All-New 2021 BMW R18..!! • 1st Ride Impressions! | BikeReviews

[@ShawnSmoak]

A second view of this bike on my other channel: "1st 2021 BMW R18!! • Thought It Was a K1600 Box..! | TheSmoaks Vlog_1760" kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYKkgH6JaJ2ZrcU Consider Subscribing...

[@kurtfirestone2761]

Wow is it ugly.

[@MotoMichelle]

i test rode the R18 and loved it :)

[@Lullylover]

@@kurtfirestone2761 Then do not look in the mirror.

[@kellyco4139]

A beautiful magnificent piece of machinery and a total joy to ride . I can’t say enough great things about my R18

[@Truthseeker71]

I like how the massive torque on startup twists the bike to the side.

[@bernardlesperance742]

Hi Shawn. Just discovered this channel of yours after viewing the other one for the last couple of years ! LOL . Anyways, just wanted to say that apparently the R18 was modeled after the Slim but I more see the Fat Boy (pre-2018) in its genes. Love 'em all ! Looking forward to a new riding season and your great videos !

[@davidgreve1081]

If you ain't careful, you're liable to have one in your harem of bikes. My 1953 R/51/3 looked very similar, but mine only had 500ccs. This one IS a real monster! I would love all the extra power! You wont feel the heat, unless you're driving in rain. Your feet will stay dry and toasty warm in any kind of rain. A larger fuel tank and an upgraded front fender is all it will need if it was mine. I'm still in love with my R/51 front fender. Those were nice and had a lot of style too. What an impressive bike! Love it!!

[@ccgg3913]

Amazing stonker of a bike, you’ve got to sit on it to believe the size of these cylinders, they are huuuuuuuuuge ... bravo BMW !!!!

[@ShawnSmoak]

Couldn't agree more!

[@chrisp.5272]

Those torque specs are impressive, adequate horsepower, and it’s the classiest BMW motorcycle I’ve ever seen. I want one, but that’s going to require a lot of overtime.

[@troy9er]

That is cool!! Torque Monster!!! 😉

[@4LowRocks]

Built one with the bobber seat and the slip on straight pipe on the BMW configurator! So cool. Just take my money!

[@billybunter3753]

Awesome I've been waiting for someone to ride that thing! I'm going to watch this on the big TV!

[@ShawnSmoak]

Hope you enjoy it! Thanks Billy!!

[@billybunter3753]

@@ShawnSmoak I will Shawn and thank you! 👍

[@cmarkd1]

Congratulations Shawn 👏 That the first video of the R18 I've seen from a riders perspective! What a gorgeous piece of machinery.

[@lorentzinvariant7348]

I’m an American but for some reason I absolutely love Berlin Built in bold letters on the speedometer. Very cool bike! Looks like a bike that just really wanted to be made. Sometimes those are the best kind.

[@jigrodrigues]

I like the fact that it doesn't sound like a regular cruiser but more like an engine for industrial use

[@martymorgan9977]

Your narrative is spot on, Almost like a dramatic poem reading! I loved it. Nice Beamer too.

[@troygalbraith625]

Seen one for the first time last week at a nearby dealers, not sure how many they’ll sell but the size of the cylinders and the quality of the build are very impressive

[@skulldaddy8431]

I really needed to see that dog eat!!!! Come on Shawn.... take that baby out on the open road and show us what it can do!!!! You ROCK!!!!

[@ShawnSmoak]

Oh man, you have no idea how much I'd love to..! Lol Thanks!!

[@lourens4711]

I like everything about this bike, especially the exhausts!

[@albertosbrolla8424]

The R18 would look good sitting next to the RK in your garage! Thanks for the ride!👍

[@ditchgator1]

Beautiful. Finally a replacement for my R90/6👍😎❤🖖

[@Bashe1965]

Simply amazing bike can't wait to see one in person!!

[@jonnybegood4848]

"Berlin Built". Man, I like that pride of manufacture however, they've got that stamped/printed in multiple locations. Just having that statement on the clock (gauge) would have sufficed. Oh, that pin striping on the black tank! That reminds me so much of younger days living on a student budget with a BMW beauty looking like this - just a bit dusty, belonging to an absent teacher's boyfriend in her garage . . . seeing the new Honda 750 or Kawasaki 500 Mach 3 ripping down my college street and, the introduction of Triumph's new triple not long after a beautiful Craig Vetter design appeared on the cover on my motorcycle mags. -Should have been a mechanic for Carroll Shelby with my inclinations. -Went English major . . . sigh!

[@turvyjj9232]

Built but not made. They just get Chinese parts and put them together. "Meccano" they used to call that game.

[@RGSABloke]

Hi Shawn, looks like my old R60 but without the trailing link front forks. As you said, it looks really cool and clearly market at older folks. Kindest regards Joe.

[@DH-tp9ns]

I thought there was a big hole in the daily vlog during that rip...LOL I wasn't done going for a ride yet on this R18 so I was glad when you said check out your vlog. Awesome machine.

[@Cherry928]

i like this bike

[@noelpogiako1]

Very impressive 👏 You mentioned the suspension reminds you like HD Sporter and I saw it in your video so, the ride it's kind of hard right? Another lovely bike from BMW. You're the only 1 and 1st who test rode the R18 on KZbin aside from promotional video from BMW. Good job 👍

[@steve-wu7jp]

A badass beemer finally. A pipe will make it sound so good

[@charlienyc1]

Never thought I'd say it but the exhaust is too quiet. Oh and ugly looking too. Seems like replacing that would make it an excellent ride.

[@lucasharvey3147]

I would guess the reverse is there because this will be a bagger some day soon. Making all the motors the same with the reverse saves on time.

[@AshwinSpencer]

Hi Shawn, please do a walkaround of the 2021 Triple Black R1250GS Adventure. Thanks!

[@ShawnSmoak]

I will do so gladly, as soon as we get one..! 👍 Thanks Ashwin!!

[@114jt]

In the voice of Ed Bassmaster 'Oh would you look at that..Just look at it'!

[@gregsimpson621]

I've never been a huge BMW fan but I love everything about this bike!! Thanks. Liking and subscribing.

[@ShawnSmoak]

Awesome, thank you!

[@1381greg]

Great bike.....BMW nailed it.

[@charlesemerson6763]

Well that looks like one awesome bike. That BMW looks like some thing Kelly will never let you have cause she'll never see you again.

[@ShawnSmoak]

Lol, you're probably right..! She's a looker for sure. Thanks Charles!!

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

It's a really cool bike but I can't get over how unergonomic having a giant set of cylinders in my leg path is. I get the whole heritage thing, but I really think they should have done a vertical V like Guzzi does. I would love to ride one but There is no way my 5ft11in, 33in inseam having butt would ever be comfortable on a bike with short mids and 2 giant cylinders in my way. BMW really shoulda pulled a Guzzi and made a Forwards with floorboards option for this bike. I doubt anyone would have said "Thats not a BMW!" if they had. This is a cool bike but man it makes a curious headscratcher at the same time.

[@ShawnSmoak]

www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/discover/stories/heritage/heritage-hub.html www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r18.html#/section-the-design-of-the-r-18

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

@@ShawnSmoak I mean I've read that, but it doesnt solve the ergonomics. Still as much of a headscratcher.

[@gabbyhayes1568]

FranBunnyFFXII If they copied the Guzzi vertical V then it wouldn’t be a classic BMW “boxer”, which is the whole point of the bike.

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

@@gabbyhayes1568 I know but at the same time, I very much doubt anyone would care. IT's not a harley so BMW doenst have to worry about "thats not a harley" mentality from BMW folks. I'm pretty sure they'd be praised endlessly for making the engine with a V formation.

[@ltunedkc]

I like it more than I thought I would, I need to hear one in person and maybe go for a spin.

[@TJRohyans]

Yep, it's a winner! A very cool bike from BMW! I'll have to keep an eye out for a test ride in the near future. Peace and love.

[@BigChill73]

What is the max lean rate? Seems like the heads would scrap with the slightest lean.

[@ShawnSmoak]

Funny how most folks think that's an issue with boxer's... The heads only hit when you're going down, or you pack your jewels around in a wheelbarrow..! Lol Don't know the lean angle specs, nor really care on a cruiser, things will drag when pushed. It's a reminder that you're riding a 750+ lbs cruiser that's not designed for that... Thanks Rodney!

[@BigChill73]

Thanks Shawn!!

[@Doug_Morgan]

I am with what Arther said. I wish Harley would have incorporated a reverse into the M8 when they made it. A loaded up decker can be a bugger to try and back up a slight slope, especially if there is a bit of sand or small stones on the asphalt rolling under your feet. You have to be thinking of where and how you park. I had to push my friend back the other day where he parked as he couldn't back it out of the spot he parked. LIke you said though on a bare bones bike like the R18 it probably won't get used much.

[@munciebill8674]

Agree 100%. Getting tough to get my Limited in and out of my garage as I get old.

[@steve-wu7jp]

Try the pinlock brand ear plugs at cycle gear. Let you hear people talking but block the wind noise👍✌️

[@lastride9159]

exclusive product. this is insane.

[@gabbyhayes1568]

You're either gonna love or hate this bike. It won't appeal to everyone for sure. The BMW quality is very apparent with this bike. I like it a lot. How much?

[@ShawnSmoak]

Yeah... This will shock the diehard Beamer and none BMW folks alike, I can imagine. Without question one you have to see in person for sure! I can't say that I was overly impressed with photos and videos I'd seen..! Man, did I instantly change the second I cracked open the end of that box! Spending time with it during setup, then the ride really sent me over the top. This is the "1st Edition" model with all the bells and whistles, and it goes for around $19K. The standard version is $17K... Thanks Gabby!!

[@markmcintosh7095]

The one he rode is over 20 k

[@obxwave]

Gorgeous!

[@m1cky6]

Very cool....awesome!

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thanks!!

[@MzeeWeeed]

What do you think about the buildquality? What is good what could be better? Is it better than other bikes oder worse?

[@gautam9]

Please compare to your soft-tail slim

[@disht2]

Was this filmed on Monday? We had crazy weather up here in Idaho. 90 on Sunday 60 on Monday 90 again today. Montana was even crazier. 103 on Saturday 31 and snowing on Monday.

[@ShawnSmoak]

This was filmed today, Wednesday Sept 9th... Crazy weather all over..! Kinda wild! Thanks Brian!!

[@markmcintosh7095]

I test road one today and had a good time. First the motor is fun and smooth for what it is. The ride was not as good as my HD Sport Glide. The front brakes were a big let down. They felt wooden and took more pressure than I expected. Not as good as my HD. The foot position will just take getting used to. I'm not a HD guy I've had every bike made I just used it for a comparison. Overall I liked it and plan on getting one.

[@captainsuburbia8956]

Random questions for you, you ever eat at Lexi's pizza in Lexington? Also, can you recommend any good breakfast spots in Longview/Kelso? Planning a ride from out of state. I used to live in Longview years ago.

[@la_old_salt2241]

Yeah Shawn, I'm really liking that R18. Too cool! God bless. -Rob

[@TheJedRides]

You lucky dawg! I'm hoping to get to ride one this week, too!

[@ShawnSmoak]

Have fun! It's really cool..! Thanks!!

[@brad_Ca]

That’s a good looking motorcycle, man I do like that reverse I wouldn’t mind having that feature on my R1250RS. Not that I need it but it would be fun nonetheless. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@troy9er]

Those pistons must look like small coffee cans!! You changed your intro/outtro music! 👍🏻

[@noone1704]

That is so strange why would you need reverse on such a low bike it can't be that heavy to roll it back. Beautiful bike but not sure about the ergonomics.

[@servicarrider]

Sidecar.

[@ShawnSmoak]

Not really sure either..? Pushes around about like any other heavy cruiser... I'd most likely never use it unless I found myself in a really strange situation. Lol I was super surprised by the ergonomics! It sure looks like it could be a bit awkward, but it's not in any way..! Quite lovely actually. Thanks!!

[@alexretter945]

I would really love a bike with this exact looks but in a smaller package.

[@davidgreve1081]

I used to own a 1953 R/51/3 . A 500cc bike. Looks almost identical except for the fenders and fuel tank. That bike was a reallly nice one!

[@darkiee69]

It'll be hard to put highway pegs on that one..

[@chasstiles7611]

A beautiful bike from the father Land

[@SanandanDA]

How's the engine heat on this thing? I currently ride a Triumph Bonneville SE, I'm really interested in this one but I live in a hot climate so I'm concerned about engine heat, that's why I'm asking

[@mikeeger7581]

You can’t really put forward pegs on it with that engine? Can you? Nice bike tho I guess seems a bit awkward?

[@ShawnSmoak]

If you're into that, or need it, they have a cool highway peg kit that they call the Rider's Leg Support. It stretches you out forward in what looks to be a comfortable way. There's a floorboard option as well... Thanks Mike!!

[@mikeeger7581]

Thanks Sean U r correct I should not judge the bike until I see and ride it which in my case will probably never happen you are a lucky man. Thanks again 🙏

[@Gixie-R]

Ive been reading up on these beauties. I found only one niggling thing, Why is there only a sight glass in the brake and not the clutch one? It looks odd but looking at 95% of BMW design, theres nothing new there. Nice bike, time to do the lottery again.

[@nokoolaid]

How does it compare to your Harleys? I posted this on the MOA and RA FB pages. Which LS2? I have the Strobe. It's not the worst. Fulmer was much worse.

[@ShawnSmoak]

I don't really thinks the two can be compared, as they're so different, functionally. If one knew the style of bike they wanted but zero knowledge of bikes, they will most likely look and compare both. Both companies have a long prideful history and will serve them well. I have the LS2 Breaker helmet... Thanks James!!

[@nokoolaid]

@@ShawnSmoak I tend to put money at the top, so whatever is in that price category would be on the list. For me, it's not about something I believe per se as in brand tribalism. Gave up on that a while back.

[@dennism103]

That's impressive

[@Dude_Virus]

That exhaust looks very odd and so does that tank. It looks out of shape in regards to the bulkiness of the engine. They should have made it a bit more wider and given more capacity.

[@ShawnSmoak]

They have shown us a version with a larger tank... Could be a bagger type touring version in the future..? Thanks!!

[@martinhaskell376]

Reverse gear??? Is it so heavy? 🤔

[@ShawnSmoak]

Not really sure..? Pushes quite easily, maybe not so much on a hill... Lol Thanks Martin!!

[@martinhaskell376]

Looks suspiciously like a gimmick to me Shawn, surely anyone thinking of buying an 1800cc motorcycle would be experienced enough not to park it facing downhill. 😆

[@ShawnSmoak]

Lol... One would think so!

[@splodge57]

Maybe hard to push backwards because of the big jugs sticking out.

[@danadiggins793]

Wish my FLHTK had a reverse. There is no way I can back it out of even s slight decline and I’m 6 f 2 in tall and 215lb. A gorgeous bike!

[@montha123]

That Bmw R18 costs 17,500 dollars in USA that’s just 14,900 euros & the same bike here in Ireland costs 27,500 euros we are being ripped off big time here

[@happytoo10]

Man that’s cool 😎👍

[@F900RBMW]

Nice bike ✌️❤️✌️

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thanks ✌️

[@robertavellinoamericanpatr6287]

Haven't seen a video in a while. Hope all is well with you

[@ShawnSmoak]

Yeah... Getting behind on the channel lately. But I haven't missed a day in 1,760 days on the other channel kzbin.info so check that out if you haven't done so yet..! Thanks!!

[@markmcintosh7095]

I bought one 2 weeks ago and it's a beautiful bike and the build quality is great. However I wouldn't buy it again.

[@robinator3202]

I’m about to purchase. Can you explain?

[@bikehubjapan]

That's actually really cool. I'd love one...what's the price?

[@rickyl.colney7489]

Which one is Better Triumph Rocket 3 Vs BMW R18 ?!

[@josephglenn7271]

Can't be better than the Slim, can it? Reverse? that's cool!

[@russcoaus2043]

Hi Shawn that is a cool motorcycle😎👍

[@paulsullivan931]

Way cool 😃👍

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thanks Paul!!

[@manukaulewis838]

Hi, Shawn I’m a 6’5” man and have concerns about knee and shin room on the R 18 - if you have any propective customers whom are ‘my size’ sit on it while you’re around, please let me know what they find. Am aware foot-boards will help with potential challenges. Love your R1250GSA reviews, I used to ride a R1100GS. Regards from down-under in New Zealand!

[@splodge57]

Nice but I'd prefer the Triumph Rocket 3R.

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

Second 👍👍👍

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thanks Collin!!

[@talkingrock7011]

Nice bike but not for me , it kinda goes back to the 60s in style

[@ShawnSmoak]

Yep..! Study this bike's design and BMW Motorrad history, it will all make sense to you then... Thanks!!

[@DH-tp9ns]

I hear a lot of the early BMW sound in the exhaust note, I mean like 40s...

[@amazonledlights]

Hello,I am the manufancture of LED headlights and like your video. Would you be willing to test them? Please reply to me if interest.

[@mananmaskkk359]

อยากมีสักคัน คงได้แต่ฝัน

[@michaelgillett5477]

I Think it’s a bike to Replace my oil 600/6 🤫

[@VALLAERION]

Absolutely sexy. Possibly one of the most sexy bikes out there. And definitely stands out. But I don't quite dig the sound. Sounds like it's electric or something.

[@scooterman4363]

Very cool bike. I'd love to swing a leg over that bike .

[@A6Legit]

Cant lean too much huh

[@ShawnSmoak]

It is a cruiser, after all... Does fantastic for a non-sport bike.

[@mototakahe836]

she is a big girl.

[@VMAXRider]

😉✌️

[@mikeeger7581]

It’s not that great looking

[@ShawnSmoak]

That's too bad Mike... When's the last time you stood next to one, or better yet, taken on for a ride..? Let me know what you think then. Kinda judging a book by it's.... well, you know.... Thanks for watching!!

[@DH-tp9ns]

This motor looks like something you dragged out of an old German BF109 fighter plane!

[@danzeman1943]

Matter of taste. At least it looks different from your ubiquitous HD... I'm new into biking and I can very well see myself riding this in a couple of years !

[@elithegreat6463]

I’m not impressed, your H-D Slim looks so much better, Plus the styling of this bike has Jump the shark, BMW is late to the game.

[@ShawnSmoak]

www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/discover/stories/heritage/heritage-hub.html www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r18.html#/section-the-design-of-the-r-18 Thanks for watching!!

[@IronHorseRailways]

I get what they're trying to do.. however that exhaust looks disgusting. It reminds me of those little plastic fish shaped soy sauce bottles you get inside super market Sushil packs!😷😷

[@ShawnSmoak]

Lol... Fair enough! Thanks!!