Adding a BMW R18 First Edition to the Stable

[@jfro5867]

Had mine 18 months, it’s a delight to own and ride, when ridden as a heavy cruiser. It’s not a commuter, not a muscle bike, it’s a rolling work of art. IMHO bmw messed up badly both the launch hype and initial production numbers, then threw everyone under the bus by discounting heavily, that’s hit used prices and we are now here with the £10k private sales. You’ve done well. Welcome on board, join the forum it’s very good.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Hey. I feel sort of guilty with the ‘bargain’ but saw it coming. I’m very happy with my purchase for sure and thanks for the steer on the forum. Ride safe👍🏻 PS: I love “rolling work of art”

[@DonGoldstein-b7q]

Enjoyed your story. Beautiful trips you’ve been on! I am a BMW rider for over 30 years and I own a 94 K1100RS ( original owner) and this past November bought the R18 100 year anniversary. I absolutely love the R18, it’s sooo unique, powerful and has so much “ soul”. I live on NY so I’m looking forward to the warm weather and lots of saddle time on it. BTW you got a sick deal on yours. 👍

[@nickhodgeUK]

Managed one ride so far on a sunny early spring day here but we’re slowly warming so hope to be out more shortly. Off to Belgium (1st world war trenches) in late April and then 11 days doing Swiss mountain passes and the Italian dolomites in September but that’ll be on the K16 👍🏻

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Greetings, As always another brilliant detailed video production 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲 Keep producing more videos about the BMWs

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@martin9756]

Nick, As below - Good to see you back 👍👍👍

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thank you Martin 👍🏻

[@joseprado397]

Hi Nick, congratulation for the new acquisition, this is really a bike to keep, it is build with quality and attention to details, I have one that actually is my second one, First edition and then I changed for the 100 Anniversary just to keep an special BMW bike, happy to share some learnings to improve the comfort of the bike, e.g if you haven't I will recommend to adjust the spring load according to your weigh, from production they come in the hardest position and the dealer usually don't make the adjustment to the raider. The high seat is highly recommended as well to add comfort, I really enjoy this bike in short rides during the week, this is the type of bike that keep you smiling when you ride, agree with the concept of a rolling work of art :)

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks Jose. I’ll look at the spring loading and seat. As I’ve literally only ridden it home I’ve yet to experience any real rides on her. It most people’s comments seem positive, so roll on the dry, sunny days 👍🏻

[@andrewp634]

Great video's, i have a GS but i am thinking of a cruiser as well and maybe an R18, looking forward to your next video on the R18

[@benkelly2190]

Nice one.. a great 2nd bike. Congrats Nick.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks Ben. I sure hope so 👍🏻

[@scannan]

Hi Nick, Just a wee bit jealous of both your grand tour of Northern Europe AND the dream machine you've acquired. I'll feel better when I can view your new videos. Enjoy every minute of your new bike. Greetings from Dublin.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks for the comment. Still toiling with artic circle edit 👍🏻

[@peterwade1796]

Hi Nick. I bought one ,same as yours from a dealer as a demonstrator, with 1050km. It has all the goodies as does your new bike. I have a number of bikes, but this one is special. I hope you enjoy your R18 as much as I have. Good times ahead, Regards Peter.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks Peter. It’s an itch I’ve been waiting to scratch for some time. Hopefully very soon now 👍🏻

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Hi Nick, nice to see you back. Beautiful addition to the garage, great story and the perfect example fell in your lap…meant to be I’d say 👍. Looking forward to videos to come. Be well sir.

[@nickhodgeUK]

It’s weird Bill. Every main purchase (bike, car, house) I um and ah and get huge buyers remorse before and after but after three years this was meant to be. I had no way to back out 🤣👍🏻

[@derekcowan2373]

Nice to see you again Nick, cracking bike! Enjoy😊

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks Derek. Just need an early spring 15 degrees day 👍🏻

[@richardbriggs1335]

Nice to see another video

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks Richard. Hopefully more on the way 👍🏻

[@bobtaylor5263]

you got a bargain nick good on you

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks Bob. I’m happy for sure. They’re just starting to appear at the right money now. Feel a bit for people who lose £12k in 700 miles (no matter the age) £17 per mile depreciation!!!

[@noelleahy7427]

I did the same thing 9 months ago.... got a 2021 FE with 90 km on it for $19,000 aussie dollars.... so similar real price to yours.... and as a second bike. Anyhow, it is now by far my most favourite thing.... incredible ride experience.... I love fast windy roads. Worth putting a +20mm Wilbers rear shock on it... takes the 90mm of travel to 115mm and sorts the ride and peg scraping issue. I also added ther springs to the front forks along with some YSS emulators. Have fun.... 2,000rpm to 4,000 in any gear is so tactile..... unbelievable.... the first bike I ride always if a 2 to 3 hr ride. Quite fun on dirt roads as well.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Cheers Noel. That strengthen more my decision. Sounds exactly the same reasons as me for you. Thanks for the suspension advice too

[@oswold100]

Well done that man👍👍

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks David 👍🏻

[@Raymaciver]

Good choice Nick, you have a couple of beauties there mate. 👌

[@nickhodgeUK]

They actually do look quite nice together. Thanks 👍🏻

[@davidlong2683]

Hi Nick. Enjoyed your vlog. Cheers from Alaska USA.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Alaska. That’s some reach!! You’ll be pretty snowed in at the minute I suspect?? Probably itching more than me to see some dry roads and grass!!! Mind you on my Scandinavian tour I saw much fun to be had on snowmobiles during winter 👍🏻

[@TheDervMan]

Love those R18's

[@nickhodgeUK]

I have from day 1 but I’m even happier at the price 🤣👍🏻

[@TheDervMan]

@@nickhodgeUK yea great deal. Loved the box of goodies too 😎👌🏻

[@muddyharbourrider7340]

Good for you Nick, great purchase and I wish you well with your gorgeous acquisition. I switched from a GSA R1200 to RT 1250 and enjoyed it for 2 years but I’ve recently gone back and purchased a new GSA 1250. Very happy with it, they’re really the best bikes and gives you that - you know your on a motorcycle feeling if you know what I mean. Looking forward to your Norway videos. Cheers 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks. The Norway stuff is a laborious job but I’m plodding through. You know my love for the GS (particularly the Adventure) but I’m liking the K16 and may try an RT at some point (1300???) ride safe 👍🏻

[@rainerkastens]

Just had to give my thoughts… originally connected with your KZbin after purchasing my 2019 GSA. It was a great bike but, I felt it might be time to get a more traditional tourer, as that’s where the vast majority of my riding was… on the road. Again, learning from your similarly timed purchase of the K1600, I bought mine in 2023. It’s been almost 2 years of riding this wonderful bike but, I’ve realized my heart remains with the GSA… it doesn’t even matter if I never take it off-road. For me it’s the “tourer” I love. I’ve ridden the new 1300 GS, but I don’t think the new Adventure is going to be my bike, even with the front and back radar. It’s the 1250 GSA I like the ride and handling of. The debate now is if I get a new 2024 Adventure while they’re still available or, try to find a comp for my former fully kitted out 2019 GSA TripleBlack… keeping the dream alive… Alaska to Patagonia… I may never make the full 30,000 km but, I’m not yet ready to give up the dream. I’ll check back on occasion to see where your future interests take you.

[@nickhodgeUK]

I’ll always have a love for my 1250GSA and I’m waiting to see the 1300GSA properly before I make my mind up. First impression was awful but it’s already grown on me particularly if you BMW accessorise it as it is obviously meant to be. I’m also awaiting the 1300RT. On my 10,000km trip last year in the K16 my mate had a 1250RT. It’s lighter, does better fuel consumption, used no oil, so apart from the smooth engine in the K16 it’s certainly a very capable bike. Lastly, do your dreams. Life is very short 👍🏻

[@vladsoko4995]

I am envious of your find. Also have my eye on the R18 but first I need to scrape together enough cash to purchase one. My last bike was a 2005 Honda VTX 1800n. After getting rid of it I have regretted it ever since. The R18 is going to be in my garage as well it's just a matter of about a year. I live in Eastern Canada. Cheers and ride safe.

[@nickhodgeUK]

I hope it’ll be worth waiting for 👍🏻

[@fredzuccarelli]

Congrats Nick!!!! Now show us some vids!!!!! 😊

[@nickhodgeUK]

There’ll be a spate soon Fred 🤣🤣👍🏻

[@jvl4832]

Well done Nick, Always enjoyable and do appreciate your relaxed style. Of, course, quite understandable wanting a bike for short trips and those jaunts into the countryside . Good choice with the great looking well crafted R18 motorcycle. Just curious about why the bike was sold for such a price? I have a 2021 Triple Black GS, but really wishing for that second bike , such as a Kawasaki W800 or a Bonneville. Just don’t know how to sell the idea to my wife…all suggestions appreciated! Looking forward to your future videos. Greetings from Berlin,Jim

[@nickhodgeUK]

Hi Jim. Thanks for the comment. They really are tough to move here I think. Just looked and there are now 3 below £10,000. One only two years old. I find with ladies there are two approaches. Never mind their spend, however small or annoying then it’s difficult for them to criticise you even though the spend maybe far larger. The second approach is to ask forgiveness after rather than permission before!! 🤣👍🏻

[@jvl4832]

@@nickhodgeUK just had a good laugh…the forgiveness approach, though risking life and limb, will put the bike in the garage, or me onto the streets😂

[@stephenpotts8170]

Looks lovely, bet you cant wait for those hazy lazy days of summer.

[@nickhodgeUK]

For sure can’t wait Stephen. You missed ‘crazy’ from the lyrics. Maybe I’m past that 🤣👍🏻

[@stephenpotts8170]

Yes I thought crazy may be a step to far at our age...He-he.@@nickhodgeUK

[@beozzie690]

Nice one mate.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Itching to ride it more than just to home after buying it 🤣👍🏻

[@kimvanuytsel8462]

Great video as always! Meanwhile I got myself the BMWK1600 GTL (2022 model) and I will be able to pick it up tomorrow. As you can imagine I can’t wait for this! 😊I will also keep my R1200 GSA (2015 model). Some people ask why I am keeping the GSA and the answer is simple because the GSA is such a reliable bike!!. Other than that I am looking to do some miles with my Honda super Magna, which I took over from a friend and which I am only using to make circles around the church of my village (in my leather jacket 😂). Good luck with your R18, ride safe!!

[@nickhodgeUK]

Hi Kim. You’re in for a treat with the K16. She will be sooooooo smooth. The GTL is a little softer than my GT but they handle surprisingly well. I guess too with the GSA being 2015 it’d get a low part-exchange so it’s worth more to you just to keep it. Enjoy all the bikes and stay safe 👍🏻

[@tonyporter9362]

Welcome back nick, missed ya buddy

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks Tony. Bike time approaching

[@tonyporter9362]

Never stopped for me, completed NC500 in June last year. Give it a look

[@nickhodgeUK]

Did that in 2019. Loved it

[@BoiledOctopus]

Beautiful bike. Bought one three days ago. Think the shaft is nickel plated. Just noticed the Alton receipt. Got mine from there too!

[@nickhodgeUK]

I love riding this ‘at leisure’ 👍🏻

[@BoiledOctopus]

@@nickhodgeUK Same. At the age of 50, my racing bike days are no longer of interest. Happy chugging around the country roads!

[@nickhodgeUK]

@BoiledOctopus I still have K1600 for racking miles but this is 100 miles with two coffee stops 👍🏻

[@dratilhelvetedotlol]

That price is a steal, couldn't find one in Norway for less than 21000GBP used! Best regards, Magnus (bloke from near Glomfjord)

[@nickhodgeUK]

Hi Magnus. Great to hear from you. It was great when we met up. You get a mention when I finally get the video edited. That was such a great trip. I must get to Norway again. After we left you Lofoten was spectacular. It just stopped raining and the sun shone 👍🏻

[@brookspeed]

Amazing bike for the price. I am seriously considering buying one to go with my k1600 and 1250rt. I will be watching with interest. Martin, Southampton.

[@nickhodgeUK]

That’ll be greedy 🤣🤣 leave private AND dealers and there’s 3 below £10,000 and two are very local 👍🏻

[@raymondhumphreys5122]

Bit strong this was an attempt by BMW to do something different rather than the models everybody has (boring) I think you are smack on buying this and what a deal. Enjoy I think you will love it.

[@nickhodgeUK]

I think I’ll like it too Raymond. Not quite sure where it goes from here but expect it to be around while others come and go 👍🏻

[@philipTOMPSETT]

I wondered why you hadn’t popped up for a while. Any idea of the real world tank range? I’m very tempted too at that sort of price.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Hi Phillip. I’ve ridden it home…. Watch this space 👍🏻🤣 (three on autotrader today under £10k)

[@joseprado397]

the tank range is around 200 miles

[@jfro5867]

Mine does about 50 mpg, simply because you ride mostly around 2000- 2500rpms, gearing is tall, it’s very low revving and understressed, like riding a bull.

[@jeanjacques9980]

The beauty is in the eye of the holder, some of the custom jobs on this model are much better than the original.

[@nickhodgeUK]

I agree. It really doesn’t matter what others think. If everyone liked the same you’d all be living with my wife 🤣. Some customisations of this bike are pretty amazing for sure 👍🏻

[@jeanjacques9980]

@@nickhodgeUK Apologies for typos, corrected. J

[@nikoscosmos]

Bucking the youtube trend of going affordable Royal Enfield!

[@nickhodgeUK]

They’ve got some great offerings in the affordable retro for sure. As have Triumph 👍🏻

[@andyprice1550]

Hi nick Love the look of the R18 but when I rode it I did find it very vibey through the bars and foot pegs unfortunately 😩

[@nickhodgeUK]

For sure Andy it’s not a 500 mile a day bike. Think that counts against its value too 👍🏻

[@jfro5867]

That’s sort of the whole point Andy, but I appreciate we can’t all like the same thing. Secret is to short shift it, then it’s a silky smooth wave of effortless torque. You have to ride them in a different way, if you like to hang onto lower gears and rev it out it’s the wrong bike for you.

[@nickhodgeUK]

@@jfro5867 even with the 20 miles I e done on it I could feel that. It’s a ‘sit back, relax and enjoy the ride’ sort of bike whereas my K16 will do that she gives you the greatest buzz when you accelerate like a lunatic using the quick shifter. As you say, different type of motorcycling experience which I think strengthens my contention that they’re a great 2nd bike? 👍🏻

[@jfro5867]

@@nickhodgeUK Yea, IMHO the R18 is just far too nice to everyday it and tbh it wouldn’t be great in that role for all sorts of valid reasons. It can go pretty well actually and is not slow by any means but that’s missing the whole point and joy of it. Relax, waft about, soak in the riders POV. What’s the rush?

[@lambo2817]

Hi nick, id love to know what bmw navigation you are currently using? A few options at the moment, Nav 5/6, connected ride phone cradle, connected ride navigator and the new chigee???? Any reviews coming?

[@nickhodgeUK]

I no longer really have a bike with choice. The K1600 has the nav built in the TFT and with the connected app now works very well 95% of the time. The R18 has nothing so fancy but I will use my phone in a quad lock mount with the MRA app which I highly rate for its integration of planning tool and navigation app with the ability to test routes with Garmin and TomTom maps (they are sometimes different). Now if I had a GS now I would NOT use either of the NAV5/6. For many reasons. They are Garmin units and the planning tools for Garmin are too complicated (basecamp). Also, the connections between helmet, Phone, TFT and Nav5/6 is complex and too fraught with contention issues. Lastly, the connected app (BMW) which is what is projected onto the TFT navigation uses TomTom maps which may be different to Garmin. That way your Nav 6 may show a different route to the TFT!!! So I would probably start with the cheapest option. The cradle and my phone as the bmw connected app is very competent now and has live traffic if you are internet enabled. The New Navigator looks to have potential if that is simply projecting what’s on the BMW app (reserving your phone for other uses) but I have no experience so wouldn’t comment. For me, unless proven different with the Navigator it would be cradle and phone. The other thing is £700 for a satnav!! I used mine more for the bike’s telemetry than navigation

[@lynnmay6436]

'promosm'

[@elithegreat6463]

This bike is BMW's Biggest Flop ever. The R-18 would have been perfect in 2010, The Style is played out, the lack of real power, and just the huge weight. BMW needs to cut it's loses, and scrap this Whale.

[@nickhodgeUK]

I think the electric scooter may take that award but I’m not arguing your points. Just at sub-£10k for me it’s a sound basic motorcycle 👍🏻

[@elithegreat6463]

@@nickhodgeUK True, for a ride to the coffee shop, a ride around town, and at that price, it’s a no brainer if given that offer. It’s a shame, BMW needed to make this bike more “Modernized” and get away from that “Classic” look. That look will not influence new riders, that look was getting old in 2010, Hence the dismal sales of this Bike. Good luck with it. 👍🇬🇧

[@martyn_g]

@@elithegreat6463it has one. The K1600B.

[@stuartosborn4785]

I've had one for a year now and love it ! I toured Ireland on it and have no complaints about vibrations or comfort . I bought mine new for £13000 . I wouldnt/couldn't pay the original asking price

[@nickhodgeUK]

@stuartosborn4785 glad you’re liking it Stuart 👍🏻