I Ride The New BMW R 18 B! Is It Good Enough To Make Me Ditch Harley Forever?

[@MatheusXJapan]

BMW made a masterpiece of bike custom bagger!

[@CraigG21]

Highway pegs aren’t a problem with bmw Boxer engines - you mount them to the crash bar loops. Another option you even show in the beginning of the vid when you show the Transcontinental.

[@kens5871]

That looked uncomfortable as hell. Looked like you are getting your roast beef examined.

[@darthjunkus1088]

I sold my road king and got an Indian scout bobber. Now im selling the scout for this. Had nothing but problems with the scout. Engine needed to be swapped out at 1400 miles and left me broke down in The middle of a highway 3 hrs from home just for starters and the customer service from indian is the worst. The dealerships left my bike outside in florida weather for 3 months while trying to work out the engine issues before swapping it out completely.

[@theodoreberbach9562]

I was never really a cruiser guy, the BMW R18 makes me a cruiser guy

[@robertw.1499]

In the Rock-Mode, not only the gas response becomes more direct, the exhaust note changes too.

[@larryford9732]

That reverse feature is a great option; especially on that gravel you have the bike on. I have a Street Glide and have been places where I would have liked a reverse gear.

[@rickdelmonte1682]

On a long road trip I’d rather be on my R1250GS. It is not only great on the highway, but when you get to scenic mountain roads you don’t have to worry about scrapping pegs on every tight turn.

[@chadkline4268]

This is not made for high speeds in Twisties. I'm pretty sure the wheelbase length and weight will not allow heavy leaning unless you just want to prove a point by doing something ridiculous.

[@ARA28062]

How can you enjoy the view of mountain sceneries when you wanna race around the twisties? Seems like you contradict your point of view😂

[@rickdelmonte1682]

wouldn’t say I race around the twisties, but I sure don’t want to crawl around them.

[@eb1941]

I am leaning toward an Indian Challenger, but decided to take a look at the BMW Trans Cont. Harley lost me a cam chain tensioners on TC 88 engines (I own two of these bikes that I need to fix). I like the lines of the BMW, but I am tall and the sitting position was not for me, at least not for long rides. The leg extenders over the jugs are a joke (at least in my opinion) and are dangerous to be able to react to get back to the controls. I think it will be a niche bike in USA, or a tourer for the height challenged. Nice review, thanks for posting.

[@aaron___6014]

A reverse is super nice. And people have been putting highway pegs of bmw boxers for decades.

[@serious_in_seattle6917]

I’m really short so a low seat big bike with mid controls is perfect for me. I’ll test ride one this summer.

[@grantchristiansen8432]

At 5'2" (and 3/4) I was shocked to be able to stand up and ride a chieftain. I did add air ride to make my life easier and also had to modify the kick stand so my short legs could reach it.

[@MontysMotos]

I was pretty stoked for this bike and it mostly didn't disappoint when I finally rode one. The only problem, which I can't get around is that it really does run out of cornering clearance much sooner than anything else out there.

[@carguybd]

I’m a sport touring guy (BMW RT) and recently got an extended test ride. I didn’t think I would like the bike, and I didn’t... I loved it. That said, I probably wouldn’t buy it for just one single reason- non-adjustable wind protection. If you really put on lots of miles in wildly varying conditions, that omission is a deal breaker.

[@sesquashtwo]

..and the fact that my 6' 4"frame was cramped, and my size 12 shoe was half hanging off the back end of the very short front-to-back floorboards. WTF!

[@mikalbrown3227]

@@sesquashtwo side 16 imagine how i felt lol! sales guy was nice and tried to get me to test still lol

[@luisloya1120]

I agree, I think the Yamaha fjr1300 is Superior.

[@chadkline4268]

I could never understand highway pegs. They are terrible for your back and create dangerous reaction times. A MC is not a recliner 🥴

[@Motochick203]

Harley really needs to step their game up

[@danieljohnstone6805]

Agreed Dee abee

[@theonlyredspecial]

I test rode one and loved the bagger. Emotional feeling from the engine too. Loads of character.

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

Nice! I've always been a sport bike kind of guy, but I'm starting to warm up to cruisers/highway bikes. I've always been leery anything BMW, car or bike, but I know people who have them absolutely love them. I'd take this BMW R18 over a Harley, even if it's not as iconic. Amazing the amount of technology makes its way to bikes now, makes my decade old Suzuki and nearly two decade old Honda bikes seem very vintage. Great review Kase!

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

Not as iconic...um...

[@vf12497439]

I gotta say that I'm used to highway pegs on my harleys. Its great to throw a foot up... both feet up, shuffle back and forth as your position and comfort needs change during a ride. Im interested in the BMW but those cylinders in the way of highway pegs... in the winter those jugs out there are leg warmers but in 100⁰+ summer weather.... the extra heat seems like it would be awful. Deal breaker for me on a real touring bike where I roll an easy 600 miles a day on my harley ultra classic. Guess I'm still looking at an Indian or the yamaha venture as my second touring bike.

[@janeztomazic5546]

BMW not as iconic ? come on man

[@chevyon37s]

I’d take a Harley from 10 years ago before this R18. MUCH better comfort.

[@ramniksingh7702]

BMW Cars & Bikes are two separate business entities tho. Cars are garbage for sure but bikes are highly reliable.

[@JonBecker81]

As far as stretching out your legs, you can get guards to go on top of the engine heads and you rest your legs on them. Don’t know why they came up with this 1800 when they have a 1250 water cooled that is complete bad assery.

[@Surfbird11]

Because Harley riders expect unnecessarily large engines.

[@Heavywall70]

@@Surfbird11 that’s an oversimplification of big twin riding. It’s the fact that so much torque is available at very low rpm. I know the 1250 is torquey but it doesn’t have that big of a percentage below 3000. I ride a1999 oilhead and my bike lives between 4500 and 7500 depending on speed, when I load up the cases or haul a passenger all the gears get spun out until 6th. Big twins don’t notice added weight nearly as much and run way less rpm.

[@Surfbird11]

@@Heavywall70 Running lower RPM is a function of gearing not displacement. Yes larger engines allow the possibility of greater torque. So what? Your bike isn’t a tractor. Ride it properly and you don’t need so much torque. Big engines exist primarily to feed egos. I ride a 1200 but that is because it had the fuel capacity I wanted and the riding position I wanted. The engine just came with it.

[@peterhaex5732]

After dumping Harley for indian that was the best thing I ever did ,this bike would be a contender if it came out the same time as Indian but I can ride only one bike so I stay with Indian but the BMW is absolutely beautiful

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

BMW are absolute master's at dialing in motorcycle chassis

[@Torsee]

BMW makes some sweet bikes! If money allowed, I’d have one!

[@SINasTER75]

I test rode this bike yesterday, I agree, it's a great bike and a very good highway cruiser. It's pretty cheap for what it offers. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me because of the riding position. I had an accident maybe 25 years ago and I have some problems with my right hip when I'm sitting in a 90 degree with my legs also at 90 degree from the knee... I had 2hrs with the bike and I went back after 50min because of the pain in my hip and I can still feel it today. My curent bike is a Harley with forward controls, that's the best position for me. For the majority of people though, this bike is majestic. Suspension is adaptive and will set the proper damping deping on your weight, that's why it's so confortable. Power if very good. Accessories aren't stellar but some can be found. If it wasn't for my hip issues, the dealer would have made a sell on the spot that day. Maybe that's why they don't even argue when you ask them for a bit more time than the "normally" allowed 30min test ride. 💯

[@tabuleirocmd]

0:31 this model comes with a great feet (&lowerleg) toaster! Thanks for the video

[@Boxer1250RT]

For a cross-country K 1600 all day. This is good for a few hours of sunday ride.

[@JUFFAIR101]

Is the K1600 GA stable at 70-85 MPH ?

[@feloniousmonk3049]

Very accurate assessment... may as well then get the Classic or the Base and add some bags to it. BMW must have built this for the short men in the Asian Pacific market, certainly not for tall German, Dutch, Swedish, Swiss or British folks. I wonder what they were thinking? A few hour bike doesn't need all the crap hanging off of this that jacks up the price tag another $10-13k on top of the base price.

[@ronaldcandelaria2464]

I AM A 215 LB GERMAN WHO LOVES THIS BMW. I RIDE 6,000 MILE TRIPS WITH NO PROBLEMS

[@CVO_MAN]

Great review. I own an R18 Transcontinental and it's a great bike with a high quality standard in every detail if you look with attention to it. Consider that i love HD Touring bikes and i only rode those ones: i have a CVO Road Glide, too (and i love it). I wanted to try something different (and the 1800 cc Boxer engine is DEFINITELY different from anything else on the market) but i wanted to have a high quality standard and the R18 Transcontinental full optional gave me what i was looking for.

[@deanlockamy2087]

I've rode all my life and I was looking at this bike, but its slow and foot position make it a no go, to me nothing is better than my FLTR not a CVO like yours but I'm Road Glide for life.

[@viperq]

Looks sweet, but I think the K1600 B is the better bike.

[@grgygantz6760]

I remember test riding the R 75R. The bike was so smooth riding and way quiet I couldn’t tell if it was even on.

[@joshuaearnshaw8565]

The reverse gears looks to be a great option! Hell my vulcan 1500 is less then 700 pounds and I am I have been laughed at a few times trying to back up the bike on a gravel parking lot!

[@Fred-eg9sx]

Any set of crash bars work great as highway pegs.

[@hillbilly4christ638]

BMW motorcycles are amazing. The ergonomics and engineering are off the chain. R models have been around so long for a reason.

[@mustang1191]

What do the analog gauges look like at night and are the hand switches backlit?

[@robertwittman9227]

awesome review as i have come to expect from you Kase, keep up the good work.

[@kellyco4139]

A truly beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery and so much fun to ride

[@MrDylanMitchell]

Gorgeous bike. Interested in seeing a Rocket 3 review.

[@dexcaesarcarig2404]

can you guys do a vulcan vaquero

[@arvindsingh4685]

“Spot on” suspension - I believe you experienced “auto-preload” 👍🏽🏍

[@KristoferOlsson]

That bike would be a dream.

[@lamabiker179]

Ranking this motorcycle, the R1250RT, and the 1600, how would you rank em'?

[@tonyarroyo4709]

I just bought the R 18 B and my iPhone 12 Pro Max in the cell phone compartment perfectly with out the case on

[@feloniousmonk3049]

Yeah, well my Galaxy S 22 Ultra doesn't fit. No worries, that's what a QuadLock mounted on the bars is for, and your phone stays cool in the breeze when charging, too.

[@OzBloke]

Looks nice - but that legs over the cylinders riding position would be bloody dangerous, let alone a Lower Back killer 😒

[@apsilos2]

I drove recently the BMW r18 and after 5 minutes I return the bike to the dealer. He thought that maybe something's wrong but like I said to him the bike looks nice but it's not interesting it doesn't have that feeling that Harley makes you feel

[@ФедорГлебов-ч2ф]

You must ve been riding in rain mode

[@mariuss.6607]

No forwards, no killing

[@stephenhollingsworth9158]

I've been dying to see someone review this bike against the new 2024 Harley Road Glide. Is this something you can put together?

[@ryanmalone2681]

Why the speakers? I’ve had it on all my K1600 and it’s useless if you’re actually riding. What’s the point?

[@blumurder76]

Harley owner....this bike has got me thinking, so much more bike for the money

[@chartchaichamchan500]

How much?

[@naduncan100]

Many thanks, greatly appreciated. Cheers !

[@friedpork_owl]

Such a nice bike. Thank you. That new series looks fire!

[@Todd1997-s7v]

Could a dealer ship put taller handle bars on it??

[@chuckmatses6803]

Is there a finishing school where these You Tubers go to hone their Ron Burgundy skills? I think that there is.

[@CactusJack252]

It looks great but and not but it is not enough to swing me away from picking up an indian chieftain

[@SG-wj2qj]

It’s a great bike for a bagger cruiser that doesn’t want the Harley Davidson association. I just wish it sounded better

[@pcmountaindog]

That bike is awesome. It's beautiful, totally, totally awesome. Just glad I don't have to ride the big pig. I wouldn't trade my DRZ400 for the thing. But I hope lots of people buy them so I can look at them.

[@grgygantz6760]

It looks like you could swing by your local Publix. Pick up a pack of hamburgers put two on each cylinder head and what time you get the bike week you got lunch.

[@74beeper97]

Nice review..... How's the heat coming off the jugs onto your shins? Seems like it would get pretty hot.

[@Rambler358]

The heat mainly comes out at the front of the cylinders, and it's been reported that heat really isn't an issue for this.

[@Heavywall70]

I’ve ridden air cooled Beamers for decades and hot shins has never been an issue. Because the jugs are out in the breeze like that they really don’t get nearly as hot as the rear cylinder on a 100% air cooled Harley.

[@carlosrodriguezlopez310]

Not a problem at all, I ride the r18 first edition and R1200GS and no problem with hot shins

[@feloniousmonk3049]

The intake side is the cool side of the jugs, up near your legs. The hot side is the side in the wind, where the exhaust pipe comes out. I've test ridden one of these in Las Vegas in summer in traffic, heat from the jugs is not a problem. "Roll" mode around town is just much, much smoother. "Rock" mode is a lot more peppy, and makes the engine backfire slowing down, which I don't like much.

[@davekent20]

Blacked out. SOLD

[@Wuei108]

Tiefer Schwerpunkt, beide Zylinder gut gekühlt.

[@RadDadisRad]

Why is the BMW R18 a Harley Killer but not a Triumph Rocket 3?

[@Rambler358]

Because it's not a twin?

[@konstantinw.1036]

Rocket has 167 PS and 2500cc bmw 91 PS 1800 cc

[@supernova82]

That cruise control is called adaptive cruise control.

[@billbalyx8799]

wish my Harley FLTRU had reverse but I'm just careful where I park. I'm sure this is a good bike but just not for me

[@gto1874]

Make sure to grip the tank with sandy knee pads to get better grip!

[@Surfbird11]

Ooooooh!

[@feloniousmonk3049]

He wins Big Dummy Award for taking a bagger on a dirt road. BMW should can him for his low standards.

[@yotrkoff-road3541]

Gold wing owners have entered the chat when he said it’s more comfortable than most bikes he’s ridden

[@rainerb.3799]

the R18B is another attempt by BMW to score points in the cruiser segment. the seating position is like a touring bike because the cylinders are in the way. As a German HD rider and Streetglide owner, I find this bike ugly and, as usual with BMW, technically overloaded with systems that a biker doesn't actually need. The machine does not have spirit.

[@RAH_BLISS]

Whoa, nothing beats German engineering!

[@rainerb.3799]

@@RAH_BLISS That was not the question, technically the R18 is certainly ok, but unsuitable as a cruiser, BMW is competent as a vehicle manufacturer in the cruiser market, but with the wrong engine, a boxer is not a good cruiser drive

[@ФедорГлебов-ч2ф]

Some people (mostly youtube commentators) complain about the r18 being overloaded with technology. But I thank the German engineers for that. You can't do willy nor burnout. But a few days ago I was leaving a gas station leaning pretty hard to the right and my rear wheel slipped for a second (enough for me to shit few briks) but then it stabilized. It was an oil slick. The manual says that if the system detects an abnormal difference in speed between the rear and front wheels it will step in and reduce the power. I think that's what happened. It's happened before when I was starting off on sand. I thought I was going to drop the bike but the rear wheel stabilized. I think it's because of these systems that the power of the bike isn't what you'd expect from a super modern 1.8L engine, but now I appreciate the balance they've managed to achieve in this bike.

[@heathmantakeone]

Cool video and bike! Could you tell me what type of exhaust?

[@feloniousmonk3049]

Air cooled, double walled, chromed. There are some black chrome versions out there, too.

[@heathmantakeone]

@@feloniousmonk3049 Thanks, Bra!

[@ilgrilluss]

Nothing beats A dUCATI Multistrada V4S or A BMW GS for long trips. These bikes are for short distances.

[@ФедорГлебов-ч2ф]

just different classes of bikes.

[@trustinthelord2248]

I’m going get it

[@kc0lif]

not bagger b for bullet thay all baggers. no maybe goldwings got reverse many mots don't. be nice if it was automatic transmission. I'll stick with 6 cylinder honda goldwing which is like 3 having 3 those v twins lol.

[@antownemercer7552]

And even Harley riders will give you an Harley wave 😄

[@sierrafoxtrotgolf3638]

.....nice bike, but very limited leg position for a cruiser!

[@Sbbkbb]

Really pretty bike but I would still choose Harley Davidson, all day every day..even if its rusty and leaking oil.

[@boxofmoles4057]

I prefer the Classic version of the R18. More of a Swiss Army knife bagger.

[@galatians22122]

Harley Shmarley, BMW Rules!

[@percivalgooglyeyes6178]

I love that reverse lever. Now when I see those parked, I'm going to set that lever in reverse so when the rider goes to ride off he gets a big surprise. It's gonna be fun!

[@dustynator4325]

Someone tried to be funny, but didn't get it.

[@WolfinWolvesClothing713]

Looks funky with those jugs hanging out the sides. Better not lay it down. Instead of cosmetics it'll need a whole new engine.

[@chrishaddad5362]

All bmw boxers have the jugs hanging out the side….actually they all look funky too lol. They really should have put crash bars on it

[@feloniousmonk3049]

@@chrishaddad5362 They do, on the R 18 Trans Continental, or you can order them as accessories from your dealership.

[@matthewevans4317]

Reverse not uncommon.....how long have you been riding?

[@regsparkes6507]

BMW is one beautiful motorcycle. Thanks for this Kase.

[@chucklewis4456]

You gotta start the video with how tall you are Harleys are made for people 5’8” to 5’11”

[@Moonrakerd]

love it, sooo pretty

[@robertcampbell3828]

If you were on the highway for a while the first light you come to you probably couldn't put your legs down because your knees be locked up. The only good thing on that bike is reverse.

[@sesquashtwo]

My local BMW dealer in Canada, said that this model is not selling well enough, that he wants to continue to stock one on the floor. I actually sat (6'3") on the one he had in stock, and my 12 inch shoe was half way hanging off the back of the very small floorboards, and to get my shoe sole at least 70 percent supported, my shin(s) were in fact touching the intake manifolds. A very uncomfortable seating position for my frame. He asked me if I wanted to book a test ride...and I politely said that I will pass, and got back onto my Yamaha Star Venture with floorboards that extend beyond my fully supported 12 inch shoe...and if anything else, again reinforced that I was already riding the best of the best, as I rode home...(smile). Great looking bike...no argument there...but just not ride-feasible unless you are a very small diminutive person, with also, small diminutive feet and shins...then perhaps...

[@ronaldcandelaria2464]

I am 6'2" 215lbs of muscle ( gym rat) with a size 11 EEE. I love this BMW and it fits me fine. I ride from California to Florida with no issues.

[@the_jarmel]

Great job

[@gokaicontracting9889]

Are Alex and you brothers? Looks like

[@grantbradley5084]

You might ditch Harley, but as slow as the R18’s are selling this bike doesn’t stand a chance against Harley. They own the cruiser market. Don’t get me wrong I’ve owned BMW motorcycles for years, but I would never own one of these albatrosses.

[@janeztomazic5546]

based on how their sales are droping I am not sure they own the C market

[@JOHNJ0HN9111]

that phone won't fix in most places with a case on.. take the case off and try again...

[@BlissLovePeace]

Really? How about taking the phone out of the rubber case and pop it in ... that'll do!

[@terrancefields4414]

SWEET!!!

[@daveloderhose874]

I’ll stick with my Harley

[@serious_in_seattle6917]

What an original statement.

[@arvindsingh4685]

Have a HD FLRTX (Road Glide) and also the BMW R18 B. The HD is more comfortable - it ends there - the fit and finish of the BMW is like a fine watch and the balance of performance driving is way ahead and the safety of balanced hard/emergency braking and the ease of the ACC 👍🏽 I was going to keep my HD also , but I hardly ride it anymore and am selling it.

[@arvindsingh4685]

Fit and finish like a fine watch and balance like a GS

[@afca_management1461]

I have both, HD and R18, 2022 both. HD is nice but the BMW is way better, fit and finish, engine, transmission. Also, everyone at least here in Miami has an HD, it’s called the “me too bike”, very few BMWs around, always a head turner and conversation starter. Plus you can’t beat the finance, bmw doesn’t play around like HD dealers do.

[@romesyoutubechannel5356]

Ok

[@morrisdennis]

Hmm maybe, i came from bmw 2 hd. Bmw has a poor dealer network. Hd fkd me on financing i will nvr forgive them 4 that. I'll probably go back 2 bmw?

[@morrisdennis]

Btr warranty then hd.

[@Hoggdoc1946]

Sounds very slow. I don't think you'll be converting any Harley riders these days.

[@matthewscheidt7754]

WOW! Niice!

[@atomicdmt8763]

keep BUYING these bikes............. so I can pick up used, later!

[@CraigSmith568]

This wouldn't even be my choice of BMW's let alone choice of all the bikes out there. I would never use any of the tech. Adaptive cruise is just not needed. I never listen to a radio either. Pass for me.

[@CraigSmith568]

@jaxxsun I'm not really against them offering the tech stuff, but I just want to be able to get a bike without it. I still prefer analog gauges to digital. I have an 03 Goldwing and I don't even turn the radio on. Would never use gps either. I guess I'm an old man stuck in his ways.

[@konstantinw.1036]

@jaxxsun no Music no soul

[@feloniousmonk3049]

Look into the Base model or the Cruiser model. More stripped of junk you don't use. Got my Cardo Edge if I want music in my full faced helmet.

[@morrisdennis]

Hd should be very concerned 😟 😨 😳 ...

[@599Dan]

All these positive comments must be from the BMW development team;) there's no way the R18 is a cruiser! there's no place stretch out your legs. This bike is best suited for a short trip to get coffee and then look at when you drink your coffee. Then back home and you can look at it some more

[@JonBecker81]

Yeah there is. You get guards that go on top of the engine heads and you put your legs there. It even shows it in this video at the beginning on a different bike.

[@benney7520]

I'm guessing you are a Harley person. Lol

[@humanbeing1675]

Nice review...BUT who needs 15 minutes of annoying background music while you are talking?? Bad idea.

[@royz6872]

Harley Killer 🤣

[@andrewkitchenuk]

Checking it out for size but this video doesn't help when the reviewer looks like a 14 year old boy. 🤦‍♂️

[@olebilly]

A bike nobody knows how to work on but the factory. A bike that no shop would take on. No thanks.

[@keithlewis5816]

Starter reverse 😂 goldwing much

[@morrisdennis]

When i rode a bmw harley guys would nvr wave back at me...

[@feloniousmonk3049]

Maybe it was your vest and colors and rockers? Or you weren't a 1%er?