I own it and love it. It is a true retro metal art piece. Two highly recommended upgrades. The stock seat is horrible. Fortunately, BMW offers three other seats, all made by Mustang. I chose the Day Rider because it's the most attractive of the three. At higher speeds, there is significant wind buffeting. Many will invariably try to solve this with a different windscreen, but to no avail. The proper fix is to simply add lower wind deflectors (Memphis Shades: Fork Deflectors for XV1900 Roadliner × 1). 🤙
This is what I’ve done as well. The lowers make the ride very comfortable. Agree on the seat but for an hour or so it’s manageable. After that, well no. At 6’4” I’m very comfortable in the saddle and I prefer the foot pegs to the boards for comfort and stability. Great review.
where i live the roads have some real nasty pot holes and lumps of road wich i cant avoid most of the time so my yamaha v star 650 beats me up for hitting them was wondering how the ol R18 handles that kind of stuff since i would like to find another cruiser that isnt a harley and can take big bumps like its nothing if i cant find a smooth bike im moving onto adventure bikes i guess wich i had my eye on the husqvarna norden 901
@@travisj2370 I can't offer any advice on the R18 off pavement. I prefer to steer clear of that circumstance. As for ADV, good luck mate. I've rode every style of bike. Two years ago, bought a new GS. Incredible machine, but that height and top-heaviness was a daily pain. Go spend some time with a group of ADV riders and you'll soon learn they spend a lot of time helping each other pick their bikes off the ground. 🤷🏻♂️
Great review! 7:29 is why I bought the R18 TC last month. It’s amazing that such a large and comfortable bike can we “quick and nimble”. And yes, it’s not for beginners. Riding this and then the R1250 RT in succession emphasizes the difference. But, the R18 is the best of the big cruisers both at ever level. At 6’3”, I also think it feels more roomy than the HDs.
I have the baseline model. I can get 300ks out of the tank easy. It goes for 90ks easy on reserve without leaning out. Thats riding normally with bursts to overtake. The rated fuel economy of 5.6l /100k is underrated. I found it returns 5.2 as an average with no conscious regard for economy at all.
That's really impressive especially if you take into account the weight of the bike and the fact that it has a massive 1800cc engine! Technology really has come a long way.
I’ve got the First Edition & fully agree with your mileage assessment. I constantly get well over 300km at 5.1L /100. I’m in Australia & have had mine for just on 2 years & I absolutely love it!👍🏼😎🇦🇺
Great review , I have the same model and love it. I need to change the seat , not butt friendly at all , and the screen like you say is a little low and I’m over 6 ft. I’ve fitted a Wunderlich screen deflector. Works a treat.
I'm still waiting for someone to do a FULL REVIEW. I want to know about the REQUIRED SERVICE INTERVELS and their associated costs. Show me how the fluid levels are checked. Discuss the Adaptive Cruise Control. I drove a Freightliner with the radar controlled cruise control and Collision Avoidance System....This damn thing would detect a cloud of bugs and slam on the brakes. Is the BMW system better? Discuss optional accessories....Performance equipment? ...Seats? Exhausts? Etc.... *THE MUSIC SUCKS. LOSE IT!*
From BMW Motorrad you can get a bigger screen and cruise control for the R18 Classic. I haven't seen any top box options from BMW though. Perhaps as a 3rd party option?
@@MotoTribeTV Well, not for the classic but there's another version with a big top box, Quite comfortably done for the passenger. I just don't like like the style of said version...
I would have bought one if it had a decent front mudguard. Instead I bought an Indian Springfield. The Springfield has a seriously good front mudguard.
Completely understand where you're coming from! Indian builds some great bikes! The BMW's have a personality all of their own however. So it would ultimately come down to the finer details that will sway you one way or the other.
Thanks so much for watching and for your feedback, we do have a a full Pure Sound video for you to fully enjoy the engine note, check it out here: BMW R 18 Classic - Pure Sound th-cam.com/video/q73_jjNVIDg/w-d-xo.html Greg
You either love or hate the silly vacuum cleaner looking engine sticking out on the sides. Obviously, I hate it on this bike. Don’t mind it on the smaller BMW’s.
one of the best R18 reviews
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it!
I own it and love it. It is a true retro metal art piece. Two highly recommended upgrades. The stock seat is horrible. Fortunately, BMW offers three other seats, all made by Mustang. I chose the Day Rider because it's the most attractive of the three. At higher speeds, there is significant wind buffeting. Many will invariably try to solve this with a different windscreen, but to no avail. The proper fix is to simply add lower wind deflectors (Memphis Shades: Fork Deflectors for XV1900 Roadliner × 1). 🤙
Thanks for the insight! I'm sure any owners (or those thinking of buying) will find this very helpful!
Outstanding information
This is what I’ve done as well. The lowers make the ride very comfortable. Agree on the seat but for an hour or so it’s manageable. After that, well no. At 6’4” I’m very comfortable in the saddle and I prefer the foot pegs to the boards for comfort and stability. Great review.
where i live the roads have some real nasty pot holes and lumps of road wich i cant avoid most of the time so my yamaha v star 650 beats me up for hitting them
was wondering how the ol R18 handles that kind of stuff since i would like to find another cruiser that isnt a harley and can take big bumps like its nothing
if i cant find a smooth bike im moving onto adventure bikes i guess wich i had my eye on the husqvarna norden 901
@@travisj2370 I can't offer any advice on the R18 off pavement. I prefer to steer clear of that circumstance. As for ADV, good luck mate. I've rode every style of bike. Two years ago, bought a new GS. Incredible machine, but that height and top-heaviness was a daily pain. Go spend some time with a group of ADV riders and you'll soon learn they spend a lot of time helping each other pick their bikes off the ground. 🤷🏻♂️
this bike is a piece of art!
Definitely one of the best looking bikes out there!
Great review! 7:29 is why I bought the R18 TC last month. It’s amazing that such a large and comfortable bike can we “quick and nimble”. And yes, it’s not for beginners. Riding this and then the R1250 RT in succession emphasizes the difference. But, the R18 is the best of the big cruisers both at ever level. At 6’3”, I also think it feels more roomy than the HDs.
Thanks Dean! Yeah, the Classic definitely surprised us by how capable it is despite being such a big machine.
Love this Bike
A beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery and a very good honest review 😎
Thanks so much! And also, thanks for watching! 🤘
I have the baseline model. I can get 300ks out of the tank easy. It goes for 90ks easy on reserve without leaning out. Thats riding normally with bursts to overtake. The rated fuel economy of 5.6l /100k is underrated. I found it returns 5.2 as an average with no conscious regard for economy at all.
That's really impressive especially if you take into account the weight of the bike and the fact that it has a massive 1800cc engine! Technology really has come a long way.
I’ve got the First Edition & fully agree with your mileage assessment. I constantly get well over 300km at 5.1L /100. I’m in Australia & have had mine for just on 2 years & I absolutely love it!👍🏼😎🇦🇺
@Andrew D . They're cool bikes alrite. So underrated. It's quite good having the only one around for miles, however. Still very unique.
A very good & honest assessment of a great bike. 👍🏼😎🇦🇺
Thanks so much! 😁
Great review , I have the same model and love it. I need to change the seat , not butt friendly at all , and the screen like you say is a little low and I’m over 6 ft. I’ve fitted a Wunderlich screen deflector. Works a treat.
Thanks! Yes, completely agree. A seat swap and a different screen will make the all the difference! Enjoy it!
Great review, you tell the bike as it is, had my own classic since june and agree with everything you say, I removed the screen for a better ride,
Thanks so much for the positive feedback Hamish. Enjoy your wonderful machine!
this bike with the old school cream color and pinstriping would be beautiful...
Yes!! Completely agree!
Favorite R18 variant love that fat front wheel, saddle bags & windshield. How was bufferting?
I'm still waiting for someone to do a FULL REVIEW.
I want to know about the REQUIRED SERVICE INTERVELS and their associated costs.
Show me how the fluid levels are checked.
Discuss the Adaptive Cruise Control. I drove a Freightliner with the radar controlled cruise control and Collision Avoidance System....This damn thing would detect a cloud of bugs and slam on the brakes. Is the BMW system better?
Discuss optional accessories....Performance equipment? ...Seats? Exhausts? Etc....
*THE MUSIC SUCKS. LOSE IT!*
Can you get a bigger screen,cruise control and a top box?
From BMW Motorrad you can get a bigger screen and cruise control for the R18 Classic. I haven't seen any top box options from BMW though. Perhaps as a 3rd party option?
@@MotoTribeTV
Well, not for the classic but there's another version with a big top box, Quite comfortably done for the passenger. I just don't like like the style of said version...
I would have bought one if it had a decent front mudguard. Instead I bought an Indian Springfield. The Springfield has a seriously good front mudguard.
Completely understand where you're coming from! Indian builds some great bikes! The BMW's have a personality all of their own however. So it would ultimately come down to the finer details that will sway you one way or the other.
"The rear indicators disengage when the brakes are applied."
WHUUUUUT? !!
Nice bike, good video but would be much better without all the music. Can’t hear the engine note
Thanks so much for watching and for your feedback, we do have a a full Pure Sound video for you to fully enjoy the engine note, check it out here: BMW R 18 Classic - Pure Sound
th-cam.com/video/q73_jjNVIDg/w-d-xo.html
Greg
Stupid needless music when we could be hearing the motor.
What it for?
We just want to hear the information given & hear the engine 🤔🙄
the motorcycle for the main character.
🎯
either bmw needs to make a service manaul for these bikes or mine an others will b for sale ! we have the right to repair our own
We'll take this up with BMW in a Q&A video so be sure to keep an eye out for it 👍
1st thing I do is remove windshields on any bike I owned.I prefer clean wind and clear view.If I wanted a car I would of bought a car.
Valid!
Makes my 306kg FatBob seem like a lightweight!😅
😆 These bikes are HUGE!
You either love or hate the silly vacuum cleaner looking engine sticking out on the sides. Obviously, I hate it on this bike. Don’t mind it on the smaller BMW’s.
Agreed. It's one of those Marmite situations. You're either for it or against it!
It’s a work of art, looks like it was straight taken out of 2. WW propeller airplane…