[2] BMW started development in 2015 and later, presented information on the forthcoming model's design and specifications.

[3] The R 18 is BMW's second attempt, after the BMW R1200C to tap into the market segment of heavy cruisers, currently dominated by Harley-Davidson, Indian, British Triumph Thunderbird or Triumph Rocket III, Moto Guzzi's Cruiser or Japanese Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.

The R 18's conversion-friendly design will ease modifications for riders interested in the custom bike scene following a similar approach as the one taken with the BMW R nineT.

The motorcycle is powered by a newly developed air and oil-cooled 1,802 cc (110.0 cu in), 91 hp (68 kW) two-cylinder boxer.

The valves of the four-stroke engine are controlled by tappets, push rods above the cylinders and rocker arms.