Two COMPLETELY different bikes. I bought the R18 because of the fact it’s exactly not a sports bike. I didn’t want the would be “sports bike keeper upper”! If I wanted that I’d have kept my S1000RR. Aesthetically the BM runs rings around the Rocket! Subjective? Of course. The looks, the positive comments from Harley & Indian riders, only cemented my decision. Not that I needed their input anyway. Yes cruise would’ve been great, but definitely not a deal breaker. Owning 2 boxers already the seating position to me is “toilet” normal!😂 Yes ride is firm. It handles,surprisingly nimble through the twisties & yes it stops! Hence why I tried the Rocket & bought the R18. Cheers from Australia where the autumn weather, constantly around 25-27C is a helluva lot better than the Midlands!🥶🤪🤣👍🏼😎🇦🇺
I bought the R18, i like the rocket too....its a personal choice but i think you missed a couple of points. The R18 first addition is a cruiser not a tourer and you perhaps don’t appreciate the simplistic detail of the bike. If you want an all singing and dancing bike with lots of spec numbers to quote then the rocket is for you, i think it’ll date though. Kind regards.
With respect and notable playful language, you’re out of your fucking mind. I love triumph. In fact I was going to buy one. But I test drive the R18. End of story. I love ya brother, I get you’re a biker and that is great. But I’m going to have to disagree with you hard on this one. The R18 is just an amazing creation. I bought one, after I read your review. I’m nota wealthy man. I saved for years. I paid cash. This wasn’t a trivial purchase. It was very hard. Based on this review I thought I would but a rocket 3. But when I auditioned them (from the same dealership) there was simply no comparison. The R 18 is simply in a different class. I bought it, I paid cash, it was a years long saving effort and I couldn’t be happier.
Two years on, having seen the Rocket3 in person and owning an R18 you can’t compare them, at all. Totally different rides and of course looks. A fairer comparison if you must would be the Harley Softail Standard.
I am a full on sport bike rider (I race a Gixxer thou and have a Panigale S for weekends - I'm also bloody 49!!), but I'd have the Rocket in a heartbeat, and still thinking of where I can squeeze one in. Pictures do not do this bike justice in any way, shape or form, because even just sat motionless (at the last NEC bike show: remember them?), it just made you laugh looking at it! Beemer has a charm, but not even a question in my mind!
Love BMW’s (own a 2020 GSA) and love the R18’s style but yeah, that R3 would be a hoot, have ridden one and loved it but my GSA just had that practicality and suspension travel I needed, so I went with it. I came off of a Road King and was going to go to the far superior Indian Springfield Dark Horse but I looked at lots of options before I took the leap. People citing this review as unfair or wrong, don’t understand those of us who do like to cross shop various bikes to seek out the most enjoyable and useful.
Not really a fair fight 😂 In reality the R18 isn't a direct competitor to the R 3 so not sure why you try to compare them, the R18's competition are Harleys etc where as the R3 only really has the Diavel to compete against.
I like it. The rocket 3 is a nice bike but I think I'd keep my license a lot longer on the R 18 plus it has better looks, oozes class and is not made in Taiwan. Personally I'd go for the classic version with more fruit as standard.
@@danconnolly2341 Depends on what hemisphere you live in I think. I have no qualms with multi national manufacturing however if claims are made to be from the country of origin, ie England, then it would be good if it were true. I went out and bought an R18 last Xmas. Bloody good bike, no major complaints. Have done 26,000 kms on it in 10 months. The pipes I still wouldn't change, I still like them.. My opening comment still stands. Although my bike is manufactured in Germany if you took the Asian parts off it it wouldn't run. It appears to be a sign of the times unfortunately..
I like the looks of both R18 and the Rocket 3. If I did have a spare £20K would I have either ? Yes, maybe the Rocket 3. I did have a test ride on one, I also realise that it'd have to be a second or third bike , and number 1 or 2 bike (both around 200 Kg) would get ridden a lot more . I guess for me, they're just both too heavy. Mind you I did feel like Judge Dredd or Batman when riding a Rocket 3 , so just maybe . Lottery win withstanding !
@@andrewd7586 nope. Just after riding so many bikes over the years and admittedly only sitting on it at the dealership I find myself concerned about the lack of the ability to adjust to different positions on long rides. The majority of my riding has been with floorboards and I’ve found the ability to have options when packing on miles makes a huge difference for me
Well said about Rocket 3 and the right pick In my opinion .... seems like BMW were too much focused on creating a Harley softail competitor that they missed the mark in general .
I disagree with the new classic, it's a great bike, what they missed is the ability to tune the engine and pipes for launch. With 110 bhp and pipes available I wolud have taken it over the harley to go with my GSA and classics
There is the answer is my Moto Guzzi California Audace 1400. Less torque but more power and less weight 40kg so plus pegs are higher so you can properly have fun in the twists and now you can pick one up with low miles for half the price! Oh and it has epick brakes radial 320mm brembos up front from the rsv4 3 power maps sport tourer and rain plus cruise control. If you want to do a compere video one day give me a shout once it will be safe to do so :)
It's a gorgeous motorcycle until you get to the exhaust coming off the side. It seems atrocious and ugly to me. Thank you for a wonderful review. It was rather enjoyable.
Its like you said a cruiser..91bhp is perfect for cruising but tbe price...is way to much as well as the feet location. Lastly cruise control is not needed 5 of my bikes dont have it and the other 2 thst do , i dont even use it.
Harley needs to bring back the V-Rod ASAP,. That said, the Rocket is a power cruiser, the BMW isn’t. And also the new Rocket doesn’t appeal to the same customers as the previous Rocket, that one was a huge engine in a classic styled motorbike, and customers looking for more of the same should like the R18, since the new Rocket isn’t classic at all and competes with the modern looking Ducati Diavel instead.
I don’t really understand why R18 exists. For the classic cruiser crowd, what would the appeal be here over a Harley or an Indian? There is nothing that stands out, other than the engine sticking out the sides and the anemic sound. It doesn’t handle better, go faster, or cost less than a Softail or the new Chief. For the power cruiser buyer, Rocket 3 and XDiavel eat this for lunch. When Ducati introduced the Diavel, even though it was not my cup of tea, it was different enough, very good in certain aspects, and very Ducati. It made sense. This is just another wannabe HD, in 2020s when the segment is slowly going away to begin with.
I don't get the point of the R18. It's a cruiser without the cruiser seating style. It's a classic bike without the handling. And it's a naked bike without the sportiness. Why would anyone blow £19,000 on this? For that money, you can get Actually good bikes. Hell, you can get 2 decent bikes.
That's a bad comparsion. It's like comparing a Rolls Royce with a Lamborgini. Of course the Lamborgini is faster, but the Rolls Royce has much more style!
The Triumph is incredibly ugly though... not even a fan of cruisers at all, so both of these are a no for me. But the BMW is beautiful, and more importantly the point of a cruiser is to cruise. That Triumph is trying too much and looks awful, keep up with nakeds? Then get a naked bike. If you like a cruiser, go for the BMW imo.
I think I know just a little more than I want about you after watching this. I agree though that it is a nice looking bike, but I would buy something else.
@@AndyBondo Nothing weird at all go to 2:16 and pause. Somewhere between 2:16 and 2:17 you will see the driveshaft fully exposed. Imagine flowing down a highway and a shoe string or any loose article attached to your body wrapping itself around that turning shaft.
Man no need to be personal grow up. I ride real touring bikes. Nothing sissy at all about me. See how that works. We can agree to disagree without being disrespectful. That’s what MEN DO
![[Part 1] ทารกน้อยถูกทิ้ง👶 หญิงชราเก็บขวดขายเลี้ยงดูเขาจนโต #โลกการละคร](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nPTDvFCExks/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks, great summary, I test rode both and bought the rocket R, best of both worlds !
Great review, as always. Don’t think I’d ever own either, but I’m really glad they exist.
Two COMPLETELY different bikes. I bought the R18 because of the fact it’s exactly not a sports bike. I didn’t want the would be “sports bike keeper upper”! If I wanted that I’d have kept my S1000RR. Aesthetically the BM runs rings around the Rocket! Subjective? Of course. The looks, the positive comments from Harley & Indian riders, only cemented my decision. Not that I needed their input anyway. Yes cruise would’ve been great, but definitely not a deal breaker. Owning 2 boxers already the seating position to me is “toilet” normal!😂 Yes ride is firm. It handles,surprisingly nimble through the twisties & yes it stops! Hence why I tried the Rocket & bought the R18. Cheers from Australia where the autumn weather, constantly around 25-27C is a helluva lot better than the Midlands!🥶🤪🤣👍🏼😎🇦🇺
"that's because I have a very high protein diet"😂😂
Guess we now know why toilet paper was so hard to find during the pandemic.
I bought the R18, i like the rocket too....its a personal choice but i think you missed a couple of points. The R18 first addition is a cruiser not a tourer and you perhaps don’t appreciate the simplistic detail of the bike. If you want an all singing and dancing bike with lots of spec numbers to quote then the rocket is for you, i think it’ll date though. Kind regards.
G'day From Australia. 😎👍
With respect and notable playful language, you’re out of your fucking mind. I love triumph. In fact I was going to buy one. But I test drive the R18. End of story. I love ya brother, I get you’re a biker and that is great. But I’m going to have to disagree with you hard on this one. The R18 is just an amazing creation. I bought one, after I read your review. I’m nota wealthy man. I saved for years. I paid cash. This wasn’t a trivial purchase. It was very hard. Based on this review I thought I would but a rocket 3. But when I auditioned them (from the same dealership) there was simply no comparison. The R 18 is simply in a different class. I bought it, I paid cash, it was a years long saving effort and I couldn’t be happier.
👍
As thick as the Nutella on a fat kids toast - hilarious
I was comparing and contemplating for a few years and almost gave up. But just. Month back I am so glad I bought the bmw r18. Love it.
Two years on, having seen the Rocket3 in person and owning an R18 you can’t compare them, at all. Totally different rides and of course looks. A fairer comparison if you must would be the Harley Softail Standard.
agree, why is the Triumph here
Mr. Toad finally reviews a bike he can flat foot.
I kid. There are some great lines in this review. I particularly enjoyed the Genesis reunion tour.
It is a rare occurrence indeed! Thanks for watching Jeff! :)
I am a full on sport bike rider (I race a Gixxer thou and have a Panigale S for weekends - I'm also bloody 49!!), but I'd have the Rocket in a heartbeat, and still thinking of where I can squeeze one in. Pictures do not do this bike justice in any way, shape or form, because even just sat motionless (at the last NEC bike show: remember them?), it just made you laugh looking at it! Beemer has a charm, but not even a question in my mind!
Love BMW’s (own a 2020 GSA) and love the R18’s style but yeah, that R3 would be a hoot, have ridden one and loved it but my GSA just had that practicality and suspension travel I needed, so I went with it. I came off of a Road King and was going to go to the far superior Indian Springfield Dark Horse but I looked at lots of options before I took the leap.
People citing this review as unfair or wrong, don’t understand those of us who do like to cross shop various bikes to seek out the most enjoyable and useful.
I believe cruise control is an option, but standard on the R18 Classic.
Not really a fair fight 😂 In reality the R18 isn't a direct competitor to the R 3 so not sure why you try to compare them, the R18's competition are Harleys etc where as the R3 only really has the Diavel to compete against.
Great review. Very informative. Well done.
Beautiful Bike the R18 and good Price for the Quality you get
I like it. The rocket 3 is a nice bike but I think I'd keep my license a lot longer on the R 18 plus it has better looks, oozes class and is not made in Taiwan. Personally I'd go for the classic version with more fruit as standard.
I think the Rocket 3 is still made in Hinkley in the UK.
And I find the stock BMW pipes to be god awful looking myself. I will stick with my Thunderbird Storm in Lava Red Thank you very much.
@@danconnolly2341 Depends on what hemisphere you live in I think. I have no qualms with multi national manufacturing however if claims are made to be from the country of origin, ie England, then it would be good if it were true. I went out and bought an R18 last Xmas. Bloody good bike, no major complaints. Have done 26,000 kms on it in 10 months. The pipes I still wouldn't change, I still like them.. My opening comment still stands. Although my bike is manufactured in Germany if you took the Asian parts off it it wouldn't run. It appears to be a sign of the times unfortunately..
I like the looks of both R18 and the Rocket 3. If I did have a spare £20K would I have either ? Yes, maybe the Rocket 3. I did have a test ride on one, I also realise that it'd have to be a second or third bike , and number 1 or 2 bike (both around 200 Kg) would get ridden a lot more . I guess for me, they're just both too heavy. Mind you I did feel like Judge Dredd or Batman when riding a Rocket 3 , so just maybe . Lottery win withstanding !
Finally someone called out the seating position
Have you ridden one?
@@andrewd7586 nope. Just after riding so many bikes over the years and admittedly only sitting on it at the dealership I find myself concerned about the lack of the ability to adjust to different positions on long rides. The majority of my riding has been with floorboards and I’ve found the ability to have options when packing on miles makes a huge difference for me
Riding position Works .it's all in the head.
No cruise control and no fuel gauge on something so expensive!
Well said about Rocket 3 and the right pick In my opinion .... seems like BMW were too much focused on creating a Harley softail competitor that they missed the mark in general .
I disagree with the new classic, it's a great bike, what they missed is the ability to tune the engine and pipes for launch. With 110 bhp and pipes available I wolud have taken it over the harley to go with my GSA and classics
Boxer Harley. Yeah . Nothing like the R5 BMW . . You sure know ya bikes .
There is the answer is my Moto Guzzi California Audace 1400. Less torque but more power and less weight 40kg so plus pegs are higher so you can properly have fun in the twists and now you can pick one up with low miles for half the price! Oh and it has epick brakes radial 320mm brembos up front from the rsv4 3 power maps sport tourer and rain plus cruise control. If you want to do a compere video one day give me a shout once it will be safe to do so :)
It's a gorgeous motorcycle until you get to the exhaust coming off the side. It seems atrocious and ugly to me. Thank you for a wonderful review. It was rather enjoyable.
Sounds like a serious limitation.
Don't buy it . Sounds complicated.
Its like you said a cruiser..91bhp is perfect for cruising but tbe price...is way to much as well as the feet location. Lastly cruise control is not needed 5 of my bikes dont have it and the other 2 thst do , i dont even use it.
A fine job there Toad, as always. I completely disagree with you but who cares!
I love love mine.. so much fun
Really no cruise control... what a bummer and miss 😬
in Europe it has cruise control :D
Harley needs to bring back the V-Rod ASAP,. That said, the Rocket is a power cruiser, the BMW isn’t. And also the new Rocket doesn’t appeal to the same customers as the previous Rocket, that one was a huge engine in a classic styled motorbike, and customers looking for more of the same should like the R18, since the new Rocket isn’t classic at all and competes with the modern looking Ducati Diavel instead.
Just tought the same before you showed the Rocket.. :D :D :D :D
defo R3 all day
I don’t really understand why R18 exists. For the classic cruiser crowd, what would the appeal be here over a Harley or an Indian? There is nothing that stands out, other than the engine sticking out the sides and the anemic sound. It doesn’t handle better, go faster, or cost less than a Softail or the new Chief. For the power cruiser buyer, Rocket 3 and XDiavel eat this for lunch.
When Ducati introduced the Diavel, even though it was not my cup of tea, it was different enough, very good in certain aspects, and very Ducati. It made sense. This is just another wannabe HD, in 2020s when the segment is slowly going away to begin with.
I don't get the point of the R18. It's a cruiser without the cruiser seating style. It's a classic bike without the handling. And it's a naked bike without the sportiness. Why would anyone blow £19,000 on this? For that money, you can get Actually good bikes. Hell, you can get 2 decent bikes.
Pricing at £19k still cheaper than HD ... more reliable , more HP and lighter weight .
The best cruisers with all kind ability : Ducati XDiavel
I was wondering what if the Diavel was in the mix too ...
5k more than the direct competitor actually
Think I’d rather by the real thing, a HD. The end. That Rocket is a much better bet in every measure really.
Having seen one in person I’ve changed my mind. R18 is a stunner. Performance isn’t everything. Rocket is amazing but not the same type of bike.
It is not genuine retro ...... they had more sense than to make such a ridiculous bikes in those days.
Good review but the video was unnecessarily over-exposed
.
£20,000?
£19 odd for the stocker and just under £21 for the first edition I rode...
That's a bad comparsion. It's like comparing a Rolls Royce with a Lamborgini. Of course the Lamborgini is faster, but the Rolls Royce has much more style!
The Triumph is incredibly ugly though... not even a fan of cruisers at all, so both of these are a no for me. But the BMW is beautiful, and more importantly the point of a cruiser is to cruise. That Triumph is trying too much and looks awful, keep up with nakeds? Then get a naked bike. If you like a cruiser, go for the BMW imo.
I think I know just a little more than I want about you after watching this. I agree though that it is a nice looking bike, but I would buy something else.
It looks too much like a Kawasaki Vulcan. I’d prefer it if it stuck to the original RS 1 design.
First edition and hopefully last edition.
Triumph all day
YUK
Sounds like grandmas sewing machine nein nein nein !!! niemals never ever....
Really didn't need to hear about your "really high protein diet" and affinity for long sessions on the toilet.
Exposed drive shaft. I can think of all the things that can go wrong with that. Not pretty
Weird comment
@@AndyBondo Nothing weird at all go to 2:16 and pause. Somewhere between 2:16 and 2:17 you will see the driveshaft fully exposed. Imagine flowing down a highway and a shoe string or any loose article attached to your body wrapping itself around that turning shaft.
Man no need to be personal grow up. I ride real touring bikes. Nothing sissy at all about me. See how that works.
We can agree to disagree without being disrespectful. That’s what MEN DO
@@anthonywing-man1450 Sweat as bro. Learn to tie up ya shoe laces, you'll be ready for the world of the R18 . Lol 😅👍