That motorcycle is art on wheels. What a beautiful homage to the 1930's and the art deco movement. Most unique and pretty retro design on the market by a long shot. Berlin Built rocks. Still waiting for an R1250S/.HP2 Sport BMW.
For those talking about him dragging the pegs, My guess is the preload wasn't set on the rear suspension. It comes set at ZERO and you need to adjust it to account for rider weight and accessories/bags. The suspension preload seems to be something that dealers are overlooking on the checkout and delivery. To me BMW did a disservice to the motoring community by releasing the bikes to the media without taking the time to make sure they were setup correctly.
I've had mine for 2 weeks now and the rear shock is much to stiff. So a Fox or some other after market is in the future. The big let down was when they said there aren't any accessories for it until 2021. I have to contact other dealers to see if it's true. The bike is beautiful! Much better looking than any Harley I've had. My 2018 Heritage rides much better. Handles better and even with one disc stops better. Sounds crazy but it's true. The build quality is the best I've seen and it is a fun bike to ride.
I personally LOVE this Bike. It is the Big Daddy to my R/51/3 built back in 1953 by BMW no less. It was a 500cc twin and rode like the champion it was designed to do! Mine also had an open driveshaft, fully functional fenders, an oil bath air cleaner too, no less., a two up seat, and turn signals built into the ends of the handlebars. It also had a 6 1/2 gallon fuel tank on it. If this one had a lot of these features that I just mentioned, it would be a Bike I'd be proud to own!! One thing some ask about the heat and peg scraping, the heat coming off the heads is totally unnoticeable except when it rains. It's an added comfort to know your feet will stay dry and happy in ANY rainstorm!! The peg scraping was engineered in to keep you from damaging the heads on it You DO NOT want to make sparks fly just to try to be cool on this bike . At the $22,000.00 price tag for this engine , that's a Huge No-No!! Both Mustang and Vance and Hines offer a Nice Plush Seat that can hold a rider and a passenger, and a Very Cool sounding exhaust for it! So you tall guys, get the taller seat and the one Mustang seats offer. Those of you that like a muscle sounding exhaust go get yours from Vance and Hines!!
Hi Scott, I liked your review & yet again I was having a chuckle along with you when you throttled on!🤣 I’m waiting for mine to arrive here in Australia! I can’t wait!!!🤪😍🤤😎👍🏻🇦🇺
Just a very smooth and knowledgeable review! A great enthusiastic, overall review, of the incredible BMW R-18.( And speed bumps always suck! )Thanks for the hard work and facts you have delivered! PeaceFromTexas-USA.
There maybe a reason why lots ride Harleys. I've ridden both and the Softail's are superior to this bike in the important areas, suspension, handling, braking, comfort and rider aids, as in rider information and controls. I was hoping the R18 might replace my 2017 Softail Deluxe, but its got some way to go before that will happen. Shame, as I was exception a lot more from BMW and a $25000 motorcycle.
@@grahamtricker4103 I sold my 5 month old Harley to get the R18 and I’ve had probably 10 different Harleys over the years and I think the R18 is by far a better bike and in every way from build quality to handling and performance . You’re obviously very biased or have tunnel vision ?
@@kellyco4139 I am not surprised. I wouldn't buy a new Harley. I have been quite disappointed the last 2 or 3 I have ridden, especially the new Sportster range. None of the new ones were as good as my 2017 Deluxe which I chose over the newer M8 models in 2017. For me the R18 is just too heavy, making it extremely difficult to handle and manoeuvre at low speed, or even just moving it about in the garage. It's 50kgs heavier than my Deluxe. That, plus some compromises they made to the UK version like the silly speedo MPH range compared to the US model that got a different speedo range, which they should have used on the UK version. FWIW I have owned and ridden a lot of bikes in the last 25 years and I currently have 4 in the garage, a Softail Deluxe, a Zero Engineering Type 5.2, an MV Agusta Super Veloce SO and a Triumph Speedmaster Gold Line, so I am not biased to HD and I certainly don't have tunnel vision. Just a lot of experience owning and riding bikes.
@@grahamtricker4103 I’m 6ft2 so a deluxe is too small for me. I felt like Hagrid from Harry Potter on his bike. Not sure about the r18 though, It sure looks larger.
Yes, you found the weak points too. A cruiser but with limited suspension travel and more like a sports bike, as in stiff with a hard ride. Around 4000rpm there is significant vibration through the seat, pegs and bars, so no point in going above 3750rpm. It felt more like a sports bike than a cruiser. No fuel gauge and no fuel range setting on the mode switch, just a reserve light when you run low on fuel. I'm also 5' 10" and found my shins were pressing on the induction covers. Apart from the above, the engine is very nice and the fit and finish is excellent. I suspect there will be a revised version out at some point with hopefully these issues resolved. I think some cruiser type tyres like those fitted to HD Softail Heritage and Deluxe models might help improve the ride and possibly limit the pegs scraping on the road around corners.
Very similar power and torque to the Harley M8 engine, it looks good, the only downsides I see are cornering and legroom limits. thanks for the review.
It looks like it has mounting points on the rear fender for panniers and a pillion seat.It sounds great,although I’m not a fan of the looks of the exhaust.They may want to consider raising the ride height of the bike if it scrapes too easily.
I sat on one at a dealer last weekend, the first thing you notice is how huge the cylinders are! You can't see that in photos or video. The exhaust coming out of each cylinder is also so wide, it really is a bike with presence. When I got home I went to the garage to look at my R1100R and the cylinders looked so small! I never thought I would have that impression from my bike. You mentioned test rides; here in the states in my experience it is quite difficult to get a test ride on most bikes. One dealer near my location said they won't allow test rides, but if you buy the bike and bring it back within 10 minutes and 10 miles they would tear up the paperwork. How's that for pressure!
Really? What area do you live in? I’ve found Honda dealers don’t allow test rides but BMW usually has demo bikes at all the dealers I’ve been to. They even sometimes have loaner gear. A friend of mine didn’t have his gear when we went to BMW of riverside in California and they had a helmet a jacket and some gloves, he signed one paper for a release of liability and loaner agreement and they told him to go and enjoy. I went to BMW of Murrieta in California and test rode one of these, they didn’t have loaner gear but I had mine on, they turned me loose on one of these too with just one form for the test ride. I don’t doubt you but if there are other BMW dealers around I’d give them a try I’ve never had an issue with a BMW dealer and demo rides.
I'm currently negotiating with a dealer on the bagger version. Don't think that model scrapes pegs as easily, and the rear suspension has better travel. Also, it has a fuel gage. My boot doesn't like the shifter/cylinder arrangement, very constricted. The exhaust looks better to me as well. The 10" screen seems disproportionately large, and the nav system requires a phone. In the land of Harley, it does require some moxie to chug around the block on one of these while the traditionalist H.D. riders seethe with scorn. Thanks for the subtitles, as it helps me fake some German when one of these other riders points a gun at me. But, hey. I've got Nothing To Prove.
i reckon you really liked it.. Safe bike, too. BMW. but i’m still more biased towards the GS approach, from them. thanks for the video, cheers from Portugal
It doesn't look as cool as a Harley,it's not significantly more powerful than one,it sure as hell doesn't sounds as good as a Harley,its less comfortable than a Harley so idk what is better about it
@@fs5866 personal opinion eh? I hate the sound, look and style of Harleys. But I'm not American, so I'm not brainwashed on the subject. (I'm not keen on this bmw either!)
@@mickleblade I'm not brainwashed or American either,nor into these kind of cruisers. But if I'd ever own one I think this BMW would be the last on the list.
The depreciation on this heap of garbage will be catastrophic. But they will be purchased by with pretentious prick with more money than scence. So if you must buy this hideous contraption. It will at least be cheap because I can't imagine too many people wanting to be seen on 350kg of scrap metal.
She is a beauty! I mean look at the exposed shaft-drive or even better the exhaust pipes or... Where ever your eyes take a break to look closely at anything it sees the beauty of this bike. But would I ride it? Never ever! The riding position looks even worse than on a HD or Indian! Nevertheless she is all beautiful! Thanks for sharing Scott 👍 Ride safe and stay healthy.
I really want one, I’m just waiting for them to be out a year ish and work any bugs out. I test rode one and for what it is, it is pretty comfortable, I don’t think anyone would be buying this as a long distance bike, I think this would be a bike people would buy to cruise around on the weekends and such, or maybe a short special commute to work here and there. I have a R1200C and I do like the look of this bike a little better.
The weight doesnt have to be dropped. It DOES come with a built in Reverse to get you in and out of tight places. The windshield, Absolutely Big Yes on that one!!
Bought the Classic, wow. 47 year rider and prior Norton, Harley and everything else, not even close to the charisma of this machine. When you've done it all this is an endgame machine. My lady fell in love on the first ride. Nuff said.
Great review as always NTP. I can't see the cruiser crowd getting into this bike.... can't put your feet on highway pegs etc...... I don't know whether you've seen the R18 drag bike by Roland Sands but it made me think that I'd ride one that looked like his drag bike but was more in a sports riding position. Not a bike that I'd want to tour on, but certainly one I'd ride around town laughing like you do every time you open it up and get some torque punch.... and the Sands' bike has the rear end tidied up nicely.
I think the Guzzi is only 1200 cc. I know that the Guzzi may have radial mounted front brakes and likely very good front shocks. Also, the Guzzi is lighter.
The Moto Guzzi Audace is 1380 cc, puts out 121nm @3000 rpm, 299 kg dry weight, up front braking Dual 320 mm stainless steel floating discs, 4 piston Brembo radial mounted calipers, at the rear 282 Brembo 2 piston floating calipers.
Its heavy and low so its weight would not be such a problem round town as the weight of a big touring BMW because of the height and the higher centre of gravity.
It is beautiful for sure. But, do I want to own one ? I scheduled a test ride but this boxer engine is huge. I think first thing if I got this bike to install engine guard. The tip over with this bike is super expensive. Also, I am not sure about the service.
What's the point of making a bike that can't go around corners? Probably most suitable for the US market where they have roads with few bends. And that boxer engine is ridiculous. I'm a short guy but even I would feel cramped riding this with those huge cylinders sticking out the side. Not really into cruisers at all, but you didn't mention the Triumph Rocket 3 which would appear to wipe the floor with this. To me this bike looks like one large paperweight. Thanks for your no compromise review as always.
Anyone know what camera system is being used? That's one of the coolest effects to have the camera cruise along the side of the bike, tracking at different heights along the wheels
This wouldn't make me break open my wallet, its a try at something again by BMW! Remember the 1200c? Wait a while, they'll be discounted in the dealers next year, when they have stock left they can't sell. It happened with the 1200c no reason for it not to happen again. They should stick that engine in a tourer R1800rt styled like the old one from the 80s that would be interesting.
I'm not a cruiser guy to start with, so it's no surprise it doesn't appeal to me. Still, even by Cruiser standards the degree of form over function seems excessive. I do appreciate the look of the donk though.
Hmm...interesting question. Two different bikes that give off two different "vibes". The Rocket is exactly that, a Rocket Ship that will rip your arms out of the shoulder sockets. And this is the opposite, likes to go slow and cruise but does have a lot of power but just does not wear that power on it's shoulder like the Rocket does. I think I'd lean a little more towards this...I'm getting old. 🤣😂
NothingToProve Ooo that’s what I wanted to hear. I want to be the fastest when the lights becomes green😋😎👍. On that point I’m making the right choice. Thx for your honesty. Two thumbs up😃
@@NothingToProve But you can ride the Rocket 3 sedately if you want and it is fine? I don't like the terrible looking clock on it though. The BMW one on this is far far nicer.
My personal opinion: Negatives : Doesn’t look good ( that massive Boxer and fishtail exhaust make it look ugly !).. Exhaust note isn’t impressive, Power is lower than expected for an 1800 CC engine... Air/oil cooled and heavy Positives : Possibly highly refined and good in handling I’d put my money on a more modern looking Rocket 3 instead
I don’t really get this bike. It’s not in competition with the Rocket 3 or the Diavel. To heavy and to slow for that. So the target is Harley buyers ? But then isn’t the price very high and equipment level kind of disappointing ? And are Harley buyers really ready to trade in his/her bike for a BMW ? Beautiful bike but I don’t really get it.
I thinks it’s for the North American that wants a beautiful high end cruiser but doesn’t want or suit the image that comes with a Harley. Owning a Harley becomes a cliche when you wear a suit Monday to Friday and ride your Harley Saturday and Sunday. The weekend badass. You don’t have to be that cliche with this. I love harleys but wouldn’t buy one for that reason. Not sure the R18 will fit me, but if it does I will consider one.
kdubya1050 I get that and maybe thats the customer BMW had in mind. But the Indian does not have the stigma like Harley. So it does compete with the likes of Indian Dark horse and Scout ? Should say that im not into cruisers. Just trying to understand why BMW did not look at the Rocket 3 or Diavel when doing this bike.
Nicky D - fair points. I have never owned a cruiser either. Love the styling but not sure they are for me. I do also love the rocket 3. And the Indian challenger. But already own a K1600GT.
the sound of the bike on your video is like nothing i have heard on any other reviews of the R18. if that is what it really sounds like please sign me up.
It's a cool bike. But a new Harley Softail is WAY cheaper. Like 7-8000 dollars cheaper. A fully equipped Road King is cheaper. So BMW won't be stealing many cruiser customers in the USA 😂. Most already think a new Softail Standard at 13k is expensive for a naked bike. BMW is a bad ass little bike but I doubt many spend 20k dollars on a naked bike here. They at least need to price it with a comparable Harley which would be Softail Standard and they are about 13k msrp.
Softail are smaller than the R18. The R18 is touring bike size. Base R18 starts at $16.8K. The model reviewed here is the First Edition package which has a ton of extras like heated grips, hand painted pinstripes, hill start control, cruise control, adaptive (lean) adjusting headlight, all the extra chrome, spoked wheels and reverse. A smaller Softail Standard at $14K isn’t comparable as it has none of those standard and many of them not even available. Closest would be Heritage Classic, Road King or Indian Vintage. If you want R18 with bags and shield like a Vintage, that’s the Classic starting at $19K. The base Classic is ~$1500 less than a base Vintage and $1000 less than a base Road King. It’s even $1800 less than the smaller Harley Heritage Classic.
Cool factor twill wear off quick once your feet get toasted under the engine then get tired of scraping pegs. Its a rich old man's bike can't push hard and must be babied.I rather get R9T whole lot better bike plus 8k cheaper
For me , it doesn't sound like a big v-twin. And as for looks , to me it all looks out of place and your feet are confined to one place how can you stretch out on it?
As a former Harley owner, 3 to be exact, its a different sound due to the firing order, but sounds more like an aero engine. Ducati has their sonics, my 74 GT750 with Bassani pipes was killer, it's just a flavor of music that you ride. Explore the options is all I say. Loved them all.
Sorry, but no thanks. The boxer engine is s good for any other type of bike but a cruiser. This engine in a cafe racer style bike would have made BMW look good. This chin toaster is just ridiculous. You'll stop riding this thing after every half hour because you legs are cramped up.
Agreed. The GS is the perfect fit for a boxer. The R, RT and RnineT are also a good fit for the boxer. I think if they'd made this more like a roadster instead of a cruiser it might work better, kind of like a big brother to the 1250R. I really don't care for the boxer in the RS, I think the K1300 motor would work better in that bike. In fact the boxer is one of the main reasons why I didn't buy the 1250RS this year but if they had put the K1300 motor in it, it'd probably be sitting in my garage right now instead of the F900XR. Just like any motor, the OEM has to find the right application for it and yes it works in this bike just not "great" in cruiser form. Ride safe, Scott
@@NothingToProve Thanks for your reply Scott. Yes exactly on point what you said. Of course BMW has the resources to do something outrageous but as a user bike it's a flop, as a collector piece it will be sold to some. That idea of yours concerning the K1300 engine is actually really good. BMW might want to listen to you on that one. 👍 Safe rides 🙏🏍
That motorcycle is art on wheels. What a beautiful homage to the 1930's and the art deco movement. Most unique and pretty retro design on the market by a long shot. Berlin Built rocks. Still waiting for an R1250S/.HP2 Sport BMW.
For those talking about him dragging the pegs, My guess is the preload wasn't set on the rear suspension. It comes set at ZERO and you need to adjust it to account for rider weight and accessories/bags. The suspension preload seems to be something that dealers are overlooking on the checkout and delivery. To me BMW did a disservice to the motoring community by releasing the bikes to the media without taking the time to make sure they were setup correctly.
I've had mine for 2 weeks now and the rear shock is much to stiff. So a Fox or some other after market is in the future. The big let down was when they said there aren't any accessories for it until 2021. I have to contact other dealers to see if it's true. The bike is beautiful! Much better looking than any Harley I've had. My 2018 Heritage rides much better. Handles better and even with one disc stops better. Sounds crazy but it's true. The build quality is the best I've seen and it is a fun bike to ride.
I personally LOVE this Bike. It is the Big Daddy to my R/51/3 built back in 1953 by BMW no less. It was a 500cc twin and rode like the champion it was designed to do! Mine also had an open driveshaft, fully functional fenders, an oil bath air cleaner too, no less., a two up seat, and turn signals built into the ends of the handlebars. It also had a 6 1/2 gallon fuel tank on it. If this one had a lot of these features that I just mentioned, it would be a Bike I'd be proud to own!! One thing some ask about the heat and peg scraping, the heat coming off the heads is totally unnoticeable except when it rains. It's an added comfort to know your feet will stay dry and happy in ANY rainstorm!! The peg scraping was engineered in to keep you from damaging the heads on it You DO NOT want to make sparks fly just to try to be cool on this bike . At the $22,000.00 price tag for this engine , that's a Huge No-No!! Both Mustang and Vance and Hines offer a Nice Plush Seat that can hold a rider and a passenger, and a Very Cool sounding exhaust for it! So you tall guys, get the taller seat and the one Mustang seats offer. Those of you that like a muscle sounding exhaust go get yours from Vance and Hines!!
Hi Scott, I liked your review & yet again I was having a chuckle along with you when you throttled on!🤣 I’m waiting for mine to arrive here in Australia! I can’t wait!!!🤪😍🤤😎👍🏻🇦🇺
Just a very smooth and knowledgeable review! A great enthusiastic, overall review, of the incredible BMW R-18.( And speed bumps always suck! )Thanks for the hard work and facts you have delivered! PeaceFromTexas-USA.
Best vlog ever seen about R18
OMG, what a beauty this is! Thank you, Scott!
The coolest looking bike anywhere! Everyone has a Harley. This is simply amazing
There maybe a reason why lots ride Harleys. I've ridden both and the Softail's are superior to this bike in the important areas, suspension, handling, braking, comfort and rider aids, as in rider information and controls. I was hoping the R18 might replace my 2017 Softail Deluxe, but its got some way to go before that will happen. Shame, as I was exception a lot more from BMW and a $25000 motorcycle.
@@grahamtricker4103 I sold my 5 month old Harley to get the R18 and I’ve had probably 10 different Harleys over the years and I think the R18 is by far a better bike and in every way from build quality to handling and performance . You’re obviously very biased or have tunnel vision ?
@@kellyco4139 I am not surprised. I wouldn't buy a new Harley. I have been quite disappointed the last 2 or 3 I have ridden, especially the new Sportster range. None of the new ones were as good as my 2017 Deluxe which I chose over the newer M8 models in 2017. For me the R18 is just too heavy, making it extremely difficult to handle and manoeuvre at low speed, or even just moving it about in the garage. It's 50kgs heavier than my Deluxe. That, plus some compromises they made to the UK version like the silly speedo MPH range compared to the US model that got a different speedo range, which they should have used on the UK version. FWIW I have owned and ridden a lot of bikes in the last 25 years and I currently have 4 in the garage, a Softail Deluxe, a Zero Engineering Type 5.2, an MV Agusta Super Veloce SO and a Triumph Speedmaster Gold Line, so I am not biased to HD and I certainly don't have tunnel vision. Just a lot of experience owning and riding bikes.
@@grahamtricker4103 I’m 6ft2 so a deluxe is too small for me. I felt like Hagrid from Harry Potter on his bike. Not sure about the r18 though, It sure looks larger.
A beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery and a total joy to ride
This is just a beauty. Thanks to BMW!!!! Im happy to see this on the streets.
Yes, you found the weak points too. A cruiser but with limited suspension travel and more like a sports bike, as in stiff with a hard ride. Around 4000rpm there is significant vibration through the seat, pegs and bars, so no point in going above 3750rpm. It felt more like a sports bike than a cruiser. No fuel gauge and no fuel range setting on the mode switch, just a reserve light when you run low on fuel. I'm also 5' 10" and found my shins were pressing on the induction covers. Apart from the above, the engine is very nice and the fit and finish is excellent. I suspect there will be a revised version out at some point with hopefully these issues resolved. I think some cruiser type tyres like those fitted to HD Softail Heritage and Deluxe models might help improve the ride and possibly limit the pegs scraping on the road around corners.
Very similar power and torque to the Harley M8 engine, it looks good, the only downsides I see are cornering and legroom limits. thanks for the review.
Thanks for the good review. You are very thorough, informative and professional. Sub!
It looks like it has mounting points on the rear fender for panniers and a pillion seat.It sounds great,although I’m not a fan of the looks of the exhaust.They may want to consider raising the ride height of the bike if it scrapes too easily.
I sat on one at a dealer last weekend, the first thing you notice is how huge the cylinders are! You can't see that in photos or video. The exhaust coming out of each cylinder is also so wide, it really is a bike with presence. When I got home I went to the garage to look at my R1100R and the cylinders looked so small! I never thought I would have that impression from my bike. You mentioned test rides; here in the states in my experience it is quite difficult to get a test ride on most bikes. One dealer near my location said they won't allow test rides, but if you buy the bike and bring it back within 10 minutes and 10 miles they would tear up the paperwork. How's that for pressure!
Really? What area do you live in? I’ve found Honda dealers don’t allow test rides but BMW usually has demo bikes at all the dealers I’ve been to. They even sometimes have loaner gear. A friend of mine didn’t have his gear when we went to BMW of riverside in California and they had a helmet a jacket and some gloves, he signed one paper for a release of liability and loaner agreement and they told him to go and enjoy. I went to BMW of Murrieta in California and test rode one of these, they didn’t have loaner gear but I had mine on, they turned me loose on one of these too with just one form for the test ride. I don’t doubt you but if there are other BMW dealers around I’d give them a try I’ve never had an issue with a BMW dealer and demo rides.
A great honest accurate review which is refreshing 😎
The engine is amazing
I only have two problems with the bike.
Wheelbase too long
Gas tank too small.
I'm currently negotiating with a dealer on the bagger version. Don't think that model scrapes pegs as easily, and the rear suspension has better travel. Also, it has a fuel gage. My boot doesn't like the shifter/cylinder arrangement, very constricted. The exhaust looks better to me as well. The 10" screen seems disproportionately large, and the nav system requires a phone. In the land of Harley, it does require some moxie to chug around the block on one of these while the traditionalist H.D. riders seethe with scorn. Thanks for the subtitles, as it helps me fake some German when one of these other riders points a gun at me. But, hey. I've got Nothing To Prove.
So nice to see something besides Harley-Davidson problem as 8 or no fairing no saddle bags will not hold enough fuel
Scott "it's willing, it just doesn't want to" Warner
i reckon you really liked it..
Safe bike, too. BMW.
but i’m still more biased towards the GS approach, from them.
thanks for the video,
cheers from Portugal
Cruisers are not my cup of tea for sure, but damn that thing looks fantastic!
😎
i want to test this and the rocket 3. two bikes I have been fascinated with.
U will end up with nothing.. believe me.
It's significantly better than a Harley, there I said it.
better at what ?
It doesn't look as cool as a Harley,it's not significantly more powerful than one,it sure as hell doesn't sounds as good as a Harley,its less comfortable than a Harley so idk what is better about it
@@fs5866 personal opinion eh? I hate the sound, look and style of Harleys. But I'm not American, so I'm not brainwashed on the subject. (I'm not keen on this bmw either!)
@@mickleblade I'm not brainwashed or American either,nor into these kind of cruisers.
But if I'd ever own one I think this BMW would be the last on the list.
@@fs5866 aye, when I'm old and crap, I'll get a Cb500 or something, cruiser? Er, nope
Damn she is beautiful, the quintessence of old and new. Have to say the new bench mark. Wish I was you Scott.
Good review man! Appreciate the video. Might go to my bmw tomorrow
I want one, get one second hand once the initial depreciation has kicked in. Great bike, super cool style.
The depreciation on this heap of garbage will be catastrophic. But they will be purchased by with pretentious prick with more money than scence. So if you must buy this hideous contraption. It will at least be cheap because I can't imagine too many people wanting to be seen on 350kg of scrap metal.
@@pggp273 Wow..u really like this bike, huh?
To bad they didn’t do this with the CLC...it was an under powered dresser... with this engine set up....it would still be riding it,
Great review as always!👍👍
looking forward to your Indian Challenger review
It looks like you are going to invide Poland.
Nice retro-cruiser!
She is a beauty! I mean look at the exposed shaft-drive or even better the exhaust pipes or...
Where ever your eyes take a break to look closely at anything it sees the beauty of this bike.
But would I ride it?
Never ever! The riding position looks even worse than on a HD or Indian!
Nevertheless she is all beautiful!
Thanks for sharing Scott 👍
Ride safe and stay healthy.
Top Video super gemacht Motor ist richtig geil 🤟✌️👍👍👍
Great review. Thanks! 👍
I really want one, I’m just waiting for them to be out a year ish and work any bugs out. I test rode one and for what it is, it is pretty comfortable, I don’t think anyone would be buying this as a long distance bike, I think this would be a bike people would buy to cruise around on the weekends and such, or maybe a short special commute to work here and there. I have a R1200C and I do like the look of this bike a little better.
Question is ; are you gonna buy one? BMW should have built it as a R90 with sidecases and windshield. Get the weight down to 550lb.
R9T for me
The weight doesnt have to be dropped. It DOES come with a built in Reverse to get you in and out of tight places. The windshield, Absolutely Big Yes on that one!!
Bought the Classic, wow. 47 year rider and prior Norton, Harley and everything else, not even close to the charisma of this machine. When you've done it all this is an endgame machine. My lady fell in love on the first ride. Nuff said.
Thanks.
Great review as always NTP. I can't see the cruiser crowd getting into this bike.... can't put your feet on highway pegs etc...... I don't know whether you've seen the R18 drag bike by Roland Sands but it made me think that I'd ride one that looked like his drag bike but was more in a sports riding position. Not a bike that I'd want to tour on, but certainly one I'd ride around town laughing like you do every time you open it up and get some torque punch.... and the Sands' bike has the rear end tidied up nicely.
It looks like the English countryside great review
Germany 😊
As an antiquarian I love it; as a form-equals-function man, I am wary.
Very super good 🙂👍👍
Hi Scott,
Nice description of the R 18
Not my cup of tea
Cruiser: Indian every day
👍Great video!
Yea, if I go cruiser, it's going to be Indian, that's for sure! 👍😁
Very beautifull
Love the look, It would be interesting to compare this with the Moto Guzzi Audace.
I think the Guzzi is only 1200 cc. I know that the Guzzi may have radial mounted front brakes and likely very good front shocks. Also, the Guzzi is lighter.
The Moto Guzzi Audace is 1380 cc, puts out 121nm @3000 rpm, 299 kg dry weight, up front braking Dual 320 mm stainless steel floating discs, 4 piston Brembo radial mounted calipers, at the rear 282 Brembo 2 piston floating calipers.
Beautiful bike butt it wouldn't steal me away from my Guzzi Eldorado 1400
Its heavy and low so its weight would not be such a problem round town as the weight of a big touring BMW because of the height and the higher centre of gravity.
It’s massive
It is beautiful for sure. But, do I want to own one ? I scheduled a test ride but this boxer engine is huge. I think first thing if I got this bike to install engine guard. The tip over with this bike is super expensive. Also, I am not sure about the service.
A very nice looking different cruiser. Besides not really liking the cruiser style, I think it would not fit me, being quite tall.
Cheers
What's the point of making a bike that can't go around corners? Probably most suitable for the US market where they have roads with few bends. And that boxer engine is ridiculous. I'm a short guy but even I would feel cramped riding this with those huge cylinders sticking out the side. Not really into cruisers at all, but you didn't mention the Triumph Rocket 3 which would appear to wipe the floor with this. To me this bike looks like one large paperweight. Thanks for your no compromise review as always.
Anyone know what camera system is being used? That's one of the coolest effects to have the camera cruise along the side of the bike, tracking at different heights along the wheels
This wouldn't make me break open my wallet, its a try at something again by BMW! Remember the 1200c?
Wait a while, they'll be discounted in the dealers next year, when they have stock left they can't sell. It happened with the 1200c no reason for it not to happen again. They should stick that engine in a tourer R1800rt styled like the old one from the 80s that would be interesting.
I'm not a cruiser guy to start with, so it's no surprise it doesn't appeal to me. Still, even by Cruiser standards the degree of form over function seems excessive. I do appreciate the look of the donk though.
Hey. What do you like more. The Rocket 3 or this one? I’m About to buy a rocket. Thanks. Great Review as always👍👌
Hmm...interesting question. Two different bikes that give off two different "vibes". The Rocket is exactly that, a Rocket Ship that will rip your arms out of the shoulder sockets. And this is the opposite, likes to go slow and cruise but does have a lot of power but just does not wear that power on it's shoulder like the Rocket does.
I think I'd lean a little more towards this...I'm getting old. 🤣😂
NothingToProve Ooo that’s what I wanted to hear. I want to be the fastest when the lights becomes green😋😎👍. On that point I’m making the right choice. Thx for your honesty. Two thumbs up😃
I think the Rocket 3 actually goes around bends without scraping the road which imho is a major plus, not that I am buying a Rocket 3.
@@NothingToProve But you can ride the Rocket 3 sedately if you want and it is fine? I don't like the terrible looking clock on it though. The BMW one on this is far far nicer.
Lovely bike. Too rich for my blood. 👍😀
Thank you for the review.
That gap between the saddle and tank will jam and rip off someone's crotch if front ended.
My personal opinion:
Negatives : Doesn’t look good ( that massive Boxer and fishtail exhaust make it look ugly !).. Exhaust note isn’t impressive, Power is lower than expected for an 1800 CC engine... Air/oil cooled and heavy
Positives : Possibly highly refined and good in handling
I’d put my money on a more modern looking Rocket 3 instead
I don’t really get this bike. It’s not in competition with the Rocket 3 or the Diavel.
To heavy and to slow for that.
So the target is Harley buyers ? But then isn’t the price very high and equipment level kind of disappointing ?
And are Harley buyers really ready to trade in his/her bike for a BMW ?
Beautiful bike but I don’t really get it.
I thinks it’s for the North American that wants a beautiful high end cruiser but doesn’t want or suit the image that comes with a Harley. Owning a Harley becomes a cliche when you wear a suit Monday to Friday and ride your Harley Saturday and Sunday. The weekend badass. You don’t have to be that cliche with this. I love harleys but wouldn’t buy one for that reason. Not sure the R18 will fit me, but if it does I will consider one.
kdubya1050 I get that and maybe thats the customer BMW had in mind. But the Indian does not have the stigma like Harley. So it does compete with the likes of Indian Dark horse and Scout ?
Should say that im not into cruisers. Just trying to understand why BMW did not look at the Rocket 3 or Diavel when doing this bike.
Nicky D - fair points. I have never owned a cruiser either. Love the styling but not sure they are for me. I do also love the rocket 3. And the Indian challenger. But already own a K1600GT.
the sound of the bike on your video is like nothing i have heard on any other reviews of the R18. if that is what it really sounds like please sign me up.
I like it
So it won't sell
Should have made it with half the displacement weight and price.
Beautifull bike ! And i do like that sound too.
By the way @NothingToProve , if you would be able to (and if you would like to) id love to see a video about the Indian Challenger.
Coming next Saturday! 😁👍
If you said it in the video i totally missed it ö but i look forward to it ! ;)
Not,way low no clearance ,no cornering,head and pipes sticking out to get smashed.
Kilos and newtonmeters. Harumph. I only understand pounds and schillings.
I don't understand women, so I think you're better off than me with pounds and schillings 🤣
this one or Rocket 3R ?
The Rocket 3 any day and I am not even into cruisers.
Fatboy
It's a cool bike. But a new Harley Softail is WAY cheaper. Like 7-8000 dollars cheaper. A fully equipped Road King is cheaper. So BMW won't be stealing many cruiser customers in the USA 😂. Most already think a new Softail Standard at 13k is expensive for a naked bike. BMW is a bad ass little bike but I doubt many spend 20k dollars on a naked bike here. They at least need to price it with a comparable Harley which would be Softail Standard and they are about 13k msrp.
Then ride priceless bikes from own world, this one comes from other side.
Softail are smaller than the R18. The R18 is touring bike size. Base R18 starts at $16.8K. The model reviewed here is the First Edition package which has a ton of extras like heated grips, hand painted pinstripes, hill start control, cruise control, adaptive (lean) adjusting headlight, all the extra chrome, spoked wheels and reverse. A smaller Softail Standard at $14K isn’t comparable as it has none of those standard and many of them not even available. Closest would be Heritage Classic, Road King or Indian Vintage. If you want R18 with bags and shield like a Vintage, that’s the Classic starting at $19K. The base Classic is ~$1500 less than a base Vintage and $1000 less than a base Road King. It’s even $1800 less than the smaller Harley Heritage Classic.
Put screaming eagle pipes on it
Give me 6000 more dollars. I'm with you.
Berlin Built 😏 I wouldn't brag for at least another 100 years.
Cool factor twill wear off quick once your feet get toasted under the engine then get tired of scraping pegs. Its a rich old man's bike can't push hard and must be babied.I rather get R9T whole lot better bike plus 8k cheaper
I would take the R5 over the R18. Anytime
Ride height is too low(scrapes alot.)
They should have put the 1250 motor in it.
Gas tank is too small.
Should have dual clocks.
Exhaust is hideous.
Ground clearance..too low..
Hopefully BMW makes a bagger version of this thing. Anything to drive the final nail in Harley's coffin.
If they could double the torque I would still give this bike two thumbs down, one for each cylinder.
For me , it doesn't sound like a big v-twin. And as for looks , to me it all looks out of place and your feet are confined to one place how can you stretch out on it?
As a former Harley owner, 3 to be exact, its a different sound due to the firing order, but sounds more like an aero engine. Ducati has their sonics, my 74 GT750 with Bassani pipes was killer, it's just a flavor of music that you ride. Explore the options is all I say. Loved them all.
A njce ride indeed but for european.
The original looks waaaaay better. And whoever designed those pipes should be spanked.
He's probably dead by now, since they were designed in 1936 😒
Is it just me or do the two reservoirs on the handlebars spoil the simplicity of the riders view?
Pretty thing. BMW will sell at least 10 of these in the US. LOL.
Too bad it´s a cruiser. I´d like to see a normal motorcycle with that engine and style.
YES! more like a the 1250R, now that would be a bike I'd be interested in riding!
Sorry, but no thanks.
The boxer engine is s good for any other type of bike but a cruiser.
This engine in a cafe racer style bike would have made BMW look good.
This chin toaster is just ridiculous.
You'll stop riding this thing after every half hour because you legs are cramped up.
Agreed. The GS is the perfect fit for a boxer. The R, RT and RnineT are also a good fit for the boxer. I think if they'd made this more like a roadster instead of a cruiser it might work better, kind of like a big brother to the 1250R. I really don't care for the boxer in the RS, I think the K1300 motor would work better in that bike. In fact the boxer is one of the main reasons why I didn't buy the 1250RS this year but if they had put the K1300 motor in it, it'd probably be sitting in my garage right now instead of the F900XR. Just like any motor, the OEM has to find the right application for it and yes it works in this bike just not "great" in cruiser form.
Ride safe,
Scott
@@NothingToProve
Thanks for your reply Scott.
Yes exactly on point what you said.
Of course BMW has the resources to do something outrageous but as a user bike it's a flop, as a collector piece it will be sold to some.
That idea of yours concerning the K1300 engine is actually really good.
BMW might want to listen to you on that one. 👍
Safe rides 🙏🏍
Don’t know why it reminds me of the Nazi 😁
Lost me at key-less.
My Jeep Grand Cherokee is keyless, love it, same with my R18 Classic it's fine.
They ruined it. To long. To heavy. And that exhaust is ugly.
Too