[imagesource: BMW]

With the BMW R18, the company has decided to branch out with a model, unlike anything it’s produced previously.

It’s clearly a bid from BMW to tackle the cruiser market.

It’s a good looking machine, with that classic hardcore old-school vibe that you’d expect from something designed for the road and cross-country drives.

If it doesn’t look good with leather, is it even a cruiser?

In fact, the weight and overall look of the machine are telling. It’s clearly aiming its guns at Harley-Davidson.

Let’s head on over to Robb Report for the details. I’ve done a little digging of my own to see how it compares to two of Harley’s most popular models, the Fat Boy’s Milwaukee-Eight 107 and the Indian Chief.

Image: BMW

The R18 is kitted out with electronic staples such as traction control, proprietary Motor Slip Regulation, ABS, and three adjustable ride modes.

Image: BMW

The 49mm front forks are wrapped in period-correct fork covers, while the rear shock is completely hidden within the frame architecture.

The R18 gets spoked wheels too: 3,5 x 19 inches in the front, and 5 x 16 inches at the rear. The front brake setup features twin 300mm discs, and there’s a single 300mm disc out back.

Image: BMW

Like most cruisers, it isn’t small – you’re looking at 345 kilos, which is 23kgs more than a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy.

Image: BMW

Onto the all-important torque, with 116 ft-lb peaking at 3 000rpm. Most of that torque is coming at you from a  slab of grunt between 2 000 and 4 000 rpm, making it comparable to the 109 ft-lb pumped out by the Fat Boy’s Milwaukee-Eight 107 and the 119 ft-lb of Harley’s Indian Chief.

If you’re keen on one of these beasts you’re looking at a starting price of R299 900, excluding any accessories, limited edition packages, or custom parts.

I’ll leave you with the folks from BMW, for a more detailed look at the machine. Keep an eye out for some recognisable spots in Cape Town:

[source:robbreport]