Great honest accurate review Thank you Mark and yes the R18 puts an instant smile on your face which just gets bigger and bigger . So much fun and so easy to ride 😎
Our local BMW shop (Sturgis) just got a nice truckload of these, and other models. The latest edition of the bike you reviewed here has an incredible "flip flop" paint that turns from metallic purple to blue in the sun. It has footboards instead of pegs, also. Otherwise, I believe it is just like the bike you tested. I was hoping that you'd take it out on a proper highway and see how the buffeting was at speed. We ride above 70 mph out here all of the time. I'll demo one during the upcoming motorcycle rally and find out. Build quality is amazing.
With so much power, torque and weight I was expecting you to find some shaft-drive torque reaction in corners. Impressive bike and thorough review as always Mark.
Absolutely Spectacular bike!!, No doubt at all The Amazing BMW R18 it's one of my favorite Motorcycles!!, Great video and explanation as well!!, Thanks for sharing!!!
This review must have gone under my radar! I've only just seen it! I have a 2020 1250RT but you've made me want to try one of these!! What a cracking machine, so characterful, great review as always Mark, recorded in a stunning part of the UK too, you're so lucky to have that on your doorstep!
That "reverse" system was first used on the Honda Gold Wing back in 2000 if i'm not mistaken , using the starter button and a lever . Great review mate , i always look forward to them 👍
I own the Classic version. Love it! One significant flaw. The windscreen is abhorrent. Horrific wind buffeting. Shame on the design engineer. Abysmal failure. However, there is a fix, at a very reasonable price. Clearview Shields (Fort Collins, Colorado). Multiple heights, widths, and curvature to redirect wind. Impressive design and material, at a great price, and they ship worldwide. 36 years of windscreen manufacturing experience. I’ve rode mine from Houston to Atlanta. 800 miles (1287 km). I’m a minimalist and carried everything in the saddlebags. The stock seat is not comfortable. I just upgraded to the retro Day Rider seat.
Quite the machine there Mark.It’s not in my pocketbook budget but you have to admire the engineering that went into it.enjoyed your as always honest review.thanks,
MATE just bought mine 3 days ago! upgraded from my 1200 GSA. which I thought was the best but now I've changed my mind. this is an awesome bike, typical of German engineering. They are defiantly going to give HD a run for their money
Hey brother, I have a 2014 GSA, which I love, but have had for 10 years and considering trading it in for a an R18 Classic or perhaps a Transcontinental. How have you been liking your R18?
Great review, I was thinking who would buy this instead of a Harley, (if your a Harley person) but seeing how smooth it was compaied to a Harley it makes sense. Also love how each video you use a piece of music that suits the bike you`re reviewing. ;)
Well I bought one a few days after listening to your review, the Classic too, have to say I’m not at all disappointed , reading some of the reviews here on CZcams, I have to say left me uncertain, just pleased I read your review and ignored most of the others , thanks. GL
Agree with you what a full exhaust system would do to that already beautifully sounding machine. Now with that engine, it’s absolutely fascinating and by all accounts it’s truly a torque beast. I must try one! Thank you for another well done review.
Hi, it,s a monster, what a battle cruiser , big enough to save a planet . Place the twins in the paniers and two roast racks over the pots , meals on wheels and a day out . Exquisite engineering , got to hand it to the design team . Thanks for the trip out and next time I,m going that way must drop in for a look see it in the flesh .
I saw two examples of the base model with the fishtail exhausts yesterday in Chiang Rai. They were heading south towards the city centre on the superhighway, the road that comes down from the Burma border. They looked superb. I can understand exactly why someone would buy one. I really like the fishtail exhausts, as well. As for the Classic, I'd save money and get the standard one and fit a sissy bar on to put your luggage around. Having said all this, I'd rather have a Goldwing Bagger DCT. Not that I'll be getting one. Haha! I'll have to stick to my 1670 cc MT-01 when I get back to Portugal. 110 ft/lb at 3750 rpm/81 mph at 3000 rpm, and it weighs a 100 kg less than this BMW. Excellent review.
Although this is not my kind of bike, however, very impressive but I'm afraid that will be a machine to take out for a ride on wonderful dry sunny days. I can only imagine what an effort this machine takes to keep it spic & span. That drive shaft is very exposed ! ! Grime can crawl into it all day long ! ! Great review as always mark 👍😉
It does get dirty quickly in the wet (I have one). With the Classic intending to be more touring than base R18, I think they should have done a bigger front fender as any wet is kicked up quickly. I’ll probably grab the front fender from the R18B and put on my Classic. But to be fair, I rode it Thursday and there was salt and melting snow on the road, so it all kicked up. A quick hose down and it was looking good again. Not quite as easy as my GS, which always has mud on it, I do try to keep the R18 looking good.
Yes I agree with previous comments excellent review, I’m taking one out in a few days time , really fancied one when it first came out, but now glad I waited for the custom , what were the glowing green lights on the dash. Seemed to be on all the time. Thanks a lot , G
Great review, very complete in it's coverage of the bike. i do have a question though, the exposed joint on the drive shaft seems vulnerable to picking up muck. Do you think it would be a premature wear point?
@@deweydodo6691 all bikes have wear points. My concern is an exposed U joint picking up muck and wearing out to quickly. I realize that buyers of this bike are most likely not all weather bikers so it may be a moot point for many. Just seemed to be style over function considering the great lengths BMW goes to protect shaft joints on other bikes. I was an RT owner.
Great review, cool opening tune…”to Valhalla?” This is an engine with a bike built around it, and rightfully so. BMW is a motor company first and foremost, it’s right there in the name (Bavarian Motor Works)
A friend of mine bought one and I have been lucky enough to take it for a run although the weight is low down and manageable your very much aware its there defo a heavyweight that one 👍
When I got my first boxer bike (an older BMW RS) I was always worried about the cylinders touching the ground in turns but on this thing at 0:47 I almost fell off the chair when I saw those monster cylinders sticking out. :O Looks like a comfortable ride though.
Intriguing motorbike and though I typically am not interested in bagger style bikes this one appealed to me - until I tried to move it around as part of a “garage” test. It failed miserably and would be quite the handful when not in motion. Excellent review!
I have the Classic, am 65 years old and certainly not as strong as I used to be. I have no issues moving my Classic around in the garage and don't use the reverse at all. The Classic is just a pure joy to ride. Not too smooth and soulless, not to rough to be annoying. At 75 on the Interstate it rides exceptionally well. Nice review.
Hi Mark, great review as always. Our local dealer has a classic with a pretty good deal regarding price however it hasn't got the reverse option installed. Do you think it's still manageable to move around? I've got a 30inch inseam if that helps. Also this is one of the earlier models, did you hear of any issues it might have? Haven't managed to find much online unfortunately
Hi Stuart it is a weighty machine but as it's got such a low seat height....it would be fine to steadily paddle it backwards without too much trouble Best regards mark
Hey Stuart, I’ve got a R18FE and have been on the forum a while now, there’s nothing I can think of regarding problems or faults and if there was I’m sure all the haters would be shouting about it! I have reverse and it’s great BUT you don’t need it for paddling about on the flat. I would go and ask if they would let you sit on it and have a go yourself, see how you get on.
Just bought mine a couple weeks ago with no wind screen nor bags but reverse. Top notch finishing and beautiful smooth engine. I am 5 foot 8 have no issues backing up the bike paddling, never used the reverse gear so far.
I'm 5'8, same height. Some reviewers have said the riding position is rather cramped? How did you find it? I've owned two Boxers in the past. Pegs scrape easy.
Great review, Mark. One question: I didn't hear you speak to the wind management of the windshield. It sounded like you were getting some turbulent wind in your microphone. I have noticed that before on motorcycles with that type of windshield. How was the buffeting and noise?
Hi Greg the windshield was ok ...not as good as say the nt1100 but it did a decent job ....but yes I agree with you about the round shape they do seem to cause a bit of wind noise Cheers mark
The biggest mistake riders make is not adjusting the ergonomics to find the "bubble". I put a 1" riser on my Classic, rolled the bars back a bit that allowed me to have proper arm bend and a better position. The clutch and brake lever easily rolled into place. I'm 6'4" with 32" inseam and I have a very comfortable ride.
Extraordinary machine. I choose my bikes based on minimum upkeep. Chorme everywhere and spokes would be a total no no. An exposed, chrome shaft drive? I would run for the hills.
WOW! Beautiful bike and excellent review, but I wonder how badly your legs will get cooked in hot weather when your so close to the cylinder heads? I’d opt for the Honda Goldwing base model. In 2022 the base Goldwing in the States is only available with the DCT gearbox and reverse. What’s so great about motorcycling today is the massive amount of choice we have in every category of bike. This would be fun to take out for a Sunday blast. All the best!
I haven’t ever owned this style of bike but I always thought the big advantage was stretching the legs out on the forward pegs. Assume you can’t do it with this bike because the engine sticks out so far. Is it a compromise?
A great review as always Mark even if it is a bike I absolutely detest. Everyone has an opinion but in my opinion of this bike. Ithas no place on UK roads. I've not always been that complimentary about it but I respect your channel 👍
Beautifully built but really just a bit too much of everything. I think a 900cc version would be a winner, harking back properly to the R90S of the 1970s. That one had a wet weight of just 215kg with 24 litres of fuel!
Look at the RNineT series. They did one in a paint style like the older /5 (predecessor to the R90S). It’s a bit bigger at ~1200cc, but an outstanding bike that has a retro look, but good performance. I have a 1972 R75/5, a 2012 R1200GSA and R18 Classic. The 50 year lineage is clear across all 3 boxers but the R18 is super sized (in a good way). The R18 looks even more classic than my /5… closer to the original R5 of the 30s. But the ~43 ft/lbs of torque from the 750cc of the /5 or ~55 from the 900cc of the R90S is nothing compared to the 116 ft/lbs on the R18. It’s near impossible to roll on the throttle with the R18 and not let out a chuckle.
Nice review but bit of a tarts handbag with all that tacky chrome. I'd much rather the Harley Heritage or if something more modern the Triumph Rocket 3. And Arnie preferred the FatBoy.
💖💖👏🏼👏🏼 I've never gotten the point of this bike. It doesn't do anything better then the alternatives. In fact, it's mostly worse then anything else like it... The new version makes more sense, but still a "no" from me.
Not into cruisers but give me a Triumph Speedmaster over this any day. This Beemer is so obsolete. I guess the sort of person who is going to buy it maybe is very wealthy, buys it purely for it's aesthetics maybe won't ride it that much if at all, so a giant paperweight.
@@markpulling12 Maybe. I bet they don't sell many of them and therefore don't make any money on this model. The GS makes them so much cash, they can afford to make vanity bikes like this.
G'day Mark, sorry mate the looks like a Ural motorcycle on steroids, what an ugly machine form B- big M- money W - waster, most who buy this will need training wheel to keep it upright, another great report, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.
Like it or loath it, I for one am simply glad they make it.
Thanks Richard....it's a stunning bike for sure 😊
Great honest accurate review
Thank you Mark and yes the R18 puts an instant smile on your face which just gets bigger and bigger . So much fun and so easy to ride 😎
Our local BMW shop (Sturgis) just got a nice truckload of these, and other models. The latest edition of the bike you reviewed here has an incredible "flip flop" paint that turns from metallic purple to blue in the sun. It has footboards instead of pegs, also. Otherwise, I believe it is just like the bike you tested. I was hoping that you'd take it out on a proper highway and see how the buffeting was at speed. We ride above 70 mph out here all of the time. I'll demo one during the upcoming motorcycle rally and find out. Build quality is amazing.
With so much power, torque and weight I was expecting you to find some shaft-drive torque reaction in corners. Impressive bike and thorough review as always Mark.
Thanks Andy ...a very impressive machine :)
Hi Andy - the bike is based at Loegria Motorcycle Company in the New Forest if you want to check it out!
Mark is in love…. That engine and paint is amazing
I love my thunderbird but if i had the money i would trade it for this R18 classic in a flash.
It just screams continental road trip!
What a machine 😎
Absolutely Spectacular bike!!, No doubt at all The Amazing BMW R18 it's one of my favorite Motorcycles!!, Great video and explanation as well!!, Thanks for sharing!!!
This review must have gone under my radar! I've only just seen it! I have a 2020 1250RT but you've made me want to try one of these!! What a cracking machine, so characterful, great review as always Mark, recorded in a stunning part of the UK too, you're so lucky to have that on your doorstep!
Yes many thanks it's quite a machine
Best wishes mark
That "reverse" system was first used on the Honda Gold Wing back in 2000 if i'm not mistaken , using the starter button and a lever .
Great review mate , i always look forward to them 👍
Thanks James have to admit it wierd going backwards on a bike 😊
My 98 Wing has reverse, works great
I own the Classic version. Love it! One significant flaw. The windscreen is abhorrent. Horrific wind buffeting. Shame on the design engineer. Abysmal failure. However, there is a fix, at a very reasonable price. Clearview Shields (Fort Collins, Colorado). Multiple heights, widths, and curvature to redirect wind. Impressive design and material, at a great price, and they ship worldwide. 36 years of windscreen manufacturing experience.
I’ve rode mine from Houston to Atlanta. 800 miles (1287 km). I’m a minimalist and carried everything in the saddlebags. The stock seat is not comfortable. I just upgraded to the retro Day Rider seat.
I think the amount of times you said "wow" in thar review says it all ! . I love it to look at .
Very fair review.
Great review Mark, as usual! Thank you for amazing job you are doing!
Thanks Michael 😄
Quite the machine there Mark.It’s not in my pocketbook budget but you have to admire the engineering that went into it.enjoyed your as always honest review.thanks,
Very good! The best review I've seen so far. First part with the unhurried bike details and then driving impressions.
MATE
just bought mine 3 days ago! upgraded from my 1200 GSA. which I thought was the best but now I've changed my mind. this is an awesome bike, typical of German engineering. They are defiantly going to give HD a run for their money
Hey brother, I have a 2014 GSA, which I love, but have had for 10 years and considering trading it in for a an R18 Classic or perhaps a Transcontinental. How have you been liking your R18?
Great review, I was thinking who would buy this instead of a Harley, (if your a Harley person) but seeing how smooth it was compaied to a Harley it makes sense. Also love how each video you use a piece of music that suits the bike you`re reviewing. ;)
Thanks Colin yes I'm a bit of a music lover and I try and pick a suitable tune !
Not into cruisers but that looks like an engineering masterpiece.
That's exactly what I thought 🤔
Excellent review, thinking about getting one. I think now I am sold!
The most beautiful bike on the road today.
Thanks Adam ...wow that build quality and that engine 👌
😅🤣😂
Well I bought one a few days after listening to your review, the Classic too, have to say I’m not at all disappointed , reading some of the reviews here on CZcams, I have to say left me uncertain, just pleased I read your review and ignored most of the others , thanks. GL
Thanks yes ...I can't really find fault with the amazing bike .... great choice 😊
Very good video, I was impressed by the reviewers passion for riding.....
A beautiful stunning machine a very special motorcycle great video Mark
Thanks Gary ☺️
Agree with you what a full exhaust system would do to that already beautifully sounding machine. Now with that engine, it’s absolutely fascinating and by all accounts it’s truly a torque beast. I must try one! Thank you for another well done review.
Ok thanks my pleasure 😊
Hi Andy - the bike is based at Loegria Motorcycle Company in the New Forest if you want to check it out!
Hi, it,s a monster, what a battle cruiser , big enough to save a planet . Place the twins in the paniers and two roast racks over the pots , meals on wheels and a day out . Exquisite engineering , got to hand it to the design team . Thanks for the trip out and next time I,m going that way must drop in for a look see it in the flesh .
Thanks you won't be disappointed 🙂
9:39 - 'I need your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.'
My favorite clip 🤩
Very nice road trip. I enjoyed that!
What a beast of a machine trust the Germans 😜
Trust the Germans for over complicating and planned obsolescence, BMW leading the pack.
@@GPz84what planned obsolescence, this engine will last a lifetime lmao
I saw two examples of the base model with the fishtail exhausts yesterday in Chiang Rai. They were heading south towards the city centre on the superhighway, the road that comes down from the Burma border. They looked superb. I can understand exactly why someone would buy one. I really like the fishtail exhausts, as well. As for the Classic, I'd save money and get the standard one and fit a sissy bar on to put your luggage around. Having said all this, I'd rather have a Goldwing Bagger DCT. Not that I'll be getting one. Haha! I'll have to stick to my 1670 cc MT-01 when I get back to Portugal. 110 ft/lb at 3750 rpm/81 mph at 3000 rpm, and it weighs a 100 kg less than this BMW.
Excellent review.
Thanks nik yes what an engine.. nearly as good as the 390 !!!!
Guess I'm an adventure bike type of guy, but this is superb!
Mark I'm lucky enough to own a Honda Valkyrie but that BMW as you mentioned, WOW!
Hi John - the bike is based at Loegria Motorcycle Company in the New Forest if you want to check it out!
Although this is not my kind of bike, however, very impressive but I'm afraid that will be a machine to take out for a ride on wonderful dry sunny days. I can only imagine what an effort this machine takes to keep it spic & span. That drive shaft is very exposed ! ! Grime can crawl into it all day long ! ! Great review as always mark 👍😉
Thanks Pietro :)
@@markpulling12 I spotted a few horses by the pond; in case you were a few short on the bike with that kind of heft ! ! 😁😉
It does get dirty quickly in the wet (I have one). With the Classic intending to be more touring than base R18, I think they should have done a bigger front fender as any wet is kicked up quickly. I’ll probably grab the front fender from the R18B and put on my Classic. But to be fair, I rode it Thursday and there was salt and melting snow on the road, so it all kicked up. A quick hose down and it was looking good again. Not quite as easy as my GS, which always has mud on it, I do try to keep the R18 looking good.
Great review Mark. Have to say if my name was Jay Leno I'd have one in my garage that's for sure.
Haha thanks John 😊
Great review, Mark. It's a beautiful bike but I bet it's a bear to keep clean.
Yes it'll take some polishing:)
You are almost identical to the Missenden Flyer, but you have more hair.
What a classic bike BMW 1800 cc very nice indeed fantastic. Review thanks mark ride Safe 👍
Cheers Andrew
Another one very late to party! Fallen for this bike lovely in all areas, sounds like u want one too Mark?
Stunning motorcycle!
Thanks Pete that's what I thought ☺️
Wouldn't fit through my shed door with those cylinders😁 Great revue as always!
Yes ...those cylinders are huge :)
Handlebars are widest bit on the bike, just like any bike
Yes I agree with previous comments excellent review, I’m taking one out in a few days time , really fancied one when it first came out, but now glad I waited for the custom , what were the glowing green lights on the dash. Seemed to be on all the time.
Thanks a lot , G
Hi it just means the lights are on I believe cheers mark
An amazing machine, yes please
The question is how does it compare to a touring Harley? You need to do a test run on a Road King mate
Great review, very complete in it's coverage of the bike. i do have a question though, the exposed joint on the drive shaft seems vulnerable to picking up muck. Do you think it would be a premature wear point?
Possibly but it looks very well sealed at the joints 🙂
show us a bike that does not have a wear point.
@@deweydodo6691 all bikes have wear points. My concern is an exposed U joint picking up muck and wearing out to quickly. I realize that buyers of this bike are most likely not all weather bikers so it may be a moot point for many. Just seemed to be style over function considering the great lengths BMW goes to protect shaft joints on other bikes. I was an RT owner.
Nice bike
Amazing to ride ...that engine 👌
Great review, cool opening tune…”to Valhalla?”
This is an engine with a bike built around it, and rightfully so. BMW is a motor company first and foremost, it’s right there in the name (Bavarian Motor Works)
Thanks tom yes I couldn't stop admiring the engine 👌
A Piece of Art!
It is both very lovely and 'oh my golly gosh no' all at the same time.
Yes I know what you mean 🤣
A friend of mine bought one and I have been lucky enough to take it for a run although the weight is low down and manageable your very much aware its there defo a heavyweight that one 👍
Thanks nik yes it's a bit of a beast 😊
Definitely one for my dream garage 👍
A dream bike👍👍👍
Wow! such an awesome bike.
When I got my first boxer bike (an
older BMW RS) I was always worried about the cylinders touching the ground in turns but on this thing at 0:47 I almost fell off the chair when I saw those monster cylinders sticking out. :O Looks like a comfortable ride though.
Yes I know what you mean lol
Cheers mark
greetings mark...this one looks like Harley Davidson cruisher bike..humongous engine. nice video mark 👍
Many thanks 👍
Intriguing motorbike and though I typically am not interested in bagger style bikes this one appealed to me - until I tried to move it around as part of a “garage” test. It failed miserably and would be quite the handful when not in motion. Excellent review!
Thanks Paul
I have the Classic, am 65 years old and certainly not as strong as I used to be. I have no issues moving my Classic around in the garage and don't use the reverse at all. The Classic is just a pure joy to ride. Not too smooth and soulless, not to rough to be annoying. At 75 on the Interstate it rides exceptionally well. Nice review.
Hi Mark, great review as always. Our local dealer has a classic with a pretty good deal regarding price however it hasn't got the reverse option installed. Do you think it's still manageable to move around? I've got a 30inch inseam if that helps. Also this is one of the earlier models, did you hear of any issues it might have? Haven't managed to find much online unfortunately
Hi Stuart it is a weighty machine but as it's got such a low seat height....it would be fine to steadily paddle it backwards without too much trouble
Best regards mark
Hey Stuart, I’ve got a R18FE and have been on the forum a while now, there’s nothing I can think of regarding problems or faults and if there was I’m sure all the haters would be shouting about it! I have reverse and it’s great BUT you don’t need it for paddling about on the flat. I would go and ask if they would let you sit on it and have a go yourself, see how you get on.
@@jfro5867 thanks for your feedback much appreciated ❤️
Just bought mine a couple weeks ago with no wind screen nor bags but reverse. Top notch finishing and beautiful smooth engine. I am 5 foot 8 have no issues backing up the bike paddling, never used the reverse gear so far.
This is the best of the R 18s
I like it 👍🏽
I'm 5'8, same height. Some reviewers have said the riding position is rather cramped? How did you find it? I've owned two Boxers in the past. Pegs scrape easy.
Hi Andrew I guess what they mean is as the seat is so low it cramps your legs a bit but I didn't even notice...I was too impressed with the engine 👌
Dang what a bike
Great review, Mark. One question: I didn't hear you speak to the wind management of the windshield. It sounded like you were getting some turbulent wind in your microphone. I have noticed that before on motorcycles with that type of windshield. How was the buffeting and noise?
Hi Greg the windshield was ok ...not as good as say the nt1100 but it did a decent job ....but yes I agree with you about the round shape they do seem to cause a bit of wind noise
Cheers mark
The biggest mistake riders make is not adjusting the ergonomics to find the "bubble". I put a 1" riser on my Classic, rolled the bars back a bit that allowed me to have proper arm bend and a better position. The clutch and brake lever easily rolled into place. I'm 6'4" with 32" inseam and I have a very comfortable ride.
I'll take this over a Harley
Extraordinary machine. I choose my bikes based on minimum upkeep. Chorme everywhere and spokes would be a total no no. An exposed, chrome shaft drive? I would run for the hills.
Thanks clive ...yes I did wonder about the shaft drive
Clive....so you prefer an exposed chain? WOW! I bet you are great at Chess!
Great bike. Not remotely tempted. Great review 👍
Thanks Ian lovely build quality 😊
You can get these for under £10k now, incredible
Is there much vibration? Good review. From Prescott AZ.
Hi Gary ....no it's very smooth
Just a nice thump from the massive engine cheers mark
It looked enormous but when Mark sat on it it looked pretty small actually
WOW! Beautiful bike and excellent review, but I wonder how badly your legs will get cooked in hot weather when your so close to the cylinder heads? I’d opt for the Honda Goldwing base model. In 2022 the base Goldwing in the States is only available with the DCT gearbox and reverse. What’s so great about motorcycling today is the massive amount of choice we have in every category of bike. This would be fun to take out for a Sunday blast. All the best!
Thanks yes what a choice we have and all the different categories:)
I live in florida and cylinder heat on legs is not bad at all....
Master piece
What a beast!👍
Beautiful machine. Bit bizarre it doesn’t have a fuel gauge.
It has a fuel warning ⚠️
I agree bit of a shame that.
I am wondering what it would be like for an old man to ride .... ? I better try to get a test ride someplace .
I haven’t ever owned this style of bike but I always thought the big advantage was stretching the legs out on the forward pegs. Assume you can’t do it with this bike because the engine sticks out so far. Is it a compromise?
It's more of a mid foot position rather than feet forward
Cheers John
Torque is crazy
I know you have got to experience it 😂
Wish i had my midlifecrisis now!
It's so much better than the last time they tried with that hideous 90's model, it was in a Bond film
Yes I remember that bike !!
How was the wind protection? Does it make a lot of buffeting? Thx
Hi ...good wind protection from the screen. A superb long distance cruiser cheers mark
Holy moly 😁
A great review as always Mark even if it is a bike I absolutely detest. Everyone has an opinion but in my opinion of this bike. Ithas no place on UK roads. I've not always been that complimentary about it but I respect your channel 👍
Kevin Turvey dose bike reviews😆😆
What is the name/model of those saddlebags?
I think they are BMW
Cheers mark
Love the bike, hate the keyless. !!!
Beautiful bike, but how does it handle poor roads? My back isn't what it was!
Hi Philip..it's got a superb ride quality so it handles poor roads well
@@markpulling12 Good to know. Doesn't compare to the GS I imagine, for comfort? Appreciate your help mate.
Beautifully built but really just a bit too much of everything. I think a 900cc version would be a winner, harking back properly to the R90S of the 1970s. That one had a wet weight of just 215kg with 24 litres of fuel!
Hi thanks for the comment...yes it's huge :)
Look at the RNineT series. They did one in a paint style like the older /5 (predecessor to the R90S). It’s a bit bigger at ~1200cc, but an outstanding bike that has a retro look, but good performance. I have a 1972 R75/5, a 2012 R1200GSA and R18 Classic. The 50 year lineage is clear across all 3 boxers but the R18 is super sized (in a good way). The R18 looks even more classic than my /5… closer to the original R5 of the 30s. But the ~43 ft/lbs of torque from the 750cc of the /5 or ~55 from the 900cc of the R90S is nothing compared to the 116 ft/lbs on the R18. It’s near impossible to roll on the throttle with the R18 and not let out a chuckle.
Definitely eye-catching & I for one don't like Cruisers at all.
Built for the US market, they should have done a 800cc version of the bike they meant to copy.
Thanks but no thanks Mark, the stress of ownership would spoil it for me - unless lottery ..........!
you need a big cup of Bovril before tacking that thing out Mark..
Haha yes don't drop it 😜😂
A machine made to last forever.....note you didn't film on any faster roads how does it handle at motorway speed..
Hi David yes I took it up to 70 mph briefly and it's super stable, minimal wind behind the screen and the engine is doing like 2500 rpm !!
is this automatic gear ?
No ...it's manual:)
@@markpulling12 are there any automatic cruiser bikes ?
@@bollywoodbeauties8130 yes it's called the Honda rebel 1100 dct it's very good I have a review on my channel best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 paste the link please
@@bollywoodbeauties8130 czcams.com/video/YpgOEqVE9BI/video.html
Just because you can, should you?
Unfortunately I think I'd just have to have some ugly engine bars over those beautiful chrome cylinder heads!
too heavy for slow speed maneuvering. ..BMW tried this with the R12,
Nice review but bit of a tarts handbag with all that tacky chrome. I'd much rather the Harley Heritage or if something more modern the Triumph Rocket 3. And Arnie preferred the FatBoy.
😁😁😁👌. 😎🇨🇦
💖💖👏🏼👏🏼 I've never gotten the point of this bike. It doesn't do anything better then the alternatives. In fact, it's mostly worse then anything else like it... The new version makes more sense, but still a "no" from me.
Not into cruisers but give me a Triumph Speedmaster over this any day. This Beemer is so obsolete. I guess the sort of person who is going to buy it maybe is very wealthy, buys it purely for it's aesthetics maybe won't ride it that much if at all, so a giant paperweight.
Cheers Alex ...I guess it's just bmw showing off their engineering skills:) !!
@@markpulling12 Maybe. I bet they don't sell many of them and therefore don't make any money on this model. The GS makes them so much cash, they can afford to make vanity bikes like this.
Engineering skills?
I'll bet it has reliability/recall problems.
One of the most unattractive bikes out there. Throw in BMW's unreliability and you have money well spent,
I'd take a Harley over this thing any day.
Bit negative but I agree, it's horrendous.
@@splodge5714 Negative yes, but also the truth.
G'day Mark, sorry mate the looks like a Ural motorcycle on steroids, what an ugly machine form B- big M- money W - waster, most who buy this will need training wheel to keep it upright, another great report, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.
No probs Neil everyone to their own:)
Worse than a harley but somehow still more expensive, somehow the nazis have out harley'd the Davidson
what happens to the engine when the rider drops the bike then? with that massive engine sticking out can't even install and engine guard can you?