2021 BMW R 1800 Cruiser Preview

The buildup to BMW’s big-bore R 1800 cruiser release continues with another round of spy shots, this time of a basic version that has a definitively nostalgic bent.

Earlier this month we got a peek at the R 1800 bagger, which to my eye came off as a been there, done that machine vying to look at home among the big touring cruisers already on the market. This latest version looks to be a polished example of what we spied last December beneath a tarp, and for me this is a much more interesting bike.

It’s packing some seriously nostalgic vibes, with the completely exposed 1,802cc Big Boxer nestled comfortably in the double cradle frame, a big ol’ Harley FLH 1200-looking windscreen, and its slight resemblance to even the Indian 841.

The teardrop tank shape also appears to be lower than the bagger version and much more classic-looking, but not necessarily dated. It’s similar to the one used on the BMW Concept R18 we featured last May. The analog speedometer, simple instrument panel, single main headlight, the mirrors—it all is making me wish for a simpler time.

This is in keeping with BMW’s stated approach when it described designing the massive mill, taking inspiration from its R5/R51 and R51/2 and is closer to what I was hoping to see when BMW first revealed the specs of the Big Boxer.

There’s something graceful and compelling about this understated machine. It’s clearly a heritage motorcycle, but it’s not pandering. I dig it.