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Cruising on a motorcycle is about more than simply getting from point A to point B. From the way the motorcycle looks to the way it rides, and definitely to the way it sounds, a great cruising motorcycle needs to combine it all. When you think of the quintessential American cruiser, you likely think of Harley-Davidson, which has built its solid reputation throughout the years. When you think of a German motorcycle in a similar vein, you might not come up with much. However, with the new 2021 BMW R18 for sale near Ontario, CA, BMW offers its unique take on a motorcycle that’s built for cruising and dripping with classic style. If you’re looking for new motorcycles for sale, visit us at BMW Motorcycles of Riverside. Our BMW motorcycle dealership is located in Riverside, CA. We’ve served customers from Corona, CA, and San Bernardino, CA, and our BMW motorcycle financing can help you get your new motorcycle in your garage today. Plus, when you make us your trusted BMW motorcycle dealer, you get the benefit of the support from our BMW motorcycle parts and BMW motorcycle service center. Let’s see how the BMW R 18 compares to some popular Harley-Davidson models.
When you compare the 2021 BMW R18 vs. Harley-Davidson Softail Slim, it’s easy to see the similarities, especially the engines. Both use two-cylinder engines, but with different configurations. The 2021 BMW R18 uses a boxer engine configuration that has the heads poking out to the sides. The Harley, on the other hand, uses a classic V configuration for its engine. The BMW displaces 1,802 cubic centimeters, about 110 cubic inches, and produces 91 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque. The Softail Slim uses HD’s Milwaukee-Eight® 107, with 107 cubic inches of displacement to produce 110 lb-ft of torque. The BMW utilizes a shaft-drive system while the Harley makes it due to a chain. Both motorcycles have a six-speed transmission.
The styling of both of these motorcycles pays credit to their places of the original. The HD Softail Slim features and old-school look with a nice low seat, dual-stacked exhaust pipes on the side, classic looking fenders, and a single headlamp at the front. The BMW R18 is similar, with a single-seat, one headlamp, but features a little softer and elegant look. The BMW also stands out thanks to its unique engine configuration and artful fishtail exhaust pipes.
Both of these motorcycles offer style and performance, and when you compare the 2021 BMW R18 vs. Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe, you start to find some differences. The Harley-Davidson Deluxe is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight® 107 V-Twin engine, displacing a hearty 107 cubic inches and producing 109 lb-ft of torque. The BMW comes with the Big Boxer engine, with two cylinders displacing 110 cubic inches and developing 116 lb-ft of torque. Both of these motorcycles have six-speed transmissions, with the HD sending the power to the rear wheel via a chain drive while the BMW utilizes a shaft-drive system. The combination of higher torque and the shaft-drive means the BMW offers a smoother, more responsive ride.
The artful lines of the BMW R18 are and will be timeless. Offered in simple Black Storm Metallic, the R18 does not shout for attention, but the available white pinstripes and available chrome design elements let you add a little bit of extra drama. The Softail Deluxe also offers a timeless design, but with a bit of the brash thrown in. There is plenty of chrome from the forks, the fenders, and the Deluxe engine, making it a little harder to blend in. The stylish three-element headlights give it a bolder front end, and you can choose from five color options.
The differences in ethos become apparent when you compare the 2021 BMW R18 vs. Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. The R18 is powered by a sizable two-cylinder boxer engine displacing 110 cubic inches. In comparison, the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy uses a V-Twin engine displacing a bit more at 114 cubic inches. Despite the extra cubes, the Fat Boy barely bests the BMW’s torque with 119 lb-ft of torque for the Harley and 116 lb-ft of torque for the Beemer. The BMW offers a smoother and more responsive shaft-drive system while the HD uses a chain drive.
Styling is a more significant separating factor between these two bikes. The BMW R18 is all about elegance, with simple lines, smooth curves, and classic wire wheels. The Fat Boy is more aggressive-looking, starting with its headlight built into a satin chrome squared off nacelle, to the satin chrome dual exhaust, to the aggressive solid-disc Lakester wheels. While the BMW is offered only in a classic black, the Fat Boy is offered in various colors.
The 2021 BMW R18 offers a unique twist on the cruiser style motorcycle segment. While Harley-Davidson offers the classic American motorcycle experience, it’s hard to ignore the new R18 from BMW. With its gorgeous design, the BMW will look right at home just about anywhere. The Harleys might offer that distinctive rumble and vibration from their engines, but there is something about the refinement provided by BMW’s boxer engine that is sure to leave you just as satisfied. Add in the response of the shaft-drive system, and the 2021 BMW R18 makes its case as the motorcycle for a more sophisticated rider type. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry into BMW Motorcycles of Riverside and check out the new 2021 BMW R18 today.
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