Custom BMW R18 review.

BMW created an iconic bike when they released the original R18 First Edition and since then the model variants have continues to be released, such as the BMW R18 Transcontinental, the BMW R18 Bagger, the BMW R18 Highline and of course the BMW R18 Roctane. But what do you do if you want to create your own personal R18? One option is to transform the bike with a custom Bobber kit. From the billet Roland Sands rocker covers to the growling stainless Rogue exhaust pipes, this bike is a showstopper, but is it better than a stock BMW R18 First Edition?
This bike is for sale, if you are interested contact
www.bmw-motorrad.com.au/south-coast-motorcycles/en/home
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[@Bearded.Wonder]

The R18 in stock form is just ok looking. It's a decent cruiser offering, but it's perhaps an imperfectly executed copy of an American-style V-twin and falls short in some ways aesthetically. This is highly subjective, I'll grant you. However, that bobber styling and the other upgrades sure dressed the R18 up a significant amount. Aside from that, those reddish brown boots look the part, sir!

[@BikerTorque]

Ahhh, sorry can’t agree. The R18 is nothing like an American V twin, either in styling or handling. It’s basically a modern rendition of BMWs very own R5 from the mid 1930s and in my opinion looks do much better than any V twin. Glad you like my boots, cherry Doc Martens.

[@Bearded.Wonder]

@@BikerTorque, I kinda see what you mean about it being a modern take on the old R5, but I also see queues from H-D and Indian cruisers. It's probably my bias coming through. However, I'm glad you like it and that you defend your stance, as you should. This is the great thing about living in these times. We are spoiled for choice and there is something for everyone. Love your channel and enjoy y'alls take on the motorcycle culture. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@BikerTorque]

@@Bearded.Wonder absolutely agree, as motorcyclists we are living in pretty special times with so many options. Thanks for watching and commenting, and great to hear you are enjoying the channel.

[@aligntrex700e]

Bring on the R20!!

[@BikerTorque]

Yes, that will be interesting, looks like a massive RNineT

[@brittothomas8614]

Love my R18 classic. As he rightly pointed out, it’s too quiet and I was unable to enjoy the engine heart beat. Now with a Freedom Performance exhaust, it’s phenomenal now

[@BikerTorque]

Shall check out those exhausts. Also there’s a guy here in Australia who is modifying the stock fish tails on the FE, keeps the original look but sounds so much better

[@brittothomas8614]

@@BikerTorque wow, that would be amazing.

[@danghita4386]

Hmm.. not necessarily a bad bike, but I would change it quite a bit. The saddle of this bobber is too "suspended" like you're sitting on a broom in a quidditch match, looks unfinished. Second it's the tank, I hate the necesity to stop very often, especially for re-fueling, I would immediately change it to the 24L from Transcontinental - IF POSSIBLE (I heard it's not that simple). And third the handlebar, I prefer something straighter, meaner, street fighter like.. Anyways, I would love to have the chance to customize one to my liking

[@BikerTorque]

I don’t think you can put the tank from the Transcontinental on it, I think the top if the frame is different, could be wrong…having said that you should get 300kms to a tank which is plenty long enough in the saddle for me. Whilst on the saddle, is is comfortable and looks wise it’s another element that looks like previous BMWs, in this case, a Denfield from an R69 or there abouts.

[@motorcyclestuff1961]

Looks so good looks mean 💀

[@BikerTorque]

Certainly does

[@nickbasiliou5744]

I’d love one of these, they look awesome and customisable. When you put it in for a service, did they need a few days for the actual service?

[@BikerTorque]

No, service was quick, they just let me take the R18 Bobber as a loaner because of my schedule

[@PatrickJWenzel]

Gosh the seat height of the bobber. I’d really like to know if the end result is up and forward, just up, or up and back. At 6’4” (32” inseam) I’m trying to come up with solutions way ahead of my purchase, and specific information in the forums and from the BMW website is so bloody limited.

[@BikerTorque]

If anything the seat position of the bobber seat compared to my First Edition is just up, maybe oh so slightly back, but not much. It’s a much better riding position for me than the stock seat, which to be honest is still absolutely fine. Hope that helps.

[@PatrickJWenzel]

@@BikerTorque sure does thank oyu

[@coastalhillbilly3419]

Cool customization but R18 is a beautiful bike stock as well, plus in commiefornia a loud bike is a boat anchor

[@BikerTorque]

Agree, in stock form it is a stunning bike

[@punchbuggyyellow7097]

Not a fan of cruisers, but I do like the look of that seat. It makes you look like you're floating above the bike. That plate holder though. Did the 1st year apprentice install it? It looks like it was cut too short & installed upside down. Switch it around & lengthen it so it covers the rear tyre would be a better look & would help when riding in the rain.

[@BikerTorque]

I think the number plate hanger can be lengthened out and reversed so it’s like a tyre hugger. The seat is cool though.

[@BigBert]

Man that bobber looks sweet but wow the jugs look like wings with it all trimmed down 😂

[@BikerTorque]

They are a big set of jugs😂

[@keithritchie6936]

Looks great. Thanks for the review. I own the 100th anniversary which to me looks like a piece of mechanical jewellery.

[@BikerTorque]

Those 100th anniversary editions of both the R18 and R Nine T look wonderful. Great description, “ a piece of mechanical jewellery”, love it. I describe by First Edition as a rolling work of art, love it. Thanks for watching

[@JsnHgl]

@@keithritchie6936 Just picked up a 100th Anniversary Edition myself. A piece of mechanical jewelry indeed! Love this bike.

[@expatAussietez]

I love my R18 TC so much I brought it with me from Canada, unfortunately BMW Germany refused to release the software code to allow it to operate the Aussie Spec amber indicator lights from the North American Red turn signals. It sat with a BMW dealer for 6 months where they couldn’t find a solution. I found another dealer who had service tech who is a software guru and he found a solution to make them work. However if it needs an update the system will crash and I will need to take it back the service tech to rewrite the codes. This bike is still under its new bike warranty and this what I have to do, I regret I have spent so much money on this bike but when I ride it I forget about all the drama it has caused me. BMW Australia and BMW Germany are not on the same page and it is incredibly disappointing the a company that prides itself on global adventures on their bikes refused to allow a North American spec bike to be permitted to be compliant to the Australian market. Not to mention that the original dealership sent me a bill for $26,714.86 for holding my bike for 6 months and all i got was the $400 amber indicator lights not even fitted, they tried to charge me the hourly rate for attempting the software attempts and fails. This saga is almost unbelievable if it hadn’t happened to me I wouldn’t believed it. BMW Australia are aware of this but no compensation was offered other than some apologies as they claim my experience is unique. WTF

[@BikerTorque]

That sounds like an incredibly painful ordeal. Thanks for watching though

[@hachewie]

Cool bike/s. The Bobber looks very retro. Cool as F***.

[@BikerTorque]

Cool as f… indeed

[@mart7404]

I am very interested in this bike it is absolutely stunning. I also agree that it looks SO much better with the pin striping. Not sure I'd buy one without, which sounds ridiculous. I also think the seat hight being taller would be an advantage. Happy riding

[@BikerTorque]

Pretty sure it’s still for sale. Yes, pin stripes are the go, and you are right about the seat height

[@medikusnsb516]

Could you pls tell me which exhaust was added to that Bobber.

[@BikerTorque]

Pretty sure it’s the Rogue exhaust

[@medikusnsb516]

@@BikerTorque thx. 👍

[@michaelkhoury3132]

Great review Ross and Tegan. Beautiful looking bike. I agree the licence plate holder looks out of place there. I didn't think much of the heel shifter when I got my R18 but when it's combined with the floorboards, I couldn't imagine not using it.

[@BikerTorque]

Thanks Michael, yes I think I’ll be adding a heal shifter.

[@whatsstefon]

The blacked out look is always a favourite of mine. Watching this makes me want one again. A sensational looking machine.

[@BikerTorque]

Yes, this one is pretty special

[@RoadsOfOz]

Great looking bike. I agree . Floor boards and heel shifter would be ideal. Keeps those boots nice and shiny.

[@BikerTorque]

Gotta keep those boots shiny.

[@andrew6526]

I loved the look of this BMW, I would love to have that in my Garage 👍

[@BikerTorque]

It looks the goods and rides even better.

[@noelleahy7427]

I run a Homage seat on mine, raised 30mm on urethane bushes for some extra spring..... a very easy on the hips'n knees vintage feeling ride position (like siting at a dining table). A +20mm Wilbers rear shock gives 25mm more suspension travel (115mm) and works wonders. The Rogue pipes are tempting.... but the fishtales are so unique. I'm going to cut them open and modify them at some stage.

[@BikerTorque]

The bobber seat does have a vintage ride feel also, how is the comfort of the Homage seat? A Wilber’s mono shock sounds like the go, might have to look at that also

[@noelleahy7427]

@@BikerTorque the Homage seat is not "plush"..... intially I thought of it as a 45min seat..... but got a bit use to it so now a 90min seat. I did have a sheep skin guy make a seat cover with 20mm of gel that can be easily removed/fitted as the need arises. I also found "skateboard urethane truck bushes" that come in different hardnesses and mounted the seat on some soft ones.... they give about an additional 25mm of "seat spring". I also ride my r9t scrambler on Nitron suspension around the local adelaide hills roads and my R18 now rides much the same comfort and suspension wise on the poorish roads.... really enjoyable.

[@PatrickJWenzel]

@@noelleahy7427 Fascinating info there. Can I ask what your height and inseam dimensions are? I’m 6’4” with 32” inseam.

[@noelleahy7427]

@@PatrickJWenzel I'm a 63yo, 5'11 with 32" inseam and 76kg.. I also tried 50mm and 25mm bar riser's and setteld on the 25s. When thinking comfort I think in 3 stages..... 1st is hip/knee, 2rd is bar reach and 3rd is seat comfort. My R18 is like sitting at a table to eat.... my major issue is always hip/knee mostly.

[@PatrickJWenzel]

@@noelleahy7427 Excellent. I like your method and see it much the same, almost like fitting oneself for a bicycle. That’s a nice healthy posture for a motorbike as far as I’m concerned, and for longer rides.

[@DM-ci2nn]

I have a Roctane. Other than adding a couple of small decorative trinkets, im not changing a thing.

[@BikerTorque]

I love the head light/speedo integration on the Rocktane, wished more bikes had that.

[@JsnHgl]

Great video.

[@BikerTorque]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@_audacerider3838]

Sounds as good as it looks!

[@BikerTorque]

Certainly does

[@_audacerider3838]

​@@BikerTorquethe good thing about the R18 platform is that BMW equipped it with a wide band lambda sensor from the factory (+35 -35) so one can change the exhaust on it and no ECU flash is required. And a stunning bike like this needs to have a matching soundtrack to go it looks!

[@andrewd7586]

I love mine standard. However I do really like the bobber seat but that side rego plate mount is hideous!🤮

[@BikerTorque]

lol, the number plate hanger does actually look at in real life…but I still wouldn’t have it in my bike. The seat is cool though.

[@tpp6432]

The license plate holder looks like it is installed incorrectly or just poorly designed. I've never seen one like that, usually it puts the plate behind the tire. I wouldn't like that either.

[@BikerTorque]

I actually didn’t mind the look, just didn’t like the pain in my shins when I kept walking into it.

[@tpp6432]

@@BikerTorque I could see eventually getting used to the look but yeah busting shins is never a good time.

[@DizzConnected]

Agreed, Floor boards and heel shift are great. Love my R18 1st Edition Deluxe.….. with cruise control. (How that was never included on some models astounds me)

[@michaelwatts224]

Floating Bob seat looks really silly when sitting on it (stock is soooo much better). I know devisive, but the fish tails are ugly as hell. That plate arm hanger will be a real worry when filtering. Love your vids guys; really prossional job, but fun and friendly. Would love to see some more content on Sydney motorcycle life and scenery. Thanks!

[@BikerTorque]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoy the content. Will try and shoot some more stuff around Sydney when we get an appropriate bike, might have a couple of options coming up.