BMW R18 First Ride Review | Cruiser Perfection?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- A first ride and review of the BMW R18 First Edition, is this the perfect cruiser motorcycle?
With Harley Davidson dominating the cruiser motorcycle market, BMW want a piece of the action. In 2020 BMW introduced the R18 First Edition to the heavy cruiser market, to take on Harley Davidson, Indian, Triumph and other manufacturers.
In my opinion in this first ride review the R18 is close to cruiser perfection. With its 1800cc boxer twin engine and I think one of the best looking motorcycles in the world. It has loads of character and that classic BMW boxer handling feel. A classic looking motorcycle with the power and performance of a modern motorcycle.
There is also an R18 Classic aimed at longer distance touring, and the R18 Transcontinental targeted for the US market.
#bmwr18 #bmwmotorrad #firstridereview #cruiserbike
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Lovely review. I wanted a cruiser (lots of reasons) so considered both HD’s and the Rocket3. All have merit but in the end I’ve gone for the R18, in the flesh it looks absolutely magnificent and those fishtails are amazing, they are thin and swept back which photos don’t show too well.
👌 Many thanks really glad you liked the review. I think you made the right decision! I really loved riding the R18, such a unique and characterful experience. Cheers
Hi this is a great balanced view of this bike. I’ve owned the classic version now for 8 months. On my first test ride it took some getting used to but you need to have a long test ride on one otherwise it’s easy to dismiss it. It is a harsh ride on slow potholed roads but that’s because it needs to take care of a lot of weight especially with the rider and you can dial this out. Factory settings are set for a 100kg of weight ie rider etc. Around town etc it’s best to put in rain mode as Rock is to on off for my liking. Taking it off the side stand you need to be sure footed and the start up you get used to as your prepared for it. If any bike will draw a crowd it’s this bike people love it especially non bikers. Never had a bad word about it and at the moment they are pretty rare in the UK and as our US friends would say it makes you feel like a million dollars. Lastly the sound you could hear near the end is like a ticking noise not sure what it is but reminds me of an old Singer sowing machine and the bike has a great roar when you give it the beans or the classic one does as it has a different exhaust don’t like the fishtails.
Hi thanks so much, really glad you liked the review 👍 Absolutely stunning motorcycle, I love it! I can imagine you draw a crowd wherever you go on it, from all sorts of different people. I know what you mean that feeling when riding it is very special and makes you feel like a rock star 😁 Cheers and hope you continue to enjoy your it. All the best
As you said, this is one of the best looking motorcycle on the market.
Glad you liked the R 18. I love mine! Nicely done old chap 👊🏼
I really did love it haha!! Much like you I think it has won me over 👍 Such a unique ride.
Many thanks I really appreciate that, especially coming from you! Love your channel and have been following you for a long time now. Thanks for the brilliant videos.
@@redangrevival no problem bro. Your video production is excellent; much better than many of the established channels 👌🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan 💪 Thanks man I appreciate it.
Let me say that I love the current Triumph Speedmaster T120. It's gorgeous and what I would ride if I were 5"-6" shorter and 20 lbs lighter. That said, before I took the plunge for my R18 Classic, I rode the Speedmaster again and it's just not enough bike for me. Lot's of folks comment on the seat height of the R18 allowing shorter riders to flat foot the bike.For me, 6'4" and 220 lbs it fits me darn near perfectly. I prefer the neutral riding position as at 65 years old front/forward controls eventually do my back in. It is a stunner just sitting there on the side stand. HD riders buy for the name recognition, well BMW R18 riders can ride with pride as the fit and finish is head and shoulders above HD. As a former Road Glide owner it took a few trips to adjust to the different style and personality of the R 18 Classic. I can honestly say once the rear suspension is dialed in, tweek the handlebars a bit and add a more comfortable seat (stock is very firm) the Classic can be an all day cruiser. The only knock I have is the size of the gas tank at 4.2 gal (I think) so fill-ups come about every 140-150 miles on the highway. Grreat content.
I completely agree with you 👍 For the size of the bike and if money where no option I would love to have the BMW R18, I feel like it would be a great progression on from the Speedmaster for me! Although the Speedmaster does have that smaller charm to it.
I love the BMW R18 and think BMW have done a great job with it, a bold decision that has worked! I would also have the Classic model, prefer the touring style. Many thanks and hope you continue to enjoy your ride. Cheers
Thanks for the comment. I have a new to me Classic arriving in 2 weeks. Bit of a wing and prayer as I haven’t ridden one. Every one thinks that the seat is rubbish including BMW salesman that I have spoken to. So I will have to wait and see about the seat.
Hi Angus, I’m a new subscriber from “Down Under” mate. I bought my R18 First Edition at launch here back in December 2020. Its an unbelievable bike to ride as you’ve said. Surprisingly nimble & the torque is unreal. There’s not one time I have not smiled when I’ve ridden mine. Agree the suspension can be harsh but aside from that I absolutely love mine!🇦🇺🍻😎👍🏼
Welcome to the channel 👍 Such a stunning bike I would love one some day for sure. Top quality build as well.
Enjoy the ride. Cheers
As an owner I will give you some points you won’t see through reviews. Bike came to me through a local dealer, the bike to my understanding was a company bike used by an employee of BMW somewhere here in the UK. Bike came to me and the day I picked it up had issues with the tank breather valve which required replacement, the day I took it away it had binding front brakes which required stripping and cleaning. These are points more pointed to lack of attention from two different dealers. The bike has 5000 miles on the clock, I keep it clean, but it came to me with bubbling chrome on the engine breast plate. My bike also has flaking chrome on the clutch master cylinder on the handlebars. My dealer won’t do anything about the master cylinder saying it’s stone chips, however there isn’t any other stone chips on the bike anywhere except the flaking chrome on the handlebars. On the breastplate the chromes flaking from around the BMW badge. Suspension is very firm, but it absolutely comes alive when ridden hard. This bike loves to be ridden fast and it will absolutely do it but it’s let down by one thing, the handlebars. I have not seen anything anywhere else but in my experience when ridden hard and it’s bumpy the actual bars flex, a lot……. On occasion the bars have been flapping up and down so bad it’s caused me concern (it never ever has tank slapped, the bars go up and down like a pair of wings). With the bars, they feel great and I really like the bar width, however in Rock mode when doing a U-Turn the throttle is very direct. Because the bars are so wide you end up inadvertently rolling on the throttle which makes for very interesting foot up slow manoeuvres due to the reach and width of the bars. It’s a great bike, I hope it doesn’t end up costing me a fortune but right now it’s a big old grin machine. During my first 3 weeks of ownership it was in the dealer for one week of that. So here’s a word of warning (from my experience) parts are glacially slow. Like really really slow. The day I picked the bike up it had a cracked rear indicator lens, so I ordered a new indicator. After two weeks still no sign so the dealer put one on my bike from a new bike they had in stock at no charge to me. If you buy one and it needs anything other than oil or filters I would expect to wait ages. Also genuine Harley aftermarket parts are expensive but BMW said hold my beer and oh my goodness accessories are crazy expensive! And unlike Harley because it’s a new bike you don’t have a huge amount of choice other than genuine parts.
Thanks for the useful info 👍 Shame to hear about the reliability problems. Glad you are enjoying it though!
Hi Angus, looks like you had fun on the R18, bit of a monster by the look of it. Little tip for these bigger bikes, turn the bars to the right before you try and get off the side stand, you’ll find it mush easier.. thanks for posting and ride safe….
Hi Jez, absolutely loved it 👌 Thats a great tip thank you, I can see how that could work. Cheers I will do that from now on, save the legs!!
As an owner of a GS, I have some gripes about the Boxer engine.
1. You drop that bike, and you're going to wish you had great big wide crash bars. Ask me how I know - and why I bought crash bars and valve cover protectors.
2. You can have any foot position you want as long as it's the factory one. Yeah, I do rest my feet on the cylinder heads now and then, but it gets hot fast and is too high for comfort.
It is one of the most beautiful bikes on the road - And I gotta say, it looks fantastic with an addon windscreen or fairing.
Also, reverse assist should be on every bike that weighs more than 400bls (180kg).
All very valid and practical points 👍 Yup it would be a shame to put great big crash bars on such a beautiful bike! Perhaps some nice chromes ones up front would work well. Really wouldn't want to scratch that engine.
Absolutely agree with the reverse gear, I think the big adventure bigs should have one as well. Could help get you out of some tricky spots.
A stunning bike this and has such a unique character, very impressed 😁 Cheers
A piece of Art on Wheels ….
That absolutely sums up the R18
A beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery and a total joy to ride . Thank you for the great honest review 😎
Thanks 👌 Glad you liked the review. One of if not the most beautiful motorcycle in the world in my opinion! Cheers
I get mine tomorrow 14th July 22 , I test rode it through and around Cumbria , what a machine , you get a sense that you are riding something very special , I'm coming of a 2017 Triumph Bobber which feels like a push bike in comparison ...😁👍
Congratulations 👍 Hope you have a great day picking it up!! Your exactly right it just feels like something really special and unique, I absolutely love it 😁 A good trade up from the Bobber in my opinion. Enjoy your new ride.
The Triumph Bobber is one of the best or top 10 factory standard looking bikes imo. But the BMW has my money. Both magnificent.
Took one for a test ride. I bought it after that ride. Even due shitty weather conditions it rides better than my 30 year old XV1100 Virago on a sunny day.
Such special bikes, I don't understand why more people don't buy them. Stunning. Enjoy 👍
That's one wicked bike!
👌 it sure is!!! So cool
You’ve made me want to test ride one now 😂, great video 👍
Haha thanks Paul 👍 Go for it!! I fell in love with it, such a unique and different riding experience. Cheers
That's some bike there Angus and I can appreciate it but there is a new love in my life as far as a cruiser goes and that is the Harley Low Rider S 117 in black I so want one of those things 😁 nice chunky review though 😊👌
Hey, thanks glad you like it 👍 One of my favourite bikes atm!! Have fallen in love with it. Ah ha fair enough, that is good to hear. That Harley really is a beauty, you should try one out for a test ride 😁 The engine is amazing. Cheers
Just did the first oil filter/fluid change, including the rear gear bevel change. Super easy.
Hey, thanks that is good to know 👍 Absolutely love this motorcycle!! Enjoy
I think it’s a work of art on wheels superb.
Thanks William 👍 It really is, such a stunning motorcycle and work of art! Love it
Absolutely love these and damn near bought one instead of my Speedmaster. If I did more of the long haul freeway cruising I definitely would have. In my opinion it puts the Harley to shame in the looks department too. On the back roads I normally ride its way to long/heavy, but if I ever decide to start doing coast to coast here in the states I'll definitely get one. Looks like a set of forward crash bar/pegs would be a nice addition.
👍 Same I see this as the natural progression on from the Speedmaster! I just loved it. As you say would be better than the SM for longer trips etc.. I think this is one of if not the best looking bikes on the market today 😁
Would defo go for the forward crash bars. All the best and ride safe
The cylinders are crash protection.
@@chadkline4268 we are talking more along the lines of something to hang highway pegs on to get your feet out from under the jugs. I actually saw some somewhere that mount up above the jugs with no bars, but can't remember where.
@@keithstewart1979 BMWs are pretty much designed for 'proper' upright posture/ergonomics. Less stress in the back, and greater ability to take action when necessary, along with greater visibility.
The best attributes are never recognized. The boxers design is perfectly balanced, requiring no counter balance weights + mechanics. It is the lightest+simplest ICE + that is why it is used in aircraft. Also, the angular momentum of the crankshaft is along the length of the bikes, not sideways as with crankshafts that have a left to right axis. In the later case, a bike will pull sideways at high RPMs. The cylinders don't heat the feet + lower legs but they will keep them warm+dry in cold+wet weather. The low center of gravity is amazing and makes such a big engine easy to manage. Generally, BMW boxers are engineered to run forever. They never enter a state of being junkyard material unless wrecked.
@@chadkline4268 no one was arguing that point, I simply stated I'd like some highway bars/pegs to stretch my legs out on on long rides. You are reading a bit to deep into it my friend, and are also preaching to the choir. I love the boxer engines and BMW bikes.
Yes an after market pipe would bring the sound out , or perhaps take out the baffles.
I like the look of the standard exhaust but it just doesn't sound that great! Perhaps baffles out and a de-cat would help 👍
The bike is a work of art and I like it only comes in black and the exhaust is made especially for it I dont know what else you could put on it and have it look accordingly
So much a work of art, it is stunning. One of if not the best looking bikes on the market today IMO! I agree I think it is almost perfect as is 👍
Rock roll and rain. Sums life up pretty well I reckon..
Haha absolutely a good analogy!
Great review once again Angus! This machine suits you quite well. 😜
Thanks so much, glad you liked it 👍 Haha cheers, I liked it A LOT!! 😁
Really nice review, nice to see your excitement for the bike, please don't loose that and become like other reviewers. Would be nice to see you review the other two versions bagger and continental. I do like that BMW did this to the r18. Unlike Triumph with the rocket it is crying out for a bagger and continental version, BMW have reckonised this, when it's time I will test ride the bagger and Continental r18 versions.😎🖖
Thanks so much I appreciate that and really pleased you liked the review 👍 I try to keep the review more relaxed and just basically give my opinion of the bike! BMW have absolutely nailed it with this bike, I am surprised that the sales figures are not bigger.
I would love to ride the bagger and continental models, they are a bit harder to come by though. I will keep searching. Cheers
own a 2019 Speedmaster with 19K on it , love it, especially the old school tank paint, hate the new edition, also have a 2022 Rocket 3GT, love it too, power spoils you for any other muscle cruiser, might have to give the R18 a spin
Hi Dan, nice sounds like you have put some great miles down on your Speedmaster 👍 Definitely worth a spin on the R18, I personally loved it. A brilliant mixture of classic beautiful styling with a nice big engine! Cheers
This bike provides the unique riding experience. It certainly is not for everybody, but for sure all riders will see that is quality made. "Berlin made". :) You had the audience there. Very nice. Great review. Like always, you covered all the "chapters" needed and I have to agree with your thoughts (expect for the suspension, but mine had the ESA).
p.s. Rode the Bagger model. Those interested can check it.
Thats exactly it, it is a unique riding experience that you cannot get anywhere else!! I like it for that.
Yes I think the suspension is good but it was just on. the slower bumpy country roads that is was not so good. Cheers
Great review and it’s exactly that riding experience you are describing. I own the R18 First Edition since January. The first thing I changed was the rear suspension to a better shock from Wilbers. It’s day and night. Almost like on a GS. I am not joking! FYI, some dealers also leave the rear shock sometimes in transportation mode setup from the factory. It’s really harsh then. The exhaust also changed the note after some miles. No reason to change it if one likes the look of the fishtails. They definitely grew on me over the time. Ride safe! Greetings from Japan.
@@watashiwa6634 The one I rode was with the electronic suspension and I found it nice and soft enough. A very good and unique bike, I mean the Bagger that I rode. Can check it. Drop by. Otherwise a very good and Berlin made bike.
Hi, many thanks really pleased you liked the review 👍 Glad you could relate to it. Nice that after market suspension sounds brilliant, that would make a big difference. I would find it hard to change the original exhaust, it just looks so good. Many thanks for the info and all the best from the UK. Cheers
@@redangrevival Anytime bro. Be safe.
Let’s be honest mate, yes it’s a gorgeous bike and yes it looks badass.. but at the end of the day you’d still buy the 117 lowrider s with some proper pipes on it 🤘🤘 nice review 👍👍
😂 I really don't know actually!! It would be close thats for sure. I think the Harley would sound a lot better, and it is faster as well.
Both awesome bikes! Cheers 🤙
Another great review! The way you describe the lurch from torque reaction is exactly how I felt when I bought my first (of many) BMW, a 1979 R100RT. Peculiar to start with but you get to accept and ignore it. Eventually. That side stand looks like an effort at weight reduction or all they had in the parts bin. Either way 350kg of very expensive bike deserves something more robust than this! I’d wince every time I leaned it over and be ready to get out of the way.
Haha you would need to get out of the way thats for sure!! Timbeeerrrr!
Yes I think I would grow to actually quite like that side ways lurch from the engine, it is something unique to the boxer twins and I think adds character to the bike. Cheers
I believe the stand locks out as soon as it’s ‘deployed’ and as the bike leans over and takes weight it cannot physically fold up on you.
@@jfro5867 Jon, the stand just looks too skinny for that amount of weight!
@@ianross225 Ahh, see what you mean. It’s probably made of some mega strong spring steel or something!
@@jfro5867 Probably. It just looks out of place on such a big machine where weight saving clearly wasn’t a consideration.
She's a big lass! Honestly such a gorgeous machine though. I do understand the draw versus the Speedmaster... If I was in the market for something else/bigger this would be a top candidate, too. Great review as usual good sir! :)
Hi Charlie, she certainly is a big girl!! haha. All the more beautiful for it though 👌Yup I think this is a great bike for a possible upgrade from the Speedmaster if you want something great looking and a bit more power etc... A fantastic motorbike.
Many thanks glad you liked the review. Cheers
@@redangrevival Big is beautiful! We heard it here first. :D
@@charliedowzell8622 😂 trade mark that fraise!
If there was a cylinder under the seat to raise and lower it a few inches, this change in position would greatly relieve rider fatigue.........This COULD be exclusive to BMW, if they added it.
Very true! Thats a good idea, patent it and pitch it to BMW 😉
Excellent review. Might be keeping my speedmaster for now… although so tempted
Thanks really glad you enjoyed the review 👍 Absolutely stunning bike, but yes I will also be sticking with the Speedmaster
Wonderful, informative review. I will be testing the R18 when it arrives at my local dealership and will compare it to the Indian Springfield bike which I will test ride soon after. Fortunately, the Indian Dealership is only 1.2 miles from my apartment. So I will probably walk there for a test ride! BMW Dealership is 5.5 miles away. Not so far either. Love the style of both bikes. I live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for those curious.
Many thanks I appreciate it, glad you enjoyed the video 👍 Both fantastic looking bikes, I am yet to ride the Springfield. Can say I absolutely loved the R18 😁
Good luck with your test rides
@@redangrevival Thanks!
Thanks.
Cheers Bruce 👍
Great looking bike and great review. If you're in Bristol and looking for a great short ride, have you tried the Wye Valley motorbike loop? It's over the bridge into Chepstow. Beautiful ride
Thanks so much Steven, glad you liked the review 👍 It is such a beautiful motorbike, I loved it!! O that sounds great I haven't heard of that. Definitely going to check that out. Thanks
Bro,, I spit out a mouthful of soda soon as i heard you mention the name of the dealership that lent you that bike man! You really held your composure and remained mature and professional when you said that man. I on the other hand just couldn't do it! 😂🤣😂🤣😂✌😁
🤣🤣🤣 It is a unique name haha!! Gets me every time
An awesome machine, speedy has competition!
Haha yup such a stunning bike!
Nice bike. I would be changing the exhaust to something with a touch more sound also.
Hi, yup it is such a beautiful motorcycle 👌 Same I would probably end up changing the exhaust for something a bit louder! Shame though as I like the look of the stock ones.
World class.
It sure is 👌
A marmite bike. I love it, nice review.
Absolutely a marmite bike!Thanks
Almost every single review of this bike nagged about mid-pegs (or rather it being the only option) and I've always asked myself "why not resting on the cylinders are they too hot?" 😉
The cylinders work, but just not the right height. OK for short longer straight roads though 👍
Rock & Roll & Rain....Woodstock man....Woodstock ! what's not to like...
Haha very true 🤘 I do like it. Its such a character full bike that wins your heart and soul.
@@redangrevival I think Fillmore from the movie cars would agree with you and me...It's got Soul...
@@markwilliamson2795 100% 🤙
Louder mufflers wanted ? Clean out the innards of the stock ones....
Yup that is what I was thinking. Would be such a shame to get rid of the originals!
@@redangrevival I've seen online the prototype short pipes they looked good and I bet sound great..
@@markwilliamson2795 Nice I will take a look at those. From BMW?
@@redangrevival I thought so but maybe one mans idea ? th-cam.com/video/2oCf4KQ18LU/w-d-xo.html
They do look stunning, but such a huge and long beast (ooer!).
Those massive horizontal cylinders are sooo ridiculous, but also gorgeous, hehe.
Excellent if you're a 6'6" but don't want an equally massive, expensive Harley?
😂 haha, its a big one!!
They are ridiculous but I love it for that. It is the sort of bike that wins your heart. Ideally for a larger person but I would take one any day. Yes definitely right, aimed at the large cruiser market for something other than a Harley 👍
Muddy roads. Nice review.
Thank glad you enjoyed it 👍
Well...I never really liked the look of the sticky out engine.. saying that it does look like a mean machine!
You still don't see many BMW bikes on the road..I bet if they changed that sideways engine they would probably sell a lot more.
Nice video Angus!
Cheers
I know what you mean, but actually haven ridden it and seen it up close, I quite like the big engine!! It is a love or hate thing I think.
Cheers
@@redangrevival I was going to say its a marmite thing.
Keep up the good work..you can do a little piece on my BB... the 2013 Speedmaster!
Stride and Ride Angus!
Definitely a marmite bike! Yes please I would love to do that 😁
@@redangrevival Look forward to that!
Cheers Angus
Love my Boxers and with the amount of experience I have on them, including my R18, I believe one of the points you brought up is described in error. When you were entering the roundabout and complained of the torque effect of the engine being felt, I actually believe you felt the flywheel "lurch". I felt it the first time I rode one and it almost made me miss the turn when it freaked me out. If you let the revs get too low and lug the engine, that huge flywheel causes the bike to lurch forward. I have learned to keep the revs up a bit so as not to "lug" the engine. I really think that's what you experienced. I never feel the engine's side to side inertia when moving.
Great review, by the way.
Hi Mark, that does make sense actually I see what you mean 👍 Yes when moving it would be strange to feel the boxers inertia! It is quite a shock when you feel it for the first time. I love the boxer engines though, so much torque and have such unique character. Also think the R18 is one of the best looking bikes around. Cheers
Thanks I appreciate it 👍
Great looking machine, but personally if I'd be looking to upgrade from my Speedmaster, I'd go for a Rocket 3 instead.
Yup its a beautiful bike 👍 Yes that would definitely be an option for me also, I would like the GT version. I must book a ride in on the Rocket 3 soon. Cheers
@@redangrevival Do a review on it and compare it with the R18. I'm unsure which one to get.
@@StefanCCCC 👍 will definitely try and schedule a ride in on one soon!
I know a guy who can afford any bike car yacht anything at all ..hes driven most bikes owned allsorts he drives this bmw r18 he says it handles great for a bigger bike i met him wen he was selling his speedmaster..he says the speedmaster is the best smaller cruiser and the r18 is the best bigger cruiser ..he told me he wouldn't have a harley again as far to hot and bad maneuverability but for looks hd wins ..the rocket he says is to powerful and he couldn't relax ..i drive a speedmaster and would get the r18 next because he raves about this bike ..
Two stunning bikes 👌
Lovely bike but I opted for a 2021 FatBob.
👍 Fair enough, they are both great looking bikes that each have their own unique styling. I am yet to ride a FatBob but would really like to test one out. Cheers
@@redangrevival it really is a fantastic bike for road use.
Awesome content. My next bike. What Bellstaff jacket is that?
Thanks I appreciate it 👍 It is actually a Merlin Chigwell Light jacket
Does it have reverse? When I was a kid, one of the mechanics at the Airclub where my father was a fly instructor had an old WWII German motorcycle with attach and a boxer engine, and my father was telling me how it has reverse like a car, which back than, in the 80's, I think it was something unheard of.
Yes you can spec an optional reverse gear 👍 A brilliant option for these big cruisers that more manufacturers should offer! Sounds like a beautiful bike that the mechanic had 😁 Amazing that it was around then. I remember hearing of a bike with a reverse gear when I was very young as well, was so impressed! Cheers
Love the style of this bike but wish was slightly smaller & 1200 boxer engine as is it to big for uk/European
roads?
Hi Jamie, same I love the looks as well. It is big and that engine is huge!! However I wouldn't want it any other way, I think it is fine for the UK and especially European roads.
@@redangrevival
Thanks for reply 👍 keep up great reviews 👌👌
@@straightup1234 It a pleasure. Thanks
I like the look of it and that it has mid controls. If you amhave almost straight arms at 5 ft 9 than I'd have aot of trouble on it about 5 ft 5
It is a stunning bike and rides just as well 👍 Yes it would be a stretch at 5' 5"! However you could easily fit some up and over handle bar risers to bring them closer to you
I think the grip vibrate due to rock mode
😂 Yup definitely that explains it!! Its rocking out 🤟
I am really between this or an Indian Super Chief... sigh, I really don't know what to buy.
It is always a hard choice when you love both bikes! Follow your heart!
so how much did you really like it
😂 A LOT!!
What's up with that exhaust design - in my perspective, the bloodiest design - just saying:) This alone will cause me to walk away and never look at another BMW again. I'm sorry to say. FYI I believe this Triumph Speedmaster is a pure British old-school classic, the most beautifully "designed" and best cruiser out there :)
Yup it certainly splits opinion! You could always opt for the classic model, with a normal round exhaust.
Yes I own a Speedmaster and it is very hard to beat.
Nice exhausts, chromed and one per pot. Good looking machine. A lot of bikes look like insects these days.
Good review 👍. I own a speedmaster but I’ve lusted after R18 for a while. Shame it’s almost double the price. Do you think it’s worth it? Might have a ride down to the local bmw dealer 😏
Thanks, really pleased you liked the review 👍 Same I think it is the progression up from the Speedmaster. I would love one!!
I don't think it is worth double the price of the Speedmaster, but I do think it is worth a premium over it. Definitely recommend a ride on one. Cheers
I'd prefer them to make something a bit more gentlemanly and not so much BMW on steroids. A nod to the thirties and forties stunning bikes but in a more all rounder cruiser mode like a German Bonneville. I think they've missed a trick to be honest, this is too niche. A smart retro classic all rounder is what they should have gone for.
Interesting one 👍 Personally I really like the style of this bike and the size of it!! It is just so unique. However I think that would be a fantastic move for BMW to do, make a smaller version that can be more of an everyday bike. I suppose they have the R-nine T, but that is a much sportier ride.
They have the R9T models.
@@chadkline4268 yeah they're not really what I'd call retro like. Something more like the R59/60 was what I was thinking about to compete in the Bonneville/Interceptor/W800 market.
Too bad it doesn't have cruise control
They do now, the very first ones didn’t.
😃👍👍👍😃
👌😁
Hahahaha, it turned you into a dude! I could see the tattoos popping up all over and your helmet turning into a red paisley headscarf.
It's certainly a fine looking bike, a real head turner. You've had the pig endorsement, then the bull endorsement and now the silver endorsement.
Definitely a mans bike.
PS got a cancellation, so doing my first attempt at CBT this Friday!
haha it definitely did!! I absolutely loved it 😁 Such a stunning motorbike and has such a great unique character to it. Definitely on my good list.
O wow congratulations, so pleased you have booked one in 👍 Thats great news, good for you. Good luck with it, you'll be fine. Just enjoy it thats the main thing.
Thank you I will. You're the one who gave me the courage to go for it 😘 What happens, happens but it's a big first step 😊
@@lilynorthover8378 Good for you, exactly. It's all about taking that first step. Go for it and don't worry about what happens just try to enjoy it. Good luck 👍
Didn't quite go to plan. I did section A and B, started C and then collapsed with heat exhaustion 🙄 When I'd recovered a bit I did section D but it was decided that I should stop and come back when it's cooler to finish C and do E. Gutted but I really wasn't well and still feeling it now. They're sure I'll pass when it's cooler😊
It kinda looks ridiculous xD
😂 I exactly what you mean but I love it for that!!