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.
Toyota has added the Corolla Cross GR-S to its local line-up, a version that introduces sport-focused styling and adjustments to the driving experience. The Corolla Cross GR-S takes the established strengths of the Corolla Cross and adds styling, interior details, and suspension changes that set it apart from the rest of the line-up.
Citroën has expanded its South African line-up with the launch of the Basalt, a new SUV-coupé that blends bold styling, everyday practicality, and comfort-focused technology. Positioned as part of the brand’s C-Cubed programme, the Basalt joins the C3 and Aircross, offering a distinctive fastback silhouette and a package tailored to local driving conditions.
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE), developer of a national network of off-grid, solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, has formally submitted an objection to the South African National Roads Agency Limited’s (SANRAL) proposed amendments to its Rest and Service Facilities (RSF) Policy.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Toyota has added the Corolla Cross GR-S to its local line-up, a version that introduces sport-focused styling and adjustments to the driving experience. The Corolla Cross GR-S takes the established strengths of the Corolla Cross and adds styling, interior details, and suspension changes that set it apart from the rest of the line-up.
Citroën has expanded its South African line-up with the launch of the Basalt, a new SUV-coupé that blends bold styling, everyday practicality, and comfort-focused technology. Positioned as part of the brand’s C-Cubed programme, the Basalt joins the C3 and Aircross, offering a distinctive fastback silhouette and a package tailored to local driving conditions.
When South Africans buy a car, the purchase price is only the beginning of the ownership story. The real cost unfolds over years of fuel stops, service intervals, replacement parts and the occasional unexpected repair.
