BMW R18 in-depth review | MCN Reviews

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[@kennethcooley3445]

This is a perfect motorcycle. I bought the R18 Classic. Don't want to get off the bike.

[@andrewd7586]

The best feature of this bike is the fact it's not a Harley. Not every man & his dog wants a HD. I think you were over critical of this bike, but I appreciate we are all subjective. I am eagerly awaiting my R18 to arrive here in Australia. Having ridden BM's most of my life & in boxer form mostly, this is going to be the ducks guts!😍🤤🤣😎 Cheers from "Down Under"!🇦🇺

[@davidgreve1081]

Sir, You will need a massive amount of Aftermarket products for this Bike. Dont worry. It wont be very long and there will be a catalog for it. Theres no protection against road hazards to the oil cooler, which is crucial component to this Bike to function properly. If you put a stylish front fender like from a 1953 R/51 , it would not only look way better than it does now, but would add some protection that I would say is absolutely necessary. This engine is quite large, and it is both air and oil cooled..If something flies up and tears off your oil cooler, you're basically a sitting duck waiting on your tow truck to show up to haul it to the nearest repair facility so you can drive it again. Having owned an R/51/3 , I recognize the faults right away.

[@andrewd7586]

@@davidgreve1081 Thank God it’s got reverse then!🤣

[@davidgreve1081]

@@andrewd7586 Would you be interested in getting something like this started? I live in USA. But there are many just like us who adore this style of bike and can see the opportunities for developing an Aftermarket for this. Much of it can be drawn from what was around when we were young and rode this beauties!

[@briangtester2536]

BMW has produced some of the best motorcycles that has ever existed. This one is a brainfart from some MBA who wants the the glory of the old airheads to transfer to new sales like harley does. Problem is that this MBA is to ignorant to recognize that HD is all retro and BMW is all Future. On top of this, the engineering on this bloated misunderstanding is hopeless... How do you implement forward controls for eaxmple? ;-)

[@scottthompson7329]

Not a Harley yet modelled on a Softail Slim.

[@pfmcdermott1]

I think the quiet engine is a positive. Certainly that it starts that way. You can make it louder if you want but I think it's a positive that stock it is quiet. Thank you for the review!

[@petehook2866]

Could never afford one, will never buy one, but I’m very glad it exists

[@pggp273]

I wish I had never seen such a hideous piece of junk

[@ponponvel]

@@pggp273 it looks weird, but I have one in my garage. I like weird things

[@themotorsportcollection]

@@pggp273What do you base your comment on?

[@pggp273]

@@themotorsportcollection well I'm not alone in my thoughts. Despite dealers offering all sorts of deals to try and get these hideous things out the door,The reality is they have been an absolute sales flop in the uk

[@themotorsportcollection]

@@pggp273 I guess my next question is do you own one ? Or did you sell yours because you weren’t happy with it? I’m just speaking for myself when I say I love my R18. Great build quality and rides amazing. I find that Harley guys are very brand loyal at least here in the states where I live. BMW entered into the cruiser market and there are a lot of riders who just love certain brands. I guess I’ve always been a BMW guy.

[@cigarobsession]

When your bike has a bigger engine than your car

[@jimmydcricket5893]

Doesn't sound good, get a car.

[@lex1945]

Even my R1150RT has a bigger engine than my car..

[@foxtrotwhiskey874]

thats a UK/EU problem, not American.....atleast not yet :)

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

Should've put a fat balloon tyre on the front too! (Triumph also made that mistake with their first gen bobber)! I think I'd prefer the Rocket 3 over this bike. There's too many short falls that you can not say are "characteristic"!

[@rubensahak9178]

Rocket headlights are hideous rest is great.

[@themotorsportcollection]

Mine is the 2023 and I have cruise control and yes it is a cruiser

[@gavintatli2757]

SPOT ON REVIEW - I took the R18 for a 30 minute test ride and couldn’t agree more with your review. Hopefully BMW will listen and make some necessary changes on the next update and maybe take some kilos off as well.

[@rosewood1]

Great informative review. I sat on my first R18 on the weekend and thought wow what a quality machine. But the first thing you notice as a cruiser is those flat bars. You have to reach forward in a way I don't have to on my Indian Springfield. Weight it is weird. This felt really heavy and yet my Springfield which much heavier at 365 kg or add another 55 pounds when the top box is on feels better balanced and manageable. The proof in what I am saying is I can manage perfectly well with out a reverse gear. I love BMW. I own an R1200R classic as well. And it has great touring bags ESA etc and a damn fuel guage! I would not buy a bike that doesn't have a fuel guage. My bike I don't want some stupid electro bubble telling me when to fill. Because in Australia we don't have fuel stations every 200 k. My son's Ducati is the same and it's a damn nuisance. Love love the bike. But I will stick with the Springfield thanks. A far far more competent tourer and it goes well and sounds fabulous. But the R1200R unquestionably with telelever has by far the best most versatile suspension ever invented. All cruisers are rubbish in comparison.

[@rosewood1]

Good review. Hmm I think I will stick to my Springfield. Still has brilliant naked looks. Has a fuel guage! heated grips and seat and doesn't need reverse as ergonomics are much better. And it sounds magnificent standard. The indicator issue would drive me up the wall. My other bike a BMW is perfect comparatively.

[@olironrider8918]

I would think the biggest mistake BMW made with this model is not hiring a Harley-Davidson rider to critique it before it went into production. They would’ve probably (definitely) learned a “few” things about the “cruiser population”. (wants, desires, necessities, etc.) Great review..!! 👍👍

[@markmadad1]

Well said. A cruiser should have forward controls or highway pegs.

[@danielcanovas341]

Other reviews I've watched does have cruise control. To not mention it is available seems like an oversight to me and we expect better from MCN.

[@PhilipMarroni]

FYI Cruise control is available as an option.

[@Joric78]

Funnily enough, the lockable filler cap is also an option you have to buy.

[@Baidwan8o8]

Aftermarket or OEM BMW fitted as I have been told otherwise.

[@markmadad1]

Great looking bike but the lack of forward controls or highway pegs discounts it for me and probably quite a few others in the age range of potential buyers. Reverse gear would be good though.

[@fazerjohn]

Refreshing to see a truly critical review.

[@sprezzatura8755]

I love these!

[@yaqoubalsarraf3142]

This is a real honest review, subscribed

[@TM-hm8ep]

The R18 concept was a cool art deco modern retro beauty. This bike is just banal. The Softail Slim is way cooler, better and cheaper than this final version of the R18. I was waiting for the R18, but they stepped way too much from the concept bike. The Slim is the winner for me, and I will save 3000 euros.

[@StrangelyBrownNo1]

Nice, honest review!

[@Idahoguy10157]

How does it compare against a BMW R1200C ?

[@kevinperree7764]

We won’t bother watching you ride it then ☹️

[@ispeed1971]

self cancelling indicators lol. I had them on my 1979 Suzuki lol. How is the engine heat on your legs?

[@MrHejsak]

Sorrz for offtopic question - what gear you are wearing? like the jacket :)

[@kentkmety9932]

best mc-review i heard...

[@mistersimba]

Such a good review

[@paavanshetty267]

What a perfect verdict...I think this verdict should be taken seriously by BMW...I agree with it every bit!

[@hedzb5954]

MCN review: I cant hear my bike, I know the date but I don't know the time.

[@davidholt4216]

Or how much fuel I have left.

[@hedzb5954]

@@davidholt4216 on that massive engine... but maybe not massive for BMW?

[@rogerparis]

Excellent review!

[@-DC-]

That's one that should have stayed on the drawing board.

[@GazVanDyk]

Looks great ......

[@CostosLotsamoula]

When I get too old to ride 2 wheels or decide I need a sidecar this may become my choice.

[@colinoz]

The BMW S1000RR has cruise control, but not their flagship R18 cruiser? It's like fitting supersports mode to a Harley..

[@gur262]

I like it but after i saw the r18 hommage, original engine +compressor, 40hp,i like that better. The engine is fully exposed and the looks just a little better. A 450_700cc in an oversized frame with 45-65hp would be ok if only it looks like that

[@aninterestedparty1426]

Thanks: finally a decently thorough review of this beast. So far everyone else seems too easily impressed because of its looks, which I agree are good. It was helpful to state the reviewer’s height (5’6”), crucial when locked into knees-at-right-angles and a super low-slung seat. Even so, the reviewer looked like he was about to slide off the rear of the saddle: imagine that while trying to appreciate the well-advertised torque. And no fuel gage, really? Would have liked to know the rake; looked to be in the low 30s, which would be typical for a cruiser, but typically ungainly in cornering for such a heavy bike. This bike looks like a concept doodle from a kid in grammar school - (remember, I said I liked it, but on paper only) - a motorcyle akin to Peter Fonda’s Captain America bike in Easy Rider, or the “Cholo” machines in Southern California, all outlandishly styled bikes, ape hangers you can do pull-ups on, fishtails almost IN the sea, sissy bars a mile high, etc., etc., etc.: but how, and where, are you really going to ride them, other than in your imagination?

[@gutplucker]

how does this bike compare to the r9t?

[@brucekendall52]

Thanks.

[@johntucker7075]

You just don’t understand BMW turn signals. Slow speed they are what you expect. > 100 kph they go into highway mode for quick lane changes. If exiting at >100 kph, push turn indicator control twice for standard turn signal delay. FYI.

[@maxd3028]

No fuel gauge!

[@rickyl.colney7489]

Nice Bike..but i am happy with my Kawasaki Vulcan S .

[@alexlashman4279]

Didn’t even start it???

[@sherwinverghis]

Everytime I click on a MCN video, I secretly hope Neveseey is there

[@36moto]

Ridden it, loved it @threesixmoto

[@mohandasghandi3441]

The engine is fcking huge

[@joestrickland5153]

BMW it's a beautiful bike

[@AverageR0]

Only thing missing is shots of you actually riding the damn thing, but good review nonetheless. More need to be as honest and precise as this review.

[@most.likely]

Prefer the R1250RS or S1000RR

[@QarthCEO]

Giant engine in a rather small cruiser frame. Anyone around 6 feet tall is going to have a hard time with this. And it isn't keyless? I don't know what BMW is thinking sometimes.

[@Joric78]

Keyless ignition. His complaint was that it doesn't seem to have enough range to even detect it in a back pocket or bag. Also that you still need a mechanical key to open the tank. Although from other reviews I've seen and the BMW configurator, apparently having a lockable gas cap is a paid option(!).

[@QarthCEO]

@@Joric78 Well of course it has keyless ignition, even my GS has that. I was referring to needing a key to open the gas cap and of course the horrible RF range.

[@mybigcj]

@@QarthCEO it is the exact same range as your Keyless Ride GS. The sensor is under the seat and not at the bars like the GS. Not a fail, at all just more bad information from a youtube certified know it all.

[@broti]

the puking graffitis 😂😂😂

[@vangeezerexperience]

UK£ 19 000?!? Welcome to Norway, here it's almost twice that....cheapest model is UK£ 30 000. With all the bells and whistles its easily 38 000....

[@drumtum]

Terence Hill brought me here!

[@jimanders9971]

Almost nothing the Triumph Rocket 3 does not do better, other than fuel milage.

[@markwatts4556]

There’s better looking things hanging around the valley at 3:00am in the morning

[@joboyjo]

"Me too product" WTF. yep nothing at all to see here only the most enigmatic engine ever on a production motorbike. Reviewer forgot the concept is meant to be simple with bucket loads of personality. mission achieved

[@dingding6085]

Swing and a miss for BMW this time.

[@MujoNovak]

"Berlin Built" on tacho? Thats a Nazi stuff right there.

[@nicholasjheinz7461]

This bike will have same fate as R1200C and R1200CL

[@RichDunn]

They dropped the ball compared with the beautiful original concept bike.

[@a99miata]

On the road it is a great bike but around town & slow speed handling is a hand full. I had to take a pass on it.

[@linoleumbonypart385]

Buy a Gold Wing...

[@jiltedjohn9294]

Jugs are just in the way

[@anthonyprice5596]

The problem with this bike is if BMW were going to make a retro with that engine it should have been an R1800rt or an R1800s, not to try and pull Harley riders away from Harleys! And for a little more you can buy a goldwing bagger thats so much better, and you don't have to be a short legged gorilla armed freak of nature to ride it and it has Cruise control, and looks finished. This bike looks unfinished, its got the appearance of a bike thats not one thing or the other, its mid pegs when they should be forwards it has no cruise control and has exhausts that came off a Mack truck, they needs flaps on the end! And if we are honest, I hope its more reliable than any other of BMWs offerings, because if it isn't its going the way of the 1200c

[@martinphare5049]

BMW have some work to do to tempt Harley & Indian owners away from their chosen rides

[@valveman2898]

No fuel gauge but you can use one of the trips ... like the old days!

[@599Dan]

Great bike if you have super long arms and tiny little legs

[@ianh9871]

Its obese at 346 kg

[@Achilles22]

didn’t know BMW made Tractors!

[@jorgeson3586]

How can the fob not work like any car ,no fuel gauge,no cruise control, German engineering is a myth

[@rickman2267]

No fuel guage? No thanks

[@zimtuff]

It's a nice looking bike , but...

[@saveukraine7994]

So many problems with this bike😢

[@Thomas_Glavelis]

Get a rocket

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Ugh ...

[@jimmydcricket5893]

So it's made for height challenged people, no good.

[@brendanswift9407]

Bloody whine fest.

[@AkaAndyKnuckles]

No riding, just rambling. And of course it is good to be able to turn off the traction control.

[@mariobalindan110]

Fuel gauge is the most important accessory in a bike and this thing does'nt have

[@grenphelps7455]

Harleys aren't cheap either and are far from perfect....over priced yank angle iron 👎

[@killemall69]

That’s a great looking engine.

[@HMHacki]

Cruise control is available in the configurator... Might be worth it to mention. I have no idea why bmw would not put it on the press fleet, that seems like an oversight to me?

[@bradmotleycrue]

I’ve read somewhere it’s a mess up with part numbers or something at the factory and will be available from next year

[@GRIPWOLRD]

Really honest and thorough, such a good review! We need more from this Jordan!

[@ardav951]

What a good precise and professional review! Thanks for it. Beautiful sculpture and engine. When not moving.

[@HepcatHarley]

Never buy version 1 of anything.

[@ciraloke]

Yep

[@Lasergun74]

Agree

[@florinsi]

Nice logic, Hepcat, yes, version 1 of you should have been discarded ...

[@Lasergun74]

florinsi the logic is: let others be pioneers and find and resolve youth problems. Then buy a more refined and reliable model year 2022

[@Lasergun74]

florinsi when you spend 20K on a bmw bike you don’t want it to be a prototype lacking basic features. It’s not about being a pussy, it’s about not wasting money, you moron. If you have money to burn pay bmw to develop and sort out their own bike. In the last years the manufacturers let out rough products on the market, then people like you buy them and find all the flaws, and finally they sort out the issues. That’s why if you’re clever you don’t want to buy an “edition 1”. If no one buys a flawed “edition 1” then the manufacturers will be forced to complete all the r&d before putting a product to market. If you run to the dealer to buy an “edition 1” you’re just a puppet in the hands of marketing, paying your own money to develop someone else’s product. Bravo...

[@UrbanoModa]

Nice honest review,

[@goldilocks913]

Sounds like a twenty grand version of my Enfield bullet... Excellent review thanks BMW need more coffee or something to sharpen up!

[@turdburglar333]

You know it's funny I was watching/listening to this review and others thinking the exact same thing! (2012 classic 500) But for me that actually piqued my interest more lol. I like the idea of something like my bullet that can get out of its own way. But yeah the market for that idea is small....

[@meanmistermustard1041]

Bought one and love it. The reverse gear is definitely helpful, but I found that regardless of the heaviness, becasue it is so low and the weight so well distributed, I found it quite easy to maneuver at low speed especially compared to my Moto Guzzi California. I come to like the bike more and more over time. Also, it is just dead beuatiful imo.

[@karlosh9286]

Best review I've seen on this bike so far. I'm surprised it didn't get compared to a Triumph Rocket 3 GT. That has a ridiculously large engine, only costs about £1K more, and it is a little bit lighter ( say 320Kg wet ), more power, IMHO looks better, sounds better, and does have useful things like a fuel gauge and cruise control. You can have cruiser position pegs on a Rocket 3 too. If I was after a plus 300 kg cruiser I think I'd rather have the Rocket 3, although that is missing the reverse gear, which I do think is necessary on such heavy bikes. I'm not after a 300Kg plus bike, just over 200kg of bike is more than enough for me to push around and manouevre, and lighter bikes handle better.

[@paulyflyer8154]

Agreed. I'd take a Rocket any day. The R18 just looks like what it is, a comical imitation of a Harley.

[@Joric78]

"I own a Harley". Ahuh! I knew there'd be a reason I haven't seen you on the channel before.

[@CaptHollister]

Maybe because I'm old, but I love the looks of this thing, but I wouldn't trade my Guzzi California for one of these until it's been out for a few years. Long enough for the early adopters to work the bugs out for BMW. Oh, and if I ever do buy one, I will put proper fishtail silencers on it.

[@valveman2898]

I own a Cali 1400 Custom and it looks like BMW have ‘borrowed’ lots of ideas from it. Like you I will wait a while.

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

This bike looks like a thing a millionaire would have in his living room. to look at it in the evening & to stop him falling asleep when his wife is telling him boring stories about her shopping spree earlier in the day.

[@rosewood1]

Kind of a latte cruiser... oops a bit harsh

[@abhishekanil5326]

oddly specific

[@pistolpete6321]

Spot on analysis!

[@worthyww]

wait name me a softtail slim that has reverse and cornering headlight and riding modes

[@MotoMichelle]

I test rode thr R18 a couple of weeks ago and loved it :)

[@robinator3202]

I test rode it also. The second test ride I bought one and very much enjoy it

[@MotoMichelle]

@@robinator3202 Great enjoy :)

[@stevensullivan5287]

I didn't get to ride before I bought Sable, great machine.

[@danielpeter9096]

What a clown. It doesnt have cruise control so its not a cruiser? Nonsense.

[@barneygermany530]

I think, you are not ready for a Boxer🤔...😉

[@nickthequick]

Truly surprised at how BMW would release a bike with so many "small thing" issues ...

[@getdealtwithquick]

This type of bike doesn't need a lot of tech but no cruise control is BS. And boxer engines make 0 sense on a bike like this for taller riders who need mid- or forward controls. And the for the price, you're better off with a an already overpriced Harley.

[@DANYRD6666]

When fuel light comes , it shows how many miles you driven after the light . That’s more than enough for a smart driver to figure it out

[@robertkuipers6317]

Its perfect....😊...and..no Harley...again..

[@AlienApe.]

Where BMW get it wrong - reliability... fucking shocking once out of warranty. About time the press started calling them out on this. a £15000 - £20000 bike should last for more than three years without costing thousands!!

[@phils2180]

£19k OTR, that's not far off Triumph Rocket 3 money, a bike with quite a bit less weight and way more power and torque.

[@rubensahak9178]

You said it cruiser that does not have cruise control? 20k bike? No fuel gauge? Too low little travel in the back...too quiet...Well I rather buy HD heritage classic with more torque and killer looks.I think BMW was sort of confused what kind of bike this was supposed to be...Its not a cruiser and its not a standard naked.I wonder who they were aiming this bike to.

[@joemann7971]

Yammie Noon reviewed this bike. He basically said its for boomers. I'm not even sure if boomers would want this.