When it comes to motorcycling, there is no such thing as weather that is too wet, too cold or too hot, it all depends on having the right outfit.
BMW was the first motorcycle manufacturer in the world to present its own complete rider equipment. At that time the gear was made of impregnated cowhide, but was equipped with protective zones as well as safety reflectors to increase visibility at night. This proved to be the starting signal for an unprecedented success story.
The world’s largest range of motorcycle rider equipment.
In the following decades, BMW Motorrad consistently followed its goal to make motorcycling as safe and as comfortable as possible as well as fashionably attractive and stylish.
Today it offers an unparalleled range of rider equipment surpassing all motorcycle manufacturers – always driven by the developers’ urge to make existing products even better and to develop new innovative solutions to make motorcycle riding even more fun and carefree.
More than 100 new rider equipment products for the 2023 motorcycling season.
For the coming season, BMW Motorrad presents the Gear & Garment Collection 2023 with more than 100 new products ranging from helmets, gloves and boots to rider suits, jackets, trousers, casual wear, functional wear and accessories. Developed by motorcyclists for motorcyclists, with enthusiasm, passion and a lot of love for functional details and stylish design.
Anyone who talks about the US customizing scene mentions Fred Kodlin almost in the same breath. For more than 40 years, he has dedicated himself to customizing motorbikes, and now, for the first time, Kodlin has customized a BMW R 18 B.
Anyone who talks about the US customizing scene mentions Fred Kodlin almost in the same breath. For more than 40 years, he has dedicated himself to customizing motorbikes, from radically modified creations to sophisticated new designs. He was the very first non-US citizen to be inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame; and now, for the first time, Fred Kodlin has set about customizing a BMW R 18 B.
BMW R 18 B: The perfect bike for customizing.
Featured at the 2023 Daytona Bike Week in Florida recently, the customized R 18 B HEAVY DUTY is a spectacular work of functional ‘art’.
Viewed from the side, the fly-line drops sharply to the rear from the chopped windshield taken from the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range and finally runs harmoniously into the side cases made by Kodlin out of glass fibre-reinforced plastic and the low rear end.
From the top the R 18 B HEAVY DUTY is characterised by a strong waistline in the seat area and a flowing connection to the side cases.
Finally, the technical chassis highlight is an air suspension system at the front and rear, supported by a compressor placed barely visibly behind the left side case. This allows the R 18 B HEAVY DUTY to be lowered and raised in a fraction of a second.
A front spoiler including a 3-colour underfloor lighting system and a front mudguard, are also made of sheet metal, with the mudguard fitting snugly around the 21-inch front wheel.
Kodlin also created a corresponding counterpart for the rear wheel from two R 18 B rear mudguards joined together, in which the rear and side indicator lights are integrated in a very discreet manner.
R 18 B boasts loudspeakers by Marshall and has an amplifier fitted inside.
The customizing job is rounded off by a seat made by Kodlin and an instrument cover with covers made of Alcantara and imitation leather, as well as specially made handlebars and a self-created exhaust system.
Elaborate paintwork by tattoo artist Marcel Sinnwell
Marcel Sinnwell has painted other Kodlin showbikes in the past.
For this project, the colour gradients were completely airbrushed with translucent paint. The inspiration for this was the mixing of colour pigments in the paint and especially the way they form streaks in the milky basecoat when first stirred. The result goes along very well with the Daytona Bike Week, where complex and colourful paint schemes are more than just good form.
Additional design touches on the R 18 B HEAVY DUTY are provided by hand-painted pinstripes and an airbrushed pattern on the rear mudguard that combines Kodlin and “100 years of BMW Motorrad”.
The brake callipers, gearshift and foot brake levers and footrests, however, are BMW Motorrad standard components that have been colour-matched.
Motorcycle maintenance can be intimidating, especially for those of us who didn’t grow up tinkering with bike engines.
The thought that you could do something wrong such as not tighten a screw sufficiently or forgetting where a particular bolt came from can be a huge deterrent to DIY maintenance. Although we highly recommend having your motorcycle looked over by a professional, there are a few basic things you can do to ensure a safe ride
Use this motorcycle maintenance checklist to help keep yourself (and those around you) safe on the road.
Change the oil Just as you need clean fuel, you also need to change the oil and replace the oil filter before you take your bike out for your first ride. Neglecting this step can affect the performance and longevity of your motorcycle.
Check the battery life Some riders disconnect their motorcycle batteries and only recharge them every month or so; but once you reconnect the battery, you’re probably ready to roll. However, if it’s been sitting for a few months, you might have a dead battery. If it’s a fairly new battery, charging it is fine, but if it’s three or four years old, you may find it doesn’t keep a charge, or you might have a hard time charging it. In that case, you’re probably better off purchasing a new battery and playing it safe.
Check your tyres Tyres are an important part of any vehicle, so they deserve your time and full attention. Check their air pressure to make sure it’s at a safe level for riding. You’ll also want to check the tread to determine if the depth offers you sufficient traction. If your air pressure and tread are all set, then your next step is to look for any cracks or bulges in the sidewall of the tyres before straddling your metal horse and revving down the road.
Inspect your chain Your bike’s chain is one of its most critical components, but constant exposure to the elements can cause it to deteriorate or become loose. Check to ensure it’s still tight and well-lubricated. You may need to clean the chain and reapply lubricant.
Get plenty of fluids Oil and gas aren’t the only fluids your motorcycle depends on. Brake fluid and coolant are important for motorbike maintenance, but they can sometimes leak if your bike is left standing for a long period of time. Double-check your levels and refill or top them up. Or, flush out the old fluids and replace them with fresh fluids.
Don’t forget your cables Oil and grease in your cable housing can dry up over time and that can affect the performance of your clutch and throttle. Inspect your clutch, brakes, throttle, choke, and any other cables to ensure they’re still responsive and not frayed.
Make your bike shine As a final step, make sure you give your motorcycle a thorough cleaning. Not only does it protect your paint and make your bike look fantastic, but cleaning your bike frequently keeps it in better working condition.
Wearing a helmet is one of the safest things motorcyclists can do; and they really don’t come much better than the GS Carbon helmet range.
I’ve spent the better part of 2021 riding off-road largely due to my participating in the GS Trophy 2022 qualifiers. During that time my head gear of choice has been my GS Trophy inspired helmet, from the GS Carbon helmet edition. Sleek and athletically designed, the GS Trophy helmet, looks ready for action both on tarmac as well as on gravel. Here are 5 things I like about the GS Trophy helmet.
Lightweight, Comfy & Safe
Apart from its design, the first thing I noticed about the GS Trophy helmet was that it is quite lightweight, thanks to its 100% carbon-fibre reinforced plastic shell. It weighs 1,450grams (with shield and dual visor) and is extremely comfy.
I didn’t put its ability to absorb impact to the test as that would mean I would have taken a nasty fall. Rather, I believed BMW Motorrad when they offered that the GS Trophy helmet’s inner layer is made of multi-segmented expanded polystyrene which makes the helmet’s ability to absorb impact quite outstanding.
Removeable Head And Cheek Pads
The GS Trophy helmet, (as with all the helmets in the GS Carbon collection), has removeable and washable head & cheek pads. These are easy to detach and reinstall making cleaning the shell a breeze. Plus, we live in an age where cleanliness is the key to good health so the removeable inner pads are quite reassuring.
Three Dimensionally Curved Visor
There are two visors fitted to the GS Trophy helmet. The inner visor has anti-fog material which many riders will appreciate, while the outer visor has anti-scratch coating on both sides. Best of all, the visor is very wide and helps immensely with peripheral vision. Unlike with my other adventure helmets, I found that I didn’t have to turn my head very much to see what has happening around me.
Removeable Chin Vent Flap
The GS Trophy helmet has an integrated dust filter and removeable chin vent flap both of which were handy in off-road and hot-weather riding. I also found that the flap worked as a highly effective ventilation system. Due to low-speeds used when riding off-road I often unfastened the flap so I could feel the welcome breeze on my parched face. Once on the tarmac, and because travelling speeds are much higher, I kept the flap in place to reduce the amount of wind from getting in and around my neck.
Removeable Peak
I’ve saved the best feature for last and you are probably surprised that the peak of the GS Trophy helmet gets special mention. The thing is, after years of riding I have had more than my fair share of damaged peaks. Some simply couldn’t be screwed back on well enough to be as effective while others were damaged riding on treacherously rocky and slippery gravel. As a result, I own more than one helmet and have learnt to use those without a peak for on-road riding and not to tamper with the peak on my adventure helmets. Fortunately, the removeable peak means it can be replaced without incurring the cost of replacing the entire helmet.
I later learned that the GS Trophy helmet is put through its paces in a wind tunnel to test how well it holds up in various riding scenarios such as wind and rain. Having worn it over long distance rides, I can attest that my GS Trophy helmet has been aerodynamically designed to increase rider safety. Even the integrated neck straps are scrutinised!
Without a doubt the GS carbon helmet edition offers maximum rider safety and I absolutely enjoy it. With all that riders have to contend with on the roads wearing the correct gear means one less thing to worry about.
Following an invitation to go on a motorcycle road trip to Lesotho, I began preparing for the 1160km return trip oblivious to what I was signing up for.
My relationship with motorcycles started out on a Honda NC750X in 2019. Granted, I had had an on / off relationship with motorbikes since 2015 when I first straddled a motorized bike, but it would take the better part of 4 years for me to finally commit to learning how to ride.
Zanele McMurray, aka Leidee Zee, has a long standing love for cruisers but only one machine had alluded her, the BMW R 18. When the opportunity arose for her to ride it, she didn’t hesitate to pull on her leathers and take it for a spin.
I had the pleasure of riding the eye-catching BMW R 18 at the 15thInternational Female Ride Day on the 1stof May 2021. I knew I would enjoy it but boy oh boy was I in for a treat!
Steeped in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles in terms of technical features and design cues, the R 18 is an undeniably beautiful piece of mechanical artwork.
As my eyes greedily gobbled up my first up-close sighting of the BMW R 18, the first feature they rested upon, was the BMW R 18’s sleek chrome exhaust pipe closely followed by its strikingly large LED headlight.
Thereafter my gaze took in the epicenter of my ride for the day, the BMW R 18’s newly developed 2-cylinder boxer engine that is both intimidating and attractive at the same time. Finally, I paid attention to the big comfortable seat which I appreciated very much.
As a lady standing at 1,64m tall, the BMW R 18’s 690mm seat height gave me further confidence that I would be able to easily handle the cruiser, even though it has a wet weight of 345kg.
– Zanele McMurray
As a lady standing at 1,64m tall, the BMW R 18’s 690mm seat height gave me further confidence that I would be able to easily handle the cruiser, even though it has a wet weight of 345kg. Assured by a combination of the cruiser’s seat height and its low suspension I channeled my inner “Boss Lady” and felt a charge of excitement for the ride ahead.
Another feature I liked about the BMW R 18 is that It has a keyless start function
– ZANELE MCMURRAY
The BMW R 18 comes standard with three ride modes – Rain, Rock, and Roll, which, depending on the terrain, greatly assist with stability control and throttle response.
Another feature I liked about the BMW R 18 is that It has a keyless start function. This takes away the panic of losing the key, which I can attest is be a big plus among female riders as we need to fit countless other things into our small bags and pockets.
When it comes to power the BMW R 18 does not disappoint. Fitted with a 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, horizontally opposed engine the cruiser holds its own in terms of speed, ride quality, stable and comfortable. Powered by its 67kW, 158Nm 1802cc engine I found myself gliding effortlessly amidst the numerous motorcycles commandeered by the hundreds of women bikers participating in the South African leg of the international ride.
Astride my brutish ride, the BMW R 18 felt much lighter in motion than when stationary. I found that the cruiser’s wide tyres (Front: 2.5 x 19 / Rear: 5.0 x 16) also helped maintain the bike’s traction. Other key highlights about the R 18 include Hill Start Control and Reverse Assist, both of which make maneuverability much easier and convenient.
As a female rider, I would recommend this beautiful beast of a bike. It is a dream to ride and if affordability isn’t an issue, I would go as far as saying this cruiser is a must-have. As gigantic as the R 18 looks it is just an adorable and playful puppy that offers an exciting yet cultivated riding experience.
That said, the only black mark I have against the BMW R 18 is the fact that it does not have a fuel gauge indicator, something I sincerely hope BMW Motorrad sees fit to add in the updated models of these otherwise impressive bikes.
Price: R 319 900-00
Thanks to BMW Motorrad Fourways for the bike loan
About Zanele McMurray Zanele
McMurray is a female motorcycle rider and mother of two teenage girls, with 15-years riding experience to her name. Her first bike was a Honda VFR 400cc and over the years she has and ridden various motorcycles including a Honda 750cc Shadow, Thunderbird 1700cc, 2 Suzuki Hayabusas, a Suzuki Boulevard 800cc, a Honda CBR 1000 and a Sukuzi B-King. Zanele is passionate about cancer awareness and has been part of cancer awareness groups such as Journey of Hope and Cancervive.
Motorcyclist journalist Bongiwe Didiza took part in the 15th International Female Ride Day astride a bike she had long wanted to ride.
I had marked the 1stof May on my calendar as International Female Ride Day (IFRD), the only day in the year which celebrates women motorcyclists from all walks of life. For me, the 2021 Ride was going to be particularly exciting because the motorbike I would be riding, the BMW R nineT Pure, is one I have been drawn to for quite a while.
First introduced in 2013, the R nineT range has grown to include the R nineT Urban G/S, the R nineT Scrambler, and the R nineT Pure. Sporting a combination of classic design meets modern technological invention, the R nine T derivatives carry the signature BMW roadster styling cues, reminiscent of early BMW Motorrad days.
Also fetching their rides at the same time were Zanele McMurray and Crescentia Ndimande
– Bongiwe Didiza, motorcycle journalist, DRIVING IN HEELS
I collected my loan motorbike from BMW Motorrad Fourways, two days prior to the Ride. I wanted a bit of time to get used to its features ahead of the big day. Looking at it, I was struck by its stylish vintage design, which complement its seemingly playful look.
At first glance, the air/oil-cooled, 1170Cc boxer engine of the R nineT Pure didn’t look like much, which made it all the more difficult to believe it could produce 81kW of power and 116 Nm of torque.
Also ferching their rides at the same time were Zanele McMurray who would be riding the BMW R 18, and Crescentia Ndimande who had chosen the the BMW F 900 XR.
Following a brief meeting with the dealer principal – Rodney Serfontein, and a bike orientation, we took possession of the keys for our respective bikes and rode out of the dealership.
As usual when I am on a bike, I have a gigantic smile under my helmet but while I was cheerfully enjoying my ride home a warning light came up on the circular instrument cluster.
When I arrived at home, I gave it a quick check, hoping I might spot the problem. Satisfied that everything looked fine to me, but opting to err on the safe side, I made arrangements to take it back for an assessment the following day.
I had not known that the R nineT Pure did not have a fuel gauge indicator.
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
Arriving at Motorrad Fourways, Sales Executive Gift Gumbi whisked the motorbike into the workshop but returned almost immediately. He was in stitches, laughing hysterically and between bursts of fresh laughter he spluttered that the warning light was the fuel light indicator and that the bike was very low on fuel.
When he had calmed down reasonably enough to hear me, I tried – with little success – to explain why I had misinterpreted the fuel icon. Of course I know what a low fuel icon light looks like but the R nineT Pure does not have the standard icon we are familiar with in a car.
Added to that, I had not known that the R nineT Pure did not have a fuel gauge indicator; instead, its warning light is a simple triangular orange light.
The more I tried to explain my rationale to Gift, the more he laughed and teased me
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
If there was a fuel guage I would probably have noticed that the fuel was low and may have made a connection between the warning light and the low fuel indicator.
The more I tried to explain my rationale to Gift, the more he laughed and teased me. Suffice to say, the experience taught me 2 things; the first being just how basic the R nine T Pure is and the other being that I will probably never live down this ‘oopsie’.
On a positive note, the blunder taught me that the R nineT Pure has a 17-litre tank and consumes 5-litres per 100kms. As I rode home, still chuckling to myself in disbelief, I was immensely grateful that the bike had not completely run out of fuel, leaving me stranded and bewildered at the side of the road.
Arriving at our meeting venue, I couldn’t help but notice how stunning the ladies looked, most of whom wore gear matching their rides.
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
From then on, I became acutely aware of just how basic the R nineT Pure is and soon realised it does not come standard with my favourtie creature comforts being riding modes, heated grips, and cruise control. That said, heated grips and cruise control are available as optional extras which customers can fit at will.
Putting the humbling moment firmly behind me, I eagerly awaited IFRD. Organized by The Lithas , the 2021 Ride comprised of two routes, on an on-road. Had I not chosen to ride the sexy little roadster, I would have elected to ride on gravel.
The long anticipated day arrived, uncharacteristically accompanied by light winds and drizzle. Undettered, I headed out and arrived at Triumph Motocycles, Sandton, our meeting venue. The ladies looked stunning on their machines, most wearing riding gear that matched their bikes.
Excited to be reunited with female riders I had not seen in a long time due to lockdown regulations, we mingled, enjoyed the delicious welcome refreshments, posed for photos, and signed the event day banner.
The formalites and safety briefing dispensed with and the weather clearing up, the ladies got into formation and rode to our first stopover – Fire it Up in Randburg, then onto ROC Harley Davidson in Alberton where we were received with excitement, refreshments and gifts.
Even in the sea of other beautiful motorcycles, I was aware of motorists admiring my R nineT Pure as they drove past us.
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
The Ride was leisurely and the ladies maintained a steady pace. I was amazed at how smooth my bike rode even at such low speeds. It cornered beautifully and maintained its balance.
Even in the sea of other beautiful motorcycles, I was aware of motorists admiring my R nineT as they drove past us. It had already caused a stir from the start of the day, and at each stopover. My fellow lady Pure riders truly appreciated it, commenting on its unique and classical good-looks. A few ladies who own more than one bike expressed a desire to add it to their existing motorbike collection because of its sassy beauty.
The R nineT Pure is a no-frills, “shut-up & ride” sort of bike.
– BONGIWE DIDIZA, MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST, DRIVING IN HEELS
At our final destination, Bikers Warehouse in Randburg, a stunning high tea had been setup for us to mark the close of a safe and successful Ride as well as recognize and celebrate the Biker Queens we all are.
The R nineT Pure is as its name suggests a no-frills, “shut-up & ride” sort of bike. As basic as it is, it offers absolute riding pleasure and is aimed at anyone on the market looking for an uncomplicated motorbike.
That said, it is a very capable machine and is suited for leisurely trips to scenic destinations or unhurried rides around suburbia for a coffee meeting with the girls. It is the type of bike I ride to attend a vintage motorbike show. Similarly, I would pack it onto a train for use to tour the Garden Route in summer.
The R nineT Pure I was riding is powered by a four-stroke, two-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engine and is available at BMW Motorrad Fourways at R145 000. It is a 2018 model wrapped in Option 719 colors.
If however, you are looking to buy a newer R nineT Pure, the 2021 derivatives come with the following standard features:
80kW power, 116Nm of torque
Road and Rain riding modes
ABS Pro with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
LED headlight and white LED indicators
New suspension strut with travel-dependent damping (WAD)
Priced from R203 400-00
About Bongiwe Didiza
About Bongiwe Didiza Bongiwe Didiza is a motorcyclist with 10 years riding experience on various type of motorcycles; ranging from superbikes and cruisers to dual-purpose and adventure bikes. She is the first Black female motorcycle journalist registered with the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists. Bongiwe is the biking contributor for Driving In Heels where her test ride reviews and bike travel articles are published. She currently rides an R 1200 GSA but has owned a Suzuki GSX-R 750 and a BMW F 800 GS in the past.
Anyone who has ever met me would be hard-pressed to use the word ‘tall’ to describe me, so, when it came to selecting a bike, I had to be mindful of which it would be.
– Crescentia Ndimande
Anyone who has ever met me would be hard-pressed to use the word ‘tall’ to describe me. Not that I am diminutive but rather it is important that any motorcycle I chose has to accommodate my particular height. So, when it came to selecting a bike to use at the 15thInternational Female Ride Day 2021 I was careful in the iron horse which I would champion.
The models on display at BMW Motorrad Fourways, were all appealing and at first, I gravitated towards the R 1600 RT; but after sitting on it I realized I would need to choose something much lower. Gift Gumbi, Motorrad Sales Executive, suggested I try the F 900 XR and I immediately remembered it as the bike which Vuyi Mpofu had used on her Pride of Africa Ride the previous year. Knowing that Vuyi is approximately the same height as me, I was hopeful that the F 900 XR would ‘fit’ me too.
Jumping onto the bike and switching on the engine, I discovered yet another pleasant surprise – the 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity.
– CRESCENTIA NDIMANDE
The model available to me was Galvanic Gold and from the moment I sat astride it I was confident the F 900 XR would suit me just fine.
To be sure, however, I asked to take it for a quick spin and discovered, to my delight, that it was a Keyless ride, further scoring it points in my book.
The convenience of it being keyless signaled I would not have to worry about searching for the key in the numerous pockets of my jacket and pants.
Jumping onto the bike and switching on the engine, I discovered yet another pleasant surprise – the 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity. Fitted as standard, I knew this feature would be handy during this and any other ride.
The screen is big enough to read comfortably while riding, which is great news for people like me who wear glasses or contact lenses. Satisfied with my final choice, I left the dealership and spent the next few days familiarizing myself with the features of the F 900 XR.
The day of the Ride finally arrived and to my dismay, it was cold and wet. Fortunately, the mid-range F 900 XR is fitted with “Rain” and “Road” riding modes as standard. I simply selected the appropriate mode to suit the wet tarmac and set off to meet the other women from all across Gauteng who would be attending the ride.
Powered by an 895cc engine, and with a fuel capacity of 15.5 litres, I didn’t have to worry about performance nor fuel efficiency. The F 900 XR weighs 219kg and at first, this had been a concern for me because I had had a tennis elbow operation on my right hand. 219kg is a hefty amount of metal but instead, the sports adventure bike proved light and easy to manoeuver.
Powered by an 895cc engine, and with a fuel capacity of 15.5 litres, I didn’t have to worry about performance nor fuel efficiency.
Of all the things I found impressive about the F 900 XR, I was most taken by its upright, yet relaxed riding position. I could quite easily see myself riding very long distances without fear of discomfort and lower back pain.
Overall, my time on the F 900 XR was too short – as if any amount of time would suffice – and I would highly recommend it to any lady looking for a motorcycle that isn’t a superbike. That said, I would want BMW Motorrad to make the Electronic Suspension Adjustment, a standard feature to make it easier for short riders to get on and off it safely and with ease.
Priced from: R 217 000 – 00
Thanks to BMW Motorrad Fourways for the bike loan
About Crescentia Ndimande
Crescentia Ndimande, mother of two, has been riding motorbikes since 2006, after being introduced in the biking fraternity by her late brother in law in 1991. Crescentia is part of Cancervive, and co-owns Dynamic Road Safety alongside her husband. Over the years, Crescentia has ridden a variety of bikes namely the Indian Chieftain, Triumph Rocket, Thunderbird 1700cc, Commander, Tiger 800cc, Harley 1200c, Hayabusa 1300cc, Honda Blackbird 1100cc, VFR 1200cc.
Watch motorcycle journo Bongiwe Didiza and Mnonoleli Ntshauzana compare notes about the differences between the 2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports bike and the BMW R 1200 GS
Following the world premiere of the new BMW R 18, BMW Motorrad has unveiled the cruiser in South Africa. Our motorcycle journalist Bongiwe Didiza attended the event and shared her first impressions on the cruiser.
Settling snuggly into my window seat on board the flight to the launch venue – Cape Town, I mused over memories of when I first straddled the R 18 prototype at the media handover of the S 1000 XR, F 900 XR and the F 900 R. At first glance I had been bowled over at the sight of the sleek low-rider and as airplane cruised closer to the Mother City, I was all but salivating at the thought of actually riding the new cruiser.
The fact that BMW Motorrad had elected to host the motorcycle media at Lanzerac Wine Estate wasn’t lost on me because similar to fine wine, BMW had certainly taken their time in developing the R 18 model series – I am guesstimating 83 years. It was roughly in 1935 when BMW first created the R 5, a cruiser which was powered by a 494 cc, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engine with a 4-speed transmission. The R 5 boasted 17.9kW of power, had a wet weight of 175kgs, and a fuel tank capacity of 15L.
Fast forward to 2020 and BMW Motorrad’s considerable motorcycle manufacturing expertise, resulting in the R 18, was about to be scrutinized in microscopic detail by little old me!
Approaching my-wheels-for-the-day, I was apprehensive about the 345kg weight of the bike in comparison to my body frame and height.
– Bongiwe Didiza, Biking in heels
Day 1
Upon arrival at the award-winning wine estate, we were welcomed by the sight of a shiny, chromed BMW R18 cruiser in all its highly polished splendor. The butterflies in my tummy did a happy dance and I grinned mischievously under my mask. Registration done, I reacquainted myself with journalists I was familiar with and met new friendly faces. I barely remember chewing my food because I was so eager to jump onto one of the bikes! Calming myself sufficiently I stopped fidgeting long enough to pay attention to the route briefing then, it was time to gear up and pick a ride.
As with most BMW bikes fitted with boxer engines, firing up the ignition of the R 18 was an exhilarating, yet fleeting thrill.
Approaching my-wheels-for-the-day, I was apprehensive about the 345kg weight of the bike in comparison to my body frame and height. Thanks to the keyless start feature I tucked the cruiser keys safely into my motorcycle leg bag and promptly forgot about them, but was jolted back to reality when I tried to awaken the 1802 cc cruiser which is equipped with the most powerful BMW boxer engine of all time – the Big Boxer.
As with most BMW bikes fitted with boxer engines, firing up the ignition of the R 18 was an exhilarating, yet fleeting thrill. As the oil flows from one side of the air-cooled boxer engine to the other, the cruiser physically reverberates, giving the rider an involuntary jiggle which, I quickly learned is best experienced with both feet firmly on the ground. Anything else could result in an unceremonious descent and severely bruised ego!
As the convoy of motorcycle journalists and I clutched out of Lanzerac, I felt the customary ache of strained facial muscles and realized I had been grinning from the time I straddled the bike. Twisting the throttle I heard the roar of the engine as 67kW of power rocketed me towards the renowned scenic beauty of the Cape. Within minutes, my mind was completely settled about the weight of the R 18 and I confidently rode in formation along with my colleagues.
The R 18 cruiser comes standard with three riding modes (Rock, Roll, and Rain). Feeling the admiring glances of other road users I decided to Rock it (like Jon Bon Jovi) for the first leg of the ride. I made a mental note to Roll (like Mick Jagger) later in the day.
To show off its cruiser capabilities, BMW Motorrad had us journeying along some of the most breathtaking mountain passes Cape Town has to offer. Much as I enjoyed soaking in the majestic views I was continually jolted back to reality by the scraping sound of the foot-peg kissing the tarmac each time I leaned into a curve. In keeping with the BMW Motorrad philosophy, the new BMW R 18, features a laid back positioning of the foot-rests – so-called “mid-mounted footpegs”.
I had focused so much on the scraping sound that I hadn’t noticed how numb my bum had gotten from the saddle.
– Bongiwe Didiza, biking in heels
This classic position behind the cylinders is designed to enable a relaxed and active riding position for optimum vehicle control. For me, however, it was rather disconcerting and I was frightened one of the pegs would break off at each turn. The unsettling sound made by the scraping footpegs was one of the main discussions by the group when we arrived at our first comfort break. I wondered if my background on superbikes and dual sports bikes made me lean more than necessary into each curve given that the cruiser is a much lower ride. I decided to ignore the scraping sound and hope for the best.
Back in the saddle and heading towards our starting point, I began to get a better understanding of the dynamic lean angle of the cruiser and there was less foot-peg scraping.
I had focused so much on the scraping sound that I hadn’t noticed how numb my bum had gotten from the saddle. As comfortable as it looks, the seat is rather firm and I hope BMW has included different seat options in its conversion style design package so that one can choose a more plush accommodation for the buttocks.
On our way back to the estate for the last time, a malfunctioning traffic light abruptly turned red and I had to dig sharply into my brakes.
– Bongiwe Didiza, biking in heels
Day 2
I took a differently styled R 18 cruiser which was fitted with a reverse assist function, something I absolutely agree is needed on a beast of this weight!
Heading out for more riding on the windy mountain passes once more, I was more familiar with the machine and spent more time savoring my surroundings – residents of Johannesburg’s concrete jungle will understand what I mean!
On our way back to the estate for the last time, a malfunctioning traffic light abruptly turned red and I had to dig sharply into my brakes. Until then, I had not had any intentions of testing the ABS and Automatic Stability control functions but the BMW braking system did not disappoint. Having to apply the brakes that sharply reminded me of a conversation I had had with a friend who had commented that the braking system of a cruiser is not enjoyable because one has to anticipate slowing down, otherwise the bike would not come to a comfortable stop. I won’t say which cruiser he has had that experience on but I’ll be sure to let him know that this is not the case with the new BMW R 18 model.
Environmentally conscious motorists will be pleased to learn that the R 18 only emits 129 g/km, proving once again that bikes are better for the environment than conventional cars.
Much as I enjoyed the BMW R 18 cruiser, there were two big let downs which I found quite difficult to ignore. Firstly, the reverse function seemed a tad tricky to operate. I am not sure it was simply a malfunction on the bike the demonstration was conducted on or if it is a problem across the R 18 range. Regardless, it seems that when operating the reverse function, the rider is required to firmly push down and hold the reverse gear in place while simultaneously pushing the bike backward for the function to kick in and automatically reverse the bike. In practical terms, this means you only have the use of your right hand to steer the bike until the reverse function kicks in. As you can imagine, this isn’t ideal and it would be best that you balance yourself very well while in reverse mode, or else!
The other let down is the absence of a fuel gauge which I found completely bizzare!
– bongiwe didiza, biking in heels
When following up on this problem with BMW Motored after the launch, I was happy to learn that my experience with the reverse function should be considered an isolated event and that the standard operating methodology is much simpler and safer. In reality, when engaging the reverse function, the rider is only required to lock the reverse gear firmly into place (as you would in a car), then gently open the throttle to allow the cruiser to start reversing. The rider would ordinarily have both hands on the handles. When I do get the R 18 on test in the coming weeks, I will be sure to try out the reverse function first.
The other let down is the bizarre absence of a fuel gauge which I found completely weird. Of course at the launch, our bikes were refueled over night for us, but as a customer, I think it may take a few embarrassing jogs to the nearest fuel station with an empty coke bottle in hand before one learns how many kilometers can comfortably be covered before having to refuel.
Environmentally conscious motorists will be pleased to learn that the BMW R 18 is a relatively emitter of carbon emissions at only emits 129 g/km, proving once again that bikes are better for the environment than conventional cars. “For a bike of this size and engine capacity, I am quite impressed at it’s carbon emissions of 129g/km, which is relatively lower than that of smaller bikes. Bikes such as the S 1000 XR emit 144g/km and similarly, the S 1000 RR emits 149g/km,” says Songo Didiza, Green Mobility Guru for Driving In Heels and Founder of Green Building Design Group.
The new BMW R 18 is offered as an exclusive R 18 Classic First Edition is priced at R319 900-00.
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Astride my brutish ride, the BMW R 18 felt much lighter in motion than when stationary. I found that the cruiser’s wide tyres (Front: 2.5 x 19 / Rear: 5.0 x 16) also helped maintain the bike’s traction. Other key highlights about the R 18 include Hill Start Control and Reverse Assist, both of which make maneuverability much easier and convenient. 
Excited to be reunited with female riders I had not seen in a long time due to lockdown regulations, we mingled, enjoyed the delicious welcome refreshments, posed for photos, and signed the event day banner. 
The R nineT Pure I was riding is powered by a four-stroke, two-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engine and is available at BMW Motorrad Fourways at R145 000. It is a 2018 model wrapped in Option 719 colors. 
