BMW R18 Roctane: First impressions of a torquey bagger
I recently had the pleasure of taking the new BMW R18 Roctane for a spin, and let me tell you, it's a machine that leaves a lasting impression.
Aesthetically Pleasing and Purposefully Built
My first encounter with the R18 Roctane was a morning ride through the Royal National Park, a perfect proving ground for any new bike. Right off the bat, the Roctane's aesthetics grab you.
The Dragonfire Red paint job is absolutely stunning. BMW has truly nailed the styling here, blending classic R18 elements with a more raked-out, American bagger vibe. The 21-inch front wheel is a significant differentiator from my R18 First Edition and contributes greatly to its imposing presence. The integrated clock in the headlight is a neat touch, and the black chrome headers, exhaust and push rods are just gorgeous.
The integrated bags, with their clever inclusion of indicators and taillights, look fantastic and really sell that bagger style. This whole "bagger" aesthetic is something that's really growing on me – it's both functional and incredibly cool.
Comfort for Rider and Pillion
Comfort is paramount, especially on longer rides. For the rider, the Roctane's seat is really good. The running boards are not only visually appealing but also incredibly comfortable, offering a relaxed riding position.
I even had my partner, Amber, hop on the back – something she hasn't done for quite some time, as she usually rides her own bike. She found the seat comfortable and the position good, although she did suggest a backrest would enhance pillion comfort further. This highlights a distinction between the Roctane and its touring-focused siblings like the Transcontinental and Bagger, which come with integrated top boxes and backrests. Still, for occasional pillion duties, the Roctane seems to hold its own.
Torque, Torque, and More Torque!
BMW R18s are synonymous with torque and the Roctane is no exception. For my style of riding, usable torque is far more rewarding than chasing peak horsepower. The Roctane delivers power from very low in the rev range, happily chugging along at 2,500 RPM in sixth gear at 100 km/h. You could even drop down to 80 km/h at 1,500 RPM in sixth and it would still feel perfectly composed. But when you twist the throttle, the power is there, instantly.
While the Roctane boasts a slight increase in torque over my R 18 First Edition I honestly didn't feel a noticeable difference. My First Edition already has more than enough torque, and it's not something I ever felt it needed more of. So, rest assured, the Roctane's power delivery is simply excellent.
Surprisingly Agile Handling
Given its size and style, the Roctane's handling was a pleasant surprise, especially on the twisty roads of the Royal National Park. My R18 First Edition already handles exceptionally well for a big bike, which I attribute to its great chassis and the low centre of gravity provided by the boxer engine. However, surprisingly the Roctane, with its 21-inch front wheel and slightly taller seat, feels even more nimble.
I noticed a distinct increase in ground clearance compared to my R18, where I often scrape the pegs. Even though I wasn't pushing it hard (it was a press bike, and the roads were wet), I didn't scrape the boards once on the Roctane. This extra clearance is a definite bonus.
A Strong Contender in the R18 Lineup
If I were in the market for a brand new R18 today, the Roctane would absolutely be a strong contender. While my First Edition is equivalent to what's now the "Classic" the Roctane's unique blend of style and comfort is highly appealing.
What's Next for the Roctane?
My first impressions of the BMW R18 Roctane are overwhelmingly positive. It's a wonderful bike that fits perfectly within the R18 family. While I typically haven't gravitated towards bikes with ape hangers and bags, my tastes are slowly evolving, and the Roctane is certainly playing a part in that shift.
Stay safe, and we'll see you down the road! Check out my first ride review on YouTube.