Sorry Darcy, you missed out on the chance of saying, in a Clarkson voice, "One of the coolest R18s. In. The. World"
@loki10669 ай бұрын
Probably the ONLY cool R18
@_audacerider38385 ай бұрын
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.
@BoiledOctopus2 ай бұрын
That's good to know. Thanks for the info!
@pwokaren9 ай бұрын
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 😎🏁
@db66259 ай бұрын
It’s certainly an eye catcher. Another excellent review 👍
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Thanks 😊
@andrewd75869 ай бұрын
I gotta say Darcy I do like the look! Having said that, I like mine absolutely bog standard.👍🏼😎🇦🇺
@davidbrayshaw35299 ай бұрын
That soundtrack! Wow! That's what every bike should sound like.
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
💯
@PhilipBallGarry9 ай бұрын
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.
@jeremypetch70069 ай бұрын
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.
@DucatiDiaries9 ай бұрын
Looks and sounds amazing. 1800CC! Love it.
@kenny4k9 ай бұрын
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-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Yes that’s right. 👍🏼👍🏼
@mirosawjurewicz43819 ай бұрын
Tbh, stock r18 is more appealing to me. Kinda artdeco and industrial mixture. This one.. don't know, really, maybe different colours 🤔.
@rebel_ltz9 ай бұрын
Amazing bike.
@ruahinesrider9 ай бұрын
BEAST!!
@bobman78819 ай бұрын
Those mudguards will make your dads day lol
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Haha 😂
@TheChromeRonin9 ай бұрын
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!
@FREE_PUREBLOOD3339 ай бұрын
Yep..that exhaust sounds great.
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
💯
@JoJo-hc4dj9 ай бұрын
❤ the R18 and this one is awesome, a real stunner!
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Isn’t it just!
@jamesonpace7269 ай бұрын
In orange & black - straight for HD's jugular....
@richardgitz22649 ай бұрын
Wheels on Fire! Start me UP! Thanks for a very entertaining review Mr. Darcy.
@Borntobemild26259 ай бұрын
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.
@royfillyaw42338 ай бұрын
I have a 2021 the more every time I ride it the more I like it awsom machines
@tomtom7869 ай бұрын
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 👍
@lucaparolin56239 ай бұрын
Stunning machine.
@kennethreynolds89 ай бұрын
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-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Awesome 👍🏼
@garyseaton46199 ай бұрын
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...
@IanSixbikes-by6ei9 ай бұрын
An R18 in 'Lambo' Orange really shouts look at me , sounds pretty awesome too, best looking R18 I've seen so far.
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
😊
@andrewf13269 ай бұрын
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-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Thank you very much!
@jexmatex9 ай бұрын
and still a hugly BMW sound, also a beautiful bike
@stephensalt67879 ай бұрын
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 👍.
@BlakesPipes9 ай бұрын
It is a beutiful orange! My choice of color
@RonnieM9 ай бұрын
I do like that version, more simplistic, and that exhaust :)
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
💯
@peterblackman13929 ай бұрын
Totally agree about the Michelin Commanders being 🤬in the wet
@martinfraguas32239 ай бұрын
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-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Awesome 👍🏼 what country are you from?
@bikerbrian64529 ай бұрын
Sounds amazing!
@loddude57069 ай бұрын
Impressive 'Wall of Death' bike, - just tie the building down . . . As Lambo also make tractors etc., is that (almost) an Allis-Chalmer's orange? : )
@ianmcdiarmid45639 ай бұрын
That side number plate kills it.
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Yes it would definitely look better with a smaller plate 👍🏼
@m2menuiserie5409 ай бұрын
No need for the hacksaw, just take a few left hand bends. Gently, mind. @@MrDarcy-OlMan
@simonnolloth61039 ай бұрын
Will the ol' man go for it,great review
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Thank you, no he likes the look of the standard version
@Mytology699 ай бұрын
It's pretty sick 😎 Saw that one up close at NEC last year.
@kevinpollard15509 ай бұрын
😊love it beautiful
@Twin_solo_az9 ай бұрын
R18 is great as a bobber.
@Heivang9 ай бұрын
Oh my God!
@twowheeledparadox9 ай бұрын
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-OlMan9 ай бұрын
It certainly does 👍🏼
@twowheeledparadox9 ай бұрын
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Nice!
@kwakithailand9 ай бұрын
Pistons of beer mug size shake a bit when thrown around 😂
@longjonwhite9 ай бұрын
Have to be a big ol’ beer mug,, nearer a stein !
@kwakithailand9 ай бұрын
@@longjonwhite Them Bavarians are a different kind of "thirsty" 🍻😎
@ReRiderChi9 ай бұрын
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.
@kwakithailand9 ай бұрын
You sound like you fell in love a bit with this beautiful Iron Horse, Darcy 👌
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Certainly did, its an awesome bike 👍🏼
@kwakithailand9 ай бұрын
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I'm sure, the Ol'Man enjoys his fully as well 👍
@romgl45139 ай бұрын
Beemer super toy, for the man that has everything. Sure looks nice.
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
You got that right!
@williamb.91109 ай бұрын
Oh that sounds good!
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
💯
@leemartin-hine15989 ай бұрын
That’s what BMW should be offering
@beabt19 ай бұрын
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-OlMan9 ай бұрын
As I said it's like marmite, you either love it or hate it 💯
@MrChancebozey9 ай бұрын
Good looking bike. Character means more than specs in the real world :)
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
💯
@nikitis139 ай бұрын
The new R12 will probably make an even better platform for a custom.
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Will be cool to see!
@MentatOfDune9 ай бұрын
Great looking bike.
@simonchilli20889 ай бұрын
I don't think the Ole man would like the single clock and shorty mudguards!😊
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
I like the single speedo (in chrome though, like on mine). Mudguards...you know it!
@simonchilli20889 ай бұрын
@@MrDarcy-OlMan 🤗
@reeseprince89 ай бұрын
I love it
@victorgonza45289 ай бұрын
It doesn't sound too good the short pipes , might be to blame .
@haxan66639 ай бұрын
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
@bobbyblueace9 ай бұрын
Fantastic! 😉
@flatcapcaferacer9 ай бұрын
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.
@davidforsdike43439 ай бұрын
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.
@KevinofWessex9 ай бұрын
Have you seen the noctane?
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Yes we are hoping to review it soon 👍🏼
@geeeee82689 ай бұрын
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.
@longjonwhite9 ай бұрын
@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!)
@bobsullivan5714Ай бұрын
1800 cc's....COOL! Why not a jug/head upgrade to 3000 cc's?
@briemosborne70179 ай бұрын
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-OlMan9 ай бұрын
💯 agree on the plates 👍🏼
@johnk78149 ай бұрын
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-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Would be better with a small plate, didn’t notice that tbh haha. Might not have screwed if on properly
@johnk78149 ай бұрын
Maybe the gas cap is really a compass too🤣😂@@MrDarcy-OlMan
@felipedourado57219 ай бұрын
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-OlMan9 ай бұрын
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
@felipedourado57219 ай бұрын
@@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. ✌
@guymiller28429 ай бұрын
Looks cool but not an fxlrs 😂
@FREE_PUREBLOOD3339 ай бұрын
I've sat on a few R18'S and can't get the gear lever working with my Size 12 bike boots on.
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
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-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Chunky boots definitely don't work on the R18 as the Ol Man has found out 👍🏼
@nielsmeer9 ай бұрын
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.
@bobwampler33879 ай бұрын
Not a fan of the color, but it’s awesome.
@cliffordkershaw79439 ай бұрын
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
@SS-ck3ew9 ай бұрын
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
@gzk6nk9 ай бұрын
That rear mudguard is ludicrously short. You'll end up soaked and looking like a skunk on a wet day.
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
As I said I wouldn’t ride it on a wet day, its lethal
@AF-O69 ай бұрын
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-OlMan9 ай бұрын
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
@ukvamp9 ай бұрын
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-OlMan9 ай бұрын
Yes like marmite you either love it or hate it 👍🏼
@andrewdyson42559 ай бұрын
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
@jcleare35719 ай бұрын
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 .
@ianhalliwell86049 ай бұрын
There is another reason i wouldn't buy one, price, you need a second mortgage to get one.
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
You can get a non customised one that’s never been ridden for about 10-12k now so not really
@Peter347369 ай бұрын
not a fan of the Boxer engine
@bobman78819 ай бұрын
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
@lostinspace0137 ай бұрын
Well ... that licence plate is HUUUGE.
@bootsmcfoolish84999 ай бұрын
Good review, but you'd really need beer goggles on to think that's an attractive beast..
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
It’s not going to be for everyone!
@misterfourstroke9 ай бұрын
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.
@ThebigT7219 ай бұрын
Nope, not for me, if you want a bike that sounds like a Harley buy a Harley 😊
@FREE_PUREBLOOD3339 ай бұрын
Why the hell do these builders and manufacturers keep churning out solo seat motorcycles????
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
It’s more of a show build, you can get a normal R18 with a passenger seat
@gwynnromano58819 ай бұрын
Just maybe there’s a demand for them?
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
@@gwynnromano5881 they could make you a custom build exactly how you want it
@gwynnromano58819 ай бұрын
@@MrDarcy-OlMan exactly
@kwakithailand9 ай бұрын
A single sester is a good reason for riding solo, instead of with the Ol'Lady 😂
@Thesilverrat8 ай бұрын
WTF are the brits doing with number plates FFS.
@MrDarcy-OlMan8 ай бұрын
I know it is ludicrous 👍🏼
@BlakesPipes9 ай бұрын
I do have to say, you license plate size is crazy stupid. I don't get it. Cops have bad eyes over there?
@kwakithailand9 ай бұрын
The size is for the cameras...
@MrDarcy-OlMan9 ай бұрын
It is totally ridiculous but fat chance it will change 😖
@BlakesPipes9 ай бұрын
@@kwakithailandcameras from the 1800s. Lol. They might need to go to cell phone use on the road traffic cameras today.
@user-sw2lv3zp6o9 ай бұрын
I much prefer your father's, apart from the wheels and bars.
@CiniEnFi9 ай бұрын
Horrible… stock a lot nicer
@dianedownie59518 ай бұрын
Hideous.You can keep it.
@teterouge14729 ай бұрын
Horrible
@strzaskanyalf29289 ай бұрын
its ugly
@williammuir6389 ай бұрын
Fair review but I've only one positive about the bike. I do like the exposed shaft drive. Apart from that sorry!
@andrewdyson42559 ай бұрын
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