BMW R18 B: Is It Really A Long Distance Motorcycle?

[@boxofmoles4057]

Last weekend, I did 560 miles from Atlanta, Georgia to Columbus, Ohio in ONE day on my R18 Classic (windscreen version). Three days later, did the 560 miles back to Atlanta in ONE day. My mods are fork wind deflectors, the BMW Day Rider seat (made by Mustang), crash bars, and a small rack on the rear fender (removed the pillion seat and pegs) for my small waterproof compression sack. I've owned ~40 bikes and I really love this Berlin-built beauty.

[@JS-nf1sn]

I have one, 22 R18B. I put a taller wind screen, the transcontinental "winglets" and a Russel seat and now it's the most comfortable bike I've ever owned. Can ride all day. The Russel seat is completely worth it, I'm getting one for my Super Tenere next month (wait list). Great review.

[@Lizpolygigiblissgirl]

How tall are you?

[@dpuckett]

At 5’6” I love the ergonomics on my R18. I get it, someone tall may may feel cramped after a bit, but if you are short and want a big bike this is a really good fit.

[@MrRobertcan2]

I own this bike , I’m 6’3 and I love it , I usually ride around 250-300 miles a day and I don’t feel it as much as the other bikes , suspension and cruise control is awesome. Won’t ride anything else ever again. 😊

[@vangoodwin7335]

Thank You Adam, I'm no longer 5'10" but I've kept a 34" inseam and when I rode with you this summer we were on an 06 Goldwing. I've done Iron butt rides on my 65 Panhead, 04 Roadking and three different Ultras last one being an 02 and I've never been as comfortable as on that Goldwing. I still use my air seat about half way through the day but it's my old knees that get crampy. Fact of life and age, I'm no longer 19. Great bike and so glad to see you opening up to the other brands. I started on a 47 Indian Chief then my 65 Panhead Electra Glide so it was hard for me also but there are many good touring bike makers. I can't speak for the pre2018 Goldwings but, my 87 with a gel seat pad and pegs out on the crash bars keeps in me the seat for too long some times. Good thing for gas stops! I don't travel as far each day anymore, some days are two hundred while others are over 6oo but once you make a bike yours all the manufacturers parts no longer matter, it yours. Enjoy the rest of the ride, share that bike with Miss Ashley, letting her take it out! be safe Sir. RESPECT! You are in my prayers Hoka Hey

[@mr1bienvenu1]

I have a very messed up back and I find mid control motorcycles are all I can ride comfortably. 😊

[@quantumleap1560]

I always get shot down by old HD geezers about mid controls, and I hate it. My HD Sporty has mid controls, and they want to criticize that...why?? just because, that's all, no valid reason. So many benefits to mid controls, so I'm glad you're talking about them in this vid. So glad you don't wear horse blinders Adam!! Makes you a smarter man 😉

[@dgithens1]

Nice bike and good review. You are spot on about the better seating position. Feet forward amplifies slouch and aggravates issues such as low back pain. I get why people opt for forward positioning but, over time it has negatives.

[@SterlingWheel]

My semi truck has adaptive cruise and I absolutely hate it because it will slam the brakes randomly. Plus if you're not paying attention, you'll wind up going the same speed as the traffic around you. On a motorcycle it seems dangerous because it's usually safer to ride faster than traffic. Great bike though, thanks for the review. Tell BMW that bike needs an electric raising windshield.

[@QuadeQuick]

Totally agree on adaptive cruise, especially when I rent a vehicle that has it. I start wondering why people are suddenly passing me and - presto! - I'm going 10 mph slower than my set speed. That said, I can see where it might be more attractive on a bike.

[@allyouneedis4x4]

BMW's adaptive cruise control works much better than those of other cars, especially US brands. And if you don't like it, you always have the possibility to turn it off and use normal cruise control.

[@Chasing.Adventure]

I've done a Saddlesore 1,000 on my R18B, and mental fatigue was way more an issue than anything touching the bike.

[@wave6413]

I have the R18C The standard seat average. But I absolutely love this bike. I added a top windshield diffuser and all the buffering is gone. 29” inseam so I have plenty of room. That shake at the lights - yep just like my old V8’s.

[@stephenoconnor8212]

Great bike. Have done way longer trips with no fatigue at all. I have put on longer windshield and did add the winglets which improved the buffeting all around.

[@kellyco4139]

They are a magnificent piece of machinery and very underrated

[@Todd1997-s7v]

They need some better color options..

[@jerrywormington]

Consider trying a Big GS next. Great riders triangle and the ability to stand and stretch while riding is a game changer for crunching the miles.

[@garybaldwin1061]

Other reviewers there is a pretty going vibration on the R 18s at freeway speed, but your saying is butter smooth on the interstate. The low speed or idle rocking is not an issue.

[@a2realtor]

Dude, I have the Transcontinental and with the Corbin custom seat and the taller shield, you can ride all day. I did tail of the dragon and multiple 400 miles days back to back this fall. Thanks for sharing with the world how amazing the R18 is. The only thing I want adding to the bike is more fuel. My other bike has an 8 gallon tank.

[@adamsandoval]

Nice! Thanks for tuning in 👊🏼

[@AronnPalmer]

Seeing you and Jess (her 2 wheels) with the R18 B makes me want to upgrade my little HD Street 500 to one!

[@adamsandoval]

I say go try one out!

[@mark950m6]

UK based and got one of these late this summer; first cruiser (owned and ridden sports bikes, adventure bikes, etc) and absolutely love it. I'm 5' 10" and the mid controls are great but agree there is a bit of buffeting from the screen so will be interesting to see if someone develops after market one that's not any higher but does a better job of managing the breeze 🙂 IMHO BMW have done a fantastic job of implementing active cruise control and I've had no problems with it trying to apply brakes too hard. Throttle response and handling is great for this type of bike so it works fine on the smaller A & B roads as well as cruising on dual-carriage way and motorway. A lot of money but a lot of bike and amazing build quality...

[@ФедорГлебов-ч2ф]

You can order a higher glass like those installed on transcontinental.

[@Thegingerwhinger]

I rode an R18B from Northern Italy to London, England, in one day using only about 100 miles of autoroutes (interstate) on the way. Alps, Chartreuse, Vosges mountain ranges all ridden with enthusiasm. The bike was incredible. Great review Adam.

[@adamsandoval]

So awesome!

[@lanceandmelanierogers6255]

You are a motorcycle enthusiast like myself.. I LIKE BIKES

[@sergeyrybakov9742]

I had a long cross country trip on my R 18 Roctane. 807 miles in one day, from San Francisco downtown to East Wenatchee WA and felt great this whole way over. I’m happy to own this bike and definitely planning more long trips in the near future

[@adamsandoval]

Nice!

[@journeyofjerry820]

If I were to purchase a BMW it would only be the mid night edition BMW bagger. Best factory paint job going, hands down

[@ФедорГлебов-ч2ф]

Hi Adam! great review! I got mine 2021 r18B last September, and aabsolutely fell in love

[@adamsandoval]

Right on!

[@Mephistopheles13]

That adaptive cruise control can be a huge selling point.

[@adamsandoval]

💯

[@garrett1144]

Thanks for the review, I have a 2022 1250RS, I was afraid to test ride the R18s they were so large and heavy and my feet position felt weird. Next month BMW is here with more demos so I will give it a try because the wife and I want to ride together more. I love the RS but mostly on my own :D

[@herculesviljoen9169]

I have the R1200CL, this bike is my dream bike.

[@QuadeQuick]

Nice first-hand review, Adam. I'm just not a fan of the engine/design when it limits your riding position. My RGS has mid-controls, too; the engine guards and highway pegs, though, give me better access to rear brakes and shifter than the "jug rest" position on the R18B. There's no denying BMW's capability, however.

[@installercertified]

Have an R18b, 15000 per year, 4-700 a day when traveling for work. Most of the time it's really about the rider, if a rider is not seasoned with long distance they will have issues. Takes time in the saddle, this bike is a heavy cruiser, a custom saddle wod be nice. My longest day was 730 miles in a day. Only because I had too get that message for work not because I wanted to but no problems!

[@thollingsworth4910]

Im going to a bmw demo days event this weekend. I own a K1600B. Bike is bren tuned and absolutely screams. I really wanna test ride one of these and im glad to see that you own an r18 and that you love it. Im glad to hear that youre happy with the r18b. Thanks for this review.

[@adamsandoval]

Thanks for tuning in 👊🏼

[@RetNavyChiefBTC]

I just returned from a 6000 mile road trip from East Tn to California using the scenic route. I rode my 2022 BMW Transcontinental. I’m 5’8”, ride position was no problem for me. That said I will soon be trading it on a new Harley Road Glide. Tired of the BMW quirkiness. The electronics suck, to include the navigation and the required App. BMW needs to stick to what it does best, engine and drive trains. You have to wait approximately 2 minutes just to turn on the radio. Get some Apple car play!

[@kellanhills1972]

I am the same size as Adam and I like the seating position. My feet are big and yes it is not as free as on other bikes for my feet but after a while I got used to it and have no problems shifting or breaking. If foot position is the only thing keeping you from buying the r18 pleas look at the highway foot rests that are offered. They go on the highway bars and you then can stretch out your legs if that is something you need.

[@feloniousmonk3049]

6'5" 36" inseam. Test rode a Manhattan Metallix R18 B in Sturgis to Deadwood and back. Within 20 minutes my hip flexor muscles were aching, cramping up. Bike also had a peculiar habit (2022 model) of not starting when you first push the start button, but starting right away when you pushed it the 2nd time. I've had this happen on a 2023 Trans Continental also. Don't know what the problem is, but BMW hasn't fixed it, or the software, for 2022 or 2023 models with hard bags ( very small internal capacity with the inside liner), and 4.7" rear travel suspension. The quality of the suspension is top notch. For some reason, BMW is having a really hard time selling these model in the USA. Take a long test ride before buying one. I've really wanted to get one, but I just can't seem to make the footrest ergonomics work, with those big jugs. The stroke length with the heads added on the end make for a very wide bike. I don't know how I would feel about lane splitting with this bike, since it is legal where I ride, a lot less margin for error over an Indian or HD.

[@nabiha37]

I have tried setting on in the showroom, my foot was really cramped between the gearshift or the break pedal, I wear size 15 shoes, 6’1 33 inseam, never felt comfortable on it. I love BMWS, but nothing is comfortable as the front forward control like on the Harley. I wish BMWS MAKE COMFORTABLE BIKES LIKE H DAVIDSON AND I WISH H DAVIDSON MAKE A GOOD QUALITY REFINED BIKES LIKE BMWS. WELL, I OWN BOTH. BMW FOR SHORT RIDES, H DAVIDSON FOR A LONGER RIDE.

[@jeremypetch7006]

I found that to be symptomatic of water ingress into the switchblock when i washed the bike.

[@redwolfmotovlogsandstuff7302]

Finally a review from someone taller than me, looks like im going with the r18

[@adamsandoval]

Right on!

[@preludevato]

thats what the Indian Pursuit needs, the adaptive cruise control!!

[@adamsandoval]

It’s a great feature 💯

[@frankprohaska3794]

Did 600 miles my first day on the bike. Bought it on a Friday in Sioux Falls and had an oil change on Saturday morning in St Louis.

[@adamsandoval]

Awesome!

[@msryder9265]

I love the looks. Had a Valkyrie and it really restricted where you can place your legs. Let us know how it worked for you.

[@alberthughes925]

I have a R18 transcontinental. its an amazing motorcycle

[@timdavis8154]

Good review.

[@adamsandoval]

Thanks!

[@RobertB56]

Great review,gorgeous bike.

[@adamsandoval]

Thanks for tuning in 👊🏼

[@brianridout7365]

I'm curious to know if your dry bag rubbed the paint on the bike? I have a A R18B and that's what mine did this summer on my trip. With regards to wind protection I added the winglets from the transcontinental and a 7 Jurock windshield. Much improved no more head wind buffeting.

[@groundzero.]

That's the bike I was looking at but wasn't sure about availability of parts and service across the U.S. so I ended up with a Road king. 5'6" 130LB

[@jeffpalmer5502]

I run pull on boots always the stove tops vent the heat out of your feet and up your leg and I also run insulated boots in the summer because there’s more air space and my feet are very comfortable. I love shaft drive my Vic peeled all the lugs off the drive belt Friday. My new one will be here Tuesday. The big selling point when I bought my victory was the legroom and the cornering, I would love to have one of those Beamers, but I don’t think it would be my go to bike. For the same reason I don’t like gold wings I don’t like my feet up under me for very long. But I would like to have one for those little 200 mile trips. It looks like a really nice motorcycle. Ride well and ride on Adam my friend 🍻👍🇺🇸♥️

[@Max-ev5mz]

Nice video . By the way, what brand of jacket is that? Thanks!

[@ShutterUp]

Not a cruiser guy, we ride a FJR1300 but I have been looking at these lately. Our trips are getting longer.

[@journeyofjerry820]

I really like the fjr1300. great bike

[@nickricholetti754]

Maybe you should do another Ciro collaboration for BMW FLOORBoard highway peg extensions

[@adamsandoval]

🤔

[@nickricholetti754]

@@adamsandoval get to it homie

[@markbkbikes]

I'm having a lot of trouble finding the brake pedal with my size 12 boots

[@WilliamCrothers-e9q]

Yeah’-those calf/foot ramps that shelf your feet 👣 above the Jugs 🤷🏻would have to work in some fashion 🤜🤛🏽

[@theChestnutMtnTinman]

I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one that forgets to take my shades off before the helmet 😳🤣😎😎

[@Rambler358]

Nice video, thanks. I'm curious, what mount did you use for your phone?

[@larryambrose5078]

I've ridden that model several times at Sturgis. HD Street Glide rides and feels much, much better!

[@edwinbrown3303]

Excellent job and im impressed

[@lavery0365]

The horsepower was a deal breaker for me and is the reason I have narrowed my choices down to the BMW K1600 GTL & TRIUMPH ROCKET 3 GT.

[@David-yp4fl]

That eating place in the background looked very interesting 🤔🤔 I Love German engineering ♥️ If I ever get an opportunity to test ride when I will I hope it's not like the Indian Challenger where I just can't live with out it Love from Mississippi USA 🇺🇲

[@damerkman]

Love the Ciro bag!!!

[@daviddumond412]

Thanks for the review

[@adamsandoval]

Thanks for tuning in 👊🏼

[@BrewTownBiker]

I was lookin at them at the local dealer, 20k for the base model not bad, look good next to RG Spec👍

[@steelllsteell9353]

I will sell my Street Glide bike and buy a BMW , the reason is that there are no spare parts available, it takes a long time to provide them, and the prices are very expensive.

[@cbrippee]

I can fathom how you could put a highway peg on this that would put you legs in a comfortable position. I have no doubt this a really good cruiser and love the looks and the tech and their pricing is really competitive. It may be better suited to younger and shorter riders than older taller riders like myself. My Victory Cross Country is very smooth with little vibration and has 18 inch unobstructed floorboards that allow you to put your feet in any position you choose and I am always moving my feet around. For now should I tire of it I would just get it's newer brother, the Indian Challenger.

[@samporter4818]

Adam, What kind of fuel mileage did you get???? Great review as always. I'm on my 90th Bike and in the Spring, this will be my next one. It will be my 6th Beemer!

[@adamsandoval]

Thanks for tuning in 👊🏼 34 mpg.

[@jamesmblankenship2077]

Beautiful bike but what would be your professional opinion on comfort for someone who has had a hip replacement?

[@adamsandoval]

I can’t speak on that personally but I would say go out and try one and see how it feels. I think you’ll be pleased 👍🏼

[@jamesmblankenship2077]

@adamsandoval great idea, thank you. Love your videos, keep up the great work.

[@MrAxes777]

I never even considered buying a BMW until today. 🤔

[@adamsandoval]

I highly recommend getting out and trying one … or two 🤣

[@leonbeck6254]

Good to know. Nice bike😊

[@burhahnyilmaz]

The best Motorcycles are build in Berlin Spandau :)

[@STIFFRIDES]

So how is it in comparison to the Harley Davidson Electra glide/Streetglide in your opinion?

[@markbkbikes]

I'm having trouble finding the rear brake pedal with my size 12 boots. Hope I can find a fix for that. Its an R-18b.

[@ijaxon6675]

Most people need to shift these earlier or they’ll think it’s just a huge vibrator. I thought about getting one but the info console isn’t touchscreen and navigating through it is a sore point. I’m a GS owner, wanted to stick with BMW but it’s not happening.

[@PaulBerry-bm6lk]

Good video

[@adamsandoval]

Thanks!

[@Brendan3195]

I have an R18 and considering “upgrading” to a B. How did it compare to travelling a similar distance on your R18? ie is the screen beneficial?

[@juliancrooks3031]

I need a job like that, dealerships giving me new motorcycles for riding and giving them my honest opinion of the machine

[@kellanhills1972]

I think every bike makes compromises. But a bike can be nearly perfect for you. I think the R18 is worth owning for what it is and how unique it looks here in the USA that is filled with HD and Indian and Japanese bikes. I love how it rides and handles but I also think it is a motorcycle work of art. I was kinda turned off by the local Harley dealer who acted like he was selling diamond encrusted Bentleys or something. I bet a nice salesman who gave me one for an hour and then was reasonable could have sold me a Harley but I left because it was a strange vibe. BMW for all the talk of “snobby rich guy motorcycle” treated me normal like a real customer. And the BMWs are no more expensive than HD or Indian. Often cheaper. That’s my experience at least.

[@alp3781]

Took one for a ride, open house. Went for 20 mins ride. I am 6'4"/204 lbs. NO WAY for me and will not ride one again. Can never own one as a commuter bike. Enjoy yours. Took that money and bought a new Goldwing DCT Tour. Will never look back.

[@Goldwing1]

My Old H-D RoadKing has this problem… I had to swap out the stock seat for a Sundowner # 4:24

[@CVO_MAN]

Till end of september I was the owner of a BMW R18 Transcontinental. 25000 km on that bike, mainly on the Italian, French, Swiss, Austrian Alps. The bike is well built and with great finishing and attention to details. But... it's dead. And the killer is BMW. It took 12 months to find a buyer. Even resellers refused to buy it. BMW dealers have tons of units in stocks and now are trying to sell them as "used" units with a couple of hundreds km on them. Price dropped as hell and despite that they are unsold. I came back in the Harley world with a CVO Street Glide.

[@patrickprince8446]

When I seen them review the blacked out version roctane on motorcyclist magazine a couple of weeks ago, and we no how much you LOVE black if they do r18 B roctane i think your r18 in your garage is history 🤔

[@duanetucker]

Thanks for telling me your inseam and height. I watch a ton of bike videos and I have no reference point on their ergonomics because the video doesn't say how tall or what their inseam is. I am 6'4 - 6'5 so this info helps.

[@adamsandoval]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@ut1004bp]

I noticed you didn't address the engine vibration above hwy speed limits..

[@akademiks21]

Anyone know what jackst that is? Looks amazing

[@CamraCar]

Did you find that 1800B as quick as the 1600B you drag raced at Sturgis?

[@adamsandoval]

Definitely not.

[@56jensen]

It's hard to believe the r18 cells for as little as it does new

[@adamsandoval]

It’s a great deal 💯

[@CodyMcDonald89]

The adaptive cruise control sounds really nice to have for sure. But I don’t ride that far of miles to have to have it for sure.

[@adamsandoval]

It was such a nice feature to have 💯

[@Mephistopheles13]

It’s one of the reasons I ride solo when riding long distances. I love using my cruise control on those long stretch of roads but riding in groups, I’m either just barely going faster than everybody else or slower. So hopefully other manufacturers adopt this. Until then, BMW should really market the benefits of having it and take advantage of currently owning that segment of the market… well, as far as I know anyway

[@karmeli25]

can you cruise the bike 85-90 MPH ish ? and still handles ok ?

[@adamsandoval]

Very smooth 💯

[@jamesfranks545]

I'm sure they are great motorcycles but I'm sorry I just can't get used to those jugs protruding out like that lol. Normally protruding jugs is a great thing...just not on my motorcycle lol.

[@hoss6048]

Being that the cruise control keeps a distance with car in front does it act hastily to slow you down if a car just cuts in front of you? Like too much?

[@anthonybrincefield2812]

Well the review was good. However, the bike just doesn’t appeal to me visually. Especially the opposing jugs. Active cruise would be great.

[@theChestnutMtnTinman]

Didn’t @mytwowheels show you Highway pegs right over the jugs??😎😎

[@scottlin777]

Nice lookn bike but give me my V twin any day.

[@garyehrhardt3136]

How was the fuel mileage?

[@adamsandoval]

I was at about 80mph and getting 38mpg

[@ichbinmartin]

I wanted R18, but after first dry test I decided to look for something else. Sitting position is absolutely ugly. Very low seat, legs in bad angles, nable to brake and shift the gear. Adaptive cruise control is the most idiotic thing also in car, triple times in motorcycle. I bought Rocket 3 GT, everything is perfect and is not oveloaded with unwanted hi-tech stupidities (like tablet instead of gauge or physical buttons instead of clicking something somewhere).

[@adamsandoval]

Glad to hear you found the perfect bike for you 👊🏼

[@Todd1997-s7v]

To bad you can't stretch your legs on some highway pegs?

[@Todd1997-s7v]

Bmw like triumph there color options suck, always black

[@tracyj1961]

Jugs not hot?

[@markman7]

I think BMW really dropped the ball with the engine vibrations. At 3k+ RPM it becomes intolerable. LOTS of 1 and 2 year old R18 bikes for sale by their 2nd owner with less than 3k miles on them for about half price from new. I test rode one for sale cheap earlier this summer, and there was no way. Probably didn't help matters that I rode my DCT Wing to look at it.

[@toddclark332]

❤👍🇱🇷🤘

[@josiereyes6618]

Miss madebycarolina rest her foot on the BMW jug also.

[@98SPRINGERFXSTS]

you are joking...when you asked ..is it really a long distance motorcycle....fulll