I think the R18 is late to the big displacement party. A beautifully engineered bike, and I’m sure a windshield would help the wind. I just think the future for BMW and others is sub-Liter bikes. I am pretty much a dinosaur riding a 1700cc HD Road King. Liked the review.
They will sell every one they make...I think it's well done, but it doesn't look comfortable for tall people. I already own a RT. If I want a cruiser, maybe a HD or Indian. Something different.
James L I have a GSA but used to have a Harley, trust me, your going to want the Indian, or in keeping up with the times a Rocket3 would be sweet for hooning, because once you have an RT, what other cruiser/tourer would you really want, best just to go for the balls and all Triumph😁
I am a long term (52 years) rider including 6 Harley Davidsons plus other bikes. I currently have a 2021 Softail Slim HD which I am ready to change. I saw the HD Lowrider S 117cu on YT and decided to order one. Paid a deposit and waited. Last week I was finally able to test ride a Lowrider and there is a BMW dealer 50 metres away. So, I took both the Lowrider and the R18 for test rides over the same course including motorway etc. Well, the R18 not only looks better than the HD but rides more comfortably too. Price in NZ is close but the options provided on the BMW are much better…. Cruise control, heated grips, reverse, traction control, LED lighting all round and a more comfortable riding position. So, I have cancelled the Harley and will be parking an R18 in my shed instead. Quite frankly I have had enough of the macho, staunch Harley look and they are everywhere here. I now prefer a quality engineered, retro style cruiser with all the extras already added when you purchase. As far as comments on here trying to indicate BMW is copying HD and any other cruisers, the writers should gather their facts and they will note the origins on the R18. Rant ended.
I watch a ton of reviews (on all kinds of things) and I get so frustrated that I am compelled to critize often. In this case, I am so very pleased with your review. It was objective, pointing out the good and the bad, and you did it with tasteful humor. Good job, and thanks!
Loved the video and I picked mine up about a week ago. Not my only bike (I also have a BMW 1200 GSA among a few others) and couldn't be happier with the 300 miles I put on it this week. I am a stickler when it comes to motorcycles and never bought one brand new. This one had me at Hello… I didn’t think it would be as nice as the photos, and it blew me away when I saw it in person. I wanted to hate riding it, but I loved every rumble and turn. The view from the cockpit makes you feel like you’re piloting a Messerschmitt in the 30’s, and gets you to that place where nothing else matters.
After 20 years of riding harley touring bikes, i got mine yesterday and i love it. Im glad i got it, glad i sold my road glide hd to get it. Your review is spot on to my 100 miles i put on it when i got it yesterday.. im really happy with this one.
I used to own a 2001 R1200C, still miss that bike, I own a 2017 R1200GSA and as of my birthday, I now also own aR18 , thanks to my awesome wife. This was a surprise birthday gift,!! I have been lusting over this bike since the concept was first introduced. I am over the moon about the looks, torque, ride, Torque, modes, and the ability to put me in my riding zone in under 5 miles riding her, oh did I. Mention torque?
BMW again pretending they invented the wheel, its bland doesn't sound as good and will be 100% less comfortable on a long run than a Harley. Its not going anywhere. Part of the Harley scene is the sound attitude and Chapter experience, could you see " Band of Brothers" all riding R18s? No potato potato at idle. Its no threat to Harley. If you want a better cruiser you look at Kawasaki vn 1900 or Yamaha 1700 , but if you want a Harley, well you want a Harley, you don't buy a BMW.
Seems like a great cruiser, but stuff like this just makes me love my GS even more. It cruises, goes fast, has wind protection, can go offroad (ish), and is supremely comfortable. I would not ever buy a bike this limited in performance and riding style, but it sure looks cool.
I liked the Monument Valley intro & outtro. I've ridden there and it really is beautiful. Very thorough first impression. I like you include a night ride so the lights can be seen working.
I’ve been on my Sportster for 5 years now and was thinking of upgrading to a Softail next year. But then came the R18 and I’m at the point where I can’t make up my mind. It just looks absolutely beautiful.
I love your reviews and humor. Your English also so nuanced and colorful. One of the best reviews for this beautiful pachyderm. Thanks and continue like this!
08:12 Perhaps the tiny "beep" is just a warning for when the real HORN steps in ? Next time try holding the button down a bit longer and we'll know. Thanks for a great video !
Nice review! I think for those looking for a cruiser this bike is likely of interest, particularly with Harley seeing more and more concerns raised about it’s long term survival. I doubt it will sway any Harley loyalists however. And personally I think it’s pretty but otherwise could care less - just not into cruisers. In the end I think it will be a small niche bike, and doubt it will blossom into a big platform like the R nine T did. But then I’m not a cruiser bro, so what do I know?
I loved it when I revved my Moto Guzzi too. It’s okay to love quirkiness. The rails are a cruiser thing. You have been adventure biking a long time obviously. You have been admiring this motorcycle from afar for awhile now, even though you got to spend a few hours with one before they were released. I’m really happy that you finally got to ride and review one.
As an ex BMW R1100S owner I love it. But as a current Moto Guzzi California Audace 1400 owner I know my Guzzi is a better motorcycle more power more revs less weight(Audace is 315kg wet weight) I tested a HD Fat Bob 114 and my Guzzi accelerate better turns better and brakes better then the HD. I recon the R18 is more of a Softail Slim od Deluxe competitor then the Low Rider S or a Fat Bob. I'm happy that BMW build it and I hope it will sell well!! Definitely better then the old R1200C!! It's a Lovly looking bike! Moto Guzzi California Audace 1400 rides and have a ground clearance similar to a XjR1300 not a normal cruiser. Now if You ever gonna have a chance to ride one of the new Moto Guzzi 1400 just make sure that You put it in veloce mode(Italian for sport) wich is sport mode equivalent of BMW Rock mode! Roll mode = turismo on a Guzzi and rain = pioggia!
Gosh, What took you so long? I gave up my exclusive BMW dealership in 1988 and neglected to take a bike for myself after I passed the shop to my apprentice. In the meantime you folks at BMW Motorrad made a lot of beautiful bikes but none that suited me. The R80 has me dreaming all over again and I can't wait for the opportunity to ride one. I give it a dozen thumps up.
Great stuff, mental bike!!!Believe me, very soon you'll have to pay extra for such a luxury as vibrations, good job, BMW, cool video LWHome, Dave's deserved an ice-cream. You are always humourly clever enough to pick the authentic pleasure bike. Thanks.
Saw it live.....ordered it. Just got me in the feels but being x-south African, have a BMW bias, and Berlin is a beautiful city, who would not want Berlin built.Love the commentary style, makes me long for Pretoria where Naas is still Baas,......lol.
Thanks Bloke, this review is exactly what I was after. Maybe next year for the new bike for me though. First we have the building of the new shed to house the machine or the boy children will be sleeping in the garden shed. I am a bit concerned about the vibrations you mention. My hands tend to go numb on the bars if the bike vibrates too much, which makes throttle and braking... exciting to terrifying.
I’m considering purchasing this bike and have watched several reviews including the Soul Story by BMW… Your review is by far the most entertaining I’ve come across…with your conclusion happening to be the exact same bike I’m considering…I’m feeling more likely to buy it!! Thank you!
Nice review Dave, awesome bike. You should maybe try another non-Harley custom cruiser , the 2014 Honda Valkyrie . Curious seeing your opinion on that one . Cheers mate and safe rides 👍
💪🦴 you said it !! Beat you up! Well with every review I fall more in love with the R 18!! I had a chance sit and start one ONLY!!! Can't wait to test ride, thank you for sharing 😊.
Thanks for your interesting program. Just bought one of these bikes after a 100km test ride in the rain and sun. Traded my R1250 GS. I love the gear box and general deep character of the R18 engine.
I currently own 5 Harley Davidsons, from a 48 to a heritage softail, crossbones springer and a custom springer. I ordered My r18 up in Canada last week. Going to get it the exact way I want it. Will be ready for the 2021 season. I own all sorts of bikes, and I found this one to be very comfortable, not sure how it will handle 6 hours of 110 kph, but cannot be any worse than my 48 sportster.
Would like to see a touring version of this bike. The low rpm nature and reverse are great attributes. Put nearly 500,000 miles on a pair of goldwings and liked the low end power and the reverse, also stability in crosswinds was great. Right now I am on an R1250RT and like it. This looks like it could be a great basis for a touring bike, with some improvements. As to Harley, they have never built a motorcycle I wanted.
Again, a great video! It sure is a beautiful machine. Though I would not dare to take it out in fear of having the perfect chrome finish getting scratched. I much prefer my non-chrome, blacked out bike. And I can cruise on it, too. But I imagine if you are really into chrome-cladded cruise, this is a very good option. And I have a very soft spot for old BMW bikes...just beautiful. Yes, BMW got it right here IMO with some modern bells and whistles, but it does not get in the way of the cruise experience.
Glad you like it. I saw one at the dealer and it didn't do much for me. Me being a shorty, it did fit me okay though...except for my foot contacting the cylinder. Was offered a ride, but as I wasn't attracted, I saw no reason to put miles on their machine. If I was going to buy a Beemer, it'd be an RS. Sorry, as a cruiser, to my eye, it's not in the same league as a HD. Also not a fan of vibration and HDs do very little of it these days.
It's crazy, I'm planning a trip to monument valley utah and I'm needing a bigger bike for it. I'm looking at this because i found some nice used ones for a good price and here i see you in monument valley. It's a weird coincidence i get to see it thrive in the exact environment, that im worried about my old carb'd honda shadow running in. I need to be able to canp over night and eat the trip without heavy maintenance. My shadow needs to be given a fresh tune up and pretty much right after to maintain reliability at these conditions
Great review! The best so far! What an intro! Magical... and the photo with the growel reflecting on both the exhaust system and top covers! Phenomenal! You should make hollywood flicks! - - - But no! A BIG nooooh! Not ostriches! Nor badgers! Your thinking about magpies! They like shiny things, almost st as much as the Binky-guys... /Hugo
Heat is energy. It doesn't rise. Hot air rises. It's a better-than-average review but what about the cruise control, maintenance difficulty and expense, I would have liked to see more about slow speed maneuvering.
Long way home on the red light is like TMF on the white vans in his videos 😄 Mate,I think we counted all the traffic lights in Romania trough this video 😵
Off road!!! Good lad!!!😂😂😂😂 My thoughts are: what a huge ugly rear end, covered in denim saddlebags!!!😂😂😂😂 I really enjoy these reviews as the are so comprehensive and wee presented. All the things required and boxes ticked. Good job. Thanks for good work as usual. 👍🏻
What a great review. Very professional. I don't think the R18 shakes up the cruiser world but adds a very nice and different flavour to it for those who don't like the taste of HD. Personally I ride I Triumph Thunderbird Nightstorm and love it. What would hold me back from buying an R18 would be the high price (I am probably not the target customer then) , the left and right shaking and the lack of leg room (I am 1.90mtr / 6.2ft tall). Love the look of it though and looking forward to next season to seeing them on the road in the Benelux and Eiffel.
As usual a great video, i wonder in what part off romania you are testing the bikes, i visited romania the first time in 2005, i only saw bad roads, so bad that i crasched the rear suspension off the Yamaha royal star venture i owned that moment, from 2006 till 2012 i owned an 1800 goldwing, with these bike i visited romania every year, than from 2013till 2019 i had a 1200rt, with this bike also to romania till my last visit in 2017, now i own a 1250rt, and planning to go again to romania, it became my favorite country for bike hollidays, aldo i almost never find roads with good asfalt like in your movies, they are a pleasure to look at. Greets
A lot of people were skeptical about this when it was announced, but many have warmed up to it when they have gotten it. I wonder if it just makes more sense in person or if journalists are just doing the wink and nod with the BMW press bike. I personally am a fan of it and I hope it does well, but not sure if makes any sense. All the cruiser riders I know say forward controls make much more sense for that type of low seating position and cruiser posture.
Magpies like the shiny stuff! Love the style of your reviews - I have sneaking suspicion you spent a lot of time in England, watched a lot of UK TV or have an English wife / girlfriend, The influence has to come from somewhere......
Your demonstration in the BMW r18 with awesome is such a beautiful bike Isaiah's more beautiful than any Harleys out there I get another bike is going to be the r18 No Doubt
Good review, I went to the R18 opening night here in Melbourne and I loved it! Just 3 times the bike of my R60!!! By the way can't wait to get to Romania one day by bike and see your country!
What do you really think about the R18? Would you own one? I already have a R18 Transcontinental and love it. Also a 2023 Honda Goldwing. I love it also. Very different bikes with different characters. Just purchased a 2023 R18 100 year anniversary edition which is absolutely beautiful. And it’s bike No. 1. Just love your reviews. Let me know if you ever get to the US. IT WOULD BE GREAT TO MEET YOU.
I am not so convinced. The uneven cylinders totally messes with my OCD. I really noticed that in your rider view on the video... I could often only see the left one! 🤪 I am still more drawn to the Harley low rider S for cruiser styling.
I’m dying to ride this bike and see how it compares to my 1982 Honda 1100 Goldwing for performance and vibration. My old bike is naked like the R18, and just under 600 pounds. I love the boxer engine; the way it delivers its power, how it looks and how it sounds. But I’ve not experienced a two cylinder boxer before. I would hope that the Beemer with its 800 extra cc would perform at least as good as my 80ish hp, 39 year old brute and if it does, then I will probably buy one because that’s just the right amount of hp and torque for me, and also I think the thing is damn beautiful.
If I could afford it, I would love to have this bike as a second or third bike to just take out on sunny Sundays for a drive in the countryside and around town. I love it. The exhaust has gotten a lot of praise for their looks, and I know they look a lot like they did in the 1930's models but I just think they're ugly. I think you should have talked about the very, very cool exposed crank shaft. Apart from that, great review.
This bike is no competition for HD…I have a RKS, SGS, and a R 18 Classic. Different market aims and totally different rider experience…all are tremendously enjoyable and superbly built. The BMW is artwork as some have said…but not just a pretty face as it goes and has more soul than any bike I’ve had. Summing up the HDs are pure American muscle tourers; the R18’s a German engineered masterpiece of old and new. If only one I’d keep the HD SGS-better all around for USA roads. But it’s close, very close
I have one and a Corbin seat and wind vest help the ride. Mine doesn't vibrate like I have read. The rear suspension is terrible and no adjustment to the shock helps. The ride is so bad is hurts my back to the point that I can't ride it anymore. Shame because I love the motor and looks. I have people compliment me on it's looks all the time. In America they aren't selling good. And I wonder if they will stay in the line up. A new shock that made the ride bearable would help.
I wonder how the 16 ltr tank will be received in the US, perhaps to small for the long hauls over there ? Same goes for the "feet-down" riding position, time will tell.
BMW built a Moto Guzzi 😁. And about shaking up the cruiser market.. i dont know. Next to forward controls it misses the more interesting audiotrack of a vtwin. They could keep the boxer look but put in a 90 degree crank. About the fuelcap, with it being so flush with the tank, i think you're also going to scatch a circle in the tank's paint. As for me, I just bought a Shovelhead last week...
Great review. I believe that BMW is not trying to shake the cruiser market. I think that they are trying to seduce those guys buying garage made expensive one-off retro ones.
Many Harley Davidson owners say only sissies use wind screens.. They should riding any part of the world that gets cold and snows a few months per year.. A windscreen is very necessary at highway speeds for any disgtance and in cool weather..
The bmw R18 in picture or in video looks great but if you look at it in a motorcycle shop you find it too small and looks like children’s Motorcycle but I would say that not for tall people and also got small tank and the second tyres not large enough what I suggest to the BMW is to rebuild it again and makes it looks bigger like the triumph rocket 3 with big thank and large tyre and big engin
@@LongWayHome I did wonder. I have a friend lives in Bucharest but I have never been to visit her yet. Looks really nice. I will have to come over once things allow.
How do you think the R18 shakes up the CRUISER market?
I love it too, you do present it well. Is it wrong to want more than one motorcycle ?
You did an excellent job on this!
I think the R18 is late to the big displacement party. A beautifully engineered bike, and I’m sure a windshield would help the wind. I just think the future for BMW and others is sub-Liter bikes. I am pretty much a dinosaur riding a 1700cc HD Road King. Liked the review.
They will sell every one they make...I think it's well done, but it doesn't look comfortable for tall people. I already own a RT. If I want a cruiser, maybe a HD or Indian. Something different.
James L I have a GSA but used to have a Harley, trust me, your going to want the Indian, or in keeping up with the times a Rocket3 would be sweet for hooning, because once you have an RT, what other cruiser/tourer would you really want, best just to go for the balls and all Triumph😁
I am a long term (52 years) rider including 6 Harley Davidsons plus other bikes. I currently have a 2021 Softail Slim HD which I am ready to change. I saw the HD Lowrider S 117cu on YT and decided to order one. Paid a deposit and waited. Last week I was finally able to test ride a Lowrider and there is a BMW dealer 50 metres away. So, I took both the Lowrider and the R18 for test rides over the same course including motorway etc. Well, the R18 not only looks better than the HD but rides more comfortably too. Price in NZ is close but the options provided on the BMW are much better…. Cruise control, heated grips, reverse, traction control, LED lighting all round and a more comfortable riding position. So, I have cancelled the Harley and will be parking an R18 in my shed instead. Quite frankly I have had enough of the macho, staunch Harley look and they are everywhere here. I now prefer a quality engineered, retro style cruiser with all the extras already added when you purchase. As far as comments on here trying to indicate BMW is copying HD and any other cruisers, the writers should gather their facts and they will note the origins on the R18. Rant ended.
I watch a ton of reviews (on all kinds of things) and I get so frustrated that I am compelled to critize often. In this case, I am so very pleased with your review. It was objective, pointing out the good and the bad, and you did it with tasteful humor. Good job, and thanks!
Loved the video and I picked mine up about a week ago. Not my only bike (I also have a BMW 1200 GSA among a few others) and couldn't be happier with the 300 miles I put on it this week. I am a stickler when it comes to motorcycles and never bought one brand new. This one had me at Hello… I didn’t think it would be as nice as the photos, and it blew me away when I saw it in person. I wanted to hate riding it, but I loved every rumble and turn. The view from the cockpit makes you feel like you’re piloting a Messerschmitt in the 30’s, and gets you to that place where nothing else matters.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels like a Messerschmitt pilot when riding it
After 20 years of riding harley touring bikes, i got mine yesterday and i love it. Im glad i got it, glad i sold my road glide hd to get it. Your review is spot on to my 100 miles i put on it when i got it yesterday.. im really happy with this one.
I used to own a 2001 R1200C, still miss that bike, I own a 2017 R1200GSA and as of my birthday, I now also own aR18 , thanks to my awesome wife. This was a surprise birthday gift,!! I have been lusting over this bike since the concept was first introduced. I am over the moon about the looks, torque, ride, Torque, modes, and the ability to put me in my riding zone in under 5 miles riding her, oh did I. Mention torque?
How is the bike going.....?? Do you still have it...???
Love BMW shaking up the world. Harley's been resting on their laurels for too long.
BMW again pretending they invented the wheel, its bland doesn't sound as good and will be 100% less comfortable on a long run than a Harley. Its not going anywhere. Part of the Harley scene is the sound attitude and Chapter experience, could you see " Band of Brothers" all riding R18s? No potato potato at idle. Its no threat to Harley. If you want a better cruiser you look at Kawasaki vn 1900 or Yamaha 1700 , but if you want a Harley, well you want a Harley, you don't buy a BMW.
@Anthony Price potato idle? No cam in the world can make a new Harley sound like a carb anymore.
@@A_Ride_To yes reason why I now own a Goldwing, 18" front wheel on the glide, electra Glides had that for 60 years.
@@anthonyprice5596 Well said.
I like your independent mindedness and honesty. You also show Romania to be a beautiful country. Well done to you and Dave, thank you.
I agree. This is top quality production. Much respect.
Seems like a great cruiser, but stuff like this just makes me love my GS even more. It cruises, goes fast, has wind protection, can go offroad (ish), and is supremely comfortable. I would not ever buy a bike this limited in performance and riding style, but it sure looks cool.
This bike was designed to pay compliments to the R5 BMW engineers did a fantastic job!!!!
This has to be the best review of this bike I have seen yet! Thanks!
Another great review 👍👍🍀 I love the look of it 👍
Beautiful bike in a beautiful city. I never knew Romania was like that.
Your last comment was spot on!
The touring version should be very interesting to review!
Thanks for the video!👍
Magpies ... magpies like shiny things ... and Dave. Dave is probably thrilled with shiny stuff.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍👌😂
The best review so far, great work. BMW built it because they can, love it!
I’ve never owned a cruiser but must admit feeling a guilty pleasure looking at the R18. Looks stunning👍🇦🇺
I liked the Monument Valley intro & outtro. I've ridden there and it really is beautiful. Very thorough first impression. I like you include a night ride so the lights can be seen working.
I’ve been on my Sportster for 5 years now and was thinking of upgrading to a Softail next year. But then came the R18 and I’m at the point where I can’t make up my mind. It just looks absolutely beautiful.
R they have made the same , Harley being criticised for?
Like vibration, heavy weight etc?
Interesting to see if Harleys adventure bike is as good as BMW s cruiser
I love your reviews and humor. Your English also so nuanced and colorful. One of the best reviews for this beautiful pachyderm. Thanks and continue like this!
Extremely comprehensive review with humor!! Love this guy’s work!!!!
I’ve never seen one of your reviews. I really enjoyed your comments and humor.
What humour? This was a serious, factual review! 🤣😂
08:12 Perhaps the tiny "beep" is just a warning for when the real HORN steps in ? Next time try holding the button down a bit longer and we'll know.
Thanks for a great video !
The real HORN? You mean a Harley 😎
Great honest review Dave👍🏻 I’m still waiting for mine here in Australia! I can’t wait🤤😍🤤😍
Nice review! I think for those looking for a cruiser this bike is likely of interest, particularly with Harley seeing more and more concerns raised about it’s long term survival. I doubt it will sway any Harley loyalists however. And personally I think it’s pretty but otherwise could care less - just not into cruisers. In the end I think it will be a small niche bike, and doubt it will blossom into a big platform like the R nine T did. But then I’m not a cruiser bro, so what do I know?
It looks great and if I was in the market for a crusier, I would take it for a test ride. But for now I will stick with my R1250GS!!
I loved it when I revved my Moto Guzzi too. It’s okay to love quirkiness. The rails are a cruiser thing. You have been adventure biking a long time obviously. You have been admiring this motorcycle from afar for awhile now, even though you got to spend a few hours with one before they were released. I’m really happy that you finally got to ride and review one.
:))) it’s because it’s a long bike.
I’m sold after my test ride !!!! This bike is Awesome!!! And I owned a Harley.
As an ex BMW R1100S owner I love it. But as a current Moto Guzzi California Audace 1400 owner I know my Guzzi is a better motorcycle more power more revs less weight(Audace is 315kg wet weight) I tested a HD Fat Bob 114 and my Guzzi accelerate better turns better and brakes better then the HD. I recon the R18 is more of a Softail Slim od Deluxe competitor then the Low Rider S or a Fat Bob. I'm happy that BMW build it and I hope it will sell well!! Definitely better then the old R1200C!! It's a Lovly looking bike! Moto Guzzi California Audace 1400 rides and have a ground clearance similar to a XjR1300 not a normal cruiser. Now if You ever gonna have a chance to ride one of the new Moto Guzzi 1400 just make sure that You put it in veloce mode(Italian for sport) wich is sport mode equivalent of BMW Rock mode! Roll mode = turismo on a Guzzi and rain = pioggia!
Gosh, What took you so long? I gave up my exclusive BMW dealership in 1988 and neglected to take a bike for myself after I passed the shop to my apprentice.
In the meantime you folks at BMW Motorrad made a lot of beautiful bikes but none that suited me. The R80 has me dreaming all over again and I can't wait for the opportunity to ride one. I give it a dozen thumps up.
Great stuff, mental bike!!!Believe me, very soon you'll have to pay extra for such a luxury as vibrations, good job, BMW, cool video LWHome, Dave's deserved an ice-cream. You are always humourly clever enough to pick the authentic pleasure bike. Thanks.
Saw it live.....ordered it. Just got me in the feels but being x-south African, have a BMW bias, and Berlin is a beautiful city, who would not want Berlin built.Love the commentary style, makes me long for Pretoria where Naas is still Baas,......lol.
Not for me, but wow what a machine. Great review, thank you 👍
Thanks Bloke, this review is exactly what I was after. Maybe next year for the new bike for me though. First we have the building of the new shed to house the machine or the boy children will be sleeping in the garden shed. I am a bit concerned about the vibrations you mention. My hands tend to go numb on the bars if the bike vibrates too much, which makes throttle and braking... exciting to terrifying.
I’m considering purchasing this bike and have watched several reviews including the Soul Story by BMW… Your review is by far the most entertaining I’ve come across…with your conclusion happening to be the exact same bike I’m considering…I’m feeling more likely to buy it!! Thank you!
is that the capital of Romania? IMO resembles Prague very much
Nice review Dave, awesome bike. You should maybe try another non-Harley custom cruiser , the 2014 Honda Valkyrie . Curious seeing your opinion on that one . Cheers mate and safe rides 👍
💪🦴 you said it !! Beat you up! Well with every review I fall more in love with the R 18!! I had a chance sit and start one ONLY!!! Can't wait to test ride, thank you for sharing 😊.
:))) Remember. Go for a longer ride to really understand it.
Thanks for your interesting program. Just bought one of these bikes after a 100km test ride in the rain and sun. Traded my R1250 GS. I love the gear box and general deep character of the R18 engine.
frumos intro! a meritat asteptarea de „cealalanta“ ieri in plus mi-a facut placere sa te cunosc personal in Otopeni la BMW!
Acum recunosc numele :D
I currently own 5 Harley Davidsons, from a 48 to a heritage softail, crossbones springer and a custom springer. I ordered My r18 up in Canada last week. Going to get it the exact way I want it. Will be ready for the 2021 season. I own all sorts of bikes, and I found this one to be very comfortable, not sure how it will handle 6 hours of 110 kph, but cannot be any worse than my 48 sportster.
Totally agree, rode this last weekend, absolutely loved it! Perfect city bike
Would like to see a touring version of this bike. The low rpm nature and reverse are great attributes. Put nearly 500,000 miles on a pair of goldwings and liked the low end power and the reverse, also stability in crosswinds was great. Right now I am on an R1250RT and like it. This looks like it could be a great basis for a touring bike, with some improvements. As to Harley, they have never built a motorcycle I wanted.
My local dealer in central California posted they have one in the showroom...need to check it out in person today.
Again, a great video! It sure is a beautiful machine. Though I would not dare to take it out in fear of having the perfect chrome finish getting scratched. I much prefer my non-chrome, blacked out bike. And I can cruise on it, too. But I imagine if you are really into chrome-cladded cruise, this is a very good option. And I have a very soft spot for old BMW bikes...just beautiful. Yes, BMW got it right here IMO with some modern bells and whistles, but it does not get in the way of the cruise experience.
Glad you like it. I saw one at the dealer and it didn't do much for me. Me being a shorty, it did fit me okay though...except for my foot contacting the cylinder. Was offered a ride, but as I wasn't attracted, I saw no reason to put miles on their machine. If I was going to buy a Beemer, it'd be an RS. Sorry, as a cruiser, to my eye, it's not in the same league as a HD. Also not a fan of vibration and HDs do very little of it these days.
It's crazy, I'm planning a trip to monument valley utah and I'm needing a bigger bike for it. I'm looking at this because i found some nice used ones for a good price and here i see you in monument valley. It's a weird coincidence i get to see it thrive in the exact environment, that im worried about my old carb'd honda shadow running in. I need to be able to canp over night and eat the trip without heavy maintenance. My shadow needs to be given a fresh tune up and pretty much right after to maintain reliability at these conditions
And Raccoons. They like shiny things too. Great review. Love the channel.
Great review! The best so far!
What an intro! Magical... and the photo with the growel reflecting on both the exhaust system and top covers! Phenomenal! You should make hollywood flicks!
- - -
But no! A BIG nooooh! Not ostriches! Nor badgers! Your thinking about magpies!
They like shiny things, almost st as much as the Binky-guys...
/Hugo
Heat is energy. It doesn't rise. Hot air rises. It's a better-than-average review but what about the cruise control, maintenance difficulty and expense, I would have liked to see more about slow speed maneuvering.
Long way home on the red light is like TMF on the white vans in his videos 😄
Mate,I think we counted all the traffic lights in Romania trough this video 😵
Beemers & Badgers...sounds like the makings of an interesting series!
Off road!!! Good lad!!!😂😂😂😂
My thoughts are: what a huge ugly rear end, covered in denim saddlebags!!!😂😂😂😂
I really enjoy these reviews as the are so comprehensive and wee presented. All the things required and boxes ticked. Good job.
Thanks for good work as usual.
👍🏻
Have you tried the chopper yet? A BMW cruiser with Ape-hangers -Kool ja?
What a great review. Very professional. I don't think the R18 shakes up the cruiser world but adds a very nice and different flavour to it for those who don't like the taste of HD. Personally I ride I Triumph Thunderbird Nightstorm and love it. What would hold me back from buying an R18 would be the high price (I am probably not the target customer then) , the left and right shaking and the lack of leg room (I am 1.90mtr / 6.2ft tall). Love the look of it though and looking forward to next season to seeing them on the road in the Benelux and Eiffel.
Great video and a great review LWH. finally you included a review of the fuel filler cap 🤣
Because it upset me ;))
Great review. R-18 is a work of art.
As usual a great video, i wonder in what part off romania you are testing the bikes, i visited romania the first time in 2005, i only saw bad roads, so bad that i crasched the rear suspension off the Yamaha royal star venture i owned that moment, from 2006 till 2012 i owned an 1800 goldwing, with these bike i visited romania every year, than from 2013till 2019 i had a 1200rt, with this bike also to romania till my last visit in 2017, now i own a 1250rt, and planning to go again to romania, it became my favorite country for bike hollidays, aldo i almost never find roads with good asfalt like in your movies, they are a pleasure to look at. Greets
A lot of people were skeptical about this when it was announced, but many have warmed up to it when they have gotten it. I wonder if it just makes more sense in person or if journalists are just doing the wink and nod with the BMW press bike. I personally am a fan of it and I hope it does well, but not sure if makes any sense. All the cruiser riders I know say forward controls make much more sense for that type of low seating position and cruiser posture.
Magpies like the shiny stuff! Love the style of your reviews - I have sneaking suspicion you spent a lot of time in England, watched a lot of UK TV or have an English wife / girlfriend, The influence has to come from somewhere......
Great, infotaining review!
Your demonstration in the BMW r18 with awesome is such a beautiful bike Isaiah's more beautiful than any Harleys out there I get another bike is going to be the r18 No Doubt
Good review, I went to the R18 opening night here in Melbourne and I loved it! Just 3 times the bike of my R60!!! By the way can't wait to get to Romania one day by bike and see your country!
Hi, thanks for the great review. Can I ask you about your size and how that fits with the driving comfort? I‘m 6‘3 and considering a R18 test ride.
Considering touring, the optional windscreen and bags will take care of your concern
Dude your best review ever. You rock.
Rumor has it Dave likes this bike a lot. Working with you must be stressful for him.
Drive mag wipe...Haaa...Couldn’t find that product on Chemical Guys website! I like machinery. Hitting the start button on this one will be fun.
I tried HD some models and R18 ... R18 is so solid and metalic, no brainer for my European taste!
What do you really think about the R18? Would you own one? I already have a R18 Transcontinental and love it. Also a 2023 Honda Goldwing. I love it also. Very different bikes with different characters. Just purchased a 2023 R18 100 year anniversary edition which is absolutely beautiful. And it’s bike No. 1.
Just love your reviews.
Let me know if you ever get to the US. IT WOULD BE GREAT TO MEET YOU.
I am not so convinced. The uneven cylinders totally messes with my OCD. I really noticed that in your rider view on the video... I could often only see the left one! 🤪
I am still more drawn to the Harley low rider S for cruiser styling.
I’m dying to ride this bike and see how it compares to my 1982 Honda 1100 Goldwing for performance and vibration. My old bike is naked like the R18, and just under 600 pounds. I love the boxer engine; the way it delivers its power, how it looks and how it sounds. But I’ve not experienced a two cylinder boxer before. I would hope that the Beemer with its 800 extra cc would perform at least as good as my 80ish hp, 39 year old brute and if it does, then I will probably buy one because that’s just the right amount of hp and torque for me, and also I think the thing is damn beautiful.
The hugantuan 19 inch front wheel surely contributes to highway and straight line stability due to larger rotational inertia compared to a 17 incher.
If I could afford it, I would love to have this bike as a second or third bike to just take out on sunny Sundays for a drive in the countryside and around town. I love it. The exhaust has gotten a lot of praise for their looks, and I know they look a lot like they did in the 1930's models but I just think they're ugly. I think you should have talked about the very, very cool exposed crank shaft. Apart from that, great review.
A beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery and a total blast to ride 😎
This bike is no competition for HD…I have a RKS, SGS, and a R 18 Classic. Different market aims and totally different rider experience…all are tremendously enjoyable and superbly built. The BMW is artwork as some have said…but not just a pretty face as it goes and has more soul than any bike I’ve had. Summing up the HDs are pure American muscle tourers; the R18’s a German engineered masterpiece of old and new. If only one I’d keep the HD SGS-better all around for USA roads. But it’s close, very close
I watched this as keenly as an “Ostrich attracted to a shiny thing” cheers from Sydney, Australia
great review. nice seeing the different point of views
I have one and a Corbin seat and wind vest help the ride. Mine doesn't vibrate like I have read. The rear suspension is terrible and no adjustment to the shock helps. The ride is so bad is hurts my back to the point that I can't ride it anymore. Shame because I love the motor and looks. I have people compliment me on it's looks all the time. In America they aren't selling good. And I wonder if they will stay in the line up. A new shock that made the ride bearable would help.
I wonder how the 16 ltr tank will be received in the US, perhaps to small for the long hauls over there ? Same goes for the "feet-down" riding position, time will tell.
lol, also considering its not really a long haul bike but as he said, shirt skirts around town, maybe it wont be much of an issue to them.
I thought the Bagger was BM's first go at a "Cruiser"?
BMW built a Moto Guzzi 😁. And about shaking up the cruiser market.. i dont know. Next to forward controls it misses the more interesting audiotrack of a vtwin. They could keep the boxer look but put in a 90 degree crank. About the fuelcap, with it being so flush with the tank, i think you're also going to scatch a circle in the tank's paint.
As for me, I just bought a Shovelhead last week...
The place where getting your motorcycle news is easier than explaining why you bought a BMW R18, but not by much!
Love my Triumph Bobber but this has peaked my interest.......
OK - but I want to know how Dave felt about the R18?
Thank you for the review. By the way, what a beautiful city and country side you are in... Is it Russia?
Good old Romania 😂
Great review. I believe that BMW is not trying to shake the cruiser market. I think that they are trying to seduce those guys buying garage made expensive one-off retro ones.
I like your reviewing style very much!
Mom, did you make another account? 😂😂
Many Harley Davidson owners say only sissies use wind screens.. They should riding any part of the world that gets cold and snows a few months per year.. A windscreen is very necessary at highway speeds for any disgtance and in cool weather..
Love the GS Pro Gloves?Cheers JHB-SA.
Very nice information. Nice presentation.
@5:10 I used to do the same thing every time I took for a ride my brother s 1200 GS , so I guess boys are boys!
helmetless helmets...! ahaha!
The bmw R18 in picture or in video looks great but if you look at it in a motorcycle shop you find it too small and looks like children’s Motorcycle but I would say that not for tall people and also got small tank and the second tyres not large enough what I suggest to the BMW is to rebuild it again and makes it looks bigger like the triumph rocket 3 with big thank and large tyre and big engin
What was the dude with the gun? Like diplomatic security or something
I've been curious about this bike since I've heard about it seems pretty cool and you maybe write Harley could be in a little trouble with this one.
Enjoyable and informative film. If you don't mind saying, what's the town/city you're riding round?
Good old Bucharest, Romania.
@@LongWayHome I did wonder. I have a friend lives in Bucharest but I have never been to visit her yet. Looks really nice. I will have to come over once things allow.
But how would it handle off road? Maybe with some knobblies?
Do a review on the transcontinental and tell me your thoughts on it.
Done: th-cam.com/video/QLeWLjJ_E6I/w-d-xo.html
You spoke of old school motorcycling. How does it compare to the Moto Guzzi Eldorado?