BMW R18 first impressions

[@ancientsymbol]

The thing about the boxer that I love and that’s not much discussed is that there’s a gyroscopic effect with the forward motion of the wheels and the opposing pistons when you run it up above 40-50 mph. The result is super stable steering in the twisties making them a joy to ride. I’d love to but one - from the used market ;)

[@janpeterhopmans1650]

Bought one! can't wait to ride.

[@RealSuperRando]

Jan Peter Hopmans No. Really?

[@rafalromanowicz7452]

The video was shot in South Africa.

[@cycletorquemoto]

Didn’t I say that in the pop-up?

[@Nick-Gye]

What do we think is a cruiser?. Seems to me that this bike is not for long distance travel, it's got a 16 litre tank, and looks like your legs will get pretty cramped after a couple of hours. That doesn't mean that there is not a market- many bikes do 5,000 or so kms a year- take it out for a spin on the weekend .

[@liamandrewartha4803]

I reckon the same people who buy your 'metric' cruisers from Japan will give the BMW a look. unlike Harley/Victory/Ect BMW is in more than just one motorcycle category so I don't think the poor sales of their one foray in the cruiser market this decade will be a make-or-break scenario. The heads do look a bit outlandish but it's a style I can get behind, pending with the mid-controls the bike isn't too cramped, at the dimensions it currently is though I'd hope it wasn't for someone my height (6ft). That being said I believe 'rest pegs' can be optioned to stretch your legs out over the top of the motor.

[@spiritwalker6153]

Who wants one? I do of course. I like BMW styling and with a sidecar attached, I would like it even more.

[@ItsMeeJon]

I was thinking the exact same thing. It needs a sidecar

[@PeteFromOZ]

ill have a look at one when they arrive in oz. it will be in addition to my X Diavel not a replacement. ill kit it out for touring. I'm older and love riding on a Sunday. have never been a bike commuter

[@Ted_Stryker]

I think it's a great looking bike, except for the mufflers, of course. I'm also quite sure it will have great power delivery and a comfortable ride for the platform. I just don't like horizontally opposed engines in cruisers, because, when I'm riding a bike like that, I want my feet more forward than right under or even slightly behind me. Anyway, I own a 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S (the one that resembles an American WWII replica bike with the olive paint and white star) and I'm not sure it'd be too happy parked next to a BMW that's a throwback to the same era. Lol

[@tonys-travels-2023]

I’ll buy. class look, class engine

[@verenchook]

R1200c will not be remembered? I am 38 and I ride one of them. It vibrates like hell, but a very good looking bike. I think this is the bike that I get more questions about than any other bikes I owned all combined together (about 20 of them). As a younger rider I would love to own R18. I think it is going to be another legend out there by BMW. The only bad about it is the price tag.

[@cycletorquemoto]

Daniel Verenchook hey, glad you liked them.... but they were universally disliked around here. Beauty, as they say... And if you think you’re young at 38... lots of the viewers are under 25!

[@DavidDennis68]

100% that is the Cape Peninsula and Cape Town in the video clips.

[@mitchburk5112]

Here's the thing about HD riders in the US which this is obviously targeting. They are extremely driven by peer pressure. Go to any bike gathering whether it is Sturgis or a local coffee stop that Harley riders frequent and you will find that all the bikes are basically the same except for paint and accessories. Even the riding gear looks alike because it all comes from the Harley shop. So when you get a new bike you want to able to ride up to that group whether strangers or friends and know they will approve of your bike. The last thing you want is to drop 20 large on this BMW and the first time you ride up on it your peer group laughs at you. Look at Harley's experience with the Vrod. By most standards a better motorcycle than the traditional ones, yet ride one up to a group of Harleynistas and you would be sneered at. Ask me I know, I owned Sportster or girls bike. Granted there are some individuals who care less about other peoples opinions and will buy something unusual but they aren't your hard core Harley guy who cares very much what his buddies think. Also, Harley sales are dropping like a rock. My guess is they will sell a few but it won't be a breakout.

[@funkyfedaykin]

Who is it for? Short people. There's no way anybody with much height is going to be comfortable, its too cramped for long cruises. The heads are where your feet should be. Love the style and the engine, just can't see how it can be a cruiser without the stretched out legs.

[@onecookieboy]

I would have one if I had the $$'s, they will go, stop, handle and be more reliable than any Harley, and the way it looks makes you stand out from the Harley sheeple.

[@captain348]

Narrow market for sure... but in Europe they will be popular as 2nd or 3rd bikes... apparently the number of riders owning more than 1 bike is higher than ever. Also look at Triumph rocket 3.... sold out for this year and the dozen demo bikes around UK trade at a premium... despite corona... the bmw ... it will sell... but I d also rather have the Rocket if I was in the market

[@cycletorquemoto]

captain348 It’s an expensive second bike, and I’m wondering if the market is big enough to support that. The Rocket is a great bike, and it’s not a cruiser (although the GT is close). Triumph killed its last good cruiser, the Thunderbird, a few years back.

[@RealSuperRando]

The seating position looks like your sitting on the toilet.

[@martybartfast]

Impractical, questionable performance, outdated motor, bad timing for release, but my goodness if I had the cash I'd bloody have one!! Harley Davidson 'making money'...? Not sure about that. 😎 🏍