BMW R 18 Roctane Confirmed in Homologation Filings

[Peon Maface]

BMW is preparing to add a new model to its 1,802cc boxer family, receiving type approval in Switzerland for a new variant called the R 18 Roctane.

The type approval data for the Roctane shows much in common with the existing R 18 models, but with some notable differences. For one, the R 18 Roctane has an internal model code of “0N61,” while the model codes for the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B, and R 18 Transcontinental all have model codes beginning with “0L.” This suggests the Roctane differs from the other models in a fairly significant way, either with a chassis update or a different form factor. The variant’s name appears to be a combination of the “R” branding and “octane,” so a more performance-focused model may be in store.

This brings to mind the Concept R 18 /2, which BMW revealed in 2019. The “Slash Two” was presented as the stylistic opposite of the retro-inspired concept that eventually became the R 18. BMW described it as “a modern, dynamic custom cruiser with a performance appeal that is somewhat rougher round the edges” We’re not too crazy about the Roctane name, but it does seem a fit for the R 18 /2.

Performance focus or not, we do know the Roctane is powered by the same 1,802cc air-cooled Boxer as the rest of the R 18 range. The homologation filing confirms the same engine code and peak performance numbers as the other models: a maximum power output of 67 kW (90 hp) at 4,750 rpm, and 116 lb-ft. at 3,000 rpm. As with the rest of the range, BMW has also gained type approval for a 35 kW (47 hp) version suitable for European A2 licenses. The filing also confirms the Roctane has the same silencer code as the Classic, B, and Transcontinental models, so we can expect the same straight pipes and not the bulbous fishtail exhaust on the regular R 18.

The Roctane’s wheel sizes (including accessory options) are the same as the other R 18 models. The type approval data makes no mention of suspension, and the braking data only confirms dual front brakes and ABS. If the Roctane is indeed more of a performance cruiser, we expect these to be different from the rest of the R 18 family.

The filings are a bit more helpful when it comes to the bike’s dimensions. The Roctane has a 67.7-inch wheelbase, putting it somewhere between the 66.7-inch wheelbase of the touring R 18s and 68.1 inches of the cruiser models. A different fork rake and trail could account for this difference.

At 103 inches long, the R 18 Roctane is about 7 inches longer than the R 18 and R 18 Classic, but 2 inches shorter than the R 18 B bagger, and 1 inch shorter than the R 18 Transcontinental. This suggests the Roctane does not have side cases or a top case of the touring models, as the luggage on the B and Transcontinental extend well past the tip of their exhausts.

The listed gross vehicle weight rating further suggests the Roctane will not have luggage. At 1,234 pounds, the Roctane has the same GVWR as the R 18 and R 18 Classic, compared to 1,389 pounds for the R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental which have non-removable cases.

The filings include a laden weight, which is the claimed curb weight plus some ballast to represent the weight of a rider and some accessories. For the R 18 models, this typically means an extra 180-186 pounds above the claimed curb weight. The R 18 Roctane is listed at 1,009 pounds, so we estimate a curb weight of around 826 pounds. This places the Roctane as being lighter than the touring models but heavier than the cruisers. Again assuming no luggage, we surmise some of the weight difference may be due to a fairing.

Model	Laden weight	Claimed Curb Weight	Laden Weight – Curb Weight
R 18	946 pounds	761 pounds	185 pounds
R 18 Classic	985 pounds	805 pounds	180 pounds
R 18 B	1058 pounds	877 pounds	181 pounds
R 18 Transcontinental	1127 pounds	941 pounds	186 pounds
R 18 Roctane	1009 pounds	?	?

There is no hint of when BMW may reveal the R 18 Roctane. Since withdrawing from the major trade shows, BMW has spaced its product reveals throughout the year, but the type approval documents may suggest an official announcement may come soon.

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Source

[Buckster]

The foot position on these is all wrong.

[alfalfa]

9 hours ago, Buckster said:

The foot position on these is all wrong.

I find my R18B very comfortable with the feet where they are.  The feet-forward position on my Road King and GroundPounder always were weird.  The Groundpounder would throw you off the back of the bike under full acceleration 

[Buckster]

3 hours ago, alfalfa said:

I find my R18B very comfortable with the feet where they are.  The feet-forward position on my Road King and GroundPounder always were weird.  The Groundpounder would throw you off the back of the bike under full acceleration 

I can’t remember how tall you are.

About 5’?

 

[Buckster]

On 01/04/2023 at 17:11, alfalfa said:

I find my R18B very comfortable with the feet where they are.  The feet-forward position on my Road King and GroundPounder always were weird.  The Groundpounder would throw you off the back of the bike under full acceleration 

Did you have an Ultra Gound Pounder?

[alfalfa]

7 hours ago, Buckster said:

Did you have an Ultra Gound Pounder?

yessir.  present i bought myself when i turned 40.  Bike vibrated so much that the air cleaner screw backed out while salesman was showing me the bike.  Had one hell of a motor!  Would break the rear tire loose in second gear, while moving.   

[Buckster]

1 hour ago, alfalfa said:

yessir.  present i bought myself when i turned 40.  Bike vibrated so much that the air cleaner screw backed out while salesman was showing me the bike.  Had one hell of a motor!  Would break the rear tire loose in second gear, while moving.   

I heard they are close to unridable, every corner is a new adventure. 

[alfalfa]

On 02/04/2023 at 22:51, Buckster said:

I heard they are close to unridable, every corner is a new adventure. 

Interesting.  Just got back from a 500 mile ride and dont know what "unridable" means to some.  The only time it gets interesting is when i pretend its a canyon racer.  The bagger version has more ground clearance than the original, but I am usually passing/leaving most Harleys i see in the mountains here.

 

Actually, mine became a little less rideable yesterday.  The free Sirius radio subscription ran out

 

[Six30]

On 02/04/2023 at 21:22, Buckster said:

Did you have an Ultra Gound Pounder?

[Pedro]

Did they name a Harley after a burger?

[Six30]

11 hours ago, Pedro said:

Did they name a Harley after a burger?

Sounds more like some sort of perverse sex toy 

[Buckster]

4 hours ago, Six30 said:

Sounds more like some sort of perverse sex toy 

Could be, the first version was a hard tail so a definite bum pounder.

[alfalfa]

On 10/04/2023 at 10:15, alfalfa said:

Interesting.  Just got back from a 500 mile ride and dont know what "unridable" means to some.  The only time it gets interesting is when i pretend its a canyon racer.  The bagger version has more ground clearance than the original, but I am usually passing/leaving most Harleys i see in the mountains here.

 

Actually, mine became a little less rideable yesterday.  The free Sirius radio subscription ran out

 

Reading is fundamental.  You were referring to the Groundpounder    Yes, that bike was pretty close to unrideable!   Feet forward, but you had nothing to hang on to at full throttle.  The lack of suspension was readily apparent.

 

But, at the time it looked cool.  This was the heyday of factory customs!

[Buckster]

52 minutes ago, alfalfa said:

Reading is fundamental.  You were referring to the Groundpounder    Yes, that bike was pretty close to unrideable!   Feet forward, but you had nothing to hang on to at full throttle.  The lack of suspension was readily apparent.

 

But, at the time it looked cool.  This was the heyday of factory customs!

I knew you would get there eventually.

[alfalfa]

19 hours ago, Buckster said:

I knew you would get there eventually.

I may be slow, but i am also dense.

 

[Buckster]

2 minutes ago, alfalfa said:

I may be slow, but i am also dense.

 

I'm half deaf and half stupid, you can never tell which half you are dealing with.