Supertech Motorrad in Pinetown became the envy of motorbike dealerships in KwaZulu-Natal when it was selected to reveal to select clients from September 10 the much-anticipated R18 — the cruiser with the biggest Boxer engine yet from the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG.
The worldwide Covid-19 lockdown moved the R18’s official launch date from April to September, leaving bikers keenly anticipating the local launch to see if the R18 has what it takes to let BMW compete among the heavy cruisers.
Local riders clearly like the R18’s specs and classic good looks, as Sales Executive Damien Kotze told Dealerfloor 24 of the R18 cruisers are available, of which 17 have already been pre-ordered.
BMW’s engineers got 67 kW (97 Pferdestärken, for those who still think in terms of horsepower) from the 110kg drivetrain, thanks to an over-square design with a 107.1mm bore and a 100mm stroke in the 1802 cc, two-cylinder boxer engine.
But kilo-Watts are not what cruisers want. They need Newton metres, and here the R18’s big Boxer engine delivers in shovel loads, making its maximum torque of 158 Nm at 3000 rpm and a level 150 Nm between 2000 and 4000 rpm.
Steve Bailey, General Manager at Supertech Motorrad Pinetown said prices start at R319,900, including a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and the list of options include everything a rider can possibly want to “make life a ride”, as the Motorrad slogan reads.
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.
Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled the Scorpio Lifestyler, a midsize lifestyle bakkie derived from the Global Pik Up concept first shown in Cape Town in 2023.
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled the Scorpio Lifestyler, a midsize lifestyle bakkie derived from the Global Pik Up concept first shown in Cape Town in 2023.
Mazda Southern Africa has announced the arrival of all‑new Mazda CX‑5, available for pre‑order during July and August, with first deliveries expected from September. The latest generation introduces updated design, technology, safety and performance, while continuing the CX‑5’s role as one of Mazda’s most important global SUVs.
Audi South Africa has expanded its compact SUV line-up with the introduction of the new Q2 S line derivative.
