Launched in 2020, the 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane is the fifth member of the R 18 family. Described as a cruise, a bagger, and everything in between; Roctane, the “Big Boxer” energetically mates a 6-speed transmission along with a single-plate dry slipper clutch. And a nickel-plated driveshaft to ride on in style.
Then there are a whole lot of assistance systems that ensure that everything is under your control. Other features on the Roctane include ASC (Automatic Stability Control), MSR (engine drag torque control), optional HSC (Hill Start Control), and reverse. Just imagine these happening with three riding modes for additional control and riding pleasure.
Overview of 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane
- Engine: 1,802 cc Air/oil cooled twin-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine
- Power: 91 hp @ 4,750 rpm
- Torque: 116 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
- Seat Height: 28.3 in. (812.8 mm)
- Curb Weight(running order): 825 lbs (374.2 kg)
- Price(USA): $19,080 USD
Pros & Cons of 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane
Pros of BMW R 18 Roctane
- Refined Styling
- Ride Modes and Tech Features
- Enjoyable Torque Delivery
Cons of BMW R 18 Roctane
- Ergonomic Challenges Due to Big Boxer Engine
- Vibrations at Mid RPM
- Product Naming
2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Review
Add the optimum seating ergonomics and plenty of storage space to the outfit. And you don’t really have to go without the comfort that you are used to on long tours.
What’s New for 2024?
The latest BMW R 18 Roctane is a beast. All you have to do is just stand in front of the massive engine to realize why it is called the “Big Boxer.” The partial exhaust pipes coming out of the cylinder and hooking down in front like a snout will drive in the message. The latest Roctane literally looks like a giant insect head dipped in chrome. It is also equipped with painted saddlebags and integrated LED taillights. This entire setup offers 27 liters of storage capacity as well.
Design and Appearance
With a minimal wardrobe and more attitude, the Roctane feels more like a stripped-down R 18 B. It loses the handlebar-mounted fairing and gives the integrated hard bags an avant-garde color scheme.
The front wheel grows to a custom size and so do the rear hoops. Other styling trends include the brief front fender. And they better expose the distinctive cast alloy wheel. A subdued but blacked-out treatment on the drivetrain concludes with a dark chrome header and smooth exhausts.
Suspension elements on the Roctane continue the classic approach. The non-adjustable telescopic fork and the central rear shock effectively combine inches of travel at the front and at the rear. And the Roctane also retains the 4.2-gallon tank from the Classic base R 18.
Technology and Features
The foundational elements of the R 18, however, remain on the Roctane. The air and oil-cooled 1,802cc engine still takes up most of the space. It is reinforced by the double-loop steel tube frame found on the R 18 along with an exposed nickel-plated drive shaft and the rigid rear carrying the tapered streamliner design.
Then there are no changes done to the vertically split aluminum Big Boxer engine. It still pumps out a claimed 91 hp at 4,750 rpm. Along with a peak torque of 116 lb.-ft. at 3,000 rpm. The Roctane effectively carries around 825 pounds of weight, which is much more than the straight R 18.
Performance and Handling
However, the wheels of the Roctane do veer off into custom territory. But the spoke-style cast alloy wheels along with fatter diameters provide a visual punch. The front wheel significantly extends the trail to improve straight-line stability. The rest of the running gear on the Roctane deliberately includes a steering damper, triple-disc brakes, and fixed calipers along with ABS as standard equipment.
The same three Rain, Rock, and Roll riding modes guide you through the tour on Roctane. And of course, you have optional accessories to make the journey pleasurable. Along with its adaptive headlight said to be unique in this class. Then there are Reverse Assist and Hill Start Control options adding to performance, comfort, and style that make travel meaningful.
Riding Experience
The demonstrative experience of Roctane does not conform to standards. It stands out despite the dark color scheme. However, the three versions emphasize different facets and allow you to do your own thing. With an independent character, Roctane takes riding on two wheels to another level.
Roctane unmistakably is an eye-catcher. And the unique sounds coming from the dark chrome rear exhaust will take you places in time.
Safety Features
Assistance systems for optimal bike control –
- Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
- Engine drag torque control (MSR)
- Optional Hill Start Control
- Optional reverse feature
Three are 3 riding modes namely Rock, Roll, and Rain. In addition you also get ample storage space for long tours.
Total cost to Own
- Prices start at: $19,080
- Destination & Handling Fee: $895
Top Speed
The top speed of the 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane is Over 124 mph (199.6 km/h).
Roctane, your bike, your rules!
2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Competitors
| Model | Power | Torque | Top Speed(mph) | MPG | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson Sport Glide | 86 | 108 lb-ft@3500 RPM | 115 | 53 | $20,349 |
| Harley-Davidson Road King | 88 | 111 lb-ft@3250 RPM | 115 | 43.2 | $19,499 |
| Harley-Davidson Sportster S | 121 | 94 lb-ft | 143 | 49 | $16,399 |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Bob | 100.5 | 118 lb-ft@3000-3500 RPM | 110 | 47 | $18,899 |
| Indian Scout Bobber | 100 | 72 lb-ft @ 5,900 RPM | 128 | 41.75 | $10,999 |
| BMW R nineT | 109 | 72.9 lb-ft @ 6000 RPM | 127 | 46.03 | $15,945 |
2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Pictures
BMW R 18 Roctane Videos
2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Specifications
| Engine | |
| Rated output | 91 hp @ 4,750 rpm |
| Emission control | Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter |
| Type | Air/oil cooled twin-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine |
| Bore x stroke | 107.1 mm x 100 mm |
| Capacity | 1,802 cc |
| Max. torque | 116 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 9.6 : 1 |
| Mixture control | Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wire |
| Performance / fuel consumption | |
| Maximum speed | 112 mph |
| Fuel type | Super unleaded (max. 15% ethanol, E15), 95 ROZ/RON, 90 AKI |
| Electrical system | |
| Alternator | Permanent magnet alternator with 600 W (nominal power) |
| Battery | 12 V / 26 Ah |
| Power transmission | |
| Clutch | Single-disc dry clutch |
| Gearbox | Constant-mesh 6-gear gearbox with separate transmission housing |
| Drive | Cardan shaft drive |
| Chassis / brakes | |
| Frame | Double loop steel frame with bolted beams |
| Front wheel location / suspension | Telescopic fork, diameter 49 mm |
| Rear wheel location / suspension | Steel twin-sided swing arm, central spring strut |
| Suspension travel, front / rear | 4.7″ / 3.5″ |
| Wheelbase | 67.7″ |
| Wheels | Aluminum cast wheels |
| Rim, front | 3.50 x 21″ |
| Rim, rear | 5.50 x 18” |
| Tire, front | 120/70 B21 |
| Tire, rear | 180/55 B168 |
| Brake, front | Twin disc brake, diameter 300 mm, 4-piston fixed caliper |
| Brake, rear | Single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, 4-piston fixed caliper |
| ABS | BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (fully integral) |
| Dimensions / weights | |
| Seat height at unladen weight | 28.3″ |
| Inner leg curve at unladen weight | 65.9″ |
| Usable tank volume | approx. 4.2 gal |
| Reserve | approx. 1 gal |
| Length | 103″ (over license plate holder) |
| Width | 38.7″ (above mirror) |
| Unladen weight, road ready, fully fueled | 825 lbs |
| Permitted total weight | 1,234 lbs |
| Payload (with standard equipment) | 399 lbs |
