A centenary is a huge milestone for any company, but it’s a particularly big deal in the two-wheeler world. Only a handful of bikemakers can proudly say they’ve been building motorcycles for 100 years, and BMW Motorrad is the newest member of this club. Kicking off its centenary celebrations in style, the Bavarian giant has unveiled "100 Year Heritage Editions" of the R NineT and R 18.
What’s Special On The BMW R NineT and R 18 100 Year Heritage Editions
For the special edition, the roadster and cruiser flaunt many model-specific updates. The R NineT has a two-tone black and chrome fuel tank with double white pinstripes, complemented by blacked-out forks, air intakes, and a color-matched rear seat cowl. There’s also an array of trick parts - bar-end mirrors, adjustable levers, milled cylinder heads, engine covers - all coming from BMW’s Option 719 catalog. BMW didn’t just stop there, though, and threw in an adaptive cornering headlight, heated grips, cruise control, and Riding Modes Pro to amp up the package.
Like the R9T, BMW's flagship cruiser is also draped in a black-chrome livery called "Avus Black." The livery includes blacked-out spokes, but chrome dominates the aesthetic. Its levers, handlebar, mirrors, oil reservoirs, and engine head covers are all chrome. Our favorite additions on the 100 Years Heritage edition R 18, however, are the diamond-stitched two-tone seat and chrome Akrapovic pipes. The pipes even have an internal baffle shaped like BMW’s logo - a very cool detail. Finally, both motorcycles have a special chrome badge on the tank to mark the special edition.
What’s The Same On The BMW R NineT and R 18 100 Year Heritage Editions
Under their special skin, both limited editions remain mechanically the same as their usual self. The R NineT employs a 1,170cc, flat boxer engine that thumps out 109 horsepower and 85.5 pound-feet via a shaft drive. It’s built around a four-part chassis, paired with 46mm upside forks and a monoshock for suspension duties. At the same time, the R 18 cruiser boasts a 1,802cc, flat boxer engine that produces 91 horsepower and 116 pound-feet. The mill sits inside a double cradle chassis sprung on telescopic forks and a monoshock.
BMW R NineT and R 18 100 Year Heritage Editions - Pricing And Availability
BMW USA has priced the R NineT and R 18 100 Year Heritage editions at $19,995 and $18,990 – $3,050 and $3,995 more than the standard models, respectively. Only 1923 units of each model will go on sale globally, and the motorcycles will reach American dealerships in early 2023. Do you think these are worth the extra moolah? Let us know in the comments.