BMW R18 First Edition Review & Road Test
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- čas přidán 22. 11. 2020
- BMW R18 First Edition Review & Road Test - Here I try out the latest bike from the German manufacturer that is taking them in a different direction and into the cruiser world. I see whether it is the kind of bike that would suit my riding style and habits and whether it can compete with existing cruiser brands.
#RevelatorAlf #BMWMotorrad #BMWR18FirstEdition
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Very good and sensible review, well done. 👍
Well Mr RA am i glad to see you on this and what a lovely job you’ve made of it sir. My R18 arrives in approx 3 weeks, ive been watching the development of this stunning machine since its conception. I was a Harley rider-disgruntled by back up and service but i also ride a large BMW 1250 which i tour on. The other thing this bike offers is that unrivalled 3 year no quibbles warranty, breakdown etc etc. So the bikes appeal goes to a bmw and a Harley rider....I absolutely love the way this machine rides and the way it makes you relax down and enjoy the ride. Thanks a lot and kind regards.
Oh wow. I’m sure you’ll love having it too. Cheers
Great review!
Thanks so much
A beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery
Had mine a year now. Love it. I think it’s going to age very well (styling wise). Regarding who’s the target ? Well, I’ve had Harleys before and wasn’t particularly a BMW fanboy. However, I just love how this looks, it’s unique. Top notch build quality. The view from the saddle is just out of this world. Not an everyday bike. Rock mode is the one to use, it really makes the bike feel alive. Shame you didn’t get the chance to get out of rain mode more, huge difference.
Cracking review alf . Looks a whole lot of bike . Agree could do with cruise .styling is spot on .added with bmw reliabilty they could be onto a winner .lot better effort than the last time they tried the cruiser market .thanks for a great honest review
Thanks so much
Excellent review. Pity about the weather, I imagine cleaning it will be a bit of a chore.
Thank you.yes I can imagine
Great review :)
I tesr rode the R18 in the rain too :)
Great bike but heavy for me at slow control
Thanks so much. Yes would've been nice in the dry. Cheers
Beautiful bike, had a R90-RS in the 80's and it was a blast to ride, don't like the look of the exhaust though.
I had a sit on one at Cotswold Motorrad just before lockdown 2. I like the looks of it apart from the exhausts. (They look as if something has blocked the ends and they've expanded).
Also as someone mentioned earlier, the footpeg position is not exactly cruiserish unless you rest your heels on the pots as I used to do with my old GS. I would want to stretch my legs out with my dodgy knees! Good review though, shame about the weather.
Thanks Simon. Yes that exhaust is a bit Art Deco I must say
Very good job with this bike, BMW throw very good bike on the market, something to seriously consider one day, like a second bike next to HD or vice versa.
Yes it's really nice ride
I bought one to be picked up next week. Nice addition to my HD Heritage Softail. It was a toss-up between the R18 and a Fatboy for cruising and the R18 is so much better built - riding modes, traction control etc.. I will add a small luggage rack whenever they 'll be available.
Yep I doubt you be disappointed. Great bike really
Toss up choice. Fat Boy got more power, lighter, bigger tank, gas gauge, and oodles and oodles of aftermarket choices.
Great review. What are you thoughts on this, vs yiur harley? Pros and cons? Thank you!
Thanks. Definitely smoother than Harleys and more tech as standard but is expensive and limited options I would say Harleys are still the better overall option. Cheers
@Trevor Johnson you need to read carefully exactly what I wrote
Good video. When accelerating, does the rear of the bike lift like the older beemers?
Not that I noticed. It was a great all around ride actually
That was with bikes from decades ago. Paralever solved that.
Alf,
Having traded my beloved R nine T just because it had spoked wheels (I can no longer see the need, due to the hassle when the tube is punctured) I would seriously consider the R18 if cast wheels/tubeless tire was an option. The Triumph Street Teasily
Yes me too. Can’t say I’m a fan at all really
Very cool bike but that exposed drive shaft makes me a little nervous, what happens if u have a boot lace come undone or anything loose gets wrapped up?
That’s a great point actually. Just have to do double knots on laces I suppose. Cheers
scratched head an yes need it without a second thought
Dyno shows 81HP, 103TQ, meaning this bike beats Indian's TS111 at 75hp 100TQ and slightly up with the 107 M8 at 81HP and 98.5TQ. Pretty good.
I just wish it wasnt so damn expensive and heavy. 761lbs makes your Sport Glide look like a lightweight.
Yes but interestingly it certainly doesn't feel heavy at all
Not much more than a H-D Fat Boy, I would consider it for sure as I used to have an older boxer.
OK if you don't mind looking like a right twa*
Ha ha speak for yourself
Well now you have to ride my Audace to see how an Italian transverse twin with shaft drive handles and rides! But be worn cause you will want one!
We shall do it. Can't wait
@@RevelatorAlf as an ex BMW R1100S owner I am very happy to see this motorcycle on the road! And as a Big Block Moto Guzzi owner I must say there is a lot of joy coming from owing a unique motorcycle. And I think the R18 will be that. I don't think ot will pull away that many HD riders but people who consider an Indain or alredy ride a Japanese cruiser will probably be more interested in it.
How is leg position?
I thought it was fine
Stopped video to make popcorn.
Okay ready for the show now.
I bet on a dry day in that rock mode, it'd throw you back.
I wasn't sure it would sell here, but they've been doing well here in the home of HD.
I bet
It's a great looking bike but how comfortable would it be over long distances seeing as you can't stretch your legs out. I think that this bike will appeal to the hipsters, as for cruiser riders if they were to leave harley I think they'd go for an Indian (not the curry) but that's just an opinion, purple like to change their bikes and you are limited with this one. It is a lot of money for a bike but harley and Indian owners know that already, but it certainly says something when the petrol cap is an optional extra to get the one that you can lock. I think this bike is a bit marmite, people are going to love it or hate it, personally from the side I think it looks great, I love the look of the shaft drive, it actually looks like it's something custom made when you see it up close. But the size of the engine, it's masssiiiiiiive, it wouldn't look out of place on a stuka dive bomber 😂 😂. Great review as always Alf, good stuff.
Ha ha yes it is very odd looking from the front for sure and not too keen on the exhaust either. Cheers
I ride a 2009 RT for reference. This bike has been divisive in the BMW community. Either people love it or hate it. The haters say it's a harley copy, but these folks are ignoramuses. This looks like an old fashioned R bike. The DNA is there, but these folks are newer owners that are used to the Tupperware BMWs. The people that love it understand this. I didn't like it at first as the specs are a little raw, meaning heavier, rear suspension travel isn't much, but it's grown on me. I don't like the pipes though. I'd test ride one, but I suspect that at 6'5, it might be tight. They came out with a Heritage like bagger version with bags, a windscreen and floorboards. The model you have, It's probably a little cheaper in the states. I've seen them in the 22k range. BMWs are expensive too, but they put the money in functionality. Surprised the braking isn't better. The brakes on my RT are brilliant. Better than anything on a HD or Indian, especially on bad surfaces. Will it be successful? IDK. They have accessories and that catalog is growing. I'd only get one of these if I rode it and thought I could make the ergos work. I'd have to get the one with the bags and windscreen. BTW, Brent Tuning is working on tunes for this bike. They do tunes for other BMWs. I know with the K1600 they get 150's HP and 130's torque at the rear wheel with just a tune on the K bike. Think of the money you have to spend on a HD to get those levels and the K bike is lighter, handles better and stops better. Just saying. BMW tends to put the $$$ into function. With the R18, the also went with design too.
Yes for sure. I intimated the styling influences of the past bikes which are clearly visible. Cheers
@@RevelatorAlf Yeah, I know. I was talking about BMW owners. Some just don't get it and I am surprised. The R18 is unmistakeably BMW.
Must be me. But I think it is one of the most ugliest bikes I have ever seen, It's up there with the Ariel 3, (look that one up everyone) Like most B.M.W,s and I speak from experience it will not be that reliable. + when it does go wrong WOW the price of parts and servicing, But then again if you can afford that price for a bike, maybe the running/maintenance costs will not bother you.
Yes that’s for sure
@@RevelatorAlf Hi Alf, perhaps it would help those people considering buying a bike you are reviewing to quote the dealer standard service costs, which as we know always end up more expensive than the quote for some reason. I find it is one of those things a lot of riders fail to take into account when purchasing a motorcycle. These costs all add to the overall ownership costs. keep up the good work.
@@paulprosser4108 ah yes great point actually. Cheers
I was thinking, “may be it’s just me”.. Yay ! I’ve company !
Yup, just horrible to look at. 100% spot on
Probably it looks better in flesh !
In the picture and videos, it looks ugly with ultra wide boxer engine and fishtail exhaust ! Not sure if it has a potential to lure Harley/Indian buyers.
Yep I’m not sure either
Cruiser with no option of forward controls or highway pegs. That as a big nope. I just do not understand who this motorcycle is for it makes no sense but I am sure it will sell to the "I want a Harley secretly, but I have to have it not a Harley so I am different" guys, that will ride it for a few hundred miles a year.
Perhaps it will do better in some markets than others
Some people prefer mid controls
@@jamesclarkson3009 You don't say...
Beautiful bike, but that engine is weird. No thanks.
Yep it is that ha ha
Ghastly looking bike, just horrid to look at. But if you like that look all the best with that one. At least Indian looks good compared to my Harley. I can't understand why they call that a cruiser? A cruiser to me is something you could do hours and serious KM's on in one day. That thing would kill your body after an hour or so in the saddle being cramped up. Maybe they intend to sell to the midget market only? No option for forward controls or highway pegs. This design is more like the short coffee run bike for the occasional rider with more money than sense. Buy a Harley or an Indian if you want a cruiser and don't waste your money.
You could be right. Let's see how it sells
@@RevelatorAlf Could be well made, just seems weird BMW want to make a cruiser and Harley are making an Adventure bike. World has flipped on its head. IF and its an IF this makes Harley pick up their game this is good news of everyone in the bike industry. Just my 2 cents, I'm sure many disagree and that's just fine by me :D
@@andrewmadge Yep agree with that. Cheers
Nein , Nein Nein watch out for zeee Germans..!!!
Ha ha you should know