BMW R18 conversion by Hornig

2024-06-17 - even more comfort for the luxury cruiser



Its 1802cc two-cylinder boxer engine makes the BMW R18 the boxer with the largest engine displacement that BMW Motorrad has ever built. With a powerful output of 67 kW / 91 hp, the characterful cruiser offers a safe driving experience and combines tradition with modern technology. We have given the classically beautiful cruiser a few additional highlights by adding some customizing accessories.

To create storage space on the BMW R18, we have mounted sand-brown side bags made of 3-4 mm thick cowhide. These have a sturdy back panel made of ABS plastic and are attached to a motorcycle-specific C-Bow holder. The side bags are lockable and offer a volume of approx. 17 liters. The mobile phone can be easily and safely stored in our sand-brown leather tank panel with mobile phone compartment and can be charged and operated while driving. All smartphones with a maximum width of 8cm fit in the mobile phone compartment. To match the color of the side bags, we covered the driver's and passenger's seats of the BMW R18 with brown leather and added diamond-patterned quilting and the lettering "1800cc". A matching grab strap with an "R18" design was also made. To guarantee the passenger a comfortable ride on the BMW R18, we have installed an ergonomically shaped backrest with a quick-release fastener. The backrest cushion is also covered in a matching sand-brown color (custom-made). The complete sissy bar can be attached and removed from the motorcycle without tools and after removing the sissy bar, only 4 stainless steel bushings remain on the motorcycle, which do not affect the motorcycle’s appearance. The sand-brown design of the motorcycle is rounded off by color-coordinated leather grip covers. Another design highlight on our BMW R18 is the pinstriped front fender. Following the example of the original rear fender and the tank, two white lines were drawn by hand on the front fender for our R18 conversion. We also offer this service for your front fender!

The "Batwing SML Touring" fairing screen ensures a relaxed cruiser ride and an unmistakable custom look. The windshield is available in tinted or transparent. The fairing part of the screen is made of black plastic - regardless of the color of the windshield itself. We have added 2 white stripes to the fairing screen on our BMW R18 conversion to reflect the design of the fenders and the tank there as well (custom-made). The tail rising kit enables a more dynamic seat and ride height for the motorcycle. The installation shortens the wheelbase of the BMW R18 in order to achieve agile and sportier handling. To protect the boxer engine, we have installed our stainless steel crash bars, which have a tube diameter of 34mm, fit in very well with the look of the machine and ensure an even distribution of forces in the event of a fall. Our oil cooler grille protects the oil cooler of the BMW R18 and at the same time represents a new visual highlight on the motorcycle. We have attached gear lever extensions to the front and rear of the gearshift paddle on our BMW R18. Thanks to these gearshift lever extensions (length + approx. 11mm) made of aluminum, shifting is a pleasure as you benefit from the better grip. The rear gearshift lever for upshifting is easier to find thanks to the slightly longer design and you don't step into the void as easily. We have also installed a gear lever extension for switching to reverse gear. This means the lever is positioned more advantageously and is easy to grip even when wearing gloves. The gearshift lever operation is 130mm higher than the original and the lever is made of polished stainless steel.

Thanks to our variable license plate holder made of high-quality, rust-proof stainless steel, the license plate of the BMW R18 no longer needs to be drilled. The holder is adjustable in width from 18-28cm. Various aluminum parts, such as our oil filler cap, which can only be opened with a Torx T45, our steering head cap with emblem and our frame cover caps further enhance our BMW R18. Our side stand extension enables the BMW R18 to be parked safely on all surfaces. Thanks to our GPS mount, navigation devices or smartphones can be attached to the handlebar clamp area. Any of our navigation adapters or smartphone holders can be attached to this GPS mount with a 12 mm tube diameter, so that the R18 driver always has a clear view of the route to be taken. Finally, we mounted a polished HATTECH exhaust on our BMW R18, which delivers a powerful sound with a similar volume to the original. The exhaust is made entirely of stainless steel, welded using the TIG process, is 5.5 kg lighter than the original system and of course has a European street homologation.


Here you can find all the products from our product range that were used for the conversion:

Side bags
Seat conversion (two-piece seat)
Removable sissybar / backrest
Leather cuffs for handlebar grips
Pin stripes for your front mudguard
Fairing windscreen Batwing SML Touring
Tail rising kit
Crash bars stainless steel
Cooler screen
Shift lever extensions
Shift lever extension - reverse gear
Licence plate bracket stainless steel adjustable
Oil filler plug
Centre cap top yoke
Frame Covers
GPS Mount
HATTECH exhaust

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Photos: MO Medien Verlag





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