The Smart Cruiser alternative Harley buyers are overlooking

There’s a good reason why Harley-Davidson is the default choice for cruiser motorcycle enthusiasts. The products are quite unique, and lately some have become quite valuable as well. At the same time, buying American stocks also has disadvantages. One is the high MSRP, especially if you opt for the OG heavyweight Softail range. The badge carries a premium regardless of feature set. By capitalizing on this, other manufacturers have understood that there is a market for people who want a Harley but aren’t as brand loyal.

Value for money is key, and they’re willing to get what’s best for them regardless of the name on the tank. This has given rise to a number of HD competitors. The Japanese had (and still have) all their answers to American iron, while the Chinese are trying too. However, the biggest rivalry comes from Europe, and there is one model from Europe that is making a very good case for itself. This is the smart cruiser alternative that Harley buyers are overlooking.

The BMW R 18 Classic is the smart cruiser alternative that Harley buyers overlook

Harley-Davidsons are great motorcycles. We can’t ignore their heritage, the feeling they give you when you drive them, or their resale value. However, all of this comes at a price, and whether you are willing to pay the premium they demand is a very personal choice. That’s why Harley has been trying to lower suggested retail prices lately. Still, something like the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic commands quite a premium, compared to the BMW R 18 Classic.

Both OG cruisers have huge twin-cylinder engines and plenty of torque. Both have all-day comfort and lean into it by offering a windshield and luggage. Still, the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic costs $22,999, which is a whopping $4,607 more than the base price of the R 18. You could say the new MSRP for 2026 is $19,999, but keep in mind that the base version doesn’t have any touring equipment (windshield, pillion seat or pillion footpegs).

BMW’s largest boxer engine

The R 18 series uses the same engine in the same setting. It is an air/oil-cooled boxer-twin with a displacement of 1,802 cc, making it the largest BMW boxer-twin motorcycle engine in its history. It generates 91 horsepower and 120 pound-feet, even with a relatively low underloaded compression ratio of 9.6:1. The Heritage Classic is slightly larger, at 1,917 cc, which explains the higher output of 98 horsepower and an identical 120 pound-feet. One key difference is that the BMW has a DOHC setup, while the Harley has pushrods that operate the overhead valves.

It should be noted that the Harley has self-adjusting valves, while the BMW requires adjustment every other service. This is not a problem as it is a boxer engine, but labor costs must be factored into the cost of ownership. It has electronics such as a by-wire throttle and riding modes, traction control and engine resistance torque control.

BMW R 18 Classic transmission and final drive

Another unique feature of the R 18 engine is the fact that it uses a separate gearbox, unlike current unit construction engines. That means he can and does a dry clutch. Both the BMW and Harley use six-speed gearboxes, but deliver all their torque to the rear wheel in different ways. The Harley uses a belt drive, while the BMW with its longitudinal engine prefers a visible cardan shaft drive. They are also good solutions for long journeys because, unlike a chain, they do not require maintenance, except during scheduled services.

A traditional frame makes the R 18 B really long

The R 18 Classic has a traditional downtube frame and the suspension consists of extended 49mm forks with 4.7 inches of travel at the front and a single shock absorber with adjustable spring preload and 3.5 inches of travel at the rear. It uses a 19/16-inch alloy wheel configuration – i.e. tubeless tires – with dual 300mm disc brakes at the front and a further 300mm disc (all with a four-piston fixed caliper). The brakes are partially integral, meaning that using the handlebar-mounted lever operates both brakes, but using the foot lever only activates the rear brake. ABS is standard.

BMW R 18 Classic dimensions

The R 18 is a tall bike, necessary because the feet are forward and the cylinders get in the way of that position. It measures a full 108 inches long (that’s 8.5 feet!) with a wheelbase of 68.1 inches. But the seat is low at 28.7 inches. This is also a very heavy cruiser, with an empty weight of 814 pounds. It has a 4.2-gallon fuel tank, so it should travel a fair distance between fill-ups unless driven hard.

BMW R 18 Classic features

The R 18 Classic leans into its retro theme with a round analogue speedometer and an LCD screen in it, at the bottom. The LCD screen shows information such as driving mode, odometer, trip meter and warning lights. There is no fuel gauge, but a low fuel warning appears on the display when fuel reaches the reserve level. The display can also show the rpm, although this is just a plain number and not a tachometer.

Standard features include a windscreen, soft luggage, a 12V socket and a USB charging port. You’ll have to spend almost $1,000 for the Premium Package, which will add Hill Hold Assist, cornering headlights, heated grips and a lockable gas cap. Other options include different seats, tire pressure monitoring and different color options. Oh, and just like the Honda Gold Wing manual, BMW also uses the starter motor for the reverse gear of the R 18 Classic. But it’s an almost $1,000 option.

BMW R 18 Classic Competition

If you’re going for an American light touring car, Indian’s Super Chief is an option. It is an air-cooled engine, but it also has features such as rear cylinder deactivation, which can make life in the city or at low speeds more comfortable. However, we are looking at a Harley competitor, so we have to look at the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic. It has a larger, more powerful engine, is significantly lighter, and has a six-axis IMU. It also has features such as Hill Hold Assist as standard, so the price difference between the Harley and BMW is not as great as it seems at first glance.

BMW R 18 Classic vs. Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic

Source: BMW USA