Do BMW make a Better Harley than Harley? | BMW R18 First Edition First Ride

I had the pleasure of taking this 1800cc brute of a bike out - the BMW R18! But the question is... would I have this over a Harley who have finessed the market?
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Gear;
Helmets - Arai Tour X4
Summer Gear - Richa Daytona 60s and Revit Lombard 2 Cordura Jeans
Touring Gear - Halvarssons Walkyr Jacket and Wish Trousers
Boots - Daytona Roadstar GTX, Sidi Adventure 2 and Daytona AC Classics in Brown
Gloves - Knox Handroid Pod Mk2, Dainese Corbin D-Dry, Gerbing X12 heated gloves
Camera Set Up;
Main Camera - GoPro Hero 9 Black
B Camera - GoPro Hero 8 Black
Drone - DJI Mavic Mini (1st edition)
Enjoy!

[@theonlyredspecial]

I have been riding 1 litre sports bikes for decades and I decided to put a cruiser in the garage for weekends when I want a slower ride. I test rode a few Harleys recently and I was horrified at the lack of braking power (single disc front!). I test rode the R18 Bagger and it ticked a lot of boxes for me - fun engaging engine feel, good brakes and an amazing dash - beautiful paint work too. If you look at BMW's history they have actually been making these kind of bikes for a very long time.......

[@SamVBikes]

Yes very true. I've only really ridden the newer, sportier Harleys like the Fatbob, Sportster S etc so those are much better than some of the bigger bikes. The R18 is a great machine!

[@sll-tt6bj]

Don't compare it to Harley Davidson is far superior than any Harley

[@stephenrobbie7683]

I own an R18 ‘ Bobber’ and love it. Traded an HD 103 Softail Slim for it. The build quality is on a different planet to HD. Before buying I rode several Harleys with the 114 engine. Which is a peach. Also rode an Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse 116. I don’t think the R18 is necessarily ‘better than any Harley’. It is way better than what many Harley owners think it is. A different riding experience. The die hard HD rider will either never try one. Or ride it already knowing they’ll never buy one. The BMW R18 is NOT trying to be a Harley.

[@EllisBurton3339]

I test drove one around Cumbria from Carlisle , and was absolutely smitten coming off a Triumph Bobber the R18 has made my Bobber feel like a push bike , in a nice way ....I get the R18 14th July 22 the wife won't see me for a while 😁👍

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! Congratulations on the new bike!! One more day!

[@stephencritchley7169]

Excellent light hearted appraisal of a truly magnificent motorcycle……. From a Road King owner!

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! Appreciate the comment! Got a Road King lined up for a ride in the coming months. Excited to try it

[@jfro5867]

Full disclosure. I bought one a year ago. Fabulous machine. I’ve had Harleys, I like them but the R18 stands on its own merits. It’s like rolling art. Ridden as a big cruiser it’s terrific and sounds great from the saddle (induction roar rather than just loud exhaust) plus you get all the other whines, clicks and thumping that go along with it.

[@watashiwa6634]

Just bought the same bike and love it. Enjoyed your test ride and comments!

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! And congratulations on the bike! Its a great laugh to ride

[@waydehomemade5368]

My take away. I couldn't understand a lot of the review but your enthusiasm and laughter said all that needs to be said. I'm a Road Glide owner and bought the Classic (and love it). A new seat will go a long way to improve the ride as will the rear suspension adjustment (out of shipping mode). I've found cruising down the interstate at 75mph is the sweet spot. Everything smooths out. My only complaint other than the seat is I wish it had another gallon to the gas tank. I can do 5-6 hour days on the Classic with no issue. A fuel stop, stretch the legs and do another 150.

[@SamVBikes]

Nice! I haven't ridden a Road Glide yet but they do look super comfortable! I think it's probably aimed more at the coffee shop cruiser/back road blasts, rather than long distance, but another gallon would be really useful so you wouldn't need to worry about finding fuel

[@mysticmusafir3344]

900 miles on my r18 now and every mile has been a riot! i like the bike so much that I have actually stopped riding my harley.

[@SamVBikes]

Amazing!! Which Harley do you have? I love this bike!

[@mysticmusafir3344]

@@SamVBikes FXDR

[@chadr9791]

I have watched so many reviews on the R18 ,,and I must say this was one of the best ,,truthful, honest and so funny ,,,you had me smiling ,,I must also say I have had 4 Harleys and I truly believe that is a real classic and I cant wait to test ride an R18 ,,,I just hope at my old age I can handle it. Thank you .

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it! Hope the bike lives up to your expectations! It's such a laugh to ride!

[@kellyco4139]

The R18’s are amazing bikes and so much fun . An beautiful piece of machinery

[@SamVBikes]

It did feel like I was riding a piece of art. Like I should keep it clean in my garage on a plinth and just look at it haha

[@ydfriedlander]

Merry Christmas Sam!

[@SamVBikes]

Merry Christmas bud! Hope you have a great one

[@rogergress9520]

An excellent review filled with Fun and Adventure ! I am thinking of getting this bike and hopefully I will ! Great, clear video! PeaceFromTexas.

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you. It was a great bike to ride, really fun and made you feel great doing so!

[@ChrisAndrews831]

Hi Sam, great vid review, have you thought about test riding the Honda Rebel 1100 to compare. Happy New Year & look forward to your reviews etc in 2022.

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! Good shout I'll see if I can swing my leg over one in early next year! Thanks and Happy New year to you too

[@CompletelyBaked]

Lovely Video!

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you mate!

[@jonelvidge9191]

Good to see local roads near me, head further east from Ware to Much Hadham next time

[@SamVBikes]

Some really good roads near Much Hadham. Find myself out that way a lot on my bike!

[@MrFrozone93]

Just jumped into your channel. Love your vids! Curious about your opinion about the bobber black and the speedmaster

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! Love the look of them both, not had the chance to ride the Speedmaster yet but have plans to. I'm a little undecided on the bobbers, they offer all the benefits of those great engines and the style, but found that rear suspension was pretty average and I reached the limits of the handling pretty quickly. For example, scrapped the pegs very early in a corner. For cruising around, they would be more than capable, but I think for that style of bike, I'd lean toward Speedmaster. The bobber in my short experience with it, is almost too uncomfortable to be a good longer distance cruiser, and doesn't have the handling to cope on faster rides so kind of falls into a bit of a nothing catagory for me! I've only ridden it once so maybe I just had a bad experience, but couldn't see a use for it personally unless it was just around the lanes at the weekend, and looking good at bike cafes. Hope that way too long answer helps haha

[@marti118118]

Peg touch down ftw 💪🏻💪🏻😬

[@SamVBikes]

Haha completely unexpected as you can tell

[@stevengodfrey891]

Just bought this bike….seat not vibrating at all? The suspension is adjustable too.

[@danmangan966]

own a 2019 Speedmaster, love it, thinking about trading it in on a R18 Classic, also own a 22 Rocket 3 GT, great bike, like riding bikes that you don't see every day, every bike has it's quirks...

[@SamVBikes]

Yes! Something a bit different makes it even more fun! Need to get myself on a rocket still!

[@tunewithHS]

Has anyone noticed the rider couldn’t keep his smile off throughout the video? You can hear his motorcycle smile throughout the video. I own an R18, and I feel the same every time I ride my R18. Ps. It feels nothing like Harley except for the stand because Harley doesn’t have a boxer engine. The boxer engine brings a different character to this bike which keeps the rider smiling throughout the ride.

[@michaelwestetfield8204]

Looks pretty sweet to me

[@claudiumxg1]

i ve ridden all 2023 harley nighster sporster and softail models (really wanted a Harley) and bought after that a r18... enough said . is few levels above . i would sugest anybody looking for a cruiser to tets them first

[@Jeff034]

what a crock - put the filler cap on the seat! works a treat.

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Hi Sam, happy Christmas to you and yours. For me it's a Harley Fat Boy, over this, every time!

[@SamVBikes]

Havent ridden the Fat Boy yet! I'll try get on that early next year! Happy Christmas and New Year to you too Michael! Really appreciate all the support this year! 🙌🏼

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@SamVBikes thanks Sam, and have a great new year! I haven't ridden a Harley but having looked and sat on one, it's my favourite! 30 years ago it was 1200 sportster sport I liked best but the new Sportsters don't do anything for me in terms of looks, or having sat on them at the show.

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh bud you've got to get one one when you can! They are such a laugh. I did like the new Sportser S but I think I'd go for the Fat Bob over that. Would be nice to see a Fat Bob with the Sportsters new TFT. That would be my perfect weekend toy!

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@SamVBikes for me the fat boy was the most comfortable for my old and aching body 😂

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! I'll be there soon. Started making involuntary noises every time I get in and out of the car haha

[@quietbean3820]

Apples to oranges!

[@pauls3696]

I'm in the middle of making the move can't decide if I want the BMW indain or a Harley

[@SamVBikes]

If you've ridden the ones you like, and they are all really good, try to find service costs, and a dealer near you, then pick the best!

[@duosable]

Would you still consider this bike over Harleys if you get 6k off the msrp?

[@SamVBikes]

100%. This bike was amazing, a real experience and a joy to ride! Even at full msrp it's a fantastic bit of kit. The Harleys just have something else there.. I can't put my finger on it but this style of Harley just feels like a really special occasion to be on. Everyone looks at you and you feel inherently cool! But either way, you'll love it!

[@benkelly2190]

Like the vid! Lovely looking machine, love a go on one..personally I like the female voice on the sat nav. It’s easier to tell her to shut up!

[@SamVBikes]

They are a real occasion to ride, a lot of looks and theatre! Lot of fun

[@benkelly2190]

Haha! I’m guessing your a little confused. I left this comment at the end of a, Mr Darcy and the ol man! Vid! 🤷🏼‍♂️👍🏻

[@benkelly2190]

None the less! All applies, apart from the female satnav voice bit! Check it out, you’ll see what I mean!😂

[@SamVBikes]

@@benkelly2190 Not sure what happened there then, it's come up as a comment on my R18 video, so no link to the Mr Darcy and the Ol Man vid!

[@ozziejim8472]

Your references to Harley are a little ridiculous in my opinion. BMW have been using boxer engine in bikes since 1918 I believe. I seen an r18 parked next to an 50,s beemer and the heritage was obvious. Anyway, ride safe.

[@SamVBikes]

Appreciate the comment. The majority of reviews on this bike reference BMW taking a shot at 'Harleys market', including the bigger professional publications. I'm not denying there's a heritage there, but the cruiser market has been heavily in HDs hands for a solid 20 years, albeit with companies like Indian there too. The last cruiser coming out of BMWs doors was in the early 2000's. Could argue that it's the same reason people mention the GS in their reviews of the HD 1250 Pan America. Harley taking a punt at what's historically been BMWs market. Thanks for watching and the comment. Ride safe!

[@rsmith3033]

bmw needs to release tha service manaul

[@steveottavaino3804]

Have you figured out an algorithm to put this comment on every R18 on KZbin? Better perhaps you hack into BMW for the info or contact them directly and ask, and if they won’t provide what you need take your bike to a BMW dealership for service or take one of the mechanics out for lunch and they’ll probably share it. Im willing to bet independent mechanics may have the information you seek, they usually do. Good luck and get out and enjoy your beautiful R18, it’s far more fun than reading service manuals or commenting on every single R18 video; doing so will yield no result to your problem. Should your true intent be to put off potential buyers there are probably better forums to do so. Ride long, far, and safe. Cheers.

[@rsmith3033]

@@steveottavaino3804 do u oppose bmw releasing tha service manaul ?

[@steveottavaino3804]

@@rsmith3033 no I don’t, I think it a great and helpful thing to do for those wanting to maintain their own motorcycles. For sure the right thing for BMW to do. But I’m currently researching buying one and turn to the comments for real world experiences of owners with objective information about the bike. Sorry and no offense meant but your repetitive comment in every single video is well, repetitive, offering no insight to the ownership experience other than there’s no service manual yet. Problematic for you obviously, but it would not ever sway me from purchase. I’d loved to hear your opinion on the bike not just BMW’s oversight on providing a service manual. Testing riding one when the snow clears so I’ll know soon enough for my self and won’t need to canvas the net for opinions. Good luck getting your hand on that manual. Ride safe. Cheers.

[@rsmith3033]

@@steveottavaino3804 my R-18 suits me just fine so if u r asking me, YES u should buy one. it is everything i want from a m/c. i comment on lots of vids. to try to get other owners to inquire about tha service manaul so BMW may print one. I do my own work an would like to have a shop manaul to keep it running as it left tha factory without it costing me $150 per hour an waiting weeks to get it back

[@steveottavaino3804]

@@rsmith3033 thanks for the recommendation on the R18, I have 1st right of refusal on the 100 year anniversary model. I promise you if I buy I’ll talk to the service manager and find out what the real deal in on the manual. If I find any details I’ll give you a heads-up here. Be and ride well!!!

[@xavier.antony]

Why do you laugh when you ride? I don’t know the meaning of it. They have these boxer engines for 100 years and built by German engineers. In fact we can’t compare with Twin engines. This is an amazing piece of machine

[@SamVBikes]

Why don't you laugh when you ride? Motorcycles are an amazing think which create happiness. If you're not having fun, you're riding the wrong motorcycle!

[@xavier.antony]

@@SamVBikes Of course we all enjoy riding bikes. I asked because I was heavily confused whether you were laughing by joy or bad riding experience due to boxer engine. Hence I asked. I will take it as you enjoyed when you rode.

[@SamVBikes]

oh no the Boxer engine is a great thing! The theatrics of the engine make the bike fun to ride!

[@xavier.antony]

Absolutely it is an amazing engine…

[@seanfarrell5341]

Best review of anything ever, I never laughed as much

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂 That's quite an accolade! I'll take it! Thanks for watching

[@tomislavstanich9379]

BMW R18 is simply better than HD. The one detail for an example that makes me puque on it is the HD belt drive! For Gods Sake: Put the Shaft Drive in it! it is just ugly as the design of their engines is ugly. it is as simple as that. the Breakout with shaft drive would be my suggestion. Goodbye!