2021 BMW R18 Classic First Ride

My first ride of the 2021 BMW R18 Classic, in fact it's my first ride of the BMW R18 full stop. This beautiful cruiser carries the enormous 1800cc boxer engine specially designed by BMW just for the R18, but the R18 Classic edition comes with white piping along the tank and paintwork, a large touring screen, oodles of chrome, and a long, stretched out chrome exhaust.
But what's it like to ride?
Hope you enjoy the vid folks, keep SUBSCRIBING, keep SHARING, keep LIKING, and keep letting me know what you think in the COMMENTS section below!
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[@mattrowe6394]

My old Hyosung GV650 Sport Cruiser looked very similar and I quite often ground the pegs out on the corners- the first time it happened I thought WTF! but when you get used to it peg grinding is like getting your knee down on or a sports bike, you expect it and look to grind the pegs in the twisties. It is easier to do on round abouts so you just have to take a different sweeping line.

[@dasp125]

I went out for a test ride on an R18 yesterday and thought it handled very well in the corners, even slow speed cornering felt fine for such a heavy bike. I found the power to be addictive in ‘Rock’. Maybe it was just the bike you had wasn’t run in fully, so engine was still a little tight? The one I rode had open pipes fitted, which made it sound amazing. I could feel the floor vibrating when I was stood next to it, while it was ticking over. Definitely at the top of my list for my next bike in a few months.

[@teapotone]

Really? Good to hear you enjoyed it Mike, but I just didn’t get on with it sadly. Disappointing as I was really looking forward to trying it 🤷‍♂️👍

[@nickthequick]

That's what we want from all you guys: an honest review.

[@teapotone]

Cheers Nick, that’s good then, that’s all I do 👍

[@paul.vanhout57]

GS and Triumph Thruxton R owner here - rode the standard version of this and was wowed by the motor and quality but overwhelmed by the heft. Remain intrigued but probably not enough to add to the stable. The Rocket 3 might be a different story. Very fair and honest review.

[@teapotone]

Cheers Paul 👍

[@RiderReviews]

Great Video Bruce love the honesty too...I’m yet to ride one at some point, hopefully I’ll also manage to jump on the Triumph Rocket soon I’m definitely looking forward to that! Take care Jake.

[@stevebolton8471]

Good to see you riding around Church Crookham, you picked a lot of roads with sharp bends on them in the area, particularly near Dora’s Green, the road from there to Crondall, and Kennels Lane to Southwood! Maybe not the best choices for a cruiser! 😃😂🧐. I have no patience for a bike that won’t corner, that’s the largest part of the magic for me and an over large engine doesn’t make up for that lack. Thanks for the review.

[@UrgetoRide]

That bike was clearly made for american roads as prime target. That scrape at such low angle would've definitely annoyed me too

[@paul.vanhout57]

Not for the American backcountry roads I ride :)

[@cmdrgunslinger5955]

Contrary to popular opinion us Yanks like to corner too.. 😎

[@chiefchips5976]

Great video Bruce as always, keep up the good work 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud 👍

[@MegaWorthington]

I test rode a 'First Edition' yesterday, I'm a committed boxer man, but like you ,it left me a bit cold. I have an R9T and I remember not wanting that test ride to end, but I was happy to hand this one back. I love the details and the view of it looking from behind and down onto the seat and cylinders. I think it's going to be an 'old mans bike' in the way that BMW bikes were regarded in the past.

[@LivingwithaBMWKGTL]

the Boxer engine 1800cc is just awesome... will have to ask my K1600GTL (Demonic Screaming Owl) if she will mind sharing her garage space with a new sister!! good vid dude.. hate the fish tail exhaust that I have seen but love these ones.... scraping the pegs..... is part of the character..... you will love it or hate it.....

[@gabec77geo]

Cool video. I though that R18 is something new from BMW until I spotted its grandpa BMW R61. Proven and classical design. And really not built to cut corners in speed where one needs to lean

[@JakeyJay26]

Love your honesty. R1200GSA still the one for me all day long.... at least for now.

[@_audacerider3838]

Well I would like You test the Indian Challenger. I recon it is a grate bike that is very under the radar in UK. An it is a intresting alternative to HD and even a Honda Goldwing. Grate and honest review as usual. And I remember how positive You been during the HD test rides so I know it is not the problem with the cruiser /bagger style bike but just this this motorcycle.

[@kellyco4139]

A beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery and so much fun to ride

[@teapotone]

I really wish I thought that too - sadly it just left me cold. I’d like to try one for a week or two and see if it changed my opinion 🤷‍♂️👍

[@kellyco4139]

@@teapotone I think you do need to spend a week riding and appreciating the R18 . Yours would be the most negative review on an R18 that I’ve seen .

[@bigmanmoto9897]

Good honest review. As TMF stated, some bikes are not for everyone. We all have our own tastes. For me either the HD Fat Boy or the Triumph Rocket before this.

[@stevoone342]

I Think you went into the test ride expecting it to be like the rocket 3 (A power house / brute performance) Witch it isn’t. Compared to a Cruiser/tourer. Also a lot of reviews it took 2/3 days of ridding to sus the bike and most whent from not liking it to loving it. But it’s not for everyone. Really the bike should be compared to a Harley Davidson or an Indian and I’ve herd one reviewer even compare the goldwing in part to it. I took the bagger r18 out this week on a test ride, started of a little nurvus and anchos especially about bends and ridding style coming from k1600GA, But loved it, I found the seating position very nice and confidence inspiring, The build quality and detail is amazing and I can tell a lot of passion and dedication has gone into the bike. Also that Engine is something Very Very special. I’ve ended up buying one 😂 R18 Continental a very very expensive day but no regrets. And very excited to ride her but equally going to have to say bye 👋 to my loved K1600GA but have enjoyed it and had some great tours on her. But we all have bikes that we don’t like or get on with. But enjoyed the vid.

[@AdyRider]

Interesting review. Thank you. 👍

[@jag1970s]

Nice review and I expect I’d feel the same way about it. Feels like all the power you’d want but none of the cornering to match. I used to own an XV950 and I used to hate the pegs scraping - in the end it was just killing the fun. Now I have a MT09 and in comparison I am yet to find a corner that seems an effort at any speed!

[@kellanhills1972]

Personally I have no need to corner at speed greater than a 32 degree lean angle. Most Harley cruisers have only a minimal degrees better lean angle if that I pretty sure. I find my r18 sublime. One of the best parts is that it stands out among the sea of Indians and Harleys. I could ride all day on mine. It also has nearly identical HP to similar Indians and Harley’s and weighs a little less.

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Greetings, As always another brilliant detailed video production 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲 I'm glad I waited for your opinion, I am NOT buying. Keep producing more videos

[@layaboutlout]

Hey Bruce, This is the first video i've spotted in 5 months as it turns out despite being subbed and bell icon rung (all). Hope it was just me all the best!

[@teapotone]

Hi Christian, That’s interesting, my views have been well down over the last 6 months actually, I wonder if YT is limiting my reach? 🤷‍♂️

[@layaboutlout]

@@teapotone Something fishy is afoot, more likes required perhaps. Silly algorithm. All the best.

[@richardsracingmad]

Out of this or the Rocket 3, the Triumph had the looks and curves. Neither bike is my cup of tea, but having said that, we like all bikes don't we?-----just some are just more "our thing" than others

[@marcusFZ6]

Good honest review Teapot, thanks.

[@grumpsrides6074]

Surprised you didn't get on with it, seeing as you 'do' like your BMW's?! Just proves you do honest, genuine reviews 🙂 Not a fan of the R18 personally, prefer the R9T.

[@teapotone]

Aye the R9T definitely handles better on the road. I still don’t get how this huge 1,800cc boxer engine left me feeling so flat though? The 1250 is an amazing engine🤷‍♂️👍

[@stevebolton8471]

@@teapotone because it is bloated with an over sized engine?

[@remotorcycled]

Good video dude. This looks a lumbering beast in the corners. I think I would be the same, expecting a lot more from an 1800cc engine! I think the fact you ride a bmw and love it you were probably excited to see what a massive version of that engine would be like adds to that disappointment. I would take a triumph rocket any day over this I think.

[@teapotone]

Yeah it did feel an anti-climax as I was expecting the engine to be similar to the 1250 just with a LOAD more punch 🤷‍♂️ Horse for courses though isn’t it, not my cup of tea but other people love’m 👍

[@captainaverage721]

Not really a bike for UK roads or me tbh but I applaud BMW for having the balls to make such a bike

[@MrRazvansogodel]

Correct conclusion !!! 👍🏻

[@ticthedog9413]

👍 Good honest review What's happened to the Brew Time podcasts? I found them enjoyable listening

[@teapotone]

Thanks Tic, The podcast is still going strong, I moved it over to its own channel a month or so ago! I’ve been posting on here and across my social media to let people know. kzbin.info

[@ticthedog9413]

TeapotOne Many thanks for the reply, as I'm not a avid social media user I must have missed the notification of channel change. Looks like I've got plenty of catching up to do.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Well done on getting reverse to work Bruce - I rode one of these for two weeks and couldn't once get it to engage!! Other than that, I think I liked the bike more than you - I thought the build quality and looks in particular were amazing and it had bags of character!....although I agree it' a challenging machine to corner on.....just shows we all like different things!

[@teapotone]

Aye it’s a good job we’re all different, it would be boring if we weren’t. I didn’t feel any character from it at all 🤷‍♂️😬😂

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

@@teapotone That torque reaction when you started her? The peg scraping? The "cornering ability"? Is that not "Character"??

[@teapotone]

Hmmm - no, not in my book. For me character is something positive, apart from the initial grin factor when I started the engine (which wore off after the first bend) all the other stuff were negatives for me. The Harley Fat Boy scraping the runner boards became a game and something I had fun doing - the R18 became annoying as it was insanely easy to scrape the pegs and it put me off actually riding the bike. As I said, it’s personal opinion isn’t it 🤷‍♂️👍

[@guyr7351]

Bruce, there seemed to be hardly any angle of lean before scraping, which surely limits the fun. While no one buying this expects it to be a sports bike it seems suited to straight lines, and apart from the start we never heard “nationals”from you which to me indicated it was not ringing your bells. Loads of torque to bumble along a dual carriage way? Your not the only one who does not get it with this bike

[@SuperchargedLlama]

@@TheMissendenFlyer the version Bruce had looked a lot nicer to me than the one you had. You mentioned the exhausts yours had, the fishtails? They looked ghastly, as you inferred. The ones on this look far better I think?

[@MotoMichelle]

I test rode the R18 a few months ago, great bike

[@Gaz1za21]

I’ve not ridden it though think you’re right Bruce, if you’re in the market for a cruiser the options from H-D, Ducati and especially Triumph with the Rocket are far more likely to tickle the danglies for certain and look so good👍😊👌

[@teapotone]

Aye I’ve still to try the Diavel personally, but the Rocket and Fatboy are way out ahead of this R18 for me 👍

[@Gaz1za21]

@@teapotone I rode an Indian in Orlando back in 2016 for the day and was totally unimpressed; should have been a Sportster but they didn't have one in stock!!! A H-D is still on my wish list, but you should try a Ducati for sure Bruce...

[@nickturnbull4302]

Sorry Bruce watched TMF first. Hope your not too offended, but you both are as usual spot on with your reviews. Just love um👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

...he'll be gutted Nick!!

[@hunyango2k]

that scraping sound on the roundabout... ouch!!! not even leaning that much...

[@tarmacgorilla]

Nice and honest review! Keep them coming

[@teapotone]

Cheers bud 👍

[@the_mad_leprechaun]

OK you have convinced me I will take one for a spin.

[@SweeneyTTodd]

Just watched another review on this bike , does the classic come with all them extras or are they optional "extras" Clunk what was that lol , i would be heading back after that ! It doesn't seem to getting the best reviews , very good to see honest reviews Great video Best regards Shaun

[@beans4491]

Oh mate you were never going to like it, your style of riding is not suited for this beautiful machine. As you kinda mentioned its for sitting back and enjoying and perhaps not for cranking way over, the rocket is your inter ballistic missile that i think is more suited for you. So many people moan about this work of art and disrespect it, even though they probably haven’t seen it in the flesh let a loan ride it. Also its actually cheaper than a fully loaded gsa. Ive had many people stop and admire my R18 and take photos of it, in fact even film it, ive never had this on my gs Rayleigh HP? It’s not for everybody and I don’t understand why think it lacks power.....its a torque monster. Kind regards. 👍

[@teapotone]

I was thinking about you actually Beans during the test ride! I know you love yours, but I just didn’t gel with it sadly 🤷‍♂️👍

[@beans4491]

Think there was something wrong with that one 😂...cheers mate.

[@aukanmeister]

Basically how I felt riding the GS😆 Hope someone still buys it though!

[@teapotone]

😂👍

[@gordanmoran4549]

Just swapped my 1300gs for one ;-] a bike I can look back at when I close the garage door

[@himydad1499]

If you compare it to the rocket III you should put in ROCK I guess. Unclear which mode you were in. I does has that classic look that you don't find on the rocket. That reverse is a nice option. I don"t think Harley or Indian have that (and that's a shame). The goldwing on the other hand does have it. That let's me think of the Flat Six... Now that was a good looking bike!

[@stimpyueediot]

Bruce you got to keep an eye out for those chickens on the road. they will get you. lol. I guess that jack hole from the last video who said that you sold out to BMW doesn't have much to say now.

[@SP-xd8gs]

I watched your review, went to buy a scrambler and said f it let me test an r18 classic, man I was overjoyed with the machine mind you I have never ridden a cruiser in my life yet ive owned a over 50 bikes, that was it went back to the showroom paid for it and it arrived a few days ago, its not an only bike to have imo its like a second bike, I also have a multi v4s also one of my fave bikes ever - sir I think you should spend a bit of more time with an r18 and do another review if you could

[@teapotone]

Yes I’d like to spend more time on one certainly, but I’ve just ridden one over in the Netherlands and I didn’t really enjoy it sadly. The Indian Chief is far superior for me personally

[@SP-xd8gs]

@@teapotone love the look of the indians ill have a look thank you!

[@LambChopRides]

Great review Bruce! 👏

[@ryoder]

Any bike that scrapes parts on the asphalt in a mild maneuver like that, is a defective design from my POV.

[@stevesteve1965]

If I were to go down this route and cost it would have to be the Triumph Rocket, I'd feel less of a pratt on that.

[@teapotone]

Aye same here

[@stevebolton8471]

Or a Gold Wing. At least that uses it’s weight for touring ability and comfort, and it handles.

[@pjclark8624]

I was wondering while watching this whether BMW have done a 'Honda' on it and removed all the 'fun' that give character. Turned it into a massive commuter. Perhaps an 'auto' gear option would keep it on a sweet spot of low rev torque?

[@dungbeetlemovies]

Possibly loses out on ground clearance because the pots prevent the forward controls needed on such a low slung bike.

[@martinhowell3475]

Hopefully it'll depreciate like a stone because I fancy bolting a sidecar to one.

[@derranstokes8760]

Thanks for the review Bruce - in a straight choice between the R18 and a Harley Fat Boy would the Fat Boy be the winner? It is pretty much the decision I have made.

[@CrusaderGeneral]

One can learn to love any vehicle, even a garbage truck on two wheels (which is what I think of this bike). Hence there are plenty of BMW fan boys who will praise this bike ad nauseum and attack anyone who criticizes it. I am just not one of them :) Thanks for the honest and polite review brotha :)

[@LivingwithaBMWKGTL]

Crus...so what is you own ride? I find that all bikes have merit..... no matter the manufacturer... generalizing about a marque is like saying that all english men are morons ( I can say this being a true Celt)!! but we know that is untrue dont we cuz TMF is a good english man.... and RevealatorAlf and others...so generally speaking a bike has a place based on its own merits in someones garage..just because you dont like doesnt mean someone wont!.. and remember.. ones weed is another mans flower.... for me I hate Hondas big time....but other love them... horses for courses

[@TheGorillaBiker]

How were you tall human legs on there? Yeah I'm really disappointed to hear it was a bit flat, I honestly think it was made for the big huge open roads of America really eh. The lack of lean would also not be great on our type of roads eh. Not a nice feeling waiting to touch down pegs on a bike like that. That little electric reverse is cool! Great video as always!

[@AdrianRP1]

The deal killer for me is the spoked wheels requiring tires with inner tubes...stupid.

[@RichDunn]

What a refreshing video, not loving everything about a new machine. It looks nothing like the beautiful original concept, and quite simply, they just drop the ball in too many areas with this one. In the States, where I live, dealers can't get rid of them and BMW already has them on a 0% finance deal.

[@teapotone]

Thanks Richard, yeah I think they will appeal to a very small, niche market. There are certainly plenty other cruisers out there that I’d pick before this one 🤷‍♂️👍

[@RichDunn]

@@teapotone As a BMW boxer fan-boy, I'd still have a Fat Boy or Rocket 3 (again), or Chief, over this. Losing their head designer to Indian has helped - they've gone off on the wrong tangent since then. A bit like the front grill on the 2021 BMW M3!

[@the_mad_leprechaun]

I really like the look of the R18, but I am odd like that. I would have liked to take a spin, but now that you have proved it not so good on corners, I'm less Impressed! Still looks lovely though!

[@teapotone]

I’d still recommend taking one for a spin Murt, biking is incredibly personal after all - one man’s cream is another man’s bird poo! 😉

[@the_mad_leprechaun]

@@teapotone I'm lost for words! Lol 😆"bird poo" 🐦 💩 OK I will try and see what they are about!

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great honest review. 👍

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud 👍

[@arcboutant]

Have you done a ‘what I keep in my backpack’ vid yet 🤔

[@MrBaltohusky]

Mega review!

[@teapotone]

Cheers bud 👍

[@garthmctavish7335]

You need to try Indain challenger now. 😎👍

[@markhooton9122]

Just watched your rs1250 video. You talked about the r1800. I had one for a day and did 260miles from Essex through Kent. The bike is a pointless machine. The foot pegs are in the wrong place my toes where hitting the frame when changing gear (size 10 bike shoe) the engine is in the way to place the pegs correctly. when using the rear same problem. The seat is way to hard for a lowdown cruiser. NO fuel gauge and will do about 20 miles when the warning comes on. Don't bother with the r1800 get the rs1250 and do a real review. Just saying. Great channel 👏 👍 👌 🙌 Many Thanks for the videos Mark

[@reophonic]

For a minute there I thought you said 21 thousand😳

[@thaijohn1962]

Hi Lad I would love you to check out the Indian super chief and give your views on this bike 🤔 keep up the good reviews

[@teapotone]

I’ve actually got a vid coming on that, rode one way back in May last year but just haven’t got around to editing it yet 😬🤦‍♂️👍

[@irvinmartin9259]

I do “the Rock, myself”.

[@irvinmartin9259]

Hey Irv. Shadow banned again?

[@irvinmartin9259]

T'was ever thus.

[@davidgreve1081]

There is a strong possibility that reverse Only works with the motor off. Check your owners manual. Because it engages the starter motor, thats very possible why it wont function. I would like to see a longer, more complete front fender. The oil cooler is out in the wind witout any protection from road debris. That front fender is the only thing that can protect it. When you install saddlebags, you have to be Very Careful not to scratch that $20+,000.00 usd paint job too. Whe you open one it will scratch it easily. Next thing i would do is much larger fuel tank, and a much more comfortable seat. Many complaints about anything longer than an hours worth of riding on the OEM seat. Maybe BMW is doing like Yamaha and installing a mortar brick instead of a comfortable seat, so the first thing you have to do is replace it.

[@MGman100]

Looks amazing but a great big lump of a bike and you're a big strong guy. I imagine us mere mortals would struggle on it!

[@scottc3]

Suits you Sir!!

[@johndiehardmclean23]

Great honest review Bruce! 👍😬 After owning a couple of Audi 4.2 V8's in the past...I feel that huge CC motorcycles would still leave me with an average sized c*ck! 🤣😂🤣 My balls have never felt bigger though...Riding my 125cc!!! 😮👍

[@ewanoffshore]

Nice review Bruce, I enjoyed that. I think the 200mph speedo is a bit optimistic 😆 Not my cup of tea, cracking vid tho 👍🏻

[@Osaka_Ai]

Yea since the power of the 1. 8l flat twin isn't that powerful

[@brianlongimanus9436]

Great vid again Bruce. But definitely not my cup of tea. 👏👏👏👍🏻

[@teapotone]

Cheers Brian, aye it’s a weird one isn’t it - it promises so much for me, but then just didn’t deliver. Genuinely gutted as I thought it’d be a hoot to ride 🤷‍♂️👍

[@rsmith3033]

First of all I Own a 2021 R-18 an will tell anybody how much i love tha bike ! BUT BMW needs to release a service manaul , not everybody wants to pay $150 per hour for a dealer to service their m/c

[@czarekp3552]

but what's it like off road?

[@teapotone]

😂👏👍

[@richardgiles2484]

Nice looking bike but don't think I would be spending £20k plus on one

[@idmc962]

Such a shame as it looks really good but I would be the same if I grounded the pegs out going around a corner. Great vid 👌

[@teapotone]

Wasn’t even a particularly tight corner either ?

[@almohandskhaild]

I think HD is still better in this category

[@MrAlmar07]

I'm with you on this Bruce. Even before watching the vid, it wasn't 'firing it up" for me. I'd say it might be a different beast on the old Autobahn. Awrabesht bud.

[@simonrobinson7536]

Don’t think you jelled with this bike, TMF liked the one he had, just shows different opinions

[@kn58]

Tmf always has very "safe" similar kind of reviews

[@splodge5714]

TMF found plenty of negatives. Don't think he'd be handing over £20,000 of his own money for one. Terrible thing.

[@Dude_Virus]

That ground clearance is too low and that tank is very disproportionate. If I ever think of upgrading to this, then I would put the tank from the Transcontinental version on this one. Atleast they changed the suspension on this one which was ugly looking on the other R18 model.

[@crumblymal8479]

Interesting gotta say with the screen and passenger seat which looks a little basic it needs a sissy bar for the passenger and to balance the look for me . why the open shaft I am not sure I thought it didn't have a passenger seat because of this but obviously not I would think an open spinning shaft without ant sort of guard would be a bit dodgy . It looks better than the others I have seen but would never have one and I reckon better for use in the US of A on the long wide sweepers and straights not on our gnarly pock ridden rubbish roads, I thought with you being a big guy it would have suited you down to the ground how wrong can ya be good one Bruce cheers : ) .

[@MrCmeehan]

Spoiled by the Triumph Rocket perhaps why you couldn't get on with it? :) Great review all the same though! :-)

[@duncanorr5926]

The classic has a fatter front tyre which might make it feel a bit slower turning. I'm not trying to make excuses but it may not have been your r18.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

No *feet-forward* position on a big cruiser?

[@johncf5565]

You and TMF is doing R18 review....hmmm... who should I watch first? ..... 😅

[@teapotone]

ME!!!!!!

[@jfro5867]

Think you missed the point completely. Not everyone wants to ‘rip’ at the mere sight of a national sign and press on. So what if you have to slow down a bit to avoid dragging the pegs. The way things are going we will all have to get enjoyment at lower speeds.

[@Desmo904]

You can't like every bike Bruce! At least it shows you aren't just saying nice things in order to stay in a manufacturers good books. I'd far rather have someone say they didn't like something (for a reason) and then make up my own mind than be hoodwinked into thinking a bike was something it wasn't. I can't honestly say that the R18 does it for me anyway. I dare say it's well made and will last but it's not my style.

[@teapotone]

Cheers Al, I’ve not got much mate but I’ve got my integrity, and I’ll never sacrifice that 👍

[@jamesfisher1827]

The version you got from BMW certainly looks better than the one they loaned TMF. Shame it’s just not a bit more mad.

[@teapotone]

TMF hasn’t had the ‘Classic’, he’s had the standard R18👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

@@teapotone ......the one you rode had a windscreen, the one I had didn't!!! Not a whole lot of difference!!!

[@teapotone]

The Classic has more chrome and a slightly different exhaust. BMW also said it came with white ‘piping’ but I notice that actually also comes on the standard R18 too

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

@@teapotone Yes that one you rode did sound nicer than the muted fishtailed one I had for sure....

[@jamesfisher1827]

Not that I’m a big Harley fan but the “Classic” had the Harley style passing laps, a simpler exhaust and nicer looking luggage. All in I think it looks better than the standard, however I would love to hear one with an aftermarket full system. The thing with these bikes is like a Harley the basic bike is just a starting point, and BMW have really increased the amount of aftermarket parts you can now buy from them across all their range. BMW will still be scratching the surface with accessories compared to HD, about 10-15 years ago one of their salesmen handed me the aftermarket parts catalogue for the HD range, and I seem to remember it was comparable in size to the Littlewood’s catalogue. 😂

[@aaronlovett1925]

Put that engine in a GS frame oh yeah I think you could have fun 👍👍😅😅😅

[@Vilmir]

Man, you look a lot like a French celebrity: Philippe Etchebest

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha I just googled him - I don’t think he’d be happy about that 😂😉👍

[@Boxer1250RT]

Berlin designed a bike that was to please the Berlin Designers only. They did not think about the functionality, ridability, ease of use, etc. It is a huge fail and a lost opportunity for the US Market. Now, if they go back to the Drawing Board (put their pride aside) and design a LIGHTER 1250 CC Boxer, weighs no more than 700 pound, Shorter Wheelbase, Batwing version, I'd be the first to try. In this form, if I were to in the market for a Cruiser, I'd end up in the HD showroom. As a disclosure I owned 5 BMW bikes and countless BMW cars. Huge Fan of the brand, but not blindly. Nice to see an HONEST review. Thanks.

[@forumboss2620]

$21000+. Pegs drag dangerously in mild turns. Testers report bad buffeting off windscreen above 60 mph. 16” front wheel on Classic causes bike to lift if you apply front brake mid turn. Seat not particularly comfortable. Mediocre touring range with no fuel gauge....

[@dondle2]

Not a bike for the West of Scotland, or anywhere else if you like taking corners safely. !!!

[@bolton737]

Well done Bruce, another honest assessment is the reason I watch and trust your judgement. I had a feeling that BMW would miss the mark on this one. If you want a cruiser that can double as a tourer you would still Harley, fat boy with a screen and panniers a far better option in my opinion.

[@teapotone]

Thanks man, Yeah the Fat Boy did make me feel good when I rode it, genuinely had a great time on it, and the Triumph Rocket III has left a mark too. Shame this one just missed the beat for me 🤷‍♂️👍

[@roverchap]

This could be a great bike if it was 900cc, at least 50kg lighter and at least £5000 cheaper - all of which ought to be possible. A twenty grand bike which can't go round corners and needs a lever and button to manoeuver backwards is frankly nuts. All that is wrong with modern motorcycling and why there are so few younger new-entrant riders is demonstrated in the R18.

[@cport955]

The whole point of riding a bike like this is how much peg surfing you can do

[@teapotone]

Aye but you’ll wear the pegs off this after 3 roundabouts! 😂👍

[@thebiker3895]

what happened to the walk around or is that TMF....

[@teapotone]

TMF

[@thebiker3895]

​@@teapotone LOL I was only jokng Bruce, couldn'r really imagine you on the R18 tbh, I'm sure it has a niche market although maybe not in the Uk,,,

[@FintanK71]

Quite agricultural changing gears.

[@TheSpectre223]

Shame that, this is one of those bikes that I really want to succeed because I like that they tried something different and interesting. I'm not sure how well it's gonna sell though

[@stevensullivan5287]

Love mine, have had all brands, Norton, Triumph and all the Asian products. Astounding machine, she's a big girl and need firm hands.

[@ryanhburke]

CHiPs anyone?

[@mrcintheuk5596]

Do you think this boxer engine has reached its level of incompetence? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@teapotone]

No not at all, they’ve plainly built that engine for this bike and the market it’s aimed at. There’s still so much more to come from the 1250 boxer engine - there’s a much anticipated/rumoured 1300cc version possibly into the future?

[@mrcintheuk5596]

@@teapotone Sorry, I meant a 1,800cc engine when referring to "this". Is 1,800 too big for a boxer engine? Too much of a tractor compared to the Triumph Rocket III triple engine?

[@splodge5714]

@@mrcintheuk5596 think you hit the nail on the head.

[@splodge5714]

Horrible thing. The Harley Heritage or Deluxe looks much nicer and the Triumph Rocket 3 a much better modern heavyweight cruiser.

[@SmokinBob]

Id still buy a harley over this

[@dongraham1559]

Nahhhh not for me! Only thing that would appeal is seat height as I'm a short arse...