BMW R18 Biggest Complaints
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ค. 2022
- A lot of people are apprehensive of this bike and in today's video I'll explain whether these points are warranted or not.
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Back in the day on my BMW 750, a cab driver decides to pull a U-turn right in front of me on Central Park West / NYC. I locked up the bike and slid underneath the back of the cab. The left cylinder dug into the pavement and protected my left leg, the right cylinder locked up against the underside of the taxi bumper and protected my right leg. It all happened in a few seconds. I was unharmed. I got up, picked up the bike, which only had minor scratches on the valve covers. The cab driver could not have cared less. I told him he could have killed me. He just shrugged, which pissed me off. So I reached inside the driver's window, put the column shift in park, turned off the ignition, took the keys and threw them into Central Park. Hopped on my bike and roared away. That's what comes to mind when I think of BMW motorcycles 😊
Touché!
I’ve always felt the same way about mid controls. I’ve wanted an R18 since I saw the first one.
Hear hear - absolute Grail bike.
I’ve owned 4 BMWs and 7 Harleys. I love the Boxers and the Big bikes. So I agree it’s a matter of choice on the day. Go ride!! 🤟
@text1-602 ok so thanx.
@text1-602 thank you 😊. What’s next?
I’ve danced and seven countries
Your foot comments on foot placement are spot on. I think that forward controls, you are giving up some control of the motorcycle.
I have been riding my R-18 Transcontinental after a Vtwin Indian Spring field and it is a massive improvement. The ride technology is outstanding no heated crouch while riding and the heat from the cylinders is a none issue. The controls are easy to adapt to and it is a better riding position.
Good points 👊🏼
Since my test ride on the 18 I located a beautiful very low mile Indian Chief Vintage - called him Chief Willow. We're family now 🙂
@@adamsandoval if a used 2021 with 900 miles is under 13k is it worth it
Stunning motorcycle! I test rode one last year and didn’t feel any heat from the cylinders.
Same. I rode one on a hot June day through Virginia hills and even stopped in highway traffic, it was hardly noticeable. The only issue I had, specific to the up-optioned models with the massive TFT display, was phone connectivity. The R18 Classic solves that by ditching the TFT for a standard gauge pod like the one in this video.
Both my v-twins fry my ass in the Texas heat while my R-18 FE is the bike I now choose during the summer months. No heat issues at all. The ride is stiff and the seat is painful though.
i also own both,,, my back and butt will not take many miles of my R18, but my right lower leg isn't always hot here in Arizona
Your explanation of controls placement may be hands down the best. I'm a non-rider who's peeking in, seeing about pricing, convenience, that sort. That explanation of where your weight and posture is for fatigue was perfect. This really answered a lot of questions about what would, if, my fist bike be, and why. Thank you!
Jane,
First bike? NO WAY! Get a CHEAP small bike. You will learn a lot from a bike that's cheap, lightweight and easy to handle...... After a few thousand miles, trade in that cheapo bike on the bike you want.....With some riding experience, NOW you know what YOU want and WHY YOU want it.
Great job reviewing. Love the look of the bike and maybe one day…
My Dyna was my first bike and I put over 50,000 miles on her in 4 years including an Iron Butt. You are right, you ride what you have.
R 18. A Piece of Art 🤩 Outstanding.
For touring the whole world go for the BMW GS 1250. Best tourer for any road 😎
Great review man. I appreciate you speaking to the mid controls and highway riding. Nobody else has covered that. Thank you sir
Nice to listen to your obvious enthusiasm for your bike.
Although not a cruiser fan, I’d pick this over any offerings from the competition.
I haven’t checked out the specs on the newest R18’s but I know the First Edition bikes didn’t have a fuel gauge. I sincerely hope BMW have addressed this, as I wouldn’t fancy pushing over a 1/3rd of a metric tonne more than 100yds (downhill)!
Enjoy your bike. 👍🏻😎
You nailed it Adam. Definitely a city slickers ride to have fun and look good.
Harley created a boxer motor for troops in Africa during WWII. Interestingly it is nut for nut exactly like the BMW. Unfortunately it was too late, the troops crossed over into Italy therefore never using them in the intense African heat. It’s a solid motor. 💪🏼
Definitely is
Very interesting!
That's what I like Adam your honest opinion of the bike an still telling people ride what makes them happy. Stay Stubborn enjoy their ride
Bmw r18 the best motorcycle ever Made.
The R18 is a gorgeous bike. The seat height and bent knee would be my biggest issue. But I need to actually ride one and not just sit on one! Nice review.
There is definitely a bent knee and low seat hight
I just picked up a R18 Transcontinental and so far I absolutely love it!
Congrats! I’ve had my R18-B for about three months - the bike rides awesome - smooth and balanced👍
I rode an R1200C for years and loved it, my favorite bike. I wish though that they had kept the telelever 'wishbone' 3-point suspension in the front of the R18C. It was an award-winning design innovation in 1998 for the R12C and made for a rock-solid front end - no diving in a corner when having to suddenly decelerate with your front brake. I put over 100,000 very enjoyable kms on my R12C through the mountains of BC and AB in Canada. Thanks for this - I won't shy from buying a R18C, great review 🙂
I loved when our shop had an R12C on trade; I’d tell people the “C” was for chopper.
my only complaint on this bike after a test ride was how heavy it felt with low speed handling.
Oooh yeaaah i totally agree
Best review addressing perceived issues, I have seen so far. I’m a Harley man through and through but if money was t an option I’d have multiple brands.
Great video, I like it so much , I bought both the R18 pure & R18 Transcontinental. Loving both! Enjoy life and ride
Very well said! I confirm on my side (I own an R18 Transcontinental) that the engine is ALWAYS cool even after 8 or 9 hours riding in twisty Alpine roads or hairpin bends. Demonstration is that I can lay my legs on the two cylinders to take some rest or to stretch them. With my CVO Road Glide the heat from the engine is strong in my inner legs when I stress the engine on the same roads.
Glad you agree. That transcontinental is beautiful
I see they have hwy platform/pegs for the BMW now
Great review Adam! I have a ‘19 CVO RoadGlide and just picked up a 2022 R-18 Classic. I absolutely love the bike and you nailed each point on what this bike is, just a cruiser. I just wish it had 2 more inches of clearance so you can get a little more aggressive in the turns. BMW missed it on that one.
I definitely agree, I dressed that issue in my full review. This video was just about comments I’ve seen on my review
I’m a former RG owner and loved it. I own the R18 Classic and it’s not the same type of ride at all. What I miss? That rock solid feeling with a fixed fairing in the highway and the soft ride. It floats down the highway but a high center of gravity makes it tougher in slow maneuvers. And the storage. R18C bags are small
The R18C feels much more responsive with a lower center of gravity and I also prefer the mid controls to save my back. A set of lower fork deflectors from Memphis Shades reduces buffeting coming up over the tank. While it’s very Road worthy, the RG is better suited for a long day on the blacktop. The R18 might be better for a day trip or short stay trip.
yeah i agree, a couple more inches of clearance would come in handy! th-cam.com/video/JoDN8nip9nk/w-d-xo.html
Another advantage of boxer motors on motorcycles is the access to both top ends - checking valve clearances AND balancing the carburettors on my R100R takes about 20 minutes, all in.
Nice bike Adam.... I been hearing and listening to Harleys for ah while.... Love that sound..... And love riding the bike that makes that sound... And hearing the Thunder roar.... Great video.... Thanks for sharing.. safe travels...
Excellent video, and one of the best for the R18.
Loved your fonal thoughts, Adam, ride safe, brother.
Great honest and accurate review 😎 I’ve been riding for 50 years and had many different bikes but I think the R18 would have to be my all time favourite , it’s a blast to ride and pulls like a Mack truck 👍
I take a Yamaha RS Warrior over that thing any day )
I rejected this bike due to mid controls. I like forward, my legs were hurting me already in the shop. I understand your happiness, r18 is one of best looking motorcycles, so congratulations! I am curious on your review after 15000 or 30000 miles!
Understandable
Surprised no one is complaining about the harsh rear suspension . That is the ONLY thing that stops me from buying the R 18 . Love it to bits otherwise. Front suspension superb. Manoeuvrability great. Was not bothered by the engine heat because of the reasons you mentioned. Almost everything about this R18 I love with the exception of the rear suspension. I adjusted it to the max I could for my weight but it still beat the hell out of my lower back on roads that were less than smooth tarmac. It is a work of art - I agree. Its a pity BMW won't redesign the R18 to the same rear geometry as the R18B - which I hear has better rear suspension . I am not fond of TFT's and big fairings that is why the R18 appeals to me over the R18B. Its a pity they won't give the R18 the same rear as the R18B so that rear suspension drastically improves. This is a gorgeous bike. Cheers
Agreed, all the R-18 lineup should come with the 120mm rear travel suspension, with or without adapative preload. The bike needs the 4.7" of rear travel on all the degraded 2 lane road quality here in America.
Wilbers suspention tu buy. I owned a HD Low Rider MY 2018, more comfortable, but otherwise the BMW does everything better than Harley.
Did you verify the rear suspension was taken off "shipping" setting and actually adjusted and set-up to ride? If not, I would highly recommend giving the R18 another chance just make sure it is set-up properly.
@@powersports4life594 Yes thanks. I did reach about 10 settings and then had to give the bike back. Roads here are TERRIBLE so at around 10 it did not sort the ride. I noticed I could go up to 24 but I suspect I would be bottoming pretty quick after 10
What a fantastic review video! Entertaining charisma and excitement, honesty and awesomeness, critical address, I love this video Adam.
Awesome video and it makes sense. Every bike has a different purpose but they can all be used however the owner chooses. It would be cool to see a garage video where you show your bikes off and talk about some cool differences. Have a great day!
I did one a while ago that you can find but maybe I should do an update
Adam, loved your honest review, been looking at one of these instead of upgrading my Harley. They are cheaper to purchase than a similar HD and to be honest, I've not read or heard a bad review about them yet. Keep up the great videos, love your channel.
Former Harley and Indian Rider here. I picked up the R18 bagger back in June and it's freaking awesome. I'm 5'10" and the foot position is not an issue at all, I've ridden from full to empty and never found myself wishing I had forward controls and the position does seem to lend itself to more aggressive cornering. Heat is a non issue. Even sitting at a stop on 95 degree days, the R18 runs cooler than even the newest Harley or Indian that shuts off the rear cylinder. The jugs are cool enough running down the road, you can prop your legs up on them and not feel anything more than slight warmth.
My only complaint is it doesn't have a dedicated GPS unit, it relies on your phone if you want navigation and your phone must remain unlocked the entire time. It also can't seem to run the maps and stream music at the same time.
Thanks Adam . You make very practical common sense points which makes me want to get one .
I met you a few years ago in Cave Creek, Az and we are both about the same height. So if you’re comfortable on it I’m sure I would be . Only riding for at least a couple hours will tell the real story.
I bought the R18 Classic First Ed. Love it. You hit a home run with that review!!! Well done.
I love mine too
Friggin bang on there buddy. I love mine. Its a thinking man's bike..
Great review. You answered the key questions about this bike. Thank you.
Thanks for tuning in 👊🏼
I always have to watch a few videos before I subscribe to a channel, I think I finally subscribed about 2 weeks ago. I like your content it's not the same old same old every video. Keep up the good work
from Rockford Illinois
Thanks man that feedback means a lot to me.
I just found this video. Absolutely excellent video! I really really like this bike. I have been looking at it for a while now. Thank you so much for sharing.
Glad it was helpful! 👊🏼
This bike is a work of art. I agree with what you’re saying and will look at one of these soon. Very special.
So awesome to follow. Absolutely love the content and your personality.
Thank you 🙏
Love this. Can't wait to get mine.
I have a 2022 R18B and love it. The quality of the parts is crazy good. It's quiet when you are idling through town but has a great sound when you open it up. More than enough power to be entertaining, and I've had liter bikes, 600s, 1300 (FJR) and a GSXR 750 in the past. It's not a sports bike, but you don't have any problem blasting away from cars at stoplights, mountain roads, or the interstate. I think that some of the long term winners from BMW have been slow or late to catch on. It's a luxury cruiser. Looking forward to putting 150K miles on mine, and I think it will do it no problem.
I have a R18 trans continental…. And I had this bike for over a year … 5 k+ miles …. Best bike I ever had… highly recommended
Thank You Sir,
Adam as I've told you in the past; at 14 I learned to ride on my uncle's 47 Indian Chief, at 16 I bought my cousin's 65 Panhead Electraglide.
The latter was my my primary bike for 26 years until I got rear-ended at a stop light. I ride Ultras for " iron butt" and my personal touring bike. I've had Heritage, Roadkings, and an old 87 Goldwing I chopped.
But my current touring bike for my Lady and I is an 06 GL1800 Goldwing, soon to be pulling a trailer once I finish painting it for tent camping.
At 56, if I could afford that BMW bike I'd get it with panniers and tourpac that are removable because I believe it could be the best all round bike.
Thank You again for your enthusiasm and honesty.
You are in my prayers
Hoka Hey
You have definitely been blessed with some great bikes. Keep the dirty side down out there
Thank you Adam!! You eloquently addressed very valid points. Features and benefits and all the right comparisons. I replaced the original seats with a Corbin. It is a very comfortable seat even for the passengers!!! I have done two back to back 400 mile trips with the Corbin. It's worth every penny!!!
I have a Corbin from my previous R18 Classic if anyone is interested. Much improved feel than stock
Glad I go to see your personal take on the R18. It was love at first sight when I first saw the concept revealed. Although I wish they could’ve leaned more towards the original concept, I still think they did a phenomenal job with the outcome of the bike.
I have had my 2021 First Edition for over a month now with a little over 1500 miles.
It was a demo model from San Francisco, and had it shipped to Honolulu.
It is my first cruiser bike ever. Prior to this I had a factory cafe racer with mid controls. That was my first bike. So I totally agree with you point on mid controls. And just like you, I wanted something nice and shiny that stood out from the crowd and would draw the attention from riders, and non riders alike.
👊🏽🇺🇸
Had a 2005 Honda VTX 1800n and unfortunately had to get rid of it a few years ago. I absolutely loved it. Looking at this as my next machine as soon as I put some dollars together. Thank you for a great review.
Thanks for tuning in 👊🏼
Nice thing about R18 in any form is the used market has great deals. Considering the low miles I'm seeing on used machines owners aren't riding very far.
Probably nor will you, as the new owner and the novelty wears off or you have something else better to ride. You talk to BMW R1250 RT and R1250 GSA owners, and the bikes rarely drop in value, compared to the R18's.
nice work explaining the foot controls.
Excellent video, explaining most of the ifs and whys of that bike. My R18 is, by far and a long shot, my favourite bike. I don’t know what kind of wizardry Beemer did, but that giant elephant is actually pretty flickable on slow speeds. First bike I have that can eat a thousand miles without me being tired.
I appreciate this put of the box thinking. Everyone complains about the same thing with this R18. Here is a different and convincing way of looking at it. Thumbs up!
Hey Hermano, You are absolutely right,, it looks sexy man, I mean it´s a beautiful motorcycle, but... for me seems pretty uncomfortable because the boxer engine, and the mid foot controls, even though I am a man who will not ever have the access to ride this kind of motorcycle, but watching it through my screen, and thanks to you, it looks that way. So yeah... this is gorgeous. God bless you brother.
Always good to hear from you brother. 👊🏽
@@adamsandoval Thank you brother, I appreciate it.
CEPEDA , good luck from Spain/España .
Hey Adam thanks for the review of your bike pretty cool , have you heard about the custom magnifica R18 .?
Thanks for this review, you have removed a lot of misconceptions I had.
As a novice trying to find my way to my first bike. Your explanation of the R18 was excellent. So far it is running ahead of the pack. Will continue watching your videos. Yhanks
I’m not sure this would be my “first bike” recommendation. But my advice is try them all and buy the one you personally like the best!
This is not a "first bike" bike. Get something light and learn how to ride first, or you will end up in the hospital.
Test rode the "bagger" version last year at Sturgis, only thing I wasn't crazy about was low speed maneuverability. That thing was heavy below 15mph.
Just practice in an empty parking lot at night, and learn to use some outside body english to offset the weight going inwards of the circle from the low center of gravity. Every new bike has a learning curve to get used to it.
Great review Adam! I think you hit all the concerns right between the eyes! In 1979, we were on a cross country ride and met a fellow rider out in New Mexico, a school teacher from Florida, riding a BMW. He had 375k miles on it and no plans to ride anything different! Boxers… the Chevy Corvair boxer is still used in Light Sport Experimental Aircraft. Has to be a tough engine to be relied on off the ground! Thanks for addressing the key questions about this bike. Ride safe brother!
I have a 4 cylinder boxer Rotax 912 ULS with Bing Carbs in my Van's RV-12 Light sport airplane. Water cooled heads, air cooled cylinders. 100 HP at 5500 rpm on a 1365 cc normal aspirated motor on 91 AKI (US premium) octane. It runs at 5100 to 5500 rpms at almost all times while flying and burning 4.5 to 5 gallons of fuel an hour, doing 120 to 135 mph. Makes getting anywhere in a straight line FAST! Of course, the motorcycle is for when you want to do the curves to get there. Poetry in motion!
@@feloniousmonk3049 ….. the Rotax is a great engine. My brother’s Zenith CH750 has a Jabaru and his neighbors Van’s has the same Rotax you have!
Rotax 912 ULS 1254cc 100HP powerplant, as used in my Van's RV-12 E-LSA build. Great quality motor, just be sure to keep the Bing Carbs synched up.
Love ya work mate 👍
BTW I bought the very first model of the R18 ,in 2020 , and I couldn't part with it, so I've sent her from Australia to france . Havnt seen ol black Betty for 6 months,(due to shipping delays),,but she should here in a week! We hope!
Yes I've own heaps of Harley's,, come off a heritage , and to be honest, there is just something special about these bikes, they definitely are the real deal.
Got hattech shorty pipes mine. Runs sweet, sounds kick ass .All the best .
Outstanding description of this magnificent motorcycle. It is absolutely the most character, soul, heritage and performance BMW I have owned. That is out of a total of 38 BMWs since the 70s. I want to grow older with this R18 Classic First Edition! I also have a GSA 1250 model. I believe BMWs are a refined acquired wonderfully satisfying passion. They retain the best value of any motorcycles in the world. They also have premium tier one quality and long lasting low maintenance. 38 out of 85 owned and ridden hundreds of thousands of miles speaks by itself...we have to earn the right to talk about them. Not just give an opinion based on others' perspectives.
Thank you
The best technical explanation I've heard. Straight to the point no nonsense even after a year sounds 👌
Thanks for tuning in 👊🏼
Good communicator. Being a 45 years long biker (and never really a BMW fan at all) I can appriciate your views and straight opinions. I actually 12 years long own a V4 which I love and still plan to keep
I had a few of these and loved them. I am however surprised you say the engine is smooth. I found a zone between 2,400 and 3,000 which was lovely but outside that it’s quite a lumpy or ‘characterful’ engine. I certainly wouldn’t class it as smooth compared to other twins I’ve ridden.
Typical the boxer motor creates less vibration. I can speak to which model you had but this 1800 on that drive shaft runs extremely smooth
@@adamsandoval I had the transcontinental. Didn’t find it smooth at all outside a specific 2,400 to 3,000 rpm zone. Rode quite a few of the models. Many of my friends who rode Harley didn’t like how lumpy and ‘Vibby’ the bike was outside a specific rpm zone.
I actually spoke with our local bmw dealer about it and they said the engine was specifically engineered to give character in that way. From the massive torque steer at idle start up to specific vibrations at certain revs.
@@theonlyredspecial maybe we are talking 2 different things. The torque at start up or when transmission is not engaged is done deliberately for the experience and character, your contact is correct. At least that’s what the engineer who designed it told me.
The boxer engine design puts out less vibration as in engine vibrating , I have read several studies that explain the engineering and reason for the smoother ride, it’s the design of the motor itself. The data showed less vibration and that’s also what I experienced in my opinion.
And I always find power delivery smother on a drive shaft then a belt or chain although I’ll admit I’ve never seen research on the drive train comparison. The smooth drive shaft is just my experience/ opinion.
@@adamsandoval maybe we are. Think of this less as an argument and more just me passing over my opinions of owning the transcontinental. I’ve actually had quite a few bmw boxer based bikes over the years including the 1250gs. I’m middle aged in my early 50s.
I know The punch-counterpunch movements of the boxer's pistons cancel out each other for a smoother running engine. And I appreciate the shift cam aspects on some models have made them even smoother.
My point is more the ‘lumpiness’ of the specific 1800c boxer engine in the r18 bikes. Myself and my friends all found a very noticeable sweet spot between 2,400 rpm and 3,000 rpm on the classic and the transcontinental we rode for months. Over 3,000 rpm the bike felt almost quite ‘rough’ through the bars and the pegs. And yea you are right bmw specifically engineered this bike to give it ‘character’. I think I said that earlier.
Regardless of the all this I just never found the engine smooth at all. Yet my last ‘bumblebee’ 1250gs was immensely smooth as you say as it was a more traditionally designed boxer engine design. With the r18 once you get over 4,000 rpm it’s what I would consider a very unpleasant ride. So I was always shifting to keep it in the sweet spot. A few journalists noticed this.
Again I’m not arguing with you. I’m just passing over my views of having a transcontinental for a while. I didn’t hate the bike nor do I say people should immediately buy a Harley - I actually got into some debates with people on Harley channels about its merits. It’s refreshing seeing an American defending it !
It is a beautiful bike . I’d like one . I’m 6’2” and I do wonder about comfort although I like how Adam mentioned putting your feet on the passenger pegs . I use to do that on a 1150 Suzuki I had years ago . My last bike was a Harley Elrectra Glide 2005 which I modified to be like a street glide that came out the next year .
Just brought a '22 R18 Classic home. Loving it so far and agree with all you said!
Awesome! Congrats on the new bike 👊🏼
Those mufflers what were the krauts thinking absolutely ruin the look of an other wise great looking bike. Cheers 🍺 🍺 🍺 🍺 🍺 🇬🇧🏴🇬🇧🏴🇬🇧🏴🇬🇧🏴🇬🇧🏴🇬🇧😎
We, the "krauts", don't expect most of the rest of the world to understand why we do certain things the way we do. Good luck figuring them out on your own!
@@raduvladimirmihalache9226 those pipes sure are divisive! Other than that, I really like the bike… so I was glad when the “classic” model came out, now that one could well find itself in my garage 😊👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Adam, when you talked about the maintain schedule, you forgot 2 things VERY VERY important. 1. It is the next one at 6000 miles OR 1 year, which ever comes first. The light in your dash wont come out until bmw turns it off. So every year you nee to do maintanence, and that 6000 miles service involves valves check,,,, THATS A OVER 1000 DOLLARS SERVICE. That’s very important to know. I have a r18. Yearly maintance brother even if you ride it or not. Whichever comes first my friend. That’s what you shoulda said.
Definitely good information about what the services entail.
The light comes on once a year but I just had the dealer turn it off. The riding season is short here in Alaska and I see no need to change the oil every couple thousand miles. I’ll follow the maintenance schedule set by miles.
Excellent review and glad I watched this video. I have been admiring since 2021 and now finally planning to get one and the prices are way down.
Glad it helped 👊🏼
Yes. Helped a lot. Yesterday I bought a brand new 2023 R18 100 years edition. “1 of 1923” is written in the badge on the tank for all such motorcycles. Amazing looks.
It appears you got a different R1800 than other reviews had. Cycle World reported "prominent vibration" . A 6000 service is a expensive deal at a BMW dealer. HD only require fluid changes.
Dumptruck!?
Haha He has announced roller derby games I was in! Wicked dude.
Tell 'em that Dixon Syder says "Hi".
As for the bike… I think the R18 Classic is my next ride. I took one for a highway test ride today, and fell in love with it.
Man, you get to the heart of it! There is nothing more to say about this beauty! Best regards from Germany
Right on regarding the mid controls saving your butt on a bumpy road.
Mid controls …… the riding position is called the lotus position! There is a reason on your goldwings and so many others use this seating position
Had a couple of test rides, it’s a lot of fun, pulls like a train and has tons of character. I could live with one, but not as an only bike.
I have the R18 B model. I am qualified to tell everyone that by installing crash bars (eBay $150 USD) you have place to rest your feet in the forward position without having to buy foot rest to mount on the crash bars...It's super comfortable on long rides.
Very cool
Experimental Army, according to one site the engine was 100 degrees cooler than the other Harleys. Only engine like that I ever had was a junked golf cart, my father welded a narrow frame, so it was just engine and me, and I sat over the worm gear axle. Decisions for next one, practical or..., CB500X, the new Nightster, or maybe MT-09. Have fun on it.
A cool old school looking bike. Great video
Keep that one clean brother awesome bike I would love to have one
I met Tana at Sturgis a couple years ago. She does ride these all over the country. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Good, honest review on a great bike with almost a hundred years of heritage. And, any BMW is better than any post-99 HD.
Everything you say in this video is 100% what I think about my R18.
top quality, lots of character in motorcycle, beautiful, unique.
I love my naked R18, no windshield no suitcases. Pure motorcycling.
greetings from bavaria the BMW country.
The R18 motor is just not a bigger boxer motor. BMW engineered an oil circuit within the air cooling pathway to further cool the engine. First time for this improvement and shows their commitment of constantly improving the boxer
Great Review, getting the motorcycle for the purpose you want it for!
First of all, I'll deal with ANYTHING in order to have vibration. I've owned a lot of drop dead boring, smooth, quiet, Japanese bikes. Never again. about 20 years ago, I bought my first used Sportster 1200. It was a revelation. I knew instantly that was what I had wanted all my life. It also sounds great. I no longer have that Sportster, but I currently have 2 Sportsters and a 1989 FXRS Low Rider. Motorcycle perfection. H-D totally RUINED the M8 engine by putting a balancer in it. Another HUGE problem with that particular bike is it's tube type tires. I've ridden about a million miles or so in my life, and probably had 70-80 flat tires, almost all of them on bikes with tube type tires. They are unfixable on the road. I paid thousands of $$$ on towing bills over the years because of all those flat tires. I gave up bikes with tube type tires a long time ago, and my flat tire problem pretty much went away. If you DO manage to have a flat tire with a tubeless tire, you can just plug it, reinflate it, and be on your way. This is 2022. WHY are motorcycles still using Model T tire technology? How would you like to have a tube blowout on that 900 pound bike going 80 mph on the highway? IF you survive, you will still be stranded. I don't even know why DOT allows street legal bikes with tube type tires to be sold anymore. They claim to be concerned about safety? Tube type tires are by far the most dangerous thing on any motorcycle that has them, and they always have been.
If German engineering is so great, why are BMWs always at the bottom of every list of motorcycle brands based on reliability? I don't know about that one, but the GS does NOT use the old school pushrod boxer motor. It has a liquid cooled DOHC motor that may look like the old boxer motor on the outside, but it's total trash on the inside, and its lack of reliability proves that.
What a load of bollocks! My 2012 BMW R1200R Classic is built to a standard that very few manufacturers get near. Vastly better built than my Indian Springfield which I love and vastly technically superior to anything made in the USA. And you can ride it like a hot rod or take it outback through mud and bad rough roads. It does require proper BMW servicing. But 100% reliable in my experience. Never had a problem ever. Still looks like new!
And many people have ridden BMWs some pretty crazy places.
Gorgeous bike !! a continuation of the R of old (French police 1960's style ) . I would get one if i had the money . Will stick to my beloved sportster for the time being. Did over 3000 miles in two weeks around France a couple of months back , you are right ANY bike is a touring bike , it's all down to the rider . Greetings fro the UK .
You’ve made many very relevant points here. It’s not my cup of tea, however I believe that BMW have done a great job with this bike.
Great vid man! ✌️
Thank you brother, no bike is for everyone indeed. But this one is definitely unique
All I will say is whatever the service schedule is, follow it like it's an aircraft. You will find using the recommended transmission and final drive fluid shockingly expensive too. It does require valve clearance checks too.
As far as the foot position, my legs don't fold like that to the rear pegs. If you think this is a tourer, check out the R1250RT. The RT's do everything well. The R18 is more niche, but it is unique for sure. The funny thing is, among the beemer faithful there's a lot of pushback and rejection, which I find odd. To me it looks like an R69 on steroids, but the tupperware crew sees things differently. Anyway...It is a cool bike, have fun with it and "let's be careful out there".
/\ This.... you MUST follow the service recommendations, on any german motorcycle or vehicle... BMW, Porsche, Audi, VW, they are not " suggestions", like on abused american or japanese vehicles, they are mandatory. There is no forgiveness, much like annual services or 100hr services on commerical aircraft.
Good review. I think I will get one. Thanks
👊🏼😎
Looking to get one when they have my color and specs. Nice video
This is an excellent review. Highly knowledgeable.
Very fair review! I purchased the R18 it’s a fantastic bike
Thanks buddy 😊
My Dyna came with forward controls when I bought it and I really want to take it back to mid. It seems like it would be a way better ride. I noticed on longer rides my knees start to hurt with forward controls. Like you said it also puts all the weight on my tail bone
Yup that’s the problem, I know a few people that have switched back
I changed my forward control to Foot pegs with heel rests. They brought my feet inches back.
I have to agree. It's a black bow tie tuxedo or a Chanel little black number. They've done a very good job with it. Not sure about the shape of the pipes, but you tend to warm to them.
I’ve had my R18 here in Australia for almost 2 years. In 2 Aussie summers so far, I’ve never experienced overheating! Having had several boxer BM’s (still own a 1980 R100s & 2003 R1150R Rockster) over the years, I couldn’t agree more re mid controls. It’s just a natural riding position. I’m biased of course but like you, I just love the beast! I’ve no plans to customise mine as aesthetically to me it’s spot on.👍🏼 My only criticism is seat comfort. That’s more to do with my physiology being my flat arse/ass!🫢 As for preference of bikes we all choose, as you said, if it works for you, that’s all that matters! Enjoy your R18 brother. Cheers from “Down Under”. 🍻🇦🇺
That’s awesome man! Very well said
Beautiful bike!
I agree with your take on foot position 100%
Your turning method, not so much.
Enjoy mate!
great review. I personally would own a BMW cruiser before a H D adventure bike, but have no intentions of buying either.
I fell in love with the R18 concept when it was introduced but they definitely missed that mark in production.
I reviewed this bike about a year ago and it wasnt for me. The cramped seating position and lack of foot positioning was a no-go for me.
Spot on! I loved that bike when I rode it. I do wish the rear suspension had more travel tho (roads here in KC are pretty bad)
Hard to find a touring bike in that style with much suspension travel.
Its a nice looking classic bike but i'd take a Heritage over it.
I agree with everything you say about the mid controls . I use to ride a street glide when I got off of it my back was sore and the heat off the rear cylinder was burning my leg. I bought Bmw R1250rt Now I ride in comfort and power without being beat up. I truly love boxer motor it’s so smooth and just wants to run without the vibration.. There is a Reason why the police use these bikes.Great video
Yes but yours is counterbalanced. The big one isn’t and is quite the vibrator.
I have a 2021 R18 FE ,put 2400 Kms on in 4 weeks, love the bike. Put a Corbin solo seat on it and it is very comfortable, can ride it from fillup to fillup no problem 😎🇨🇦