most significant being an 18-inch rear wheel replacing the previous 16-inch as the standard option. You can still get a 16-inch rear, but only as part of the Option 719 Olivine package. The front tire remains a 19-incher.

The rear suspension received new spring and damping rates tuned for the 18-inch rear wheel and new 180/55B18 tire. The front suspension is mechanically unchanged, though the R 18 loses the fork covers.

The fishtail exhausts from the previous model are gone, replaced with cylindrical exhausts to match the rest of the lineup. The side cover and front and rear fenders were likewise reshaped, getting more modern, squared-off shapes than the previous design.

BMW also redesigned the solo seat, using a thicker and softer foam and adding a new release button under the seat cover. Combined with the larger rear wheel, the seat is now 28.3 inches from the ground, compared to the 27.2-inch seat height found on the previous R 18.

Rounding out the updates to the standard R 18 is a new USB-C charging socket.

For 2025, the R 18 Classic gets a 19-inch front, 16-inch rear wheel combination, replacing the previous 16 and 16 combo. With the larger front wheel, the seat height has increased to 28.7 inches from the previous 28.0 inches.

The front fender is significantly larger than the previous design, giving it more of a retro look. For that same reason, the R 18 Classic retains the fork covers that the standard model sheds. Like the R 18, the Classic receives reshaped side covers and a USB-C charging port.

The 2025 BMW R 18 Classic starts at $18,395 in Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain and chrome exhausts and wire-spoke wheels. The Classic will also be available in Mineral Gray Metallic Matte with a chrome exhaust and an optional silver-colored powertrain, or in Brooklyn Gray Metallic with blacked-out finishes, dark chrome exhausts and 18-inch rear/19-inch front cast alloy wheels. There’s also an Option 719 Blue Planet Metallic version with a number of accessories including chrome fender trim.

Apart from the updated engine and updated colors, the only change to the R 18 B bagger is a new favorites button on the right hand switchgear. Replacing the previous central locking system button, the favorites button allows quick access to specific functions, such as activating heated grips.

The 2025 BMW R 18 B starts at $20,375 for Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain and chrome exhausts. Paint options include Mineral Gray Metallic and Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic. BMW will also offer an Option 719 Black Pearl version.

Like the bagger version, the 2025 BMW R 18 Transcontinental receives a quick-access favorites button. Pricing starts at $24,395 in Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain and chrome exhaust. Pictured above is the new Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic which comes with a blacked-out powertrain and dark chrome pushrod tubes and airbox cover. An Option 719 Tanzanite version comes with Blue Planet Metallic/Asian Blue Metallic with a number of accessories including machined alloy wheels.