BMW R18 Test

Some thoughts on the R18 after a week of living with the bike.
Options fitted to test bike included:
$3330 First Edition pinstriping and chrome package
$0 Adaptive headlight and daytime riding light
$75 Lockable fuel filler cap
$155 Hill start assist
$605 Headlight Pro
$385 Passenger kit
$340 Heated grips
$1500 Reverse gear
$365 Anti-theft alarm
R18 MRLP $25,000
Options and Packages (extras) $6,755.00
Dealer delivery & on roads $2,409.28
Total ride away price (based on Sydney, 2000): $34,164.28 (as tested)
This license certificate documents a license to use the item listed below
on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revokable basis, for
one Single Use for this Registered Project.
Item Title: Blues
Item URL: elements.envat...
Item ID: KXNLHVW
Author Username: AudioZen
Licensee: David Cohen
Registered Project Name: Heavy Duty Magazine
License Date: February 19th, 2021
Item License Code: STF57GA3KZ

[@stevegodfrey626]

Thanks for the great review. After having owned 6 brand new Harleys ( Fat Bob, Deuce, Street Glide, Breakout, V Rod and Softail Slim) I bought a First Edition with cruise control. What a difference in comfort, torque, quality and stand out beauty. I had ordered and paid a deposit on the new HD Lowrider 117 S (was taking months to arrive)and after an eventual test ride on the Lowrider back to back over the same roads and motorways with the BMW it was an easy decision to cancel the HD and buy the FE. I’m really enjoying the ride and recommend those thinking about it to take one for a cruise and compare.

[@EllisBurton3339]

Just closing in a deal on the first edition version here in God's own county in the UK , the girlfriend said if you get it you'll be living in the garage with it , just set up the camping bed ready for its arrival, 😌

[@M63Tod]

Very good review. You covered things not covered by others.

[@drabadix]

It’s beautiful from all sides, I love it.

[@BigMoeFo]

Can always count on your awesome photos.....glad to see your up and about on this beast

[@beans4491]

Fantastic review and very well made. I have to agree with all you said, love the bike, must admit i have one 😜

[@BigDavesPlace]

Thanks! 👍

[@dangerousdave1004]

Very nice first bmw I've really liked

[@_audacerider3838]

As a ex BMW R1100S owner I'm really happy that BMW had the balls to make this bike after not the biggest success of the R1200C(for me it is a grate little bike much better bike then a HD Sporty) but I must say that being a current owner of a 2016 Moto Guzzi California Audace 1400 I think BMW should havr done a bit better. All the big block Guzzis have a far superior ground clearance/handling as well as brakes (320mm radial Brembos up front straight from a gen 1 Tuono V4) as standard all Guzzis get 3 stage traction control cruise control and abs and 3 riding modes (veloce-sport turismo-turing pioggia-rain that can be chamge on the fly independently from TC) the best way to describe the way the 1400cc Guzzis ride is more like a big naked bike (XJR1300 or GSX1400) rather then a cruiser. Plus the engine is an absolute pleasure to ride you can ride the torque curve 2500rpm-4000rpm but if you fancy some fireworks keep it spinning like a proper 90 degrees V-twin from Italy and ride thevpower curve 4.500-7000rpm and the Big Guzzi absolutely flys HD 114 has nothing on it. I really enjoy your KZbin content! I hope You will have a chance to ride a 1400cc Guzzi Eldorado or an Audace or go all wild and try the MGX-21 with 21 inch front wheel

[@rsmith3033]

bmw needs to release tha service manaul

[@Old.Dude_1969]

BEAUTY !!!!!!!!!

[@eckittez2047]

Mein Traummotorad BMW für immer !°°°

[@bigred8438]

Thanks for your review. I have such mixed feelings about this bike. I like the concept and even idea, but am not 100% sold on the finished product. I think if the bike wasn't so big (and it looks big because of the chuncky proportions), it may work visually. But for me it doesn't jell and I think everything seems out of proportion. When I think of big bikes like this I inevitably compare them to the Yamaha XV 1900 Roadliner I owned for a few years. It had 168 Nm of torque and about 72 kw of power. The torque is something I had never experienced previously and the bike weighed a shit load at 340kg. The weight did not impede the forward motion of the scoot though. It was like a freight train straight from 1200 revs, up hills two up passing lines of vehicles and was therefore, in the speed danger zone in just a few moments. The G force rush was addictive. But it was too much of a good thing. I'd get back on my R1150 GS and wonder why I had any other bikes, it handled so well and didn't destroy my spine. The big Bee em would be a better bike (to my way of thinking) at 1/5 smaller scale than it is, in all dimensions including the engine capacity and size. 1440 or 1500cc would be big enough, in a smaller more manageable sized bike. Glad you liked it so much.

[@johnvender]

Good review Dave. Long time no see, Rowey told me you have a KZbin channel

[@ronmarvicsin7709]

I think it’s an awesome looking bike with new tricks built in however, that scraping on the turn and not being able to stretch my long legs out during a long run would stop me from buying the bike. I’d re do the exhaust for better sound and clearance. BMW is a great bike but I’d either go Triumph or just stay with my Harley.

[@BigDavesPlace]

Fair enough!

[@ronmarvicsin7709]

@@BigDavesPlace I told one of my friends who’s a blogger Robin The Lady Biker about your review of that beautiful 2020 Spruce Road King. That’s what she rides. :)

[@WhiskyJackR]

Lovely 👍

[@Ardass486]

I'm getting one for Xmas

[@luisloya1120]

You mean CHRISTMAS.

[@aalmatrooshi]

The full black helmet I mean. Brand ? Model?

[@Boxer1250RT]

Proportions of the R5 is so much better than the R18. BMW wanted to build a 1,800 cc Boxer (because HD and Indian has those huge Engines) and there was no way around those enormous heads sticking out of the both sides of the bike. Dealers in the US are not able to move these bikes even with huge Demo discounts. Looks great but, it will not put a dent on the American cruiser Market. Just like HD's new PanAmerica model cannot put a dent on BMW's GS and GSA sales. Only BMW can harm it's own sales by using Hayes breaks and consequently, thousands of recalled bikes that could not be sold for months.

[@aalmatrooshi]

Which helmet are you wearing brother?

[@philiprobinson593]

Thanks David . Awesome review. Is there much difference with the R18 classic I am wondering

[@osamabinladen824]

A lot

[@osamabinladen824]

What song at the start? It's so nice.

[@beabt1]

I'm sure the bike is mechanically top notch, its a BMW. But for me, 5/5 on the ugly scale.