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.
The South African motor industry has lost one of its longstanding business figures following the passing of Jebb McIntosh, the group chief executive of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), on Monday, 2 November 2026.
“South Africa’s automotive industry has been AGOA’s largest user, but for the sector the preference has already been largely overridden by the 25% Section 232 tariffs applied on vehicles and components. Losing AGOA adds a further cost to an industry that has already absorbed a significant shock.”
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
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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
MG Motor South Africa used its MG Tech Day and Premium SUV Family launch event to show what is coming to its SUV range. The brand was founded in Britain in 1924, and in 1931 its EX120 ‘Magic Midget’ became the first 750 cc car to exceed 160 km/h.
Tata Motors has expanded its local SUV portfolio with the launch of the all-new Punch. Available in three derivatives, the compact SUV introduces refreshed styling, upgraded technology and six airbags as standard across the range, while also becoming the first Punch sold locally with a turbocharged engine option.
Isuzu Motors South Africa has introduced its all-new seventh-generation N-Series truck range, representing the most comprehensive update to the company's light and medium-duty commercial vehicle line-up in years.
