The best feature of this bike is the fact it's not a Harley. Not every man & his dog wants a HD. I think you were over critical of this bike, but I appreciate we are all subjective. I am eagerly awaiting my R18 to arrive here in Australia. Having ridden BM's most of my life & in boxer form mostly, this is going to be the ducks guts!😍🤤🤣😎 Cheers from "Down Under"!🇦🇺
Sir, You will need a massive amount of Aftermarket products for this Bike. Dont worry. It wont be very long and there will be a catalog for it. Theres no protection against road hazards to the oil cooler, which is crucial component to this Bike to function properly. If you put a stylish front fender like from a 1953 R/51 , it would not only look way better than it does now, but would add some protection that I would say is absolutely necessary. This engine is quite large, and it is both air and oil cooled..If something flies up and tears off your oil cooler, you're basically a sitting duck waiting on your tow truck to show up to haul it to the nearest repair facility so you can drive it again. Having owned an R/51/3 , I recognize the faults right away.
@@andrewd7586 Would you be interested in getting something like this started? I live in USA. But there are many just like us who adore this style of bike and can see the opportunities for developing an Aftermarket for this. Much of it can be drawn from what was around when we were young and rode this beauties!
BMW has produced some of the best motorcycles that has ever existed. This one is a brainfart from some MBA who wants the the glory of the old airheads to transfer to new sales like harley does. Problem is that this MBA is to ignorant to recognize that HD is all retro and BMW is all Future. On top of this, the engineering on this bloated misunderstanding is hopeless... How do you implement forward controls for eaxmple? ;-)
Bought one and love it. The reverse gear is definitely helpful, but I found that regardless of the heaviness, becasue it is so low and the weight so well distributed, I found it quite easy to maneuver at low speed especially compared to my Moto Guzzi California. I come to like the bike more and more over time. Also, it is just dead beuatiful imo.
@@themotorsportcollection well I'm not alone in my thoughts. Despite dealers offering all sorts of deals to try and get these hideous things out the door,The reality is they have been an absolute sales flop in the uk
@@pggp273 I guess my next question is do you own one ? Or did you sell yours because you weren’t happy with it? I’m just speaking for myself when I say I love my R18. Great build quality and rides amazing. I find that Harley guys are very brand loyal at least here in the states where I live. BMW entered into the cruiser market and there are a lot of riders who just love certain brands. I guess I’ve always been a BMW guy.
Cruise control is available in the configurator... Might be worth it to mention. I have no idea why bmw would not put it on the press fleet, that seems like an oversight to me?
Best review I've seen on this bike so far. I'm surprised it didn't get compared to a Triumph Rocket 3 GT. That has a ridiculously large engine, only costs about £1K more, and it is a little bit lighter ( say 320Kg wet ), more power, IMHO looks better, sounds better, and does have useful things like a fuel gauge and cruise control. You can have cruiser position pegs on a Rocket 3 too. If I was after a plus 300 kg cruiser I think I'd rather have the Rocket 3, although that is missing the reverse gear, which I do think is necessary on such heavy bikes. I'm not after a 300Kg plus bike, just over 200kg of bike is more than enough for me to push around and manouevre, and lighter bikes handle better.
I think the quiet engine is a positive. Certainly that it starts that way. You can make it louder if you want but I think it's a positive that stock it is quiet. Thank you for the review!
I have now watched five R18 reviews on TH-cam. This is the only review that talks specifically about multiple faults on the bike. The rest of the reviews Gloss over the bikes feelings and basically attempt to deceive viewers.
Maybe because I'm old, but I love the looks of this thing, but I wouldn't trade my Guzzi California for one of these until it's been out for a few years. Long enough for the early adopters to work the bugs out for BMW. Oh, and if I ever do buy one, I will put proper fishtail silencers on it.
You know it's funny I was watching/listening to this review and others thinking the exact same thing! (2012 classic 500) But for me that actually piqued my interest more lol. I like the idea of something like my bullet that can get out of its own way. But yeah the market for that idea is small....
Demo’d it earlier this week. It’s very nicely finished and rides well. Not something I’d buy myself but if I wanted a Harley style bike I’d get this. Our dealer already sold one of two they got in. They apparently do a black accented version around the engine for £30k with different exhausts and other parts.
This bike looks like a thing a millionaire would have in his living room. to look at it in the evening & to stop him falling asleep when his wife is telling him boring stories about her shopping spree earlier in the day.
florinsi when you spend 20K on a bmw bike you don’t want it to be a prototype lacking basic features. It’s not about being a pussy, it’s about not wasting money, you moron. If you have money to burn pay bmw to develop and sort out their own bike. In the last years the manufacturers let out rough products on the market, then people like you buy them and find all the flaws, and finally they sort out the issues. That’s why if you’re clever you don’t want to buy an “edition 1”. If no one buys a flawed “edition 1” then the manufacturers will be forced to complete all the r&d before putting a product to market. If you run to the dealer to buy an “edition 1” you’re just a puppet in the hands of marketing, paying your own money to develop someone else’s product. Bravo...
SPOT ON REVIEW - I took the R18 for a 30 minute test ride and couldn’t agree more with your review. Hopefully BMW will listen and make some necessary changes on the next update and maybe take some kilos off as well.
I would think the biggest mistake BMW made with this model is not hiring a Harley-Davidson rider to critique it before it went into production. They would’ve probably (definitely) learned a “few” things about the “cruiser population”. (wants, desires, necessities, etc.) Great review..!! 👍👍
Should've put a fat balloon tyre on the front too! (Triumph also made that mistake with their first gen bobber)! I think I'd prefer the Rocket 3 over this bike. There's too many short falls that you can not say are "characteristic"!
Regarding turn signals self canceling, they turn off: Speed below 30 km/h: after 50 m distance covered. Speed between 30 km/h and 100 km/h: after a speed-dependent distance covered or in case of acceleration. Speed over 100 km/h: after flashing five times. If the button is pressed to the right or left slightly longer, the turn indicators only switch off automatically once the speed dependent distance covered is reached or manually.
Great informative review. I sat on my first R18 on the weekend and thought wow what a quality machine. But the first thing you notice as a cruiser is those flat bars. You have to reach forward in a way I don't have to on my Indian Springfield. Weight it is weird. This felt really heavy and yet my Springfield which much heavier at 365 kg or add another 55 pounds when the top box is on feels better balanced and manageable. The proof in what I am saying is I can manage perfectly well with out a reverse gear. I love BMW. I own an R1200R classic as well. And it has great touring bags ESA etc and a damn fuel guage! I would not buy a bike that doesn't have a fuel guage. My bike I don't want some stupid electro bubble telling me when to fill. Because in Australia we don't have fuel stations every 200 k. My son's Ducati is the same and it's a damn nuisance. Love love the bike. But I will stick with the Springfield thanks. A far far more competent tourer and it goes well and sounds fabulous. But the R1200R unquestionably with telelever has by far the best most versatile suspension ever invented. All cruisers are rubbish in comparison.
Good review. Hmm I think I will stick to my Springfield. Still has brilliant naked looks. Has a fuel guage! heated grips and seat and doesn't need reverse as ergonomics are much better. And it sounds magnificent standard. The indicator issue would drive me up the wall. My other bike a BMW is perfect comparatively.
A cruiser in the America sense, is vehicle that is meant to be ridden/driven slowly alomg the main road through town in order to be seen and (hopefully) attract the attention and intrest of a potential mate (if even just for the evening). Setting a cruise control for long-distance riding is not at all condusive to cruising.
I test one rode yesterday. Cruise control is an option as is a host of other features. no fuel gauge is a bit NAF, however I think you're nit picking as these "complaints" are more than overshadowed by just how damn cool it is to ride..
I would love to see the R2 styling on an R80 ..55 hp / 50 miles to a us regular gal (200+ range on the tank) good suspention 450 pounds .Basically an R69s in an 800 CC modern bike .. A modern version of the Earles fork ... A bike taken from BMW's history that would fill the everyday use of a simple bike in the complicated world we are living in ..
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 300kg wet weight) I tried a HD Fat Bob 114 and my Guzzi accelerate better turns better and brakes better then the HD. I recon this 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!! And if you Guys gonna do a group test make sure you take the Moto Guzzi California Audace 1400(it rides and have a ground clearance similar to a XjR1300) / Eldorado!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!
The R18 concept was a cool art deco modern retro beauty. This bike is just banal. The Softail Slim is way cooler, better and cheaper than this final version of the R18. I was waiting for the R18, but they stepped way too much from the concept bike. The Slim is the winner for me, and I will save 3000 euros.
Thanks for another great video! I'm scheduled to do a video on this bike for my channel (jaysbigadventure) as soon as the snow clears here in Salt Lake City, UT. We have some of the most spectacular roads in the whole US here - and I plan on exploring a bunch of them! Not sure this is going to go better than the R1200C did in the early 2000s, but I'm eager to find out...
Great looking bike but the lack of forward controls or highway pegs discounts it for me and probably quite a few others in the age range of potential buyers. Reverse gear would be good though.
I've ridden both, but the R1200C was many years ago. The lasting memory of the 1200C was that it was a lovely cruiser let down by the way BMW had set up the fueling/ignition to try and mimic a Harley. They deliberately made it lumpy at low revs to feel a bit like a big 45 degree V twin, the catch being that the 1200C didn't smooth out until about 80 in top whereas the HDs of the time were smooth at typical cruising speeds. My dealer at the time pointed out that if I wanted to cruise, I ought to buy the R1150R, not the 1200C. Other than that characteristic the 1200C was a perfectly nice boxer of the time, but wasn't ideal for cruising. The R18 is also flawed as a cruiser, but not in the same way. The engine is a delight at lower revs, but horribly vibey and coarse above 3,000rpm. The chassis is good but the suspension is firm so, as the review highlights it needs to be ridden quite hard. However when you ride it quite hard the engine isn't great, and I, for one, don't want a cruiser that I can't cruise on. If you were to short shift below 3,000rpm all the time, an R1200C with an R18 would be very nice bike.
It needs a bigger gas tank. You ride until the reserve needs to be kicked in. It needs to be like my R/51/3. It had a reserve switch. It also needs to have stylish full fenders on it . Some bags , and Vance & Hines pipes, and a custom Mustang seat for riding comfort. I'd even love the golf ball turn signals on it that my R/51 had. Either the R & D department will add these features to it or you will find in the not too distant future , a catalog of Aftermarket strictly for this R/18 so a person can "personalize it." BMW used to have a reputation for being the Rolls Royce of motorcycles. They have obviously lost their first love. It's not only about the R/18, but you immediately have to add a bunch of stuff on a GS too if that's what you bought. Stuff that's a no brainers to have on it when you first purchase it. I think you and I are on the same page when I say this.
Wish BMW all look in a world how a engineer could design a new motorcycle with tube type tires apples me also hope fairing is available cannot go long distance without some wind protection
Function following form by quite some distance. Each to thier own but I really can't see the point in having a bike that performs so badly by all the normal measures.
Ok review. But would of been better if you put some clips up of the exust sounds in different modes of riding to explane You issue with the exust sound. Has the bike been fully bed in including the Exust??. Personally I took out R18 bagger and yes it’s a bit different to the classic But really enjoyed her even in situations that I thought she wouldn’t do well or out of her comfort zone. Maybe it’s down to Ridding Style. The exust sound sounded good even in comparison with my shotgun exust on my K1600GA witch I love. But if it came an issue I could always swap exhausts. Over watching and reading many reviews it seems you iver love it or Grow to love it OR NOT. So I’ve ended up swapping my K1600GA for a R18 Continental. I compared HD equivalent Bike at the closes spec and it was way more expensive over £10000 more expensive and that was missing some things like a premium paint job. Maybe it would be interesting to see what you say about the other models in the range especially since the continental and bagger have a better suspension and frame along with a lot more tech.
You said it cruiser that does not have cruise control? 20k bike? No fuel gauge? Too low little travel in the back...too quiet...Well I rather buy HD heritage classic with more torque and killer looks.I think BMW was sort of confused what kind of bike this was supposed to be...Its not a cruiser and its not a standard naked.I wonder who they were aiming this bike to.
I like it but after i saw the r18 hommage, original engine +compressor, 40hp,i like that better. The engine is fully exposed and the looks just a little better. A 450_700cc in an oversized frame with 45-65hp would be ok if only it looks like that
Thanks: finally a decently thorough review of this beast. So far everyone else seems too easily impressed because of its looks, which I agree are good. It was helpful to state the reviewer’s height (5’6”), crucial when locked into knees-at-right-angles and a super low-slung seat. Even so, the reviewer looked like he was about to slide off the rear of the saddle: imagine that while trying to appreciate the well-advertised torque. And no fuel gage, really? Would have liked to know the rake; looked to be in the low 30s, which would be typical for a cruiser, but typically ungainly in cornering for such a heavy bike. This bike looks like a concept doodle from a kid in grammar school - (remember, I said I liked it, but on paper only) - a motorcyle akin to Peter Fonda’s Captain America bike in Easy Rider, or the “Cholo” machines in Southern California, all outlandishly styled bikes, ape hangers you can do pull-ups on, fishtails almost IN the sea, sissy bars a mile high, etc., etc., etc.: but how, and where, are you really going to ride them, other than in your imagination?
You just don’t understand BMW turn signals. Slow speed they are what you expect. > 100 kph they go into highway mode for quick lane changes. If exiting at >100 kph, push turn indicator control twice for standard turn signal delay. FYI.
I had one of these as a loaner recently while my 9T was in for a service and I agree with most of what was said here. The bike definitely wants to be ridden hard and seems to encourage you to ride that way. Really huge fun right up till you get to a series of tighter bends when it's shocking ground clearance becomes an issue and really does spoil the party. People say to me "it's a cruiser not a sports bike, what do you expect" Well I expect it to out corner my twenty year old Guzzi California which it doesn't. Not even close. However much ground my Guzzi lost to the beemer in a straight line, once the roads got twisty it would catch up and sail past, up till the roads got straight again of course, at which point the BMW says bye bye as it takes off like a cat with its arse on fire. Massive fun in "rock" mode. Cruise control? Never had it, don't care and I didn't have an issue with weight, although I only did 100 miles on it on open roads. It passed the coffee shop "park & pose" test with aplomb and even stopped a couple of old ladies in their tracks. The sticking point is of course the price and it hasn't sold well, meaning depreciation is going to be worse than usual. I feel like this bike will end up going the same way as their previous cruisers the R1200C / CL which would be a shame because this is at least a decent bike with just a few refinements needed to make it excellent.
Okay so it’s not perfect. Personally I think it’s a really cool bike . Hopefully BMW will correct the few issues the reviewer mentioned. Overall though I would definitely consider it . I’ve owned a Harley and it had a few issues that should have been covered under warranty. I paid over $25,000 for it . However I could not find a dealer including where I purchased it to do the warranty work. So I purchased the parts and did it myself. Also I should say I attempted several times to contact Harley Davidson hoping they would contact a local dealer and advise them to do the work. No luck with that either I would leave messages that were never returned. I’m guessing BMW hopefully has better customer support then what I experienced with Harley Davidson. I’m sure there are good dealerships out there but it was a major turn off .
This type of bike doesn't need a lot of tech but no cruise control is BS. And boxer engines make 0 sense on a bike like this for taller riders who need mid- or forward controls. And the for the price, you're better off with a an already overpriced Harley.
345 kg. 760 pounds. Crazy weight. He had problems downshifting. No fuel gauge. No cruise control. Suspension bangs and bottoms. Fob won’t work sometimes. Self cancelling signal issue. What a major fail. The BMW guys who approved this should be fired.
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
The best feature of this bike is the fact it's not a Harley. Not every man & his dog wants a HD. I think you were over critical of this bike, but I appreciate we are all subjective. I am eagerly awaiting my R18 to arrive here in Australia. Having ridden BM's most of my life & in boxer form mostly, this is going to be the ducks guts!😍🤤🤣😎 Cheers from "Down Under"!🇦🇺
Sir, You will need a massive amount of Aftermarket products for this Bike. Dont worry. It wont be very long and there will be a catalog for it. Theres no protection against road hazards to the oil cooler, which is crucial component to this Bike to function properly. If you put a stylish front fender like from a 1953 R/51 , it would not only look way better than it does now, but would add some protection that I would say is absolutely necessary. This engine is quite large, and it is both air and oil cooled..If something flies up and tears off your oil cooler, you're basically a sitting duck waiting on your tow truck to show up to haul it to the nearest repair facility so you can drive it again. Having owned an R/51/3 , I recognize the faults right away.
@@davidgreve1081 Thank God it’s got reverse then!🤣
@@andrewd7586 Would you be interested in getting something like this started? I live in USA. But there are many just like us who adore this style of bike and can see the opportunities for developing an Aftermarket for this. Much of it can be drawn from what was around when we were young and rode this beauties!
BMW has produced some of the best motorcycles that has ever existed. This one is a brainfart from some MBA who wants the the glory of the old airheads to transfer to new sales like harley does. Problem is that this MBA is to ignorant to recognize that HD is all retro and BMW is all Future. On top of this, the engineering on this bloated misunderstanding is hopeless... How do you implement forward controls for eaxmple? ;-)
Not a Harley yet modelled on a Softail Slim.
This is a perfect motorcycle.
I bought the R18 Classic.
Don't want to get off the bike.
Bought one and love it. The reverse gear is definitely helpful, but I found that regardless of the heaviness, becasue it is so low and the weight so well distributed, I found it quite easy to maneuver at low speed especially compared to my Moto Guzzi California. I come to like the bike more and more over time. Also, it is just dead beuatiful imo.
Could never afford one, will never buy one, but I’m very glad it exists
I wish I had never seen such a hideous piece of junk
@@pggp273 it looks weird, but I have one in my garage. I like weird things
@@pggp273What do you base your comment on?
@@themotorsportcollection well I'm not alone in my thoughts. Despite dealers offering all sorts of deals to try and get these hideous things out the door,The reality is they have been an absolute sales flop in the uk
@@pggp273 I guess my next question is do you own one ? Or did you sell yours because you weren’t happy with it? I’m just speaking for myself when I say I love my R18. Great build quality and rides amazing. I find that Harley guys are very brand loyal at least here in the states where I live. BMW entered into the cruiser market and there are a lot of riders who just love certain brands. I guess I’ve always been a BMW guy.
What a good precise and professional review! Thanks for it. Beautiful sculpture and engine. When not moving.
Really honest and thorough, such a good review! We need more from this Jordan!
Cruise control is available in the configurator... Might be worth it to mention. I have no idea why bmw would not put it on the press fleet, that seems like an oversight to me?
I’ve read somewhere it’s a mess up with part numbers or something at the factory and will be available from next year
Best review I've seen on this bike so far.
I'm surprised it didn't get compared to a Triumph Rocket 3 GT. That has a ridiculously large engine, only costs about £1K more, and it is a little bit lighter ( say 320Kg wet ), more power, IMHO looks better, sounds better, and does have useful things like a fuel gauge and cruise control. You can have cruiser position pegs on a Rocket 3 too.
If I was after a plus 300 kg cruiser I think I'd rather have the Rocket 3, although that is missing the reverse gear, which I do think is necessary on such heavy bikes.
I'm not after a 300Kg plus bike, just over 200kg of bike is more than enough for me to push around and manouevre, and lighter bikes handle better.
Agreed. I'd take a Rocket any day. The R18 just looks like what it is, a comical imitation of a Harley.
I think the quiet engine is a positive. Certainly that it starts that way. You can make it louder if you want but I think it's a positive that stock it is quiet.
Thank you for the review!
Respect for giving a genuine review.
I have now watched five R18 reviews on TH-cam. This is the only review that talks specifically about multiple faults on the bike. The rest of the reviews Gloss over the bikes feelings and basically attempt to deceive viewers.
Mine is the 2023 and I have cruise control and yes it is a cruiser
I test rode thr R18 a couple of weeks ago and loved it :)
I test rode it also. The second test ride I bought one and very much enjoy it
@@robinator3202 Great enjoy :)
I didn't get to ride before I bought Sable, great machine.
When fuel light comes , it shows how many miles you driven after the light . That’s more than enough for a smart driver to figure it out
Maybe because I'm old, but I love the looks of this thing, but I wouldn't trade my Guzzi California for one of these until it's been out for a few years. Long enough for the early adopters to work the bugs out for BMW. Oh, and if I ever do buy one, I will put proper fishtail silencers on it.
I own a Cali 1400 Custom and it looks like BMW have ‘borrowed’ lots of ideas from it. Like you I will wait a while.
Nice honest review,
Spot on analysis!
"I own a Harley". Ahuh! I knew there'd be a reason I haven't seen you on the channel before.
Sounds like a twenty grand version of my Enfield bullet...
Excellent review thanks
BMW need more coffee or something to sharpen up!
You know it's funny I was watching/listening to this review and others thinking the exact same thing! (2012 classic 500) But for me that actually piqued my interest more lol. I like the idea of something like my bullet that can get out of its own way. But yeah the market for that idea is small....
Demo’d it earlier this week. It’s very nicely finished and rides well. Not something I’d buy myself but if I wanted a Harley style bike I’d get this. Our dealer already sold one of two they got in. They apparently do a black accented version around the engine for £30k with different exhausts and other parts.
When your bike has a bigger engine than your car
Doesn't sound good, get a car.
Even my R1150RT has a bigger engine than my car..
thats a UK/EU problem, not American.....atleast not yet :)
This bike looks like a thing a millionaire would have in his living room. to look at it in the evening & to stop him falling asleep when his wife is telling him boring stories about her shopping spree earlier in the day.
Kind of a latte cruiser... oops a bit harsh
oddly specific
Never buy version 1 of anything.
Yep
Agree
Nice logic, Hepcat, yes, version 1 of you should have been discarded ...
florinsi the logic is: let others be pioneers and find and resolve youth problems. Then buy a more refined and reliable model year 2022
florinsi when you spend 20K on a bmw bike you don’t want it to be a prototype lacking basic features. It’s not about being a pussy, it’s about not wasting money, you moron. If you have money to burn pay bmw to develop and sort out their own bike. In the last years the manufacturers let out rough products on the market, then people like you buy them and find all the flaws, and finally they sort out the issues. That’s why if you’re clever you don’t want to buy an “edition 1”. If no one buys a flawed “edition 1” then the manufacturers will be forced to complete all the r&d before putting a product to market. If you run to the dealer to buy an “edition 1” you’re just a puppet in the hands of marketing, paying your own money to develop someone else’s product. Bravo...
SPOT ON REVIEW - I took the R18 for a 30 minute test ride and couldn’t agree more with your review. Hopefully BMW will listen and make some necessary changes on the next update and maybe take some kilos off as well.
I would think the biggest mistake BMW made with this model is not hiring a Harley-Davidson rider to critique it before it went into production. They would’ve probably (definitely) learned a “few” things about the “cruiser population”. (wants, desires, necessities, etc.)
Great review..!! 👍👍
Well said. A cruiser should have forward controls or highway pegs.
Should've put a fat balloon tyre on the front too! (Triumph also made that mistake with their first gen bobber)! I think I'd prefer the Rocket 3 over this bike. There's too many short falls that you can not say are "characteristic"!
Rocket headlights are hideous rest is great.
Regarding turn signals self canceling, they turn off:
Speed below 30 km/h: after 50 m distance covered.
Speed between 30 km/h and 100 km/h:
after a speed-dependent distance covered or in case of acceleration.
Speed over 100 km/h: after flashing five
times.
If the button is pressed to the right or left
slightly longer, the turn indicators only switch off automatically once the speed dependent distance covered is reached or manually.
Your review helped me decide to buy a new 2021 R18 First Edition today. Thanks for a great review.
Great informative review. I sat on my first R18 on the weekend and thought wow what a quality machine. But the first thing you notice as a cruiser is those flat bars. You have to reach forward in a way I don't have to on my Indian Springfield. Weight it is weird. This felt really heavy and yet my Springfield which much heavier at 365 kg or add another 55 pounds when the top box is on feels better balanced and manageable. The proof in what I am saying is I can manage perfectly well with out a reverse gear. I love BMW. I own an R1200R classic as well. And it has great touring bags ESA etc and a damn fuel guage! I would not buy a bike that doesn't have a fuel guage. My bike I don't want some stupid electro bubble telling me when to fill. Because in Australia we don't have fuel stations every 200 k. My son's Ducati is the same and it's a damn nuisance. Love love the bike. But I will stick with the Springfield thanks. A far far more competent tourer and it goes well and sounds fabulous. But the R1200R unquestionably with telelever has by far the best most versatile suspension ever invented. All cruisers are rubbish in comparison.
Nice to hear an honest review. 👍
FYI Cruise control is available as an option.
Funnily enough, the lockable filler cap is also an option you have to buy.
Aftermarket or OEM BMW fitted as I have been told otherwise.
Good review. Hmm I think I will stick to my Springfield. Still has brilliant naked looks. Has a fuel guage! heated grips and seat and doesn't need reverse as ergonomics are much better. And it sounds magnificent standard. The indicator issue would drive me up the wall. My other bike a BMW is perfect comparatively.
wait name me a softtail slim that has reverse and cornering headlight and riding modes
Refreshing to see a truly critical review.
A cruiser in the America sense, is vehicle that is meant to be ridden/driven slowly alomg the main road through town in order to be seen and (hopefully) attract the attention and intrest of a potential mate (if even just for the evening). Setting a cruise control for long-distance riding is not at all condusive to cruising.
I love these!
I test one rode yesterday. Cruise control is an option as is a host of other features. no fuel gauge is a bit NAF, however I think you're nit picking as these "complaints" are more than overshadowed by just how damn cool it is to ride..
Truly surprised at how BMW would release a bike with so many "small thing" issues ...
best mc-review i heard...
I cannot say enough good things about my R18 and it’s so much fun to ride and better in every way than the new Harley I also bought this year
it really is a lot of fun to ride!!
Nice, honest review!
What a perfect verdict...I think this verdict should be taken seriously by BMW...I agree with it every bit!
Thank You,Sir. The cylinders and pipes look grotesque.
If the self canceling indicator are like the S1000RR, then If you long press the turn signal button it only cancel much much later
I would love to see the R2 styling on an R80 ..55 hp / 50 miles to a us regular gal (200+ range on the tank) good suspention 450 pounds .Basically an R69s in an 800 CC modern bike .. A modern version of the Earles fork ... A bike taken from BMW's history that would fill the everyday use of a simple bike in the complicated world we are living in ..
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 300kg wet weight) I tried a HD Fat Bob 114 and my Guzzi accelerate better turns better and brakes better then the HD. I recon this 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!! And if you Guys gonna do a group test make sure you take the Moto Guzzi California Audace 1400(it rides and have a ground clearance similar to a XjR1300) / Eldorado!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!
This is a real honest review, subscribed
How does it compare against a BMW R1200C ?
Other reviews I've watched does have cruise control. To not mention it is available seems like an oversight to me and we expect better from MCN.
Great review! Didn't really have room in the garage for 1 more anyway. Also, I'm pretty tall and worried about setting position.
The R18 concept was a cool art deco modern retro beauty. This bike is just banal. The Softail Slim is way cooler, better and cheaper than this final version of the R18. I was waiting for the R18, but they stepped way too much from the concept bike. The Slim is the winner for me, and I will save 3000 euros.
Sorrz for offtopic question - what gear you are wearing? like the jacket :)
Excellent review!
do all r18 models have the reverse gear?
Thanks for another great video! I'm scheduled to do a video on this bike for my channel (jaysbigadventure) as soon as the snow clears here in Salt Lake City, UT. We have some of the most spectacular roads in the whole US here - and I plan on exploring a bunch of them! Not sure this is going to go better than the R1200C did in the early 2000s, but I'm eager to find out...
Great review. Like this chap...👍
We won’t bother watching you ride it then ☹️
Great looking bike but the lack of forward controls or highway pegs discounts it for me and probably quite a few others in the age range of potential buyers. Reverse gear would be good though.
I don't like cruisers at all but holy damn this thing is breathtaking.
That keyfob is for the BMW cars
Good honest review.
self cancelling indicators lol. I had them on my 1979 Suzuki lol. How is the engine heat on your legs?
Such a good review
Its ART!!!❤❤❤❤
That's one that should have stayed on the drawing board.
£19k OTR, that's not far off Triumph Rocket 3 money, a bike with quite a bit less weight and way more power and torque.
MCN review: I cant hear my bike, I know the date but I don't know the time.
Or how much fuel I have left.
@@davidholt4216 on that massive engine... but maybe not massive for BMW?
If you've also ridden the old R1200C / R1200CL - how does it compare?
I've ridden both, but the R1200C was many years ago.
The lasting memory of the 1200C was that it was a lovely cruiser let down by the way BMW had set up the fueling/ignition to try and mimic a Harley. They deliberately made it lumpy at low revs to feel a bit like a big 45 degree V twin, the catch being that the 1200C didn't smooth out until about 80 in top whereas the HDs of the time were smooth at typical cruising speeds. My dealer at the time pointed out that if I wanted to cruise, I ought to buy the R1150R, not the 1200C. Other than that characteristic the 1200C was a perfectly nice boxer of the time, but wasn't ideal for cruising.
The R18 is also flawed as a cruiser, but not in the same way. The engine is a delight at lower revs, but horribly vibey and coarse above 3,000rpm. The chassis is good but the suspension is firm so, as the review highlights it needs to be ridden quite hard. However when you ride it quite hard the engine isn't great, and I, for one, don't want a cruiser that I can't cruise on.
If you were to short shift below 3,000rpm all the time, an R1200C with an R18 would be very nice bike.
It needs a bigger gas tank. You ride until the reserve needs to be kicked in. It needs to be like my R/51/3. It had a reserve switch. It also needs to have stylish full fenders on it . Some bags , and Vance & Hines pipes, and a custom Mustang seat for riding comfort. I'd even love the golf ball turn signals on it that my R/51 had. Either the R & D department will add these features to it or you will find in the not too distant future , a catalog of Aftermarket strictly for this R/18 so a person can "personalize it." BMW used to have a reputation for being the Rolls Royce of motorcycles. They have obviously lost their first love. It's not only about the R/18, but you immediately have to add a bunch of stuff on a GS too if that's what you bought. Stuff that's a no brainers to have on it when you first purchase it. I think you and I are on the same page when I say this.
Looks great ......
Wish BMW all look in a world how a engineer could design a new motorcycle with tube type tires apples me also hope fairing is available cannot go long distance without some wind protection
Function following form by quite some distance. Each to thier own but I really can't see the point in having a bike that performs so badly by all the normal measures.
how does this bike compare to the r9t?
When I get too old to ride 2 wheels or decide I need a sidecar this may become my choice.
The BMW S1000RR has cruise control, but not their flagship R18 cruiser? It's like fitting supersports mode to a Harley..
Ok review. But would of been better if you put some clips up of the exust sounds in different modes of riding to explane You issue with the exust sound. Has the bike been fully bed in including the Exust??. Personally I took out R18 bagger and yes it’s a bit different to the classic But really enjoyed her even in situations that I thought she wouldn’t do well or out of her comfort zone. Maybe it’s down to Ridding Style. The exust sound sounded good even in comparison with my shotgun exust on my K1600GA witch I love. But if it came an issue I could always swap exhausts. Over watching and reading many reviews it seems you iver love it or Grow to love it OR NOT. So I’ve ended up swapping my K1600GA for a R18 Continental. I compared HD equivalent Bike at the closes spec and it was way more expensive over £10000 more expensive and that was missing some things like a premium paint job. Maybe it would be interesting to see what you say about the other models in the range especially since the continental and bagger have a better suspension and frame along with a lot more tech.
I think, you are not ready for a Boxer🤔...😉
Thanks.
At 6'4 tall I spent the whole test ride I craving forward controls, instead I just got bruised shins. 😭
You said it cruiser that does not have cruise control? 20k bike? No fuel gauge? Too low little travel in the back...too quiet...Well I rather buy HD heritage classic with more torque and killer looks.I think BMW was sort of confused what kind of bike this was supposed to be...Its not a cruiser and its not a standard naked.I wonder who they were aiming this bike to.
Yammie Noon reviewed this bike. He basically said its for boomers. I'm not even sure if boomers would want this.
I like it but after i saw the r18 hommage, original engine +compressor, 40hp,i like that better. The engine is fully exposed and the looks just a little better. A 450_700cc in an oversized frame with 45-65hp would be ok if only it looks like that
Nice review sir. Thanks
It does have cruise control, I saw it on the configurator it’s an extra
Some have the Dynamic Cruise control to which maintains a distance -it works really well too!
change exhaust and its beast but we need that auto cruiser
What about being a future or even an immediate classic , and the investment potential ...hmm
Thanks: finally a decently thorough review of this beast. So far everyone else seems too easily impressed because of its looks, which I agree are good. It was helpful to state the reviewer’s height (5’6”), crucial when locked into knees-at-right-angles and a super low-slung seat. Even so, the reviewer looked like he was about to slide off the rear of the saddle: imagine that while trying to appreciate the well-advertised torque. And no fuel gage, really? Would have liked to know the rake; looked to be in the low 30s, which would be typical for a cruiser, but typically ungainly in cornering for such a heavy bike. This bike looks like a concept doodle from a kid in grammar school - (remember, I said I liked it, but on paper only) - a motorcyle akin to Peter Fonda’s Captain America bike in Easy Rider, or the “Cholo” machines in Southern California, all outlandishly styled bikes, ape hangers you can do pull-ups on, fishtails almost IN the sea, sissy bars a mile high, etc., etc., etc.: but how, and where, are you really going to ride them, other than in your imagination?
No fuel gauge, no cruise control, but traction control off button??? makes no sense on a cruiser!
I hope the design & marketing department are listening,
as the management will soon note the limited sales....
The BMW 1000 RR has cruise control & this doesn't ?????
Everytime I click on a MCN video, I secretly hope Neveseey is there
You just don’t understand BMW turn signals. Slow speed they are what you expect. > 100 kph they go into highway mode for quick lane changes. If exiting at >100 kph, push turn indicator control twice for standard turn signal delay. FYI.
I had one of these as a loaner recently while my 9T was in for a service and I agree with most of what was said here. The bike definitely wants to be ridden hard and seems to encourage you to ride that way. Really huge fun right up till you get to a series of tighter bends when it's shocking ground clearance becomes an issue and really does spoil the party. People say to me "it's a cruiser not a sports bike, what do you expect" Well I expect it to out corner my twenty year old Guzzi California which it doesn't. Not even close. However much ground my Guzzi lost to the beemer in a straight line, once the roads got twisty it would catch up and sail past, up till the roads got straight again of course, at which point the BMW says bye bye as it takes off like a cat with its arse on fire. Massive fun in "rock" mode. Cruise control? Never had it, don't care and I didn't have an issue with weight, although I only did 100 miles on it on open roads. It passed the coffee shop "park & pose" test with aplomb and even stopped a couple of old ladies in their tracks. The sticking point is of course the price and it hasn't sold well, meaning depreciation is going to be worse than usual. I feel like this bike will end up going the same way as their previous cruisers the R1200C / CL which would be a shame because this is at least a decent bike with just a few refinements needed to make it excellent.
Okay so it’s not perfect. Personally I think it’s a really cool bike . Hopefully BMW will correct the few issues the reviewer mentioned.
Overall though I would definitely consider it . I’ve owned a Harley and it had a few issues that should have been covered under warranty. I paid over $25,000 for it . However I could not find a dealer including where I purchased it to do the warranty work. So I purchased the parts and did it myself.
Also I should say I attempted several times to contact Harley Davidson hoping they would contact a local dealer and advise them to do the work.
No luck with that either I would leave messages that were never returned.
I’m guessing BMW hopefully has better customer support then what I experienced with Harley Davidson. I’m sure there are good dealerships out there but it was a major turn off .
Ridden it, loved it @threesixmoto
What a clown. It doesnt have cruise control so its not a cruiser? Nonsense.
vs R1250RT?
This type of bike doesn't need a lot of tech but no cruise control is BS. And boxer engines make 0 sense on a bike like this for taller riders who need mid- or forward controls. And the for the price, you're better off with a an already overpriced Harley.
345 kg. 760 pounds. Crazy weight. He had problems downshifting. No fuel gauge. No cruise control. Suspension bangs and bottoms. Fob won’t work sometimes. Self cancelling signal issue. What a major fail. The BMW guys who approved this should be fired.
Its perfect....😊...and..no Harley...again..
Its looks alright
Only thing missing is shots of you actually riding the damn thing, but good review nonetheless. More need to be as honest and precise as this review.