2021 BMW R 18 Review | MC Commute

[@LuisRuiz-bm3sw]

Thank you for your reviews Adam, I definitely enjoy watching them please keep them coming.

[@AdamWaheed]

Thanks man.

[@ericweber1282]

For those talking about the harsh ride and dragging the pegs, My guess is the preload wasn't set on the rear suspension. It comes set at ZERO and you need to adjust it to account for rider weight and accessories/bags. The suspension preload seems to be something that dealers are overlooking on the checkout and delivery. To me BMW did a disservice to the motoring community by releasing the bikes to the media without taking the time to make sure they were setup correctly.

[@cosef4491]

I just test road the BMW r18 and I’ve gotten say it is a very unique riding experience from the American vtwins I’ve ridden and owned. The torque is instant and the power is raw and untamed in rock mode (in roll mode it’s completely smooth. How does Bmw do it🤷‍♂️). It is an absolute blast to ride. I just wish the test ride wasn’t so short. BMW attention to detail is magnificent. It is something you can only appreciate if you see it in person. If I was to buy and air cooled motorcycle right now the bmw r18 would be it. Great Job BMW.

[@andrewd7586]

I’m in Australia & took delivery of my R18 a week ago. To say it’s bloody fantastic is an understatement! I absolutely love it!🥰🤤😎👍🏼🇦🇺 Good review by the way👏🏼

[@serious_in_seattle6917]

This bike is good for guys who aren’t tall. Low seat height and mid controls mean a short guy like me is comfortable on it. I’m test riding one this summer. I already sat on one and it felt awesome.

[@dkslackmaster]

Just over 2 thousand miles on my R18 and man it's a beast. Swapped out the seat for a Corbin and it's perfect now. Great review!

[@stevensullivan5287]

I have the Classic, the Corbin seat nailed it! Now I can ride all day.

[@bodyguard1191]

Good to know on the seat guys 👍thanks, I'm looking at both this and the classic right now!

[@fatoni698]

I love your reviews but I have to be honest... Even if it had a mechanical key you still wouldn't be able to start it if you left the key in the house lol.

[@AdamWaheed]

Lol. Keys never leave the ignition in my household.

[@Firestorm637]

Love how you can see the whole engine. Love being able to see through the engine compartment. Of course that exposed driveshaft is dope. So clean no wires! A lot of bike for the money. So clean

[@briananderson2219]

Hey dude I’ve said this one other time you just keep getting better and better at these videos! Excellent display of classic styling from BMW and excellent display of class from you

[@AdamWaheed]

Thanks man.

[@thomasutesch6600]

I don't think it is a cable operated clutch as there is a master cylinder near the left grip.

[@samueljlarson]

Hydraulic clutch's still have a cable.

[@jabandsnort]

Where might that be🤷‍♂️

[@splodge5714]

Yep hydraulic clutch. Reservoir and clutch fluid line.

[@vess6934]

Wow. Something different indeed! Congrats and keep "different" coming!

[@ccorey183]

Just picked up my own. Wait for this bike for a long time and it's completely amazing.

[@fattysworld1905]

Those of you hating on the appearance GOTTA see it in person. Sooo sleek! Exhaust can always be tamed by the after market. We all know the Gov makes most exhausts ugly.. lol.

[@carlorusso7304]

Wow, really an awesome ride. I hope you’ll keep this style for future “mc commute” because it was really a blast to watch

[@guillermomateos]

Amazing style, very very nice. But that exhaust needs to go!

[@JRBoedeker]

Because of looks or sound? Both are subjective.

[@guillermomateos]

@@JRBoedeker looks are terrible IMO. Sound is amazing, how can it not be with such an engine? But I'm sure it could sound even better with a more free flow exhaust

[@DarthSpaceBall]

It’s definitely ugly on the internet. But, I shit you not, it looks a helluva lot better in person. I was shocked to not be visually offended by it when I got my hands on the bike. It all just comes together outside of photos and videos.

[@guillermomateos]

@@DarthSpaceBall I think you are right, i mean, it looks HUGE, but maybe looking at it in person in such a big bike "makes sense" aesthethicly speaking.

[@steveluth3139]

@@guillermomateos I wouldnt just replace it with any pipe to be honest, you can bet it adds to the smooth engine behavior. It will be developed just for this bike

[@1990-t1j]

Not my type of bike but this channel is always worth watching.

[@mark222b]

I like this twisty route MC Commute better.

[@kellyco4139]

A beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery and a total joy to ride

[@JohnJay1745]

I have zero interest in cruisers, but I saw this motorcycle at a BMW Demo Day this past weekend, and it's beautiful. If it were not such a waste, I would buy one to decorate my living room. The people who took a demo ride on this bike were all smiles. So there's that.

[@Firestorm637]

Most people think all naked bikes are Harley’s and red bikes are Ducati’s. Most people seeing this bike, do not think it is a Harley, and want to know who makes this exclusive, cool bike. America seems to know only retro even in their cars. Nice something is different and not afraid of change. Good job BMW.

[@abrahamcoons9848]

Unpopular opinion: BMW should’ve made a medium displacement sport cruiser that was more nimble and targeted at both intermediate and beginner riders. And was also closer in resemblance to the original R5

[@rickbradshaw2148]

Isn’t that the r nine t?

[@markeisenschenk9446]

I'm glad that Adam did this one

[@Porsche996driver]

Have 2 boxer BMWs myself. Amazing how this has the motor sound of my 1962 R69S! Great bike just not sure who’s going to be buying it. Different for sure! 🏁

[@knuckleheadhomesteader4767]

Everything looks great except that exhaust! LOL

[@the.communist]

Just Stick some vince-haynes

[@JRBoedeker]

I hated the exhaust when I first saw it, but it's starting to grow on me. The concept exhaust looked pretty cool.

[@JRBoedeker]

OK, I just watched the last 7 minutes. t would like to retract my comment about the exhaust growing on me. I still don't like it.

[@viperq]

I find most factory exhaust on new bikes looks bad.

[@ezrapardede1921]

@@viperq no, atleast not as bad as this lol

[@Firestorm637]

Glad you explain electronics as many reviewers do not. Most Europe bikes offer TC and ABS as standard

[@MrDarkoiV]

Am I the only one who actually likes the exhaust? I think it looks dope.

[@keratubes]

DarkoiV At best, it doesn’t bother me too much.

[@richardhouvener6423]

It is a very good reprisal of the Velocette muffler from the 60s.

[@BigChill73]

Exhaust is way more appealing in person.

[@gabbyhayes1568]

Really good review. I agree with your take on this bike and most bikes you’ve featured. Your review of the Star Transcontinental Venture was spot on, the best I’ve seen on YT. You’re always very objective and honest with your observations. Good stuff 👍.

[@williamtaylor874]

the buzz and vibe of a real bike !

[@Firestorm637]

BMW constantly improving their products every year not decades or just new paint jobs every year.

[@ajorsomething4935]

An 1800cc motorcycle styled after a 500cc motorcycle. Seems like quite the change. Maybe if they made an r8 instead of an r18 it would be a lil more true to form and a little less of a monster.

[@williamwintemberg]

I Love this Bike. Great Review Adam!

[@donaldoehl7690]

Very attractive bike. I've loved all the boxer twins I've owned. Unfortunately, I switched to big cruiser style bikes on account of needing to extend my legs when I ride due to knee issues.

[@SoulReaper599xx]

Dude where is the busa commute?

[@benglivens1936]

I've been waiting for the busa also.

[@AdamWaheed]

Hi Hollow Knight, this content will be published 9/29 at 0700am PST. Thanks for the note.

[@johnmella7780]

@@AdamWaheed Can you guys do B-King Commute? Love this type of content.

[@AdamWaheed]

@@johnmella7780 LOL. I liked that bike. Hayabusa anything rules, lol.

[@hankstrause9018]

Dude, Ride out to Fallbrook and take De Luz road to Temecula. Come back 76 to make a nice loop from your house. It would make a nice test ride with a variety of roads and is very picturesque!

[@njwatz9260]

Another great commute! Many thanks. Keep them coming.

[@vinuezaer]

Love it. Retro inspired always gets me.

[@robedmunds7163]

Everyone laughs at the exhaust on my MZ TS250, but this bike makes it look like a work of art. Exhaust must weigh more the Waheed.

[@Njächkin]

Love the TS 250, have two TS 150 and one ES 250 myself, and every MZ is way better than that insanely priced (over 22000€) BMW. ;)

[@robedmunds7163]

@@Njächkin Yeah I got a TS150 as well, great fun on a budget.

[@BobaFlex636]

What a freaking BEAST

[@beans4491]

A great review sir, I’ve also had a ride and agree totally with your thoughts...so much so I’ve ordered one.

[@willjohnson211]

Is it just me or is he complimenting all the things that journalists dog the Harleys about? Vibrations, clunky transmission, air cooling, old engines.

[@noidreculse8906]

It’s just you

[@usmcvet0313]

Yea, it was nice. Finally someone understanding what a cruiser is about.

[@MrCODEmaster00]

@@usmcvet0313 Why should a cruiser have air cooled vs. liquid cooled nowadays?

[@usmcvet0313]

@@MrCODEmaster00 why not? Liquid cooling isn't the end all, be all. It serves a purpose, as does air cooling. Air cooled engines have been performing well for over a century, and have their own advantages.

[@MotorcycleGearHub]

Anyone else here to watch Adam ride the BMW R 18 like a sportbike and let down by Adam not riding the usual route with that high-speed bank that he always takes at WOT and then brakes in the last second? Would of loved to see how the R 18 would have behaved there as Adam usually test rides 'em bikes during his MC commute like he stole them! This one was too calm.

[@erolyalim2911]

Why did BMW only make 3" rear suspension travel? I really don't understand why they didn't make a longer suspension travel so the bike would be more comfortable to ride.

[@jg2587]

Only 3'' cause it already has next to no lean angle.

[@majidalborz8993]

Hi and thanks for an extended commute. Liked everything but the camera angle, far too low. I do like this bike, although I do wish they pumped out a bit more power.

[@patw9175]

That does look like a beautiful bike but......why are cruisers specifically so expensive?

[@turvyjj9232]

Because of the people who buy them.

[@usmcvet0313]

Look at the weight, more raw materials means more cost to manufacture. There's a lot of machine work and painting that goes into the air finned cylinders. Plus this engine is 1.8L, the HD's are even bigger. That's more displacement than some cars and small SUV's these days. Finally, not much plastic on high end cruisers. Using metal costs more than using a molded piece of plastic. It's like a Rolex vs a digital Timex. They both do the job; but one does it with a certain style and quality of craftsmanship, which costs money to achieve. Those are traits high end cruiser customers desire (I own a Harley Davidson). The Japanese cruisers use a lot more plastic and fake covers to lower the cost. I owned a VStar, great bike for what it is. You can definitely see & feel the difference in construction between the two. Especially if you work on your own stuff.

[@turvyjj9232]

@@usmcvet0313 That's true to a point. Look at Royal Enfields, they are heavier, all metal, have larger displacement than many japanese bikes, but they are cheaper than them. Each brand has certain clients, standards, place of build, etc. Cruisers are catered to mature bikers, in general with money enough to pay a plus. Sometimes it's justified, sometimes not.

[@usmcvet0313]

@@turvyjj9232 in the case of Royal Enfield a lot of that has to do with labor costs. Also their factories don't have the environmental regulations Japanese, European, and American factories must comply with. It the same reason Chinese products are so cheap. Also, I really like Royal Enfields, but they are definitely built to a price point. I wouldn't compare their fit & finish to the likes of BMW, HD, Honda, ect.

[@turvyjj9232]

@@usmcvet0313 Yes, Vet, I know that. There are many factors in price decisions, but one of them is the kind of people bikes are marketed to. Labor costs are pretty similar nowadays since most of productions are externalized. BMW or Triumph are sometimes made in Thailand, and maybe assembled in their countries, as I think it's the case of this BMW. I don't know about HDs, but it's hard to believe they are mainly made in Milwaukee, maybe I'm wrong.

[@daniilrusanau5849]

As usual great really good quality video! Any chance you could upgrade your gear and shoot in 4K 60p?

[@bwxmoto]

That engine looks like an old Electrolux vacuum cleaner.

[@Desmo904]

Why do BMW suggest valve clearance checks every 6000 miles on such an understressed engine? Ducati (Panigale) clearances are now every 15,000 miles or so.

[@MotorcycleGearHub]

On a serious note, I commend BMW for putting out this beast since the rest of non-American companies have given up on big-inch engines due to tighter emission controls. This bike seems to be strictly cruiser oriented for a select niche of riders. Spoke wires, lack of accessories ala Harley-Davidson and lack of chrome make for a brave move from BMW to test the waters in this niche. Time will tell. Hopefully they can use the R 18 to build a touring-oriented platform from it, although with the K1600 already as BMW's de-facto tourer, I'm not betting my money on that.

[@steve-wu7jp]

BMW give us a murdered out all black model with no chrome.

[@markmcintosh7095]

My Harley 2018 Heritage rides 100% better than my r18. My BMW r18 beats the crap out of you on a bad road. I love the motor and the way it looks. If I could only have one it would be the Heritage.

[@Firestorm637]

Love your reviews. Motorcycles approaching or surpassing car maintenance intervals of 1 year or 12,000 miles or more especially with better oils now.

[@lazarohernandez7269]

Great video Adam👏🏾

[@rubo1964]

needs minimum 2inch higher seat.dragging pegs on moderate curves is no fun.Wished BMW offered higher suspension option.Not everyone likes being close to ground...

[@pauly680]

Awesome review ! Love this bike - and you read my question lol !!

[@AdamWaheed]

Very nice. Thanks for watching and your participation.

[@sall6182]

very nice bike, all your vlogs are great!

[@THEelduderino]

Correction 4:57, Bobber doesn’t mean “the motorcycle has no rear suspension”, that would be a “hard tail”. Bobbers started when guys wanted to custom their rides & chop the fender making it a “Bobber” & starting the category that went further

[@reg26]

Why did you say that this engine is better than any engine that Indian has ever put out? But you like the HD 114. Please explain. Thanks

[@nspinicelli]

14:00 , dude no wave? Ouch...

[@davidives7997]

I love the review. R1200r rider . Looking to change. This might just do it. 8th BMW over the years.

[@manardh7387]

It might be benefited with air shocks that would lift the bike up off the road if wanted. I suspect the rough character would grow on the owner and become liked over time.

[@_audacerider3838]

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 Roll mode! Rock mode = turismo on a Guzzi and rain = pioggia!

[@TheSweetasanut]

Love your vlogs man

[@nickthequick]

No cruise control, a tiny tank and no fuel gauge. I think you forgot to mention that .. Anyway I still enjoy your reviews.

[@THEelduderino]

No fuel gauge, really? Didn’t know that, thought all modern street bikes auto have fuel gauge, while cruise is nice fuel gauge is a most

[@mandizzle0517]

I love cruisers, the look of the engine doesn’t please me though....looks great on other bikes

[@christopherpaluck737]

The "cool" factor of this bike is off-the-chart!

[@Firestorm637]

Mid controls safer around town vs highway cruisers forward controls. Harley’s engines are so tall that the seats had to be low. With limited lean with the tall engine they had to make foot forward controls. The tall engines also have exceptional long push rods which effects high revs. Harley builds Harley’s vs other manufacturers build motorcycles.

[@ross5506]

1800cc Boxer engine wow! Harley don't have a chance against this simple looking, but of total quality.

[@joe2479]

Why did you say it was not good for longer highway rides? Thanks

[@milaadf]

Best reviews ever!

[@cosmyfication]

Is it really that easy to scrapie pegs?

[@nevillebowman8419]

One downside I've heard of (literally can hear it in a video) is it's limited cornering ability. Even a moderate corner will drag the pegs, with the limit being almost dangerously poor. A cruiser should still be a nice ride on a winding road. This reminds me of their first American style cruiser. Beautiful to look at (yes, except the exhaust), but doesn't quite have the whole package.

[@BPaul-hk2jh]

The key to this video that you harley fanboy commentators arent picking up on is when he mentions the quality engineering of the BMW in the very beginning of the video. Its oldschool like a harley but its reliable. BMWs have always been a brand that you could rely on for high miles continent conquering touring. You can put a lot of miles on them without many issues. Back in the day you couldnt rely on a dealership showing up with a trailer when you broke down, something harley guys certainly take advantage of.

[@InTheDogHouse3DPrinting]

A bit high in the price range at $22K+ and the very first thing I would change is the ugly exhaust. And it has a hydraulic clutch, not a cable clutch. And it looks like the bike was made without turn signals. Nice bike, I'm going to have to go check one out.

[@raymadani270]

I hate when manufacturers stamp a product with the next year date. gets confusing when you want to insure or buy compatible aftermarket parts

[@legerjl]

Thanks for the video. Nice ride (though expensive). I'll have to visit a dealer to try, and hear ;) Love the road. Where was that?

[@drrider1658]

No wheelie test? dang.

[@joelmclamore1139]

This guy blabs nonstop,take a breath let me hear the engine.

[@rickbradshaw2148]

Find it weird that it has such a shitty seat. Why builders don’t Include decent seats is beyond me... seems like a comfy saddle would be an advantage.

[@ShikiKaze]

Yeah.. For whatever reason they wont use layered high density memory foam, which is abundant in the mattress industry and packing/shipping material. Rather have a plastic seat with air in between the fake PU leather for them to cheap out wherever possible. I find that in a lot of newer bikes now.

[@feloniousmonk3049]

You better look again at the service recommendations, the rear final drive needs service every 6000 with a GL-5 70w-80 Gear oil that's $80 a bottle for 1/2 a liter. Price out 6000, 12000, 18000 and 24000 mile services on this bike, don't cry about it. It's very, very expensive to maintain, BMW parts are Rolls Royce level pricing.

[@steveottavaino3804]

The hypoid axle oil is $51.00 (at my dealer) and 500ml is enough for 2 changes which are simple and reasonably quick to preform. Changed mine at 600 miles as recommended and will change it again before winter storage, probably at 1600 miles or so. Thinking your numbers will potentially scare away those that don’t do there homework on maintenance, no BMW has ever been cheap to maintain and doubtless never will be. But some things are just worth it, the R18 certainly is. Ride far and well. Cheers.

[@abnx9670]

Let me see if I get this right: 790 lbs, 90 hp, valve check every 6k miles, peg scraping spark machine and 3 inches of suspension in the rear (amount other things taken in the rear on this porky beauty).

[@NoirRobert]

And no cruise control and the tank only holds 4.3 gallons.

[@chupacabra6263]

Really stopped at parking lot stops always saw those as suggestions

[@markwalters1584]

I don't expect it to sell well.

[@Njächkin]

Me too, atleast not at that price, they should release some bikes even more similar to the old ones, not just this overpriced cruiser style. Simpler, cheaper, spring seat, less power (500cc like back then), etc. and the old ones were soo light, they barely ever weight over 180kg, no clue why they just went for a cruiser, that is compared to R5 not even that pretty, well in my opinion the only nice thing about this thing is the tank, and for that price I'd rather try to get a fully rebuild R5... 😅🤷🏻

[@dilshad3490]

Pros - Unique and different, Fit and finish, exhaust note , boxer engine Cons - Lack of fuel gauge & mid mount foot peg , only available in black

[@SleepyStallone]

I like those leg rests you have there. Kinda big though

[@stoneisland9533]

Very very nice 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@THEelduderino]

Nice retro lines minus the exhaust, the exhaust is hideous. Vances has already partnered w/ BMW & has aftermarket so fixable

[@tomislavstanich9379]

Correction: The BMW R18 has the 158 instead 102 foot pound of torque between 1800- 4000 rpm.!

[@DizzConnected]

Correction (units) : the R18 has peak torque of 116 lbs-ft / 158Nm, with no less than 111 lbs-ft / 150Nm from 2500-4000rpm.

[@kaffenoizen]

Keyfob was in your house?.. Yeah if your mechanical key was in your house you would have to go get that to..

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

As with a regular key, the fob needs to be with you to start the bike. Put it in your pocket and forget about it. Honestly Adam, love ya bro but seems like you're being deliberately obstinate about this. Adapt and overcome, my friend. You can beat the key fob! :-D :-D

[@Dowent]

Motorrad just means motorcycle. Constantly repeating "motorrad bike" and "motorrad company" just says "bike bike" and "bike company".

[@NoirRobert]

Freeman thank you. I cringed every time he said that.

[@lgwappo]

A BMW R 1800 RT would be cool but might take sales from the K 1600 GTL.

[@Armanispice]

Great video.....lovely bike but I would do something with the exhaust

[@jg2587]

BMW should have put more thought into the lean angle then that headlight!

[@darrellcunningham6784]

... the labor costs at the shop tho🤦🏿‍♂️

[@Yippeedee]

Is the passenger seat removable?

[@DaintyCanadian]

Valve check every oil change. Sounds as bad to own as a moto guzzi.

[@patw9175]

lmao do you see the cylinder heads? You could check all 8 of the valves in 20 minutes

[@manardh7387]

@@patw9175 I don't know about BMW for valves, they should be quick to check although I heard special tools might me needed for BMW - not sure. I can check my Moto Guzzi valves very easily, have not needed to adjust yet. On Guzzi, just use center stand and put in top gear and rotate the rear wheel to get to TDC for check - easy.

[@DaintyCanadian]

Pat W 30 minutes to check, over an hour to adjust if necessary. Either way it’s an extra ~60$ an oil change if you get it done by a shop. Which you should.

[@felixarbable]

Dainty Canadian who cares these bikes are crazy money anyway, people are dropping 35k on harleys. I dont think 60 dollars is a big concern

[@DaintyCanadian]

felix crab that is a good point actually.

[@tonyciriello6872]

Pushrods. Not overhead cams. Imagine how much better this bike would be if it had just the ground clearance of a Rocket Three.

[@Nocountryforgypsies]

How good is the leaning angle on this ??

[@Boxer1250RT]

3" rear suspension will break your back bone with deteriorating US Roads! I am sure aftermarket Co's like Fox will come up with a better solution. Even K 1600 B rear suspension with 4" play was unbearable from time to time. Fits and finishes like no other!

[@BigPaPaRu]

Man BMW bikes are becoming quite sexy

[@vagnersteinindustries598]

I test road last saturday. Really nice. Vintage styling. This is a no frills bike. Lots of power. Also this motorcycle has reverse. #bmwmotoradusa #bmwmotorcyclesriverside #bmwr18 #justride #theeverydayrider