HANDS ON: BMW R18 Cruiser START-UP and Walkaround

[@LongWayHome]

Thoughts?

[@pabloaguero5781]

Best video

[@dambition7495]

Well why cant you ride it?

[@PV-Anish]

you did not show us the fuel cap lol :P

[@Christianthephotographer]

I think it looks great! :-)

[@CieplinskiPawel]

Gay. The bike I mean. Exactly what I was afraid. It could be very hard, yet they made it very soft porn. And soft porn are... well, they keep you soft. Did they let you ride it? Or that's all?!?

[@MrFreakwent]

Okay , okay. .people hating on the fishtail exhaust,this is a bit of history. R18 has a frame that looks retro like 5 series, the covered front forks are killer, old-style open shaft drive and the bike is nearly art you can ride. Pipes are somewhat like the R25 again celebrating BMW's long legacy and history in just about every country in the world. I love 'em.

[@fredtracy1673]

But those morons will whine "umm, but Harley has been making bikes since 1903". There are primemates smarter than those Harley loving Neanderthals! 😁

[@MrFreakwent]

Let's not get into name calling Harley and BMW Mottorrad are both legacy century motorcycle companies, but BMW makes more and diverse products worldwide . Parts are available clear back,( I have an 18 year old R bike) and I love shaft drive. :-) . Different strokes, different folks !

[@larrymusick3366]

As a long time Harley owner I say it is a beautiful bike with one caveat. Those mufflers look like a pregnant guppy .

[@psychologicaltirefire8190]

Ehh, just some 30s retro styling.

[@sepg5084]

that's the point customization, you can replace them with whatever you want. i haven't seen anyone serious about bikes who left the exhaust stock.

[@youmustbethistall5861]

It reminds me of the HD Slim in design and dimension.

[@turtlepowersf]

@@sepg5084 seriously, I follow several motorcycle channels and come across a lot of Facebook "bike giveaway" vids and that's the number one complaint I read about every bike from every manufacturer. "Sounds like shit!!" "That exhaust is hideous/a dealbreaker!"....what the hell is wrong with people? Ive never even almost considered keeping any factory exhaust on any bike I've ever owned. It's not even a question. New pipes would be installed week 1.

[@vacoas04]

Yep, and cheap an tacky with those seams.

[@Story_Teller925]

That exhaust is just wierd looking. Rest of the bike looks nice.

[@jessalvo6375]

You are very funny and the bike sells itself to former boxer owners in my 20’s. I’m 72 now and still looking forward for a newer boxer but it seems like the R9T is more than enough but will continue to dream of this R18. To those who are Harley fans and haven’t driven a BMW Boxer, the difference is night and day. Handling, leaning and less vibration and low center of gravity differentiates the two brands mainly because of the difference on the engine set up. Boxer rulers!

[@KevinofWessex]

I fricking love the look of this motorcycle

[@johnbarber3499]

This is the only bike I could ride, as I'm 5"2, and I know there are a lot of women out there and few men in this situation. I had pretty much given up buying a bike, but now I'm here. Thank You BMW, the best Motorcycle I've ever owned. ( R100 R was my first bike)

[@Darkxsoul01]

Great review big fella,love the bike & would be happy to own one.I would only change the exhaust pipes for the smaller black ones.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Love to see some Matt black strait pipes

[@marekmarko2274]

I also have some questions- 1-Can I put forward controls on it? Probably no. 2-What is the big drum between the cylinders? 3-Why the bike what looks like bobber 1.8L is more heavy then harley 110 ? 4-Is the frame filled in with concrete like bismarck?

[@one959]

It's a beautiful looking BMW!!

[@Waveluth]

I must give BMW high praise for making the effort to fill a void in their motorcycle lineup. This is the first we have seen from them that has taken into consideration the riders that prefer a Fat Boy, Road Glide style of motorcycle over the Eurostyle metric bikes. They have done an outstanding job in my opinion. BMW has always brought dependency and style to the customer and to the people that find the engine configuration not to their liking, well TS old boy because it should come as no surprise to anyone looking at the BMW line of motorcycles that the engine would have this layout. Personally for my height 5’-10” the controls are in just the right spot. However anyone over 6’ might find the lower controls and the pistons in a battle for space. I ❤️ this bike and wish I could own one. Alas, my opinions mean nothing because my financial situation has kept me out of the riding game. I miss it terribly! Riding was like walking or breathing to me but when your forced to give up things you love for other things you love more there is nothing else to do. In my case, my youngest daughter passed away , funerals are very expensive and raising her child has seen to the rest of my funds. Taking care of my grandchild is far more important than getting to ride my motorcycle. It’s sucks because by the time I’m no longer needed My riding days will have passed. I think? Exactly how old is too old to get back on a bike? I don’t know the answer to that question. Peace❤️✌🏻Stay safe people👍🏻

[@georgeR3Roadster]

nice good video !! thanks for that !! very beautiful neo-classic bike, a piece of Art to put in the living room when not biking !!!

[@maekong2010]

A great, humorous, and down-to-earth video. Thank you, LWH.

[@weaponofvengence]

People ride uncomfortable bikes all the time, I find crotch rockets uncomfortable and ape hangers super uncomfortable. I might get uncomfortable on this but I’d still rather ride it for the shear style than a goldwing. If you want comfort. I hear H-D has some pretty comfortable trikes available, you don’t even have to worry about dropping them! Or Volvo makes some pretty comfortable four wheeled, fully enclosed motorcycles.

[@AbdulAllahAbuDaoud]

😂😂😂

[@turtlepowersf]

Lol, agreed. I just made this comment on another thread. Every boomer wants every bike to feel like driving a Cadillac. Im no young man any more but I'm fine tucking up on a sports bike or bringing me knees way up to ride a bobber... sometimes ergonomics takes a back seat to the geometry and styling of the bike, and im fine with that. Not every bike is designed for grandpa. It's no wonder why touring bikes are generally a lot uglier than other styles. People need to excercise and stretch more and they'd find themselves less uncomfortable on a regular basis.

[@disekjoumoer]

If I were ever to switch to a cruiser, I'd sell my soul and get this. It's a VERY good looking bike. BMW has done the retro chrome and black thing extremely well.

[@CitiusVanen]

My favorite part of the bike is the phone holders on the side. Must buy!

[@easy8077]

Dentist's weekend warrior bike 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@wolfeyes9357]

It is just beautiful....period!!!!! Great job BMW....would get this before any Harley

[@amotorcyclerider3230]

The best part of the video, the dog that was coming out the door not knowing a video was being made. :-) well, the explanation and the video overall is excellent and I enjoyed watching the whole video. I have booked my R 18 and am waiting for it to arrive this Sept 2020.

[@davidslagmulder2423]

It looks like a propellor engine on wheels, very nice.

[@robsonpolice]

Hi mate, I´m from Brazil and I´ve been riding Harleys for a quite long time. Last year I decided to get a BMW 1250 Adv and the bike is awesome. But since I knew BMW Motorrad was about to launch a cruiser bike and as soon as I saw the R18 caming out, I´m very keen to go back to my harley cruiser riding style. I think BMW reached the point with a bit of their own way of make life a ride.

[@broti]

A Cruiser without Cruise Control 😂😂😂

[@LongWayHome]

Broti, i like your sense of humor. You should be on the show.

[@broti]

@@LongWayHome I saw the two Sixpacks (7:10), the Outdoor-Kitchen, the Pool - just call my Name and I´ll be there! 😍

[@manuhonkanen2111]

Mr. Cruise should be driwing it!

[@maldridge7630]

Cruise controls are totally over rated...majority people, including myself never use it, instead I use KAOKO throttle control...

[@PropsandWings]

With those options BMW is releasing for it and eventually the aftermarket if the bike catches on, which I hope it does since it looks cool, it should stay around for many years. I own a 2013 K1300S 30th Anniversary Edition and it's been rock solid since I've had it. I also work for BMW on the automotive side for 11 years in the States.

[@minibus1351]

The bobber configuration looks the best in my opinion. I don't even have a motorcycle license but this is inspiring me to get it.

[@jorgeg.d.5983]

The one thing this motorcycle was missing...a smart ass.

[@BobberRider]

Nobody likes a smart arse. Especially another smart arse.

[@andrewnavarrete4231]

Better a smart ass than a dumb one:)

[@pggp273]

You would have to be a dumb arse to ride this ridiculous idiotic contraption. Let alone buy one. What a stupid waste of money for what amounts to 350kg of scrap metal

[@andrewedmond7738]

Didn't think that I would would say this about a cruiser, but that R18 looks great. I could tolerate one in my garage! Thanks for the video brother, highly entertaining as per usual. Stay healthy.

[@deadlyapollo]

I'm not here to argue the boxer vs Vtwin debate, I'm just glad SOMEONE is producing a bike that doesn't look like a standard cookie cutter cruiser.

[@exexpat11]

Beautiful Beast. To those that do not like the exhaust I've seen another exhaust on that bike (OEM option or pipes from another model that fits). Foot straight out while driving = death. Nice sound. 1800cc very impressive. Looks like a Tank.

[@hugoboss9770]

Whow, great, you can use the cylinders as a kind of heated dinner table to warm up your burritos or cook teriyaki meat. 😋

[@pabloaguero5781]

Best video ever, keep it that way, love your humor

[@SomaliDibJir]

This bike is the reason I want to ride again 👍

[@RobertCrawford5017]

Thank you for your review. You are always fun. I owned a 2002 BMW R1200 CLC. I may buy the new R18. My concern is that if I order custom parts to suit my preferences, will BMW install the custom parts during assembly in Germany. I don't need a box of factory parts shipped to the United States with my new R18 and then be required to pay my local BMW dealer to strip down the newly built, never ridden R18 and replace parts. Further, I don't need a box of expensive BMW parts sitting in my garage until I die of old age.

[@montha123]

Robert Crawford every Bmw bike is like that this good few years , you order it the way you want it from the list of extras & they will build it that way in the factory , you don’t get the standard parts as well

[@RobertCrawford5017]

A BMW representative told me over FB Messenger that the factory builds s stock motorcycle and ships the custom parts to the local dealer. Next the local dealer removes factory parts, installs custom parts specified by the customer, and delivers the news motorcycle along with a box of unused parts to the customer. Lots of unnecessary of unnecessary expense to the customer. My local BMW dealer confirmed this.

[@montha123]

Robert Crawford this must be a new process with the R18 because the last 3 BMW’s I’ve bought since 2016 were done the way I explained above as in extras added in in the factory before it was shipped to the dealer , well I suppose this could be good if you want to put the motorcycle back to stock later on in years & it will be still original , the extras for the R18 are made by external companies such as Rsd, mustang seats , Vance & Hines so maybe Bmw want people to get their oem parts also , I think If I buy one I will buy the completely standard one & do my own adding on to it at a later stage , but gotta see how it looks & feels in reality first

[@srhintz]

Have you ever sat on the crapper too long trying to watch a Long Way Home vid or finish that Sudoku puzzle and your leg fell asleep? That is the comfort you will find on this bike.

[@tomxaak]

I actually like the exhaust design.. looks different, original

[@brianmorse8811]

BMW made the cruiser before Harley Davidson did back in the 1930s when Harley Davidson was still jest a bicycle with a motor.

[@anthonyprice5596]

They might have been first, but they didn't refine it as Harley did, Harley made a boxer engine,but dropped it, because it got in the way. Honda made a shift cam engine back in the 80s but found it was better to make high lift short duration cams for torque and performance. So BMW are flogging a dead horse.

[@anthonyprice5596]

@Mike W you mean like the British Douglas, so they are suffering from plagiarism on all accounts!!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@anthonyprice5596]

@Mike W BMW didnt start until 1913 , douglas built a longitudinal flat twin motorcycle nearly 10 year before BMW even started.

[@patrickhorvath2684]

Didnt refine it ?? Oilhead motors are quarter million mile engines. First motorcycle with anti-lock brakes in the 80's. First fuel injected motorcycle in 1951. First supercharged motorcycle in 1936. BMW invented the oil-damped telescopic front fork in 1933. Nikasil cylinders, introduced in 1981, etc etc

[@honestlion17]

​@anthonyprice5596 You ride your Hardley, and I'll ride this bike, then we will both be happy.

[@awkipintee]

Great video, really enjoyed the laid back humour in the Q&A portion. I laughed and I cringed at some questions. Tapered pipes sound & look better than stock and at 5’4” I’ll have no problem with comfort assuming bars are available for hobbits like me. Look forward to your road test review. Stay safe, ride fast. Cheers

[@uleiosu4582]

Good review. So far thE most usefull review of this bike, well done!

[@marcotube1982]

This channel is really well made and interesting. You deserve much more than 16300 followers. I am sure more will come. Keep going!

[@fred_e]

16.6 now

[@procerus3654]

hows the bike for very tall riders? I really dig the bike but I am at 6'11 quite ducking tall, and the leg room behind the engine seems concerning for me... or can you put your legs over cylinders?

[@LimitedGunnerGM]

You and I have the same sense of humor. I’m sitting here laughing at your comments.

[@fredtracy1673]

I say it sounds awesome!! It's a pleasant departure from V twins, and 270° firing interval parallel twins. I ❤ IT!

[@valeriystatsenko4801]

super made bmw, the best in the world bmw r18 the perfect bike

[@1969triumph]

When the vid started & you said you couldn't ride it, I was about to switch off. Then I heard you answer the first question. You are very entertaining to listen to. Measuring out the 500 feet made me laugh out loud. I now look forward to hearing your next vids.

[@rosewood1]

Will BMW make hard panniers? It's magnificent looking machine. But I would want to use it for long distance touring as I currently do on my Indian Springfield or my R1200R classic.

[@matthewtodd3879]

It’s stupendous,love it , wish i was 20 years younger

[@thejohnnerparty]

It doesn't look like it has enough seating room. Were you comfortable on the bike?

[@sluf1963]

Absolutely awesome , funny stuff , and the bike is cool as well . Thanks for your humor .

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I like the style. It's amazing how BMW went to all this trouble and it sounds exactly like......A BMW MOTORCYCLE! I sure like the 1930's R models, I don't need 1800cc's. The late GS bikes are pretty sweet as is.

[@marclapalme1394]

Very cool bike! Sounds great!

[@PInk77W1]

That engine is mind boggling. When I was a kid back in 1974 I use to live by Hwy 1 in calif. I use to see countless BMWs R90sg. I still like the RnineT better

[@davereinhart9933]

I really love everything about this bike.

[@rockngpa5094]

About time BMW!!!! I ❤️ it .. throw on ape bars , leather flat bags , take off that obnoxious exhaust system and throw thinner or performance style pipes , engine performance kit and Walla!!! ...you’ll have thee fastest smoothest cruisers

[@hugoboss9770]

This thing does not need crashbars, not even a side stand, you can comfortably lean it right or left on the cylinder heads .

[@Boxer1250RT]

Looks and sounds Stunning. Whiners will be whiners - Never Fails :) I am sure it's the Harley crowed.

[@MerrittW]

Harley folks are Harley lovers dude I’m 100% sure lol none of them would be whining about this imitation scooter 😂

[@Boxer1250RT]

@@MerrittW Imitation of BMW's own 1935 R 15 Model??? A little history for the HD Crowd :)

[@shano81]

lol I liked when you started measuring out distance with your tape :) nice review man! the "Bismark on wheels" question/comment was funny too.

[@tonywilliamson1822]

As all ways great n funny review,first impression really like the bike,can't wait for a ride review. Keep safe guys,wash yer hands

[@michalkolar2275]

Jeeeez... Let that horn alone! You just woke up my dog dude...

[@shadetreesurgeon]

I can dig it

[@travelinben1966]

I didn’t like it at first, but its grown on me.I would change to a different style exhaust though.I wonder what the pricing will be on it???

[@Pilledskin]

What is Steve gonna do with a center stand? park it straight maybe? like the other motorcycle that's behind you?

[@martynlaverick3405]

Seating position looks way too cramped for me at 6ft 5 and I suspect that will put a lot of people off. Looks well built though.

[@SKYLIMI]

Martyn Laverick Yep

[@stewartmackay539]

Spot on

[@turtlepowersf]

@Citizenthirteen I don't think they should change it, there are plenty of other touring options. Tall guys like yourself are likely going to have to pass on this one, but I have a feeling that the majority of complaints about it looking uncomfortable are not from tall guys, but from out of shape guys who haven't touched their toes in 20 years...every boomer (lol) wants every bike to feel like driving a cadillac. Sometimes ergonomics takes a back seat to the design and geometry of the bike, and I'm fine with that. I consider riding a physical activity.

[@textech4056]

I'm too accustomed to feet forward controls and ride. It looks more like collector bike than a daily driver. Also the prototype looked better. It was more bare bones.

[@kalaharikreef7371]

The upright seating position has been scientifically proven to be the most comfortable position for long distance driving. America should just catch on. Then again Americans like sitting on the backseat of their cars to look cool...

[@alsautner1732]

I do like the bike....It looks to be a very good bike. It should run very good.

[@davereinhart9933]

I love your smart arse comments to odd questions and comments.

[@weaponofvengence]

For those worried about the exposed driveshaft, I think that is designed to teach Harley riders to keep their kitschy assless chaps with the leather frills away from rolling art.

[@momanchanda5142]

Went from a street glide to a k1600b 2 years back. Still loving that, love the look of the R18 excl the exhaust shape (large goldfish in exhaust!). Would love to own one/looks amazing but I think for the price there may be other options.

[@joesneddon]

What a great review, Brilliant friend.

[@nsrlegaltech]

Excellent review. Funny as. Nice touch ROCK N ROLL mode BMW.

[@maulanaridwan26]

Adventure bike : cruise control Cruiser bike :

[@LongWayHome]

....advent control?!? :)))

[@take5th]

Where do you put your feet? Seems like a bike you want forward controls, but where?

[@dogshome7110]

Dads army 1945 Katherine Zeta Jones "I am from Berlin". " Oh that's nice, Berlin Germany?". Love it. Very droll humor here :-) Subscribed. That is a YUGE engine. My little R65 looks like a strimmer in comparison. Forward footpegs? Good luck with that! Can you have 4th degree burns??? Take the chrome off and yes I would like one.

[@buddhastaxi666]

Are the cylinders that big so you have somewhere to store your phone ...or laptop?

[@MountainGuerrilla]

I want one, I like the classic fish mouth exhaust.

[@digger8180]

Tis a fine beast of a bike, I'll wager.

[@maldridge7630]

I think this 'Dave' he keeps referring to is like 'Robin Master' in Magnum PI 😁😆😁

[@162someone]

Cool that bike moves side to side on startup

[@fred_e]

The good 'ol boxer twist

[@djohnson3678]

that is an awesome looking bike ! i would definetly own one, and those exhaust mufflers , look really awesome, i like it. even with the electric start reverse ?! . . . sweet ! the odometer looks to be very useful, i like it. reminds me of a watch i had once , analog time and a mini digital time. i like it. lol a cruiser without cruise control , eh squeeze the clutch handle and there is your cruise . . . until you need to move . would like to see and hear it while it is motion.

[@skookella]

Is this just for sitting on or does it actually ride???

[@scottielambert9312]

It's a lovely bike.

[@stuglenn1112]

This bike will be a nail in Harley's coffin.

[@Theotherside76]

More like a nail on it’s own coffin

[@fredtracy1673]

Harley should've died back in the 1980's. Nowadays they are shooting themselves in the foot.

[@Spad562]

Harledy

[@anthonyprice5596]

I suspect not, yuppies will buy these, to be different from all there mates, they will find them uncomfortable, and go and buy a Harley, more Harleys will sell because of this, because it's going to be unreliable and uncomfortable. The cylinder are where your feet should be to be comfortable. Theres going to be a lot of low miliage used ones on the market very quickly, watch this space. 👁🤣

[@fred_e]

I doubt it

[@michaelgillett5477]

Yes very nice I had a 600/6 with 1950 miles on it Fantastic one !

[@jimbobaggans1564]

Great looking bike!! I WANT ONE!!

[@pimenas]

I like the reverse feature, I don't like the plastic thing that covers the oil cooler (I guess it is the oil cooler) in the lower front...

[@Cometocanadabut]

The bike will create a lot of headache to Harley. My only issue is the riding position. Can’t say it’s good or bad until I test ride this thing. I used to have HD breakout so forward riding is my preference

[@lkazanov]

I doubt it very much...it is a beautiful bike with classic BMW lines, BUT you can't sit on it like a Harley. Can you imagine a 3 hour ride on this bike? Set the cruise control on the Road King, put your legs out on the crash bars pegs and are your going for miles....and this is coming from a HD Road King owner as well as a R1200 GSA.

[@Cometocanadabut]

lkazanov totally agreed. But when I had my HD Breakout I also had Road Glide. But I put a lot of customization parts on it and it was turning heads everywhere I go. I see this bike the same. After it get customized it will turn heads and it will never be old. I don’t mind to have this bike as my second and city plus short trips bike. It’s beautiful

[@rebeltz2010]

Nice, for a boulevard cruiser , love the motor aesthetics , just think the Tank's a bit too small(16 Lt, no Reserve I guess?) for my 450 Ks round trips, BMW certainly are a Cult bike with many loyal owners!

[@Tonu]

I like this BBQ option attached to front fork

[@harrytrattner2287]

love your videos thankyou

[@hugoboss9770]

What happened to the exhaust? Did a Bavarian sousagemaker get his hands on it or was it a detonation of unburned fuel? Please lick the exhaust and if it tastes like a Weißwurst we'll find out.

[@tjt615]

Beautiful bike

[@StevenCampbell1955]

I've never been answered by a satirical smart Alec presenter before. After the shock of recognition faded and I stopped undulating with pleasure, I think I am left to feel as though I have been fondled on the centre stand, which even though at my age, I don't often use as a prop for balance while I work, It does come in handy when ever I want to pull out the toolbox for inspections various. As we now know from the BMW Australian MotorRad Page there will be full range of accessories with which to improve the already high desirability of the R1800.Those crashbars will be my first purchase though when ever I can get one of these lovely B's.They spent so much money getting those pipes to look so fugly, for ten bucks more for a hole-drill they could have made them sound half decent. Again, we can purchase decent resonating cones from the accessory sets. They look as though an anaconda has swallowed a whole sheep and sound like the poor bleater is still farting alive.The same can be said of the warning horn, Meeep, Meeep, sounds like the Roadrunner with a hoarse throat. I am not one to complain either so I won't draw attention to that paltry front mudguard looking like a lady finger banana which will just allow roadslush to splatter my shiny wide , crashbar protected engine. I would much rather the wrap around old style Like the 1970's R series. If I did have any complaint it would be that you got play with this beautiful new Boomer before I did. Cheers, Steven.

[@JamesCouch777]

Don't let it go to your head 😁

[@dogshome7110]

Green eyed monster :-) Did I mention Minions and Gru? No, no I didn't :-)

[@raceboy1971]

I'm a Harley guy (2018 Heritage see my youtube channel), but I really like this bike. I don't think I could be comfortable on one for any amount of time because of the mid controls at 6'3" tall, but I like that this bike has real history vs the fake Indian nonsense.

[@elekkr]

Is this a good motorcycle ?

[@chrissy.v]

I like this guy

[@jps8941]

Great looking bike you're going to look awesome riding that bike. I don't think I could ever work myself up to pay 20 grand for motorcycle especially where I live my riding season it's only about three months long, and with so many bikes at that price range I could spend half that and get a brand new bike and spend the rest on a trip.

[@andrewf1326]

I wondered where the horn went from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Awesome, another sense of humour from the Bavarians.Lots of silly questions and observations. The bike is stunning. Congratulations to the team. If the American's dont buy it, actually I mean Harley riders - and they wont - the rest of the world will love it. Just make reverse standard. Great Video as always 👍😎 PS. Was that Dave?

[@anthonypryce-thomas1156]

very nice looking bike wonder what the cost will be

[@davidmv7316]

Good channel .. finally you got your hands on that beauty ..

[@duncanwhitcombe4392]

I'm not really into cruisers but that one looks nice

[@scoutandscooter]

Nice looking bike. Way better than the R1200C. Still don't think it would be very comfortable for me.

[@indianonindian6064]

Would we in India be able to get one in near future

[@LongWayHome]

Yes. Worldwide release in September.

[@indianonindian6064]

Oh wonderful! Thanks for answering. I really appreciate it

[@indianonindian6064]

@@LongWayHome hi, that single spring loaded bobber seat is not there in their accessories catelouge. Would it be available later?

[@peterstimpfle9424]

You look very comfortable on the bike and you played so nicely with it, it looked like you are impressed with it. Would you buy one ??