BMW R18 - Walkaround. Watch out, Harley-Davidson!

[@turbofan67]

I'm not normally a fan of cruisers, but that looks great, The lines are so pure.

[@canecorsofamily4907]

After owning a Ducati's and Harleys this bike is the most pure beautiful bike I've ever seen BMW nailed it with retro style history and performance I want one

[@philiproberts6947]

I'm not a BMW fan,but they need to put this into production,it's so fresh seeing a stripped back bike in today's world of over complicated bikes.

[@pacibaco]

Not a fan ? Educate yourself on the legendary boxer . Or buy a HD before they go out of business

[@averageguy7932]

@@pacibaco guy just stated his preference. Why the trolling? The internet sure does make people do and say mean stuff that they just would never say to someone they have never met in real life. Just unnecessary. And for the record, I have a Victory AND a BMW. Both fantastic, one out of business and still a great bike.

[@johnkolinoff8591]

Philip Roberts - Exactly! keep it simple..

[@David-eh9le]

They will sell the first in 2020

[@philiproberts6947]

Just hope they stay true to the prototype and keep the lines clean. I know there is euro 5 they need to get past to keep the environmental parties happy so there will always be areas of the bike they struggle with. This bike could steal many sales from HD if they get it right. As for educating myself with boxer engines,I spent many years servicing them when customers brought there BMW bikes in for service/repairs at the main dealer I worked for. I was not speaking bad of the brand,I just said that I'm not a fan of BMW motorcycles,they are very well engineered and designed but still not my ideal bike. We can't all like the same thing can we.

[@tommyt2854]

Testimony! BMW, you hit the nail on the head with this one, that bike is cool as hell and drop dead gorgeous!!

[@tooakki]

I couldn't of said it any better than that.

[@BrawndoQC]

Yeah, makes me want to sell my 2018 HD Breakout.

[@camgnilpe9300]

tommy t opinions are like assholes!

[@camgnilpe9300]

@@BrawndoQC sounds like a personal problem!

[@BrawndoQC]

@@camgnilpe9300 eh?

[@nbgaf1040]

Finally they are bringing back the classic styles. Bout damn time

[@marcconyard5024]

The sound is almost like the R51/3 I owned back in the 80s. Astonishing achievement. Love to see that engine find its way into a long-legged tourer.

[@chrislaz2473]

Definitely a fan of the minimalistic design! Looks amazing.

[@123456bpb]

@Paige Augusti Agree as well. It will be sad to see the Solex disappear!

[@mrvoyagerm]

Now there's an engine for the Ural - finally!

[@123456bpb]

Yes the Ural needs an engine. Although a Subaru engine would work well and save a BMW from a wasteful end.

[@geneclarke2205]

Nice to hear Edgar Heinrich say its about emotion and not strictly about performance and technology. Too many bikes lack any character or soul. If you're going to put the time and effort into riding, then ride something that gives you goose bumps.

[@brucerogermorgan2388]

Yup, this thing gives me goosebumps all right!

[@SeafairZombies]

Beautiful. Love the retro-look minimalist simplicity with no plastic fairings and other junk. Hopefully they won't screw it up when they bring it to the US.

[@81722Les]

ill still take the Fatboy styling anyday. this looks so hulkingly ugly and uncomfortable iMO.

[@TheCruizer]

Simply wow! Never expected something like this from BMW! 👍

[@jennydiazvigneault5548]

Just awesome. Back to basics. Someone finally gets it.

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

Oh my goodness - the Retro/modern is stunning! I love the idea of a very large displacement Boxer motor and a naked driveshaft - I will be wanting one of these for certain! As always, you guys are the best at what you do and it is very appreciated!

[@timothydornan6517]

Wait, what? You brought back the inverted levers on the handlebars? This is truly a thing of beauty. I think I’m in love.

[@steveperry1344]

that's a great powerful looking bike. nice to see bmw with a radical bobber look. i was never a big beemer fan but now i am.

[@edwardweiszbeck1649]

This bike is awesome like the way BMW has kept the see through look with no wiring and excess clutter needing to be hidden away with covers. The simple exposed look is the best. Yes BMW had the right idea of what this type of rider wants. NAILED IT !!

[@ericward6390]

Sold. Now shut up and take my money!

[@6416-p4m]

Big engine super best retro and steampunk style, I love this motorcycle.

[@DoubleD72]

there is literally NOTHING on this bike that is steampunk. lol

[@n2dabloo]

Harley Road King owner here. I love this BMW! Very nice, I'd buy one.

[@chrisblake1918]

I'm on a Heritage Softail. I would trade for sure!

[@PeterPAAntony]

Unlike Triumph, you have the seat just right. I also love the way the controls aren't forward. This is awesome. Build it but don't tame it. Keep it wild like this. Hipsters will love them.

[@keithhampton3955]

Been waiting for this. I like Boxers and American Cruisers. What a classic rendering of both. Looks like a 50s BMW Cruiser! Well done!!

[@hybern8ta]

Finally!!! Thank you BMW. Love the bike!!!

[@vinjofin1972]

I really love the looks of this bike. As a new BMW driver I totally can appriciate what bmw is doing with this bike.

[@johnhenke6475]

Even the old 60's Beemers made nice chops. They had clean slick frames and simple power plants.

[@conradangel8602]

You hit the ball out of the park with this bike

[@ibdaffy]

Simply stunning! What a Teutonic tidbit of a motorcycle. Old school relived! I want one...

[@pierosjourneys]

I'm very familiar with BMW"s bikes, that boxer motor is huge, pure real heritage BMW motorcycle right there

[@scottiee1758]

Build it,keep it simple,make it affordable, and I'm in.

[@scottiee1758]

@Wally gator probably not, but got my fingers crossed.

[@DoubleD72]

Will be at least 20 grand

[@davereinhart9933]

I am saving a little out of every pay check beginning today! I want it!

[@MrJones-xw8mn]

My legs began to cramp as soon as I saw it and by the end of the video my feet had spontaneously combusted.

[@nunyabizness199]

Just don't lean it too far or you'll scrape those heads...😉

[@wildbill13s]

Real funny!! Glaring oversight on BMWs part. Hey Franz, can I get that with forward controls? 🤣🤣🤣

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

Cramp ? Your legs would be barbecued.

[@123456bpb]

@@lorenzomagazzeni5425 BMW Boxers run cool. Heat is never an issue

[@2rba2moto78]

Nice looking bike ! Definitely the engine has a proper sound and look. It will cruise like a dream. The simple look is attractive but imposing.

[@lolbr3720]

I like this. Air cooled, simple. Egad's, someone remembered what make's a motorcycle a motor cycle. Very cool...

[@hankcuccina5260]

Having had two Harleys i would buy one of these beauties at the drop of a hat.

[@cinargey6873]

You won't mate. The reason is you can't install forward controls on it. Boxer Engine is too wide and doesn't allow. I have Harleys too by the way.

[@hankcuccina5260]

That's a good point Cinar, it will be interesting to see how it eventually turns out. I don't have a Harley anymore, got that out of my system, so i can at least say iv'e had one. Going to buy a beemer and do a bit of touring.

[@choppermarc2342]

Harley guy but I have to have this bike. I saw this bike 2 days ago. But found out you can put a deposit on it here in France. Do not care about the mid controls. I rode a hard tail chop from London to Le Mans then rode it to Switzerland. Mid controls, scrape the foot pegs going past 2 VFRs in the mountains.

[@123456bpb]

@@cinargey6873 There is no such thing as a "too wide of a Boxer". Harleys have forward controls as the seat is comfortably too close to the road. The bike is too low for foot pegs (which would drag) and the primary drive and clutch is in the way. Harley has no option locations for foot pegs other than forward. It is a ridiculous design that reduces the drivers ability to transfer weight while seated or provide the ability to stand on the pegs while driving. It is a dark whole that Harley is in and their Cult followers will accept nothing else. It appears that all Harley owners want to be Peter Fonda from the 60's in Easy Rider. It is a sad site for the rest of us to see you all like that with your "How Cool Am I Look" You all do not look cool.

[@cinargey6873]

@@123456bpb I respect Bro. We have different opinions. People love Harley because of the feel. It makes you feel like you are riding a tractor. Vibrations, sound, customization options are endless. You can buy a Harley and make it your own. No other brand gives that opportunity.

[@colinwood1802]

Not a BMW owner,,,,? BUT hey what a fantastic piece of kit,,,They have done it again,,,,BRILLIANT well done,,

[@Mytriumph650pre-unit]

Love the vintage look. Going to buy one.

[@KevinofWessex]

Im buying one first

[@Roadking1972]

@@KevinofWessex I'm buying one before you 👻

[@46danz]

Bmw knocked it out the park with this one,gorgeous.

[@johnDukemaster]

WOW! This is art! Lovely! Very high want-factor. :-)

[@boohoomoron7629]

Well put, bravo! Atleast, you don't have to worry about reliability in an art piece.

[@kitbawden9427]

My last BM was a 1973 R75/5. This new bike is a stunner! I ride Harleys but I would love to buy this model.

[@midway5558]

WOW that's a bike, old school bad ass bike love it!

[@nickl8247]

Harley no, this yes, yes,yes. Fantastic looking bike so let's hope it ends up in production as close as possible to the concept bike. Class looking bike, well done BMW

[@mykhailomostepan2084]

It's amazing! With sidecar it would be perfect

[@8fot]

No

[@ttwilli6330]

Yes ! ;-)...I like it,too. It is great and with a sidecar THE BEST

[@rayroman4111]

Amazing!!! I have a Harley... and now i want this too 👌

[@michesgqlledobbiln8928]

Yeah, Harley ain't got nothing to worry about! Don't like cylinders sticking out in front of my legs like that. But to each THIER own! Be safe!

[@michesgqlledobbiln8928]

@Don Brinkman but they're still the best made! How many 80yr old Honda's do you see?

[@docholliday6285]

Heat from fins will cook thy shin!

[@leonardmiller2336]

@Don Brinkman our coppers here in Oz use nothing but BMQ especially for there Q bikes the 1600 GT 210+ hp good handling and don't try n run from it you ain't got a hope in hell

[@MauricioRafaelGonzalez]

It is pretty obvious with sales trends that HD has plenty to worry about...in the sense of volume. Despite soft unit sales, even overcome by KTM recently...profitability is still great for HD!

[@white_devil73]

@Don Brinkman Sure thing, buddy. Pricks like you always claim your bike can "smoke a harley," out run them, are always faster, etc. Good for you. People don't buy Harleys for speed. Harleys are overpriced, I give you that. However, imitation is the best form of flattery and almost every bike out there tries to imitate Harley Davidson. So, you can keep you ktm or whatever the fuck you ride and secretly wish you were astride a Harley. I have nothing against metric bikes. They're inexpensive and usually well made. There's just pricks like you who hate Harleys because they're scared of them or just can't afford one. You did not pay way more for any KTM. If you're going to lie, at least make sure no one can fact check you. Dumbass.

[@brucerogermorgan2388]

These are now available at our local BMW dealer. I went to have a look at one. I have an R75, each cylinder is bigger than my engine! Its - I don't have the words to describe it! I love it, but I couldn't ride it, it's too heavy for me now. My R75 is 195kg, this monster is around 350kg, and I'm 75 now, so no, but full marks to BMW for making it. I'm suitably impressed, mainly by the style, and the size. I still love it, though.

[@grahamcarlin6397]

This is what I've been waiting for, can't wait .

[@Mafr0]

THAT IS MAGNIFICIENT! WOW!!!! Soooo clean

[@olironrider8918]

Looks GREAT.. Looks DESIRABLE.. Looks EXPENSIVE...!!!!!

[@Birb_of_Judge]

I don't think it will be. Because there are no fancy and expensive electrics and stuff like that. If I had to guess I would say it will cost between 10-15k

[@olironrider8918]

Not a Panther Actually I think by the time they get it into production there’s gonna be a lot of add-ons. Each raising the price. I would guess $15 - $20K.. with $18K being a good bet. But do hope you are right.. your price range would definitely make even more appealing and desirable. Time will tell..!!

[@beatlife2515]

Looks uncomfortable..

[@uscscjohnson]

@@Birb_of_Judge 10K? No chance. Have you priced any bikes lately? 10K is sportster pricing. I am thinking 25k.

[@RA-yc9fb]

28k ride away

[@harryodum5598]

I've only owned 1 BMW that was about 1960 the one thing I did like about it I kept my feet warm when I was touring Europe. And also the drive shaft so much better than the chain and belt. I have three friends that own BMW for a number of years and they've never complained about them.

[@martyjouett9949]

This is going to be a very big seller for them. What a beautiful bike! Anxious to see some rider reviews.

[@tubedude54]

What you see will not be offered as it is not street legal. They will have to muck it up with lights and mirrors and who knows what else.

[@rainerneumann1963]

If it comes on the market i will buy it right away...The R5 and the R18 are the most beautiful BMW ever build

[@inVinoVeritas69]

BMW, here you have my money!! Please grab it !! Really i'm in love... ¿Dónde hay que soltar la pasta, dóndeeeeee????

[@JonseyWales]

Beautiful! Well done BMW, can't want to see the production version. I already want one.

[@cesarrodriguezgutierrez1144]

JUST BRUTAL , NO WORDS !!

[@Brook987]

Beautiful BMW! I own two Harleys but would love to ride this bike.

[@CycleCruza]

Don't get too excited, most of the time the production bike is NEVER as cool as the concept bike. (Example: Indian FTR1200)

[@kukelhupf]

True, but they told us that they're aware of that and will try to get it as simple as possible on the road. Exposed drive shaft and the design will stay the same, but of course things like the carburator will have to go.

[@jonathanratliff7577]

The concept you saw for the FTR1200 was the FTR750. They actually released that bike to the public. It was an extremely limited production but it was actually available for purchase.

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

Excellent! Finally a decent motor for my Citroën 2CV

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

Contemplating a 2CV Sahara 4x4 replica.

[@JockBiker]

Love the detail on the drive shaft. Looks amazing.

[@dennism103]

I ride hd but I've had 3 BMW's u guys nailed it!

[@forefatherofmankind3305]

Liar

[@islandenduro3112]

Heritage throwback... I love you BMW..

[@sc1dgp]

Can't take my eyes off the Engine Gearbox Assembly. That looks jaw-droppingly awe-inspiringly beautiful!

[@gerylagrande]

Most beautifull german big brand bike i have ever seen! But i dont know about the ergonomics, the seating position seems kind of weird

[@georgeburgudjiev]

Exactly, just looking at that rider - I feel pain in my back and my knees.

[@Kwhopperfan]

Beautiful! Love that big boxer!

[@shmac96]

They should have done this a long time ago! Go to their heritage and history...not Harleys. Beautiful!

[@mack22x]

Wow this bike blew me away! I'll own one for sure. As mentioned in earlier comments, well done BMW and to the design team. Give me a motor with a seat on it!

[@240weatherby7]

WOW. Love BMW already. This is stunning

[@richardmader2320]

That is the right way to go BMW!!! Extrem beautiful bike, like the real BMW motorcycles in the 40ties I am a proud owner of a 1941 R75 Military Mashine. hope to see you build a homage to this motorcycle one day!?

[@Cerebrum72]

I have a Harley and a Moto Guzzi, I would love to buy one of these too. Cant`t hardly wait to BMW start the production

[@michelbrisebois4317]

Work of art but looks top heavy. Retro is owned by Triumph but competition is always welcomed. We need simple bikes for those who know how to ride and brake, forget all those computers and sensors who requires more of an engineer than a mechanic.

[@DerangedResponse]

Another reason I became a biker. Cars just got too complicated to work on. My brother had a beemer. It was a 1000r crotch rocket. It had all this traction control and settings. They overcomplicated a simple bike just cause it's squirrely on the take off. Maybe if they didn't sell those loose cannons to kids with no experience, they might not need all that elctronic crap. And what do you do when it breaks?.... Why didn't they just stretch the swing-arm a little?.... A Little.

[@desertblbuesman]

My fuel injected R doesn't need an engineer because it never breaks

[@funstuff2006]

Yeah, because EVERYONES idea of a vintage-inspired bike MUST be another fking "retro" cafe racer, one of the bikes from Easy Rider, or one of this new crop of bikes that look like a shit yamaha from the 80s . . Nobody is ever going to own a 1934 R7, and not a whole lot of people are going to own a '30s/'40s other model with the intention of regularly riding, but some people will be able to get their hands on this, which is the next best thing.

[@Ubertubermeister]

Looks cool BUT!...Riding position is going to be painful after 40Km (31miles) - nearly impossible to modify to comfortable forward foot controls because of cylinders and pipes in way

[@tedsell1455]

Ubertubermeister but way cool 😎

[@rickjames3253]

Beautiful machine. The riding position looks like it might be uncomfortable for a long ride. My feet might get hot sa well.

[@123456bpb]

Your feet will not get hot. You will be able to put your feet on the Jugs when your knees seize up and your feet will still not be hot. Still not as obnoxious as putting your legs out where the Rad should be.

[@rlepidi3573]

Not a big bmw fan, but damn that thing looks sexy.

[@drum7989]

Very beautiful! Many compliments to bmw for this new original idea, I like very much to see that cardan in motion

[@Bfoxfield1]

Looks fantastic, and as usual, the production bike will look nothing like the concept.

[@mowler8042]

This is awesome would like to see a smaller 1200cc version, the overall looks is beautiful

[@JaredHIll13]

Those levers are sick!! I mean the rest is cool too but dang

[@jonathanbroyles2026]

Got my VRod and my XDiavel, but still got room in the garage. Now I know what’s next. Beautiful.

[@honestlyforreal6304]

Cramped ride with no leg room. Great garage queen.

[@zuluflight5467]

in germany we say rubber cow for bmw bikes. believe me.. i am german and driving a harley is a much better feeling than driving with the knees under your chin. the germans will never learn that. and the boxer motor is good when its build in a porsche. it is deadly boring to drive a bike with a boxer.

[@curtisdishman3800]

Looks cool, but my knees would protest in about 5 miles

[@munkeenevahrong239]

The cylinder heads are where the highway pegs should be. Good looking bar hopper. I ride a 1800cc bike now. It's tow truck power. All torque. Keep up the retro beemer!

[@tombovonarmageddon]

Really cool! But cylinders are there where my feets should be!

[@dawgofwar71]

I like the case series because the opposed cylinder heads or smooth and not bulky like this I personally think that they should have went with that style cylinder heads compared to the older ovel Style

[@markymark7824]

Perfect! That's I've been waiting for a years ... I'm a big BMW fan, own several bikes but this one will be Das Absolute Krönung! Can't wait to order :)

[@juergen07091973]

Die absolute Krönung.

[@markymark7824]

@@juergen07091973 Danke Schöne :) from Warsaw

[@fridgemagnet]

Hints of wartime Zundapps,lovely machine.

[@balukrishna5827]

Absolute German engineering, superb sound the engine is massive n it different I love this bike

[@everydaychris5597]

I also, as many, own a Harley. I’d sell my bike and black soul for this R18. Just. Wow.

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

Sitting on this very goodlooking bike feels exactly like what it's meant to serve for: Might be possible for a distance to the next ice dealer or coffee bar, as long as those are in the same little town. Going strong for 1000 or 1200 km per day is absolutely unthinkable on this BMW, which does render it to a graphic novel comic book version of a real BMW motorbike, regrettably.

[@Blogengezer]

At first appearance, being a lifetime rider, I was of course curiously interested. Then the unflattering word 'Atrocity' came to mind. The home built aircraft aficionados may find a use for the power unit? As motorcycles in general are selling less frequently across the USA of today's millennial generation, the buyers of such machines as this, the older, geriatric riders, dwelling in past glory, will become increasingly rare indeed. As for the world where motorcycles are low cost transportation, this monstrosity is out of the equation.

[@OffandOn13]

7:50 I almost feel violated hahahaha...lovely review!

[@davidmiller2179]

As a long time Harley fan i would buy an R18 these bikes are bad ass most of newer Harley bikes look like they were conceived in Japan.

[@raycebannon73]

Those cylinders, it's a definitely a small guy's bike.

[@barryfohn4385]

That's what I said. BMWs design is only good up to a certain point. This bike exceeds that point.

This machine is light years ahead of anything H-D has ever produced or could produce. It won't break down and cost a fortune to keep on the road.

[@RogueSanta]

Damn my knees blew out watching this

[@edwardweiszbeck1649]

Love the look of a hardtail too. Thanks Nailed that too I at first thought it was a production hardtail it's so well disguised

[@CS-ky9hc]

I dont think harley will have to worry about this....

[@lex1945]

I think Harley has enough other worries at this moment. Like surviving.

[@beemcbike]

Back to the roots. It‘s about time!

[@matthjas67]

When did Liam Neesam get a job with BMW? 😆

[@frankmorris2603]

Doppleganger for sure.

[@hudsonquay]

I don't know but I do know he must have a very particular set of skills. Skills acquired over a very long career. Skills that make him a nightmare for people like Harley Davidson.

[@JohnLemieux]

He has a very particular set of skills

[@lkz91]

Actually, he is Sean Penn.

[@johnkolinoff8591]

Dean - That's funny shit right there..

[@moyolenovo3914]

Liam Neeson is good at anything he does! Now he's created a true Machine!

[@kingston440]

Looks great but for a cruiser the engine will get in the way of feet.

[@johnmartlew5897]

kingston440 .....yup...even forward controls look hard to place and just can’t see the ergonomics = comfort.

[@frankbaumann8392]

Just watch the guy riding it. Damn that looks uncomfortable.

[@dougm659]

I found forward foot controls to be anything but comfortable, they force all your weight onto your coccyx and it’s hard to shift position while on the move. Having feet behind the cylinders is much more comfortable imho.....

[@Haelmuscle]

Challenging Harley? Lmao, they need forward controls AT LEAST though lol

[@Haelmuscle]

@Jesus H Christ I ride sport bikes, I still own one (Zx14), I got Harleys because I needed a cruiser, I'm not into racing or riding carelessly anymore, we don't want to end up sliced into pieces, for cruiser I'd live with the required maintenance for a Harley, I can do it myself, it'd cost nothing to get cam tensioner shoes replaced or rebuilt forks etc. Nothing beats Harley ever, especially for owning one you'd see how people around start paying attention to who you are (regardless I don't give a chit) but that means a lot about a well known and recognized brand for a reason! I still know sport bikes are a lot better built, they require less maintenance and they are almost flawless especially Japanese, it's just that I'm not into them anymore, Regards,

[@leonhorder8979]

that's what you call old school cool,looks awesome 👍

[@donarmando916]

Yeah nice bike for a BMW but still the v-twin is more beautiful in my opinion.

[@scottbond7509]

What a piece of art. Beautiful

[@Johnbrian210]

Nice bike , but no way that's hitting the assembly line for mass production.

[@tedsell1455]

Infamous 281 hope your wrong buddy

[@599Dan]

R18 is a 15-minute Cruiser with no place to stretch out your legs

[@francistruffy4163]

she touch yesterday and today for riding, marvelous