BMW K 1600 B 2022 vs. BMW R 18 2020

BMW K 1600 B 2022

BMW K 1600 B 2022

BMW R 18 2020

BMW R 18 2020

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Overview - BMW K 1600 B 2022 vs BMW R 18 2020

The BMW K 1600 B model year 2022 and the BMW R 18 model year 2020 are both impressive motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the BMW K 1600 B 2022, it features a powerful in-line engine with a displacement of 1649cc. It delivers a remarkable engine power of 160.5 HP and a torque of 180 Nm, providing excellent acceleration and performance. The transmission is a prop shaft, which ensures smooth power delivery to the rear wheel. The bike is equipped with a Duolever front suspension and a Paralever rear suspension with a monoshock absorber, offering a comfortable and stable ride. The frame is made of aluminum, providing a lightweight and rigid structure. The bike also comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cruise control, and traction control, enhancing safety and convenience. The front and rear tires have widths of 120mm and 190mm, respectively, with 17-inch diameter wheels. The wheelbase is 1618mm, and the seat height is 750mm. The bike weighs 344kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 26.5 liters.

On the other hand, the BMW R 18 2020 is a chopper/cruiser motorcycle with a distinctive appearance. It is powered by a boxer engine with a displacement of 1802cc. The engine delivers 91 HP of power and 168 Nm of torque, providing a smooth and enjoyable riding experience. Similar to the K 1600 B, it also has a prop shaft transmission for seamless power transfer. The front suspension is a telescopic fork, while the rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock absorber. The frame is made of steel, offering durability and stability. The bike is equipped with ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and a combined brake system for enhanced safety. The front and rear tires have widths of 120mm and 180mm, respectively, with 19-inch diameter wheels at the front and 16-inch diameter wheels at the rear. The wheelbase is longer than the K 1600 B at 1731mm, and the seat height is lower at 690mm. The bike weighs 345kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 16 liters.

BMW K 1600 B 2022

BMW K 1600 B 2022

In terms of strengths, the BMW K 1600 B 2022 offers a great combination of a casual seating position and dynamic handling. The engine is smooth and responsive, providing excellent performance. The bike is accessible and easy to use overall, despite its imposing appearance. It features outstanding headlight technology and a great display that is always easy to read. The integration of a mobile phone into the vehicle is comprehensive, allowing for full map navigation via the BMW Connected App. The bike also offers a good balance between stability and handling, with neutral ride characteristics. The brakes are reliable, and the ride is stable and comfortable.

On the other hand, the BMW R 18 2020 has an authentic appearance with an elaborately staged, beautifully air-cooled boxer engine. The engine delivers a pleasant metering and good pull, providing a satisfying riding experience. The bike offers a wide range of driving modes and has high-quality and loving details throughout. It also provides many options for customization, allowing riders to personalize their bike. The gearbox is precise, and the bike is easy to handle.

BMW R 18 2020

BMW R 18 2020

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The BMW K 1600 B 2022 may experience issues with the connection from the mobile phone to the vehicle, which can be frustrating. The buttons and switches in the cockpit are not backlit, which may make them difficult to locate in low-light conditions. Additionally, the bike lacks adaptive cruise control, which is expected in a touring motorcycle of this caliber. The mobile phone compartment may snag from time to time, so caution is needed when storing larger phones.

Similarly, the BMW R 18 2020 has some weaknesses. The traction control is roughly controlled, which may affect the overall riding experience. The bike also does not offer a foot-forward seating position, which may be somewhat annoying for riders with long legs.

In conclusion, the BMW K 1600 B 2022 and the BMW R 18 2020 are both impressive motorcycles with their own unique features and characteristics. The K 1600 B excels in its touring capabilities, offering a powerful engine, advanced rider assistance systems, and a comfortable riding position. On the other hand, the R 18 stands out with its authentic chopper/cruiser appearance, customizable options, and enjoyable riding experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use of the motorcycle.

Technical Specifications BMW K 1600 B 2022 compared to BMW R 18 2020

BMW K 1600 B 2022
BMW R 18 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore72 mmBore107.1 mm
StrokeStroke67.5 mmStroke100 mm
Engine powerEngine power160.5 HPEngine power91 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power6,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power4,750 rpm
TorqueTorque180 NmTorque168 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque5,250 rpmRpm at Torque3,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.2 Compression Ratio9.6
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeToughened, Dry
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders6Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesOHV
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingOil-air
DisplacementDisplacement1,649 ccmDisplacement1,802 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionDuoleverFront suspensionTelescopic fork
TravelTravel115 mmTravel120 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionParaleverSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel125 mmTravel90 mm
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialSteel

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeExtrudedFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake62.2 degreeRake57.3 degree
TrailTrail106.4 mmTrail150 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter300 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter300 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Combined Brake System, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Combined Brake System, Ride by Wire

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width190 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height65 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter16 inch
LengthLength2,470 mmLength2,440 mm
WidthWidth1,000 mmWidth964 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,618 mmWheelbase1,731 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height750 mmSeat Height690 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)344 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)345 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity26.5 lFuel Tank Capacity16 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW K 1600 B 2022

BMW K 1600 B 2022

The BMW 6-cylinder glides over the road in 2022 with a lot of elegance and a lot of equipment. This time, the new headlight technology was outstanding. The engine tuning and the new ESA chassis are also well done this time. Surprisingly, the wind protection is not perfect and perfectionists will miss an adaptive cruise control. The sovereign 6-cylinder is in the form of its life in the current model year. One enjoys the engine in every situation. The K 1600 B looks much more relaxed than the K 1600 GT, but it is agile enough to be a lot of fun on intensive tours. It loses only a little of its agility and lean angle freedom due to its coolness and remains a practical motorbike.

Great combination of casual seating position and dynamic handling

Smooth engine

Great engine response

Motorcycle accessible and easy to use overall despite imposing appearance

Outstanding headlight technology

Great display - always easy to read

Comprehensive integration of mobile phone into vehicle

Full map navigation via BMW Connected App

Good balance between stability and handling

Neutral ride

Good brakes and stable ride

Good handling

Good handling.

Connection from mobile phone to vehicle works well in most cases - but when things go wrong it gets annoying

buttons and switches in the cockpit are not backlit

no adaptive cruise control - which you would expect from a touring motorbike in this league

mobile phone compartment snagged from time to time during the test - be careful when stuffing in mobile phones that are too large.

BMW R 18 2020

BMW R 18 2020

The BMW R 18 is a beautifully made motorbike. Everything about it is genuine. The big boxer will delight friends of the BMW brand, but also friends of extroverted mechanical motorbike technology. In driving mode, the engine is pleasant to dose and thus fits well with the accessible handling. The equipment options are almost limitless. In terms of driving dynamics, chassis and electronics package, BMW is not breaking any new ground. It is a well-made classic beautiful cruiser. The seating position heats up the tempers. During the test ride, however, the journalists coped well with it. It tends to be a little more difficult to sit on the bike with long legs.

Authentic appearance

elaborately staged, beautifully air-cooled boxer engine

pleasant metering, good pull

wide range of driving modes

high-quality and loving details

many options for customisation

precise gearbox

easy handling.

Roughly controlled traction control

no foot-forward seating position possible - somewhat annoying for long legs

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW K 1600 B vs BMW R 18

There are a few key differences between a BMW K 1600 B 2022 and a BMW R 18 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW K 1600 B 2022 is about 35% higher. Compared to BMW R 18 2020 there are less BMW K 1600 B 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 6 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a BMW K 1600 B with 80 days compared to 134 days for a BMW R 18. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 9 reviews for the BMW K 1600 B and 39 reviews for the BMW R 18 since model year 2020. The first review for the BMW K 1600 B was published on 10/10/2016 and now has more than 48,400 views. This compares to more than 51,900 views for the first review on BMW R 18 published on 12/6/2019.

Price BMW K 1600 B

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 18

Model year
Current average market prices

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