Founded in 1910 as an aircraft engine manufacturer before changing its name to Bayerische Motoren Werke in 1922, BMW produced its first-ever motorcycle in 1923 with the Max Friz-designed R 32, a game-changing two-wheeler powered by a flat-twin boxer — the same engine configuration that the Bavarian brand has continued using on its bikes today. And with the 2023 model year marking BMW Motorrad’s centenary, the company has opted to celebrate the illustrious occasion via the release of a 100 Years Edition R nineT and a 100 Years Edition R18.
Both limited edition motorcycles are brimming with model-exclusive components and finishes inspired by BMW’s pre-Depression Era bikes like the R 32, along with a generous helping of items from the manufacturer’s top-shelf Option 719 parts catalog. The first of the two bikes — the BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition — has been treated to a special 100 Years “1 of 1923” BMW Motorrad tank badge, a chrome headlight shell, a chrome-clad Avus black tank with white double-pinstriping, a matching front fender and solo seat cowl, a blacked-out inverted 45mm fork, a chrome-plated exhaust manifold, and a custom-inspired black and oxblood red seat. The limited edition R9T also gets a milled aluminum front engine cover, cylinder head covers, seat brackets, an oil filler plug, milled aluminum adjustable hand control levers and foot controls, foot pegs, expansion tank covers, bar end mirrors, and 719 Classic spoked wheels with black anodized rims — all from the the Option 719 Billet packs.
The R 18 100 Years Edition wears the same design motif, with a similar chrome-clad appearance juxtaposed by Avus black paint and white double-pinstriping, along with a 100 Years “1 of 1923” BMW Motorrad tank badge, a black and oxblood red saddle, a plethora of components from BMW’s Option 719 lineup, and a retro-inspired chrome Akrapovič exhaust with a perforated BMW Roundel logo tailpipe trim. Kicked along by a massive 1,802cc twin — the largest boxer engine BMW Motorrad has ever produced — this version of the R18 also features reverse assist, cruise control, heated grips, a keyless ignition, all-LED lighting, and an advanced suite of tech that includes integral ABS, and dynamic brake, engine brake, and stability control.
Scheduled to roll into dealerships next year, the 2023 BMW R 18 100 Years has been priced starting at $18,990 while the 2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years starts at $19,995. Both 100 Years Edition models will be limited to 1,923 units worldwide.
