PULSE
2020
ISSUE FIVE
THE NEW
BMW R 18
SOUL IS ALL THAT MATTERS.
The new R 18 invokes the history and the iconic hallmarks of the BMW brand. The result is a true BMW cruiser that is full of character, surrounding the largest displacement boxer engine they have ever built and timeless design features, such as the white double striping on the R 18 First Edition. The flyline is elongated and low. The double-cradle steel frame covers the powerful, sculpted engine that underlines the impressive presence of the bike. Riders also have a number of custom equipment options: the R 18 is scaled back to its core to allow for full customization.
With the new R 18, BMW Motorrad now enters the cruiser segment. Like no other BMW motorcycle before it, this model stands entirely in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles – both technically and in terms of design style. It borrows from famous models such as the BMW R 5 both technologically and visually, shifting the focus back onto the motorcycle essentials: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicenter of riding pleasure, combined with “good vibrations”. What is more, classic design is combined in the R 18 with clear-cut yet contemporary technology to create a fascinating overall concept – offering a riding experience that is as cultivated as it is emotional.
THE NEWBMW R 18
The R 18 masterfully transposes the iconic style of bygone times to the present day, retaining a purist design in numerous details that is mainly influenced by classics such as the BMW R 5. It is no coincidence that functional and stylistic elements such as the double-loop frame, the pear-drop tank, the open-running driveshaft and the pinstriped paintwork (ex-factory option) are reminiscent of the legendary boxer dating back to 1936. The classic bodywork features of the R 18 are also made of metal – as befits an authentic classic. The suspension is likewise aptly reminiscent of the legendary R 5. Together with the double-sided swingarm and a cantilever suspension strut, the rigid-frame concept of the R 5 is perfectly transported into the modern age in visual terms.
The centerpiece the new BMW R 18 is a newly developed 2-cylinder boxer engine – the “Big Boxer”. Both its impressive appearance and its technology reflect a continuation of the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have offered an inspiring riding experience since BMW Motorrad began production in 1923. The most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever used in motorcycle series production has a displacement of 1 802 cc. The peak output is 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 rpm. From 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, over 150 Nm of torque is available at all times, and this elemental pulling power is combined with a full, resonant sound.
The centerpiece of the suspension in the new R 18 is a double-loop steel tube frame. Its design perpetuates the longstanding BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame type. Outstanding manufacturing quality and meticulous attention to detail is also evident in unapparent features such as the welded joints between the steel tubes and the cast or forged parts. Like the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swingarm – sporting a comparable design – surrounds the rear axle transmission in authentic style by means of bolted connections.
SOUL IS ALL THAT MATTERS.
The suspension elements of the new BMW R 18 deliberately dispense with electronic adjustment options. Instead, a telescopic fork and a directly mounted central suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure superior wheel control and attractive suspension comfort. As in the legendary BMW R 5, the tubes of the telescopic fork are encased in fork sleeves. The fork tube diameter is 49 mm, while the suspension travel is 120 mm at the front and 90 mm at the rear. The new BMW R 18 braking system consists of a twin-disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed calipers. Meanwhile, the wire-spoked wheels ensure a supremely stylish appearance.
An exclusive R 18 First Edition will be available across the globe in congruence with the model launch, sporting a black paint job with white pinstripes, chrome upgrades, a seat badge, and a First Edition chrome inscription on the side covers. The price in the United States for the FE will be $19,780 while a base model will also be available in select markets for $17,495 USD.
2021 YAMAHA YZ250F
MONSTER ENERGY RACING EDITION
Inspired by the YZ250F raced by the Yamaha Supercross team, the Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition features an aggressive color and graphics package that stands out from the crowd. The YZ250F's already potent motor was treated to a host of refinements, including an all-new cylinder head with an improved intake port shape, new exhaust camshaft profile, a new silencer, and an updated ECU and more—to produce stronger mid- to top-end power and increased peak power, while retaining its class-leading low-end torque. New air box lid intake ducts have been added for increased air flow with a new high flow air filter, air cleaner boot featuring a new shape for increased flow and a larger diameter throttle body joint. Featuring a high-spec piston, aggressive cam profiles, cylinder geometry and more, Yamaha’s reversed cylinder head layout works to give YZ250F riders the best balance of high-rpm power with a broad, useable powerband.
The liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-valve, fuel-injected engine features a forward-positioned straight downdraft intake with symmetrical intake and exhaust ports. For 2021, the engine has been updated with new cylinder head featuring a new air intake system, an improved intake port shape, new exhaust camshaft profile, and an updated ECU—all to produce stronger mid- to top-end power and increased peak power, while retaining its class-leading low-end torque. A flat-top forged piston features a bridge-box design for additional strength with minimal weight. The piston, rings and DLC-coated piston pin, along with the offset cylinder configuration, all reduce friction loss and contribute to quick response. The engine’s intake ports, cam profiles, high-strength connecting rod and optimized crank and counterbalancer all work together to produce potent high-rpm power with user-friendly delivery and exceptional reliability. The adjustable fuel injection system uses a 44mm throttle body, fed by a high-pressure electric fuel pump, that injects fuel through a 12-hole Denso® injector. This ensures optimum fuel atomization and air/fuel calibration for excellent rideability in a wide range of riding conditions. The transmission gears, dogs and shift mechanisms are designed to smooth gear changes and improve durability under the heavy demands of motocross racing. The YZ250F also features a large-diameter clutch to boost reliability even further under high-heat conditions. The YZ250F features a compact electric starter system that minimizes restart delays on the track and adds convenience everywhere else. Powered by a high-capacity and ultra-lightweight, four-cell lithium-ion battery, the system adds minimal weight.
.jpg)
The YZ250F’s compact frame refines the instinctive handling that makes this Yamaha one of the best handling machines in the class. The large upper frame bracing improves rigidity and durability. The wider rear frame spars and YZ250F-specific engine mounts centralize mass for the best possible balance of bump absorption, stiffness and feeling of grip. The engine, aluminum muffler and compact fuel tank are positioned close to the machine's center of mass. This layout contributes to centralized mass for a lightweight handling feeling on the track. The YZ250F utilizes compact bodywork from tip to tail, including a narrow fuel tank specifically designed for motocross demands. In addition to shaving weight, the body design provides more comfortable knee grip and control feel, with a seat shaped to give the rider additional room to move aboard the machine. The wide 55mm footpegs help lower the rider's center of gravity for enhanced machine balance, control and rider comfort. Industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB® coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping provides exceptional balance between handling and bump absorption for race-winning handling performance. The linkage-type rear suspension features a KYB® shock with revised damping characteristics to match the chassis. Careful computer-aided refinement of each wheel’s cross-sectional profile shaves valuable weight without sacrificing durability.