Spring 2027 – BMW R18B Performance Upgrade Project

[Vlad]

I've got a small project planned for my 2024 R18 Bagger next spring, in late April 2027, after its scheduled 10,000 km BMW service.
I'll be making three modifications:

1. Stock muffler modification: Drilling out the internal exhaust baffles using a hole saw and carbide burr to open them up while retaining the original mufflers, headers, catalytic converters and exhaust flappers.
2. DNA Stage 2 Air Filter & Cover: Replacing the factory air filter and airbox cover with DNA's high-flow Stage 2 assembly.
3. BT Moto Stage 1+ ECU Flash: Using their handheld programmer to recalibrate the ECU and hopefully improve throttle response, fueling and overall performance.

My goal isn't to create an obnoxiously loud motorcycle. I'm looking for a deeper exhaust rumble, smoother throttle response and a little more performance from that magnificent 1802cc Big Boxer.
I'm also planning to video the entire project, including the muffler drilling, DNA installation, ECU flashing process and, most importantly, a proper before-and-after exhaust sound comparison and road test.
I'll share the video and my impressions here once everything is completed. Hopefully, it'll help other R18 owners considering similar modifications.
Looking forward to seeing what this combination can do! Stay tuned.

 

[Noelpolar]

I've got a small project planned for my 2024 R18 Bagger next spring, in late April 2027, after its scheduled 10,000 km BMW service.
I'll be making three modifications:

1. Stock muffler modification: Drilling out the internal exhaust baffles using a hole saw and carbide burr to open them up while retaining the original mufflers, headers, catalytic converters and exhaust flappers.
2. DNA Stage 2 Air Filter & Cover: Replacing the factory air filter and airbox cover with DNA's high-flow Stage 2 assembly.
3. BT Moto Stage 1+ ECU Flash: Using their handheld programmer to recalibrate the ECU and hopefully improve throttle response, fueling and overall performance.

My goal isn't to create an obnoxiously loud motorcycle. I'm looking for a deeper exhaust rumble, smoother throttle response and a little more performance from that magnificent 1802cc Big Boxer.
I'm also planning to video the entire project, including the muffler drilling, DNA installation, ECU flashing process and, most importantly, a proper before-and-after exhaust sound comparison and road test.
I'll share the video and my impressions here once everything is completed. Hopefully, it'll help other R18 owners considering similar modifications.
Looking forward to seeing what this combination can do! Stay tuned.

Worth considering doing a couple of performance measurements..... say 2nd and 3rd gear 1500rpm to 4500rpm pulls.... before and after timings. Also worth noting max rpm fall off...... for me it was 4800 then DNA, end cans and bren tune 5,200 and then venting the filter area 5,500.

Most would think 5,500 in 3rd is not needed.... but with a quick overtake and "pull back in" it's nice to not have to change gear.... and have the engine braking on the "pull back in"".

Also once done, try 93 gas (98 ron over here) and see how the bottom end pull improves (ie. 4th gear from 1200rpm)

Then if really keen, after a few months remove the tune and ride..... then try and rationalise how it went backwards 2 steps, when you thought the tune only added one step!

 

[HUNTS]

Worth considering doing a couple of performance measurements..... say 2nd and 3rd gear 1500rpm to 4500rpm pulls.... before and after timings. Also worth noting max rpm fall off...... for me it was 4800 then DNA, end cans and bren tune 5,200 and then venting the filter area 5,500.

Most would think 5,500 in 3rd is not needed.... but with a quick overtake and "pull back in" it's nice to not have to change gear.... and have the engine braking on the "pull back in"".

Also once done, try 93 gas (98 ron over here) and see how the bottom end pull improves (ie. 4th gear from 1200rpm)

Then if really keen, after a few months remove the tune and ride..... then try and rationalise how it went backwards 2 steps, when you thought the tune only added one step!

I definitely agree that 98Ron makes a difference ️