My Thoughts on the BMW R18 Bagger after 1250 Miles - Owner Review

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[@briandauphinais7894]

I've been surfing R18 videos and truly enjoyed your straightforward and balanced review. You "call em as you see em", much appreciated.

[@AdamChandler86]

Thanks for watching, Brian!

[@Fernando90054]

There are more versatile bikes for sure. But this BMW bagger has something of its own too . The torque is addictive; for me the body position and the way my arms and hands reach the handle bars is just ergonomic and comfortable, I felt perfectly settled on the bike after just rolling an hour on it. I don’t camp, I m more an hotel guy, and I like to shelter my bikes from the elements and thieves at night, so I pic my stops previously and make reservations in advance. I pic the places according with those conditions and their food menus. When I’m traveling with my bikes I usually carry very little stuff and when happens that I buy something I send it home by mail or courier. This beggar has a version more sporty that doesn’t come with wind shield over the front fairing. It has just a little but very well engineered wind deflector above the front light and the radar that works better than everything I tested. It is a wonderful piece of kit and the bike looks even better without the wind glass protection. The seat is important to choose the most comfortable of the range and you’re all set. In terms of connectivity there is an order to set the devices in touch with the bike and if you don’t do it in the right order, the connection will not occur. After understanding the bike’s demands you must comply. After that she will reciprocate and comply with you. Very soon you’ll be doing things on bends that you never expected to do. Of course it’s q cruising bike and it prefers the long large roads of decent asphalt but it can be a jack of all trades if conveniently negotiated. I have two other bikes and love them for their practicality, agility and power, but none of them give me the torquy pleasure of my R18 beggar when I ride them. They give me other kinds of riding pleasure. From a rational point of view I can tell you that the BMW 1250 RT is a better bike for touring on long distances escapades but to go out for a short weekend ride, like 200 or 300 miles and come back the beggar can be perfectly your ride. If money weren’t an issue I would have both. Thank you for the video and opinion of this beautiful and characterful bike.

[@AdamChandler86]

Brito, thank you. This comment was like poetry or a love-song to the R18. I enjoyed every bit of it. I fully agree.

[@CMBJASON]

I’ve had the R18B for a month and I like it. It’s fast enough. It’s not Indian fast, but it’s smooth. If I bought a bike for performance, I’d go back to my R1. The Radio is a pain at first, but it works fine after you get used to it. The fan is loud, and I don’t bother using the charging area. I store my key in it. The bike runs cool and feel minimal heat while stopped and nothing while riding. My sport bike was volcano hot. I don’t wear boots, and I enjoy the dual method shifter. The speakers work well and you can adjust your speaker performance with the Equalizer. It’s loud enough to turn heads as you go down the street. The HD radio is nice. The presets work great as well. I like the bike. Many Harley riders ask me how I liked the BMW in comparison, and I told them Harleys are priced past what I’d pay for a hobby. My advice: Go test drive it. There’s no way you’ll understand the radio on a test drive. I actually walked away from the bike after my first test drive. The second was much better.

[@AdamChandler86]

Excellent remarks, Jason. congrats on the new R18 and I hope you get many years of fun!

[@jamesgibson2950]

Good review Jason.. I was on my way to a Harley dealer to trade my street glide in on a new one.. With the same equipment I would have had to spend 45k Canadian. This was 31k with a 6000.00 rebate. ( Harley had a 1800 surcharge on top of full list). I got 10000 k for an 06 Glide so the deal was sweet, I couldn't turn down the extra 3 year warranty for 2000.. I didn't even test drive. Once you come to terms that it not a Harley and isn't trying to be, the love affair starts...

[@byronruhter1480]

Thanks for that reflection on your R18. Nice friendly speaking voice as you thoroughly covered many aspects of the ride experience.

[@AdamChandler86]

I appreciate you watching. Longer video than I usually put out but I had a lot of thoughts and I've spoken to many people who like the bike but aren't sure it's for them so I hope it was helpful.

[@stevoone342]

I’m absolutely enjoying my R18 Transcontinental, I’ve not had many issues with music but before run in service I did have a couple Wi-Fi app issues be seem to gone away so wonder if that’s been patched out or something. I’ve taken her to Northern Spain 🇪🇸 this summer and she handled the twisty mountain roads superbly I surprisingly have not so far scrapped pegs or anything touch wood. But she is definitely a very special bike and looking forward to many more tours and trips on her. Good vid nice to see another owner.

[@AdamChandler86]

I’m glad you’re enjoying it. It’s a VERY good motorcycle! I am riding it every day.

[@olegna1998]

I enjoy very much your review and honest take on this bike. I didn’t buy this trim model but I bought the bare version of it. I love it and the bike is very smooth cruising on the freeway, and agile and planted on the twisties. I just wish that a shorter/narrower handlebar is available.

[@AdamChandler86]

I’m thinking of going to the base model myself. It’s a great deal and has everything great about the R18 with less weight. If you’re not going to do overnighters, the base model is a wonderful bike and even more beautiful because you can see the engine and drive shaft way better.

[@cmichael40]

Thank you for the most comprehensive review and the beautiful scenery. Even mentioned the floorboard operation. Informative. I'll keep my Road King.

[@AdamChandler86]

Yep, good choice. You have a great bike and a proven platform. I hope you have many great road miles ahead!

[@galatians22122]

If anyone is interested in Picking up a R18 Right now might be the Time. Low Miles Used There are some Crazy deals out there: I just picked up a 2023 R18B With just over 200 Miles for $10,499. Harley dealer in Sioux Falls SD Blew it out! I'm still pinching myself!

[@AdamChandler86]

Great price! Enjoy the motorcycle.

[@bikerinbeta]

Holy crap... How do u like it? I am looking at a 2022 R18B galaxy dust shipped to my door for 19k and warranty starts with me. The infotainment issues mentioned here are a big deterrent for me though

[@galatians22122]

@@bikerinbeta no mechanical or technical issues whatsoever! Amazing machine! Only issues was with helmet wind buffeting. Solved most of this with fairing winglets and taller windshield from Jurock 7. I’ve not had any issues with the infotainment system.

[@bikerinbeta]

@@galatians22122 ok ty that helps me I really do not want to pay for a new RG but the closest bmw dealer is 2hrs one way. I think the R18B is severely underrated and the OTD price I have is quite enticing

[@gl2856]

Yes thanks for that. Enjoyed your views and opinions etc , being a new owner it’s surprising the amount of information one can pick up , like you I don’t lock the filler cap. Only have 1,000 miles on in the last couple of weeks only been out on 150/250 mile rides and it’s retuning 50 mpg and most of that is riding around the Welsh mountains in Wales U.K. not scraped the pegs yet. Oh I still have my original BMW C cruiser , another amazingly different bike. Thanks, G

[@AdamChandler86]

I love seeing photos of the C the next to the new R18. Completely different bikes but still both BMWs. I hope you're enjoying your R18 as much as I am.

[@gl2856]

@@AdamChandler86 Yes I am Adam , I love it , what a change from my GSA and that TFT screen , at 79 I can’t do with things that complicated so I got rid of the nav 6 and bought an XT Garmin. That way it’s simple

[@mikek1187]

I own the Transcontinental model and, while I enjoy the machine a lot, my biggest complaint is that BMW discontinued the DVD service manuals! Clymers stopped making service manuals for beemers a couple years back, so now, for us wrench-turners, we have zero official guidance to refer to when doing repair work on our machines. I guess BMW assumes we'll just shrug our shoulders and march like lemmings back to their dealership service centers... BMW gave me a post-sale survey via email and I rated them a 5 out of 10 for this reason alone. BMW wants a piece of the American cruiser market but they don't seem to understand that we American riders also FIX our own machines! I certainly hope they reverse course on the DVD service manual decision before the R18 project goes the way of the R1200c...

[@AdamChandler86]

Your’e completely right. The lack of service manuals is a kicker for all of us that do our own maintenance. Not knowing basic stuff like torque specs of the drain plug makes owning a BMW either more expensive or people just buy other brands.

[@Rambler358]

I found Apple Music works best for music. I'm not subscribed to it, but I loaded my MP3s into Apple Music on the computer and then sync'd it to my iPhone - no issues with that. Also make sure you have the latest TFT software update.

[@AdamChandler86]

Good tip!

[@mjfromla]

Excellent review. Wanted to see how it compares to a Road Glide... gave me lots to think about.

[@AdamChandler86]

Wish I had enough experience to compare the two but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@naduncan100]

Hi Adam a partial solution to your music only one track at a time' problem is if you take all the tracks you want to play and then put them into one 'file' it will play all of your tracks as if they were one track 'file'. I hope that this assist, it is not a 'full' solution but it will allow you to play all your favourite songs without having to keep going into the 'cubby-hole'. Cheers Neil and keep up the good work.

[@AdamChandler86]

Thanks for the tip, Neil. I’ll give that a try.

[@Fred-eg9sx]

I don't think any ACC radar system can pick up a motorcycle. I notice a lot of cars' blind spot radar sensors can't even pick up smaller bikes. The blind spot sensor on the Tesla Model 3 cannot pick up an R6.

[@AdamChandler86]

Yeah, I think maybe not in this video but in another that I mention it's a supplier issue.a lot of vehicles use these same sensors and have the issue. I blame Bosch or whoever is supplying these. As you may know, Tesla is mostly (recent model years) visual / video only detection of vehicles so shouldn't suffer from the shortcomings of radar/lidar/sonar that other vehicles use but motorcycles should be detected just like pedestrians, animals and bicycles.

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

Nice video, thank you. After riding a GS/GSA for over 15 years I'm very tempted to change my current bike to an R18... Not sure what my wife would think, she'd have to try the pillion seat first! 😂 Keep up the good work, ride safe. 👍🏻

[@AdamChandler86]

Thanks for watching. I'd suggest renting or demoing an R18 first. It is much different than your GS..some good some bad. I love both bikes. the R18 is just so raw and also gorgeous!

[@johnshirbini5801]

What disappoints me is that BMW entered the North American bagger market, which has a long history with major companies like Harley Davidson and Indian, yet they introduced a bagger and cruiser that don't meet American tastes. I expected BMW to offer something more comfortable and with a user-friendly infotainment system. While test riding this bike, I found that to switch the heated grips on and off, I had to navigate through submenus. This should be a simple action, easily done with a hard switch or made visible on the screen. The riding position is okay, but it's not what the North American market desires. Overall, I believe this bike failed to impress in North America. This is evident from the massive discounts on them at dealerships, plus, in my entire two riding seasons, I've only seen one R18, and not even the bagger model.

[@AdamChandler86]

There are a lot of reasons for the failure but I do want to celebrate that they tried. I also think BMW Motorcycle suffers under the BMW Auto umbrella. It’s such a tiny profit center so there are issues with the 12” TFT system that is now on 3 different model lineups and it is bad on all 3 so even though it’s bad, they had to put it on the R18. I also know that the majority of Harley Davidson riders aren’t cross-shopping any other brand. There are MC Clubs that require you be on a hog and that’s where all of your friends are. Some of those rules are breaking down with time but BMW is known for sport touring and adventure riding. This is a new segment, new bike, new motor in a country where most sales go to one country. It was always going to be hard for them but the R18 hasn’t been killed off yet. I have gripes with the maintenance, TFT and other things but it’s still a great bike.

[@johnshirbini5801]

@@AdamChandler86 I had no doubts before their release that it would be a bike capable of making a significant impact on the North American market. I agree that the majority of Harley riders don't consider other brands, and I was among them. However, when Indian introduced a superior bike, I bought an Indian Challenger. Especially for those who own more than one bike, the likelihood of choosing another brand increases. I was hoping to acquire this bike and add it to my garage. I can appreciate the quality and the way BMW has incorporated their signature touch in certain areas. But I also hoped that BMW would study the North American market closely and reflect that understanding in their bikes. Many Harley riders were losing hope that Harley would listen to them and innovate. This presented a significant opportunity for BMW to penetrate the North American market and claim a portion of it.

[@galatians22122]

@@johnshirbini5801 met my taste here in Iowa!! Amazing bike!!

[@nelsonphilip4520]

Well done video and your real world criticisms about the R-18 are spot on. No one can be all things to all people and no one motorcycle can be the be all & end all to every rider. That being said, Kudos to BMW for building a heritage model with style & tech features. Your voice over commentary really comes through. And the way you summed this up by saying go ride one I think you're gonna like it says it all. As a retread rider getting back into riding with a 1998 Honda Valkyrie, I can appreciate some of the new 21st century features that BMW has added in the Bagger & TC. Right now I'm having a debate with myself on whether to update adding reverse & cruise control to my Valk or do like you did Adam and buy a brandy new R-18?? I think I'll take your advice and go ride one myself. Thanks again for your video presentation.~Fearless

[@AdamChandler86]

Enjoy that ride and I hope you find what you're looking for. I'm close to 3,000 miles now on mine and planning a few longer road trips and continue to love riding this bike.

[@necomartin2059]

Great review from an owner, I'm in the market for this iconic bike and really appreciate your hones opinion, thanks for sharing.

[@AdamChandler86]

I hope you find the one that gives you many years of happy riding.

[@classikz]

Not sure if it was mentioned about doing split screen, but when you're at the main screen, just toggle the wheel backwards.

[@AdamChandler86]

Correct BUT at the time of this video, I did not have access to split screen. It wasn’t until I went to the dealer fo ra warranty claim that they updated my software and I now have it.

[@markeveringham978]

the bike is great i love it yes i have a harley but wanted the big boxxer i coulldnt aford then ... just because its fifferent doesnt make it bad just another bike to get used to then i love it.... This i love

[@AdamChandler86]

The R18 is great in so many ways.

[@nathanielpina6568]

I also have the issue of Spotify not continuing to the next song consistently. Sometimes it will play 3-4 songs in a row then stop, and other times it’s one at a time. I have had pretty good luck going into media, then currently playing, then hit next on the thumb wheel and it will go to the next song without having to open the phone hatch. I’m going to try iTunes music next to see if it works any better.

[@dkslackmaster]

Great review! I just traded my first edition in on an R18B and I can’t wait for it to get here

[@AdamChandler86]

I LOVE how these handle over the first edition. Congratulations!

[@Texas2Tires]

Really nice review of the bike and its weak points. Hopefully those tech issues get ironed out as it is a fun bike with lots of character. I test rode the B version and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@AdamChandler86]

It's a great bike. I'm glad you got to take it out for a ride.

[@angelolauria7781]

Great review!

[@AdamChandler86]

Thanks!

[@JohnSmith-if8wp]

I have the r18b also. I agree with everything you complain about. The tft is garbage. Looks cool. My music only plays 1 song at a time too. I really do like the bike. It’s a blast to ride. The Marshall audio system is garbage too. Anything over half way up, the rear speakers sound like they’re going to blow.

[@AdamChandler86]

It's a wonderful bike in every way but the onboard technology for entertainment. Good thing the bike is amazing otherwise :)

[@Orleanian]

I wonder if it is an iPhone thing. Don't get me wrong I believe iPhone usually works better with most tech but I'm using KZbin Music on a Pixel 6 and it plays music without a problem. It goes to the next song with no issues.

[@chadkline4268]

They should be able to update problematic programming in your hardware.

[@AdamChandler86]

I have had an update but the issues, while less, have continued. I have a video I’ll publish on Monday showing the problems I am having. It makes long distance travel impossible without installing an aftermarket GPS.

[@hutchdr5678]

Adam, Thank you for your unbiased and honest review! Besides the cons…. Is it a great cruiser? Would you have change your mind on purchasing it after finding all the cons? I currently have a r9t and looking for a cruiser, would you recommend this bike? Thank you!

[@AdamChandler86]

The RNineT felt cramped for me. This is the opposite. I actually road a K1600 Grand America today and it was VERY fast like a sport car but it was too smooth and a lot of plastic. Between the RNineT, R18 and K1600, I’d pick the R18. Very happy with it and I’ve been riding my dirt bike all weekend at this rally and can’t wait to get home and take the R18 for a ride.

[@jimanders9971]

I have a Triumph Rocket 3 GT, besides the gas milage I see nothing the Triumph does not do at least as well and in most cases better than the BMW. Can you give me any reasons I might want to switch? Have you ever ridden a Rocket? I admit I have not had a chance to ride the BMW. I think both bikes are fantastic looking.

[@batmikipig]

The r3 gt is the coolest bike around man, no need to get this r18 at least you don't want the luggage space.

[@AdamChandler86]

I have not ridden a Triumph Rocket before. The R18 is a great bike. It’s probably a lot slower both off the line and top speed. It is a very fun bike to ride. BMW has been pretty generous with offering test-rides of these at dealers to move them off floors so go ride one but also play hardball on pricing. You can get a lot off sticker.

[@jeffreywithrow2522]

Thanks again for the video reviews. So BMW is still trying to learn how to make media interface tech that works right. Darn, they should all just allow car play and android auto and be done with it. Sorry also to hear the current gen gs media interface is not that great either though maybe that setup is better with a nav above and media screen below. Not fun having the phone/tech drops. Not fun having to unbury grip and seat heating settings in a menu one figures. Might have to keep my 19 goldwing tour dct. The media tech on that is not great either though no issues that I know of using reverse though no adaptive cruise on the wing presently. These R18 bikes though are sure pretty to look at.

[@AdamChandler86]

It is a great bike. It's only the tech that I'd like to see improved. I'm more interested in real buttons for things like heat and you're right, I would prefer a full screen CarPlay experience over this. I know the behind the scenes reasons and commend BMW for building a lot of software integrated into the bike.

[@Yuomione]

@@AdamChandler86 Sad to hear the fairing also acts as a paperweight with all the frustration it's given you.. how would something like the classic model or a touring-equipped base model (windshield, bags everywhere, etc) compare? Cause it sounds like a more cost effective way to go about it.

[@AdamChandler86]

Hi Folo, The Classic & Pure are pretty different motorcycles. They are much lighter but they are also longer with less suspension and no electronic suspension. Smaller seats, smaller tank, different steering rake, uglier exhaust, no tachometer or fuel range / gauge. The Bagger / TC Fairing is SOOO Heavy but you do get used to it after a few hundred miles. Full lock turns are...interesting :)

[@markeveringham978]

trying hard to find things to complain about

[@md12318]

Any issues with the Hill Start Assist? I have the 22 Transcontinental and it will not work. I've read the manual and have followed the instructions to the tee.

[@AdamChandler86]

No issues. Are you getting the H on your TFT? If not, you are usually not squeezing the brake lever hard enough. You have to be on a hill, in 1st then squeeze that front brake hard and then the H will pop up.

[@md12318]

@@AdamChandler86 Yes sir, done all that. Have to take it back to the dealer, I'm in Missouri , and the dealer is over 3 hours away! lol But thank you for responding.

[@AdamChandler86]

OOOF. I'm sorry.

[@galatians22122]

@@md12318 mine works perfect

[@darrelltemple1565]

Hey great info! I just picked up a TC and having the same problem with the media player and map mode. Any progress on a solution? Thanks from Tewksbury!

[@AdamChandler86]

I purchased an iPhone X / 10 and it’s been problem free. I just have basically a $75 iPhone with BMW Connected loaded on it for the maps and media.

[@aarondeere]

That's a great review. I'm new to the bmw world buying a '22 1250rt back in February. Many of your complaints on the tech is what I'm finding. My radio kept crashing and the latest firmware update seems to have fixed all the bugs. The 4 quick buttons on the rt are handy. Too bad they didn't somehow incorporate then in the r18. Got to ride transcontinental last week and it is a fun bike. I know it isn't selling well but hope they keep it in the lineup.

[@AdamChandler86]

I got a new software update on Friday and it added the split screen view which is nice. The audio playback is fixed (finally) but I’m still having some issues. The big one is the 3D map view keeps crashing. I’ve reset all settings on the bike and reinstalled the Connected app and disconnected the bike from my iPhone Bluetooth. I did an entire reset and no improvement. I did a 300 mile ride today and didn’t have navigation the entire time the system just kept rebooting. Rant-inducing to say the least.

[@AdamChandler86]

You know, I’d rather them NOT have these features and I’d just buy a GPS but oh well.

[@aarondeere]

@@AdamChandler86 I don't think I have 3d view or at least I've never tried it. Probably best leave it alone. You would think they'd have this fixed by now. This tft has been out for 2yrs now. I'm still on the fence about bmw. Kissells has been great but already had a front shock leak that took a month to get parts for. Yeah I've got 4 hd dealers with 50 miles and a few independent service shops around but harley needs to improve their touring bikes. Suspension alone the bmw kills it.

[@superbreaker7973]

Has BMW updated their TFT since this video?

[@AdamChandler86]

I’ve done two updates since then. Still having issues though. I’ve given up and put on a phone mount to the handlebars I don’t use the TFT screen anymore.

[@superbreaker7973]

@@AdamChandler86 Dang, that's tough, I wish BMW would just adopt Android play, and iPhone car play...

[@patdennis3751]

My biggest concern is that bike will not survive even a minor spill without extensive engine damage.

[@AdamChandler86]

You would be surprised. The engines are a bit more style than substance. What I mean is about 4 inches of the cylinder heads that are sticking out is air and padding. Once you remove those metal covers, there's a LOT of space before the engine starts. you can deform those head covers by 4 inches before you start to get close to any engine parts. Also, the top of the motor that says 1800CC is plastic and you can take it off and that's where the air filter Is being held. It would take an immense amount of pressure to deform the heads themselves which are bolted to the block with stretch bolts torqued pretty high. I'm not saying impossible but if it's like my GS, it can take a beating.

[@patdennis3751]

@@AdamChandler86 ha! Trust me. With no guards, I dare to to let it slide out from under you at 25 or 30 miles per hr and see how much damage happens to the cylinder then get back to me.

[@AdamChandler86]

Respectfully, no need to be a smart ass. I try to run a kind and generous comments section on my videos but daring me to crash then 'get back to you' is the kind of language and discourse I don't like here. Please be nicer if you plan on comment on my videos going forward. I provided to you information regarding how the motor is assembled and I provided reasonable benefit of a doubt that I'm not saying you're wrong but I just think it's unlikely. I also have photos of an R18 that went down at 20-25 MPH and the engine suffered no damage, just the $400 metal cover / rubber padding that makes contact with the ground which is designed to fail but save the engine. If your goal in commenting was to shit on BMW engine design, I get it and you've made your point but please take that theme elsewhere. I don't blindly defend BMW but I also don't believe this engine design is flawed if it's anything like my other boxer motors that have taken a beating with no adverse effects but needing new head covers. Please note that commenting here is a right, not a privilege. I want people to be nice to each other even if they disagree. Thank you and I hope we can improve on our relationship.

[@dkslackmaster]

I tipped my first edition over In a parking lot a few days after I bought it. Needless to say Other than a few scratches and tweaked engine guard It was fine. Just traded it in on an R18B

[@fourftr]

Adam do you ever get up to North Hampton, NH and are you on Instagram

[@AdamChandler86]

I only go down that way when I need service done at MaxBMW. I'm 2 hours North of there. I have an instagram but it isn't really used properly. I Just post photos haphazardly from a social media dashboard and don't use the app.