2025 discontinued 🤷‍♂️….updated title, nope it’s not! 👍

[Marcilio]

I 100% agree with you here - it’s a wonderful bike. However, depending on where you are in the US, there’s the stigma against any kind of cruiser that is not HD. “Eh, nice bike, but it’s not a Harley.” Enough riders take this to heart and I really believe dissuades them from looking at anything but the shield and bar brand.

Not being a HD is the main reason I bought it

 

[Keehn]

BMW made an entirely new engine for this model. I wonder if they're planning on using the 1800cc monster in other boxer lines down the road. Four years seems like an awfully short run, but seems to be in line with BMW's M.O. (cough) r1200c (cough).

Besides, I thought the R18 was doing well in Asian markets??? I'm not snobbish enough to think the U.S. market is the ONLY one BMW should be catering to.

Mike

 

[BigJimSlim]

BMW made an entirely new engine for this model. I wonder if they're planning on using the 1800cc monster in other boxer lines down the road. Four years seems like an awfully short run, but seems to be in line with BMW's M.O. (cough) r1200c (cough).

Besides, I thought the R18 was doing well in Asian markets??? I'm not snobbish enough to think the U.S. market is the ONLY one BMW should be catering to.

Mike

Seems like a short life for sure. I wonder if it’s as simple as BMW boring the 1800 to 2000 and carrying over much of the current engine. I don’t know enough that way to understand if that’s even feasible.

Or perhaps the 1800 lives on with the 2000 as an upper tier option. Triumph has their classics line fitted with 900 and 1200cc engines and there’s a market for each. Who knows. We’ll have to wait and see.

 

[harrisrc740]

Curious as to where the information on the R20 is coming from? Currently only bike in 2025 Heritage lineup is the R12, no R9, R18 or R20?

 

[harrisrc740]

Curious as to where the information on the R20 is coming from? Currently only bike in 2025 Heritage lineup is the R12, no R9, R18 or R20?

Big boxer. Bold style.​

The BMW R20 concept
A vision takes form, and impressively demonstrates where the big boxer’s journey may lead. The R20 concept has a powerful and confident presence, and captures onlookers’ attention with its color alone: Pink! Everything about this bike is bold. And big: After all, the R20 concept was created around the big boxer. The attitude behind it is the opposite of restrained – we call that “Bavarian bluntness”.

Concept bike. Not for sale.


.....From BMW Motorrad News Gallery

 

[BigJimSlim]

Big boxer. Bold style.​

The BMW R20 concept
A vision takes form, and impressively demonstrates where the big boxer’s journey may lead. The R20 concept has a powerful and confident presence, and captures onlookers’ attention with its color alone: Pink! Everything about this bike is bold. And big: After all, the R20 concept was created around the big boxer. The attitude behind it is the opposite of restrained – we call that “Bavarian bluntness”.

Concept bike. Not for sale.


.....From BMW Motorrad News Gallery

dealer talk out of Germany. Also, just recently some bike websites have found that BMW applied for trademarking of the R20 name. Other evidence is that when BMW calls a bike a “concept” it’s historically almost production ready. Their experimental models are referred to as “vision”. So, again, speculative as hell, but some nuggets of evidence out there pointing a bit in the R20 direction.

 

[harrisrc740]

dealer talk out of Germany. Also, just recently some bike websites have found that BMW applied for trademarking of the R20 name. Other evidence is that when BMW calls a bike a “concept” it’s historically almost production ready. Their experimental models are referred to as “vision”. So, again, speculative as hell, but some nuggets of evidence out there pointing a bit in the R20 direction.

So something we may see in 2026 or 2027 My following of BMW from 1980 to now mainly cars, all the cool concepts that came out never came to life other than the i8 and that was not as great as it was on paper, so hopefully the R20 makes it, but then again do I have room for another BMW bike in my garage? :?

 

[BigJimSlim]

So something we may see in 2026 or 2027

That’s probably more realistic a timeline than 2025.

There was supposed to be some great reveal of something in October I think it was. However, the reverse recall came at the same time and I think made BMW shift away from unveiling whatever it was. The hint pics had an 1800 badge tho, so who knows what it might have been.

 

[Luis]

Is a little bit pretentious say that the USA market will open or close an entire line up production. Is a big market, yes, but the R18 is selling around the world.

 

[Rufus]

I visited another UK BMW dealer last week, the sales guy turned his computer around at his desk to show me, only 12 new and unregistered R18’s available in the UK, yes 12. I cannot comment further about the bigger models like the TC, Classic or Bagger because I didn’t ask. I maybe should have in hindsight for the forum. My bad as the saying goes.

Anyhow, BMW has recent form on this, I bought a new Rnine T Racer in 2017, think that was discontinued 3 years later along with their Scrambler version and Urban GS. Due to low sales. These are all niche bikes in a shrinking market.

And let’s not forget the bike market is brutal, everything is working against it. Trade in values for the vast majority of bikes here seem to be on the floor, just pick any forum and take a look. Other manufacturers are having a tough time too, HD are in a mess, KTM on its death bed, Norton not selling well at all, bike dealers are closing all over the place here. That’s Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha aswell.

Not helped by the Chinese brands undercutting everything. That’s a whole different topic though.

 

[Keehn]

So something we may see in 2026 or 2027 My following of BMW from 1980 to now mainly cars, all the cool concepts that came out never came to life other than the i8 and that was not as great as it was on paper, so hopefully the R20 makes it, but then again do I have room for another BMW bike in my garage? :?

The i8 wasn't the only concept BMW released to the public; BMW also released the i3:


The original concept...

What the public got:

A vehicle that's shockingly similar to its concept. What's really cool is the frame is aluminum, chassis is carbon fiber, and the body panels are plastic, meaning structural rust is simply not an issue.

Disclosure: I have an i3 REx (range extender) and absolutely love it! It's a pity BMW also pulled the plug on this vehicle. And NGL, I want an i8, even with the fake engine sound.

Mike

 

[BigJimSlim]

Is a little bit pretentious say that the USA market will open or close an entire line up production. Is a big market, yes, but the R18 is selling around the world.

I visited another UK BMW dealer last week, the sales guy turned his computer around at his desk to show me, only 12 new and unregistered R18’s available in the UK, yes 12. I cannot comment further about the bigger models like the TC, Classic or Bagger because I didn’t ask. I maybe should have in hindsight for the forum. My bad as the saying goes.

Anyhow, BMW has recent form on this, I bought a new Rnine T Racer in 2017, think that was discontinued 3 years later along with their Scrambler version and Urban GS. Due to low sales. These are all niche bikes in a shrinking market.

And let’s not forget the bike market is brutal, everything is working against it. Trade in values for the vast majority of bikes here seem to be on the floor, just pick any forum and take a look. Other manufacturers are having a tough time too, HD are in a mess, KTM on its death bed, Norton not selling well at all, bike dealers are closing all over the place here. That’s Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha aswell.

Not helped by the Chinese brands undercutting everything. That’s a whole different topic though.

I don’t hold an MBA, but I’m gonna chatter on a second. I wonder how long a company waits for a product to catch on in a marketplace.

The R18 line seems clearly intended to battle Harley’s line up, as there’s a R18 aligned with most segments of HD’s heavy bike offerings. (Standard/Street Bob::R18; heritage::R18 classic; road king::roctane, street/road glide::R18B; Ultra Limited::R18TC). Seems then that the R18 was cut out for the US market. With that, how much influence do US sales have on an internationally available model? I’ve got no real idea, and who even knows if the R18 has run its course or what. The 1200C lasted 7 years. If there’s a 2025 model of the R18, we’d have 5 years. Does anyone know if they’re moving more or fewer of any version of the R18 year over year? My own suspicion is that as soon as the model seems like a dud that they’d dump it. But then another wondering is, is there enough margin to minimize the sub-models, slash the prices on the ones that do sell, and recoup some R&D expenses?

In my neck of the woods, even amongst bike enthusiasts, practically no one knows what this bike is. Bottom line, if they’re not making money from a model or the entire line, I’d expect the axe to drop.

Now what makes less sense if any of the above is imminent is to pump out an even bigger version of the bike, ala the R20. I haven’t heard anyone saying “well, I’d buy one if it had more power…”. Does BMW go into Honda Rune mode (a bike that cost over $100k PER UNIT to produce while selling at $27k msrp) just to flex some engineering muscle and prove their prowess as an innovator? Or is a 2000cc bike viable as a money maker in a narrow market where the heavies are already vastly dominated by the bar and shield?

Us lucky ones who know the charms (and heartaches) of the R18 appreciate it for what it is and if it lives or dies by BMW’s hand, we’ll be here to see it.

 

[MikeSpain]

Talking to a dealer today (UK). R18 will no longer be available here (new to order next year 2025) as they are stopping manufacture. Apparently the R20 will be the bike going forward and that is Euro 5+ compliant (whereas the R18 as it exists is not). Did do a search before posting this, couldn’t see it’s been covered. Apologies if it has. FYI.

Rufus,
I just looked at my V5 of my R18 100 Years and it states... Euro status: EURO 5
What does it say on yours?

 

[BER18 100]

Does anyone know how many R18’s were made by BMW world wide?
There were about 40,000 R1200c’s made from 1997 to 2005.

 

[BER18 100]

I have owned two HD Fat Boys and three Road Glides over the years.
Fine bikes but the boxer cruiser is my favorite. I never got tired of throwing a leg over that R1200c and same for the R18.
(I sold the R12 when it was 20 years old)

 

[Rufus]

Rufus,
I just looked at my V5 of my R18 100 Years and it states... Euro status: EURO 5
What does it say on yours?

Same as you Mike. From what I’ve seen & read elsewhere Euro5+ is more to do with confirming emissions over the whole life of the vehicle, not just at point of sale (manufacture), and this involves lots more tech and hi end monitoring equipment. Vehicles will go into a limp mode if the emissions go off target, another reason to perhaps strand you in the middle of nowhere. Don’t think the emissions are actually tighter (but could be wrong on that).

Kawasaki have released some new Euro5+ models, think their Ninja SX1100 is one such bike. Might be worth a look to see what reviews have picked up on (if anything).

 

[MikeSpain]

Same as you Mike. From what I’ve seen & read elsewhere Euro5+ is more to do with confirming emissions over the whole life of the vehicle, not just at point of sale (manufacture), and this involves lots more tech and hi end monitoring equipment. Vehicles will go into a limp mode if the emissions go off target, another reason to perhaps strand you in the middle of nowhere. Don’t think the emissions are actually tighter (but could be wrong on that).

Kawasaki have released some new Euro5+ models, think their Ninja SX1100 is one such bike. Might be worth a look to see what reviews have picked up on (if anything).

Sorry, I never picked up on the + after the 5 on you original post!

 

[Beemer-Me-Up]

I will definitely keep my R18 Model B...

This is my last bike, at least at my age and within my lifetime.. plus - it's extremely easy to maintain..

Same for me, but I really need that reserve issue solved soon. I have a few longer trips planned starting in May. Love the bike, but she is a big girl to have to push around, espically with the bags full and a couple strapped to the seat.

 

[Mr Signore]

WTF??? well, at the beginning there will be panic to sell but in my opinion this will make the R18 a more rare and desirable machine since there won’t be many around.

Does not look the R18 is desirable by anyone, except by those who bought them new during the first few years of production.

I’ve been considering selling mine, as my garage is already crowded with other great machines. Plus, the R18 isn’t exactly an all-season bike for the UK weather - it’s a bit too heavy for slippery roads and tends to collect dirt like a vacuum.

I’ve had over ten interested buyers come to view the bike, but none of them were R18 enthusiasts. Instead, they were mostly bargain hunters, intrigued by the idea of owning a high-end machine for the price of a Chinese or Indian bike.

It seemed like they wouldn’t have minded buying a Boss Hoss or any other piece of junk if it came with the same discount. I found this attitude from the bidders frustrating and ultimately decided to take the bike off the market—I didn’t want it to end up with any of them.

It was a stark contrast to my experience selling Harley-Davidsons, where every buyer was an enthusiast who truly appreciated the bikes. BMW completely missed the mark on this one.

So instead, I sold one of my cars to free up space in the garage and decided to keep the R18 for sunny summer days.

 

[BigJimSlim]

A discontinuation has been all but debunked. There’s been info linked elsewhere in the forum but here it is again. https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/new-model-preview/bmw-teases-2025-r-18-models-44615572

Per the source, they don’t expect the R20 to be announced this week.

The 2025 R18 line reveal is set for Tuesday at 11am eastern. Some changes across the line, so I’ll be curious what everything looks like.