On Thursday, 3 April 2020 at 2 PM Eastern, BMW Motorrad finally gave us the hard look at the R 18 we’ve all wanted.

Details were scant, with BMW Motorrad head Markus Schramm giving nothing more than HP and torque info we already knew – comparable with heavy cruisers from Harley-Davidson and Indian. No surprise there.

What we learned that wasn’t clearly stated is the R 18 will have modular capabilities not unlike the popular R nineT.  We got to see two standard-looking 18s, one of which was referred to as the “Pure” version, giving some credence to the bolt-on approach used with the 9T.  We also see a bobber version with a modified rear end and what may be a wider rear tire, and a version with ape-hanger handlebars.

Yeah. Ape hangers. On a BMW. A BMW MOTORCYCLE!

Other than saying the R 18 will be available in the “second half” of 2020, no showroom details or price were mentioned.

Here are some more screen captures from the streaming event.