Yahoo Autos 2023 BMW R18 Roctane is a forward-thinking tribute to past motorcycles
BMW's motorcycle-building division is turning 100 years old in 2023; it's several years older than the group's car-building arm. It's celebrating this significant milestone by adding a new model called R18 Roctane to its range of heritage-inspired, flat-twin-powered two-wheelers.
Low, aerodynamic, and relatively long, the R18 Roctane borrows a handful of styling cues from some of the most emblematic models in BMW's past, including the R 5 released in 1936. The company refers to the look as "streamliner," a term that alludes to the swept-back shape that characterizes panels like the rear fender, but it adds that the air-cooled flat-twin engine remains at the heart of the design.
There's more to the Roctane than initially meets the eye. The mid-rise handlebars were developed specifically for this model, and the round instrument cluster is integrated into the headlight for a cleaner, back-to-the-basics look. Similarly, the rear turn signals are mounted on the hard side cases. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, the trim pieces, and many of the mechanical components are finished in black.
