Considering how prolific its cars are, it’s easy to overlook the fact that BMW was also a pioneer when it comes to motorcycles. In fact, the German company has been churning out two-wheelers for a century now, and to celebrate that, it recently rolled out the R 18 and R nineT 100 Years editions. The two limited-run special edition bikes have now been launched in India at Rs 25.90 lakh and 24 lakh (ex-showroom, India), respectively.
- Limited to 1,923 units each
- Feature optional extras from Option 719 parts catalogue
- Both cost Rs 5-6 lakh more than respective base versions
At the aforementioned prices, the 100 Years Editions of both motorcycles are around Rs 5-6 lakh more expensive than their respective base versions – the standard R 18 costs Rs 19.90 lakh while the base R nineT comes in at Rs 19 lakh. And this is because the special editions come loaded with a number of optional extras, including parts from the Option 719 catalogue. There’s a widespread use of chrome on both machines, because this was the aesthetic of the motorcycle industry when BMW first started building bikes back in the 1920s.
On the R nineT, the chrome parts are paired with black components such as the fork tubes, air intakes and Option 719 Classic black anodized rims. The milled cylinder head covers, front engine cover, seat holder, and oil filler plug are from the Option 719 Billet Pack Shadow collection while the adjustable hand levers, pegs, expansion tank covers and bar-end mirrors are from the Billet Pack Shadow II collection. Also standard are an adaptive cornering headlight, heated grips, cruise control, and Riding Modes Pro.
The R 18 100 Years edition sports a similar chrome and black appearance, and one of the more distinctive elements here is the two-tone black and oxblood red, embossed with a diamond pattern. A closer look reveals an even more interesting detail – a chrome Akrapovič exhaust system with perforated tailpipe covers shaped like the BMW logo.
Both special editions are limited to just 1,923 units each, globally (to signify the year that BMW began making motorcycles), and there aren’t any details on exactly how many units have been allotted for India. But with our market recently breaking into the brand’s global top 10, we’re definitely beginning to climb up the pecking order.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
