Monster Torque! Customised BMW R 18 Cruiser Review | I've Never Ridden A Motorcycle Like It!

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I was lucky enough to ride what could be the coolest custom BMW R18 Build ever! The Syc Customs Xanto is one of the most Unique custom motorcycles I have ever come across, from the way it looks to the incredible sound it makes thanks to the 1 0f 1 Pro Race Titanium exhaust system.
This bike has an extensive list of parts and customisations that have been done to it. In this video I go over how the bike feels, how it rides, the work that was carried out, the unique Lamborghini Xanto orange paint job, Roland sands design parts and more!
Let us know in the comments what YOU think of this awesome custom BMW R 18 Cruiser!
0:00 - First Look
1:00 - Understanding the machine
3:07 - CarVertical Sponsor
4:10 - How you can get £500 off this bike!
5:04 - Custom work
8:40 - The Lamborghini Xanto Paint Job
9:40 - How it feels to ride
11:44 - How it makes you feel
#bmw #r18 #custombike #custom
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DARCY'S CAR CHANNEL: / @darcysdrive
Instagram: / mrdarcyandtheolman
Facebook: / mrdarcyandtheoldman
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[@gilesfarmer5953]

Sorry Darcy, you missed out on the chance of saying, in a Clarkson voice, "One of the coolest R18s. In. The. World"

[@loki1066]

Probably the ONLY cool R18

[@_audacerider3838]

A good thing that BMW did that not many people don't know about is the fact that they used wide band Lambda sensors from stock so one can change air filter and exhaust on the R18 and don't worry about ECU flashing. Because the stock lambda works in the +20 -20 range not like +5 -5 that most other bikes do.

[@BoiledOctopus]

That's good to know. Thanks for the info!

[@db6625]

It’s certainly an eye catcher. Another excellent review 👍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks 😊

[@richardgitz2264]

Wheels on Fire! Start me UP! Thanks for a very entertaining review Mr. Darcy.

[@andrewd7586]

I gotta say Darcy I do like the look! Having said that, I like mine absolutely bog standard.👍🏼😎🇦🇺

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

That soundtrack! Wow! That's what every bike should sound like.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

💯

[@DucatiDiaries]

Looks and sounds amazing. 1800CC! Love it.

[@pwokaren]

I own a Harley Davidson FatBoy and love it but I will openly say that the BMW R-18 is the coolest looking bike around 😎🏁

[@bikerbrian6452]

Sounds amazing!

[@JoJo-hc4dj]

❤ the R18 and this one is awesome, a real stunner!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Isn’t it just!

[@Mytology69]

It's pretty sick 😎 Saw that one up close at NEC last year.

[@garyseaton4619]

It's a beautiful machine. Great styling with a fabulous sound. My child brain says, " Yes." My adult brain reminds me that it's too much bike for me. Thank you for showing this incredible bike...

[@martinfraguas3223]

Great video as usual, let me tell u I watch your channel due to different reasons, the 1st I love motorcycle and the 2nd one I use it as an English lessons so I save a lot of money, tks u very much 🎉

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Awesome 👍🏼 what country are you from?

[@Borntobemild2625]

On very rare occasions it’s reasonable to assume that artistic creations in design such as this bike have possibly inspired engineering or vice versa, stunning.

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Yep..that exhaust sounds great.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

💯

[@lucaparolin5623]

Stunning machine.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Awesome 👍. Not a cheap bike and beyond the reach of a lot of people. But, given the starting price of the standard R18, for £24k, this actually represents really good value considering the quantity and quality of those trick parts.

[@rebel_ltz]

Amazing bike.

[@williamb.9110]

Oh that sounds good!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

💯

[@ruahinesrider]

BEAST!!

[@TheChromeRonin]

The exhaust is one where it sounds so much better on the bike than riding by. Maybe the Doppler messes with the sound, maybe the mic just doesn’t quite do it justice, but I MUCH preferred the on bike sound. Love the orange!

[@MentatOfDune]

Great looking bike.

[@bobman7881]

Those mudguards will make your dads day lol

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Haha 😂

[@bobbyblueace]

Fantastic! 😉

[@tomtom786]

Wow Darcy what a beautiful bike, (although I do prefer your Dad’s.) I love the sound of that exhaust and appreciate the work gone into this custom job. As a neg , not sure about the licence plate mounting to the side? I prefer everything to look more symmetrical. Thanks for all the good work you guys do and keep them coming 👍

[@jeremypetch7006]

These bikes are definitely not good in the rain at all. The michellin commander 3's are the pick over the bridgestones they also come out with by a lot. But they're still cruiser tyres where their design brief errs on the side of good mileage, not wet weather grip. Commander 3's are way better in the dry out of the two as well. Pirelli night dragons offer the grip in the rain but get shredded pretty quickly because of the softer compound. As far as the initial slide in rock mode goes, the traction control will intervene but takes a bit longer to do so than in rain mode. I don't bother with rain mode. I ride around in rock all the time. Great review, Darcy.

[@andrewf1326]

I have always loved the reference and respect shown for riders - not necessarily old - that may have a physical impairment. You both are entrenched in the 80's and it sets you miles apart from most other channels. Long live thumpers and AGV helmets ( from 80's). Please stay safe and firmly planted in reality. Always love your content, but tend not to comment too much 😊

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you very much!

[@BlakesPipes]

It is a beutiful orange! My choice of color

[@RonnieM]

I do like that version, more simplistic, and that exhaust :)

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

💯

[@jexmatex]

and still a hugly BMW sound, also a beautiful bike

[@kevinpollard1550]

😊love it beautiful

[@jamesonpace726]

In orange & black - straight for HD's jugular....

[@reeseprince8]

I love it

[@mirosawjurewicz4381]

Tbh, stock r18 is more appealing to me. Kinda artdeco and industrial mixture. This one.. don't know, really, maybe different colours 🤔.

[@leemartin-hine1598]

That’s what BMW should be offering

[@simonnolloth6103]

Will the ol' man go for it,great review

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you, no he likes the look of the standard version

[@IanSixbikes-by6ei]

An R18 in 'Lambo' Orange really shouts look at me , sounds pretty awesome too, best looking R18 I've seen so far.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

😊

[@kenny4k]

Is that from Peterborough!? They said it was out being filmed! I didn’t know it was you guys! (I’ll show your video to Ian the R18 sales guy) Edit- I’ve just finished watching the video- it is! You lot are the reason I ended up getting a r18 from my Hayabusa

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes that’s right. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Heivang]

Oh my God!

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I find the front ends a little floppy during slow speed turns that aside those front brake lines looked stretched to the limit just sitting there...maybe it is an illusion.

[@royfillyaw4233]

I have a 2021 the more every time I ride it the more I like it awsom machines

[@kennethreynolds8]

IMHO I think BMW hit a home run with the R18 it is a rolling work of art and ownership is on my bucket list.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Awesome 👍🏼

[@peterblackman1392]

Totally agree about the Michelin Commanders being 🤬in the wet

[@loddude5706]

Impressive 'Wall of Death' bike, - just tie the building down . . . As Lambo also make tractors etc., is that (almost) an Allis-Chalmer's orange? : )

[@kwakithailand]

You sound like you fell in love a bit with this beautiful Iron Horse, Darcy 👌

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Certainly did, its an awesome bike 👍🏼

[@kwakithailand]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan I'm sure, the Ol'Man enjoys his fully as well 👍

[@KevinofWessex]

Have you seen the noctane?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes we are hoping to review it soon 👍🏼

[@quad_solo_az]

R18 is great as a bobber.

[@MrChancebozey]

Good looking bike. Character means more than specs in the real world :)

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

💯

[@ianmcdiarmid4563]

That side number plate kills it.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes it would definitely look better with a smaller plate 👍🏼

[@m2menuiserie540]

No need for the hacksaw, just take a few left hand bends. Gently, mind. @@MrDarcy-OlMan

[@twowheeledparadox]

This bike looks and sounds great but I do prefer the look of the stock one with those beautiful fishtail exhausts! And that startup shake! Does the stock R18 shake that much on startup?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It certainly does 👍🏼

[@twowheeledparadox]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Nice!

[@kwakithailand]

Pistons of beer mug size shake a bit when thrown around 😂

[@longjonwhite]

Have to be a big ol’ beer mug,, nearer a stein !

[@kwakithailand]

@@longjonwhite Them Bavarians are a different kind of "thirsty" 🍻😎

[@ReRiderChi]

They look interesting across the model, even the base looks good. Price point is higher but you get what you pay for. *luv the giant license plate, WTF.

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

I've sat on a few R18'S and can't get the gear lever working with my Size 12 bike boots on.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Tbh I found that a bit of an issue too but thought it might just be the new shifter that was on this one

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Chunky boots definitely don't work on the R18 as the Ol Man has found out 👍🏼

[@nielsmeer]

If you only want to use a toe shifter, you’ll want to switch to pegs vs floor boards. Heel/toe works fine for my size 12 boots on the floor boards of my R18 Classic. I could use toe only if I raised the front shifter (simple adjustment) and had planned to when I first got the bike, but I don’t mind the heel shift after riding it for a few weeks, so it’s stayed there. I toe shift on my other bikes, but they tend to be faster/lighter.

[@romgl4513]

Beemer super toy, for the man that has everything. Sure looks nice.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

You got that right!

[@johnk7814]

That number plate looks huge on that bike, I can see hitting that making left turns too sharp in towns. And what's with that gas cap spinning at the end is it supposed to do thaT...... JUST WONDERING 😬

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Would be better with a small plate, didn’t notice that tbh haha. Might not have screwed if on properly

[@johnk7814]

Maybe the gas cap is really a compass too🤣😂@@MrDarcy-OlMan

[@nikitis13]

The new R12 will probably make an even better platform for a custom.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Will be cool to see!

[@SilverinWolvesScarletForestSno]

They should make this bike as standard, just make the exhaust quieter as it's too loud, but not too quiet like the current stock exhaust.

[@geeeee8268]

It needs good risers and something to hold your ass from sliding out. It looks good but in reality, you'll be super sore after about 20 minutes. Especially if you are over 6" tall. Forwards vs mids debate is something like AR vs AK. Each has it's place and not equal in either philosophy or application. If you like to go straight relatively fast for any meaningful period of time, there is not substitute for forwards. But try to carve them corners and you realize how little control you have. Mids are exact opposite. You have all the control in the world in corners, but me personally start getting muscle cramps after relatively short time riding straight. Looking at the profile, the bike is considerably raked out and just begs for forward controls IMO. I'd buy one if there was a possibility to put forward controls on it. And it's from the guy who has mids on his dyna all day long and loving it.

[@longjonwhite]

@geeee. Maybe set the saddle further back and get some long ol’ swept back bars? (Not intending to be facetious here btw, it might actually work, give more legroom and would look even more “custom”. I’m 6’3” with lanky legs, amongst other bikes, I have a Yamaha WR250 dual sport, these are already v. tall, I lowered the pegs a couple of inches and have an overstuffed bench seat that gives me another bit of height and adjustable position. I’m the only person I know that can get aboard the bloody thing now! Makes it virtually un-stealable too!)

[@beabt1]

Thanks for your review Darcy. The mods on the bike are very good and a big improvement on the standard design. But there's no getting away from the same issue, the engine is fugly as all get out, enough to maintain my opinion that overall, this is not a bike that I would buy.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

As I said it's like marmite, you either love it or hate it 💯

[@simonchilli2088]

I don't think the Ole man would like the single clock and shorty mudguards!😊

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I like the single speedo (in chrome though, like on mine). Mudguards...you know it!

[@simonchilli2088]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan 🤗

[@victorgonza4528]

It doesn't sound too good the short pipes , might be to blame .

[@haxan6663]

I don't like the sound either. It sounds rough to me and I have had plenty of loud, custom bikes, but this grates on me

[@davidforsdike4343]

I tried a Indian cruiser for year. Just didn't feel right in uk. Nothing wrong with bike. Need a more versatile bike that can cope with the atrocious state of uk roads.

[@Bradshaw812]

I am not an out and out R18 anti (I have tried one or two) but I think BMW have, themselves, realised that it's not a bike that's ever going to become widely popular - since trying one I've seen second hand machines sitting in dealers being discounted very heavily but still sticking - just looked up a 2022 model, at a main dealer, at less than £10k which will have made someone weep when it was bought in at doubtless a much lower trade price. The current fad of customising these bike looks, to me, more like a way of shifting sticking stock. On top of this BMW have released a bike that the R18 perhaps should have been from word go; the new R12 in cruiser guise is much more practical and affordable - I'd be interested in what you and your father make of the R12 although I appreciate your father is wedded to his R18 and quite rightly so if that's what floats his boat.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes BMW are keen to get bikes to us to review so that’s most certainly on the list

[@jfro5867]

It’s a very difficult time for selling expensive bikes across many brands, including HD and Indian. Norton are really struggling, Triumph have canned the Thruxton because they weren’t selling. Honda have culled many models and I believe even the mighty Goldwings days are numbered. There’s a lot of leftover Hayabusa’s gathering dust in dealers and Kawasaki are doing 0% finance deals. Look how many bikes were discontinued because of Euro5 regs, we ought to be thankful bikes like the R18 are being made at all to give those who like it the opportunity to buy one. There’s bike brands I really don’t care for (KTM being one) but other people like em so that’s great. I have a bog standard R18 and I love it.

[@briemosborne7017]

It is a wonderful machine Mr.Darcy, far cooler than a black-colored first edition. it is the yellow chalkboard size of the U.K. plates that is a turndown. tell parliament to shrink them, please.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

💯 agree on the plates 👍🏼

[@stephensalt6787]

A midsummer bike when the roads are bone dry otherwise the bike & rider are going to be covered in road filth with those mudguards. Don’t you listen to the Old Man and his campaign for useful mudguards?. The bike sounds epic 👍.

[@the.communist]

Its a copy of that blue HD of years back n of the speedmaster

[@guymiller2842]

Looks cool but not an fxlrs 😂

[@cliffordkershaw7943]

Nice bike but for 23 grand,when the depreciation is so high on R18,can't give them away in the States, which is the main Cruiser market,I would rather wait 3 or 4 years and pick one up for 10 grand

[@bobwampler3387]

Not a fan of the color, but it’s awesome.

[@AF-O6]

You must be on to something about actually riding it. I’ve swung a leg over a few R18s in the showroom, but just can’t get past how massively heavy they are.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It’s no heavier than it’s competitors, it has a very low centre of gravity so once you’re moving it’s lovely to ride

[@SilverinWolvesScarletForestSno]

This is why I think the tests are a joke in this country, the insurers are the "natural" progression boundary, you do not need all these tests, age and size restrictions. It took me until I was like 30 before I could get insured on a liter bike for a good price. I was restricted to a 600cc throughout my 20s, even then the insurance was still £500odd on the liter bike.

[@SS-ck3ew]

My handicap prevents me from riding a BMW, especially so this one. The cylinder heads stick out too much for me to be able to ride it. That and to be honest looking at it is akin to looking at a pair of armadillos being grilled on a BBQ. Nope. ;-) SS

[@jcleare3571]

The R18 is a fabulous machine, which I incidentally compared with my Fat Bob 114 when i took my brother in to pick up his 1000rr after a service , (we have very different likes). Anyway, put the Harley next to the R18 on the forecourt, and we both agreed, aesthetically, the Fat Bob edged it .

[@gzk6nk]

That rear mudguard is ludicrously short. You'll end up soaked and looking like a skunk on a wet day.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

As I said I wouldn’t ride it on a wet day, its lethal

[@ukvamp]

It sounds nice but the bike isn't to my taste at all, but the world would be boring if we all liked the same bikes. Lot of effort gone into that mind

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes like marmite you either love it or hate it 👍🏼

[@felipedourado5721]

It is sad to learn that such great (in every sense of the word) machine is not selling well. But it is no surprise either. I mean, big cruisers are not the BMW bread and butter and notoriously they (BMW) failed in the past with that hideous R 1200 C. Of course the R18 has a much better design being, as 'Ol man says, a peace of art that pays a true homage to the brand's past. The thing here is that newer bikers don't have any emotional connection to that past, bigger bikes are struggling to be sold worldwide (cruisers in particular) and the R18 is too expensive. To, for instance, compete with Harley-Davidson and Indian, BMW should offer the R18 on a slightly lower price. I mean, still expensive enough to give to it's owners that sense of exclusivity, but just under the price of the American (and stablished by tradition) brands that historically dedicated themselves to the mission of fabricating large cruisers. There are rumors that BMW gonna launch a smaller version of the mighty R18 built around the R Nine T motor. Perhaps it will be (if tunned more towards torque) the winner that the beautiful R18 is struggling to be. Best regards from Brazil. ✌

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Hey buddy, you’ll be pleased to know they’ve just announced the R12 which is a smaller cruiser based on the R 12 nine T

[@felipedourado5721]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Thanks for fast answering me and for the information regarding the new R12 as well. That's excinting news. Hope BMW succeed with that new motorcycle. We, the cruiser bunch, gonna be pleased to have more options, specially if they are a little more affordable. Once again, all the best from Brazil. ✌

[@Peter34736]

not a fan of the Boxer engine

[@andrewdyson4255]

Sorry not for me, I’m on my sixth BMW now but that one just doesn’t do it for me. But to each their own

[@ianhalliwell8604]

There is another reason i wouldn't buy one, price, you need a second mortgage to get one.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

You can get a non customised one that’s never been ridden for about 10-12k now so not really

[@bootsmcfoolish8499]

Good review, but you'd really need beer goggles on to think that's an attractive beast..

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It’s not going to be for everyone!

[@lostinspace013]

Well ... that licence plate is HUUUGE.

[@bobman7881]

It’s cool I guess but I think bmw needs to stick to the things they do well and stop trying to out harley the motor Company

[@misterfourstroke]

Not sure what BMW is after with this model but it looks like a chopped r100 from the mid 80s. It's an insult to my eyes! Nevertheless, you can't debate taste.

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Why the hell do these builders and manufacturers keep churning out solo seat motorcycles????

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It’s more of a show build, you can get a normal R18 with a passenger seat

[@gwynnromano5881]

Just maybe there’s a demand for them?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@gwynnromano5881 they could make you a custom build exactly how you want it

[@gwynnromano5881]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan exactly

[@kwakithailand]

A single sester is a good reason for riding solo, instead of with the Ol'Lady 😂

[@ThebigT721]

Nope, not for me, if you want a bike that sounds like a Harley buy a Harley 😊

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I much prefer your father's, apart from the wheels and bars.

[@Thesilverrat]

WTF are the brits doing with number plates FFS.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I know it is ludicrous 👍🏼

[@BlakesPipes]

I do have to say, you license plate size is crazy stupid. I don't get it. Cops have bad eyes over there?

[@kwakithailand]

The size is for the cameras...

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It is totally ridiculous but fat chance it will change 😖

[@BlakesPipes]

​@@kwakithailandcameras from the 1800s. Lol. They might need to go to cell phone use on the road traffic cameras today.

[@CiniEnFi]

Horrible… stock a lot nicer

[@dianedownie5951]

Hideous.You can keep it.

[@teterouge1472]

Horrible

[@strzaskanyalf2928]

its ugly

[@williammuir638]

Fair review but I've only one positive about the bike. I do like the exposed shaft drive. Apart from that sorry!

[@andrewdyson4255]

Sorry not for me, I’m on my sixth BMW now but that one just doesn’t do it for me. But to each their own