The only BMW R18 B Review That Matters!

This Bagger is the business. Can it compete with the Harley Davidson Road King & Street Glide? The 2022 BMW R18 B has introduced some geometry changes along with the Transcontinental with an updated rake & trail which sets this apart from the R18 Standard & Classic with refined cornering stability while touring solo or with a passenger. Join me as I talk about the feels & go for a rip through the canyons. I was a bit surprised...
Go try it for yourself @
West Valley Cycle Sales
20212 Saticoy St
Winnetka, CA 91306
Til the next ride folks. And as always, be sure to keep those sidestands up! Peace.
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RIDING GEAR
Jacket: amzn.to/37AyNLs​
Pants: amzn.to/2TcWiX1​
Gloves: amzn.to/2wc36GK​
Chest Armor: amzn.to/31CDUsE​
Boots: amzn.to/2S8PWY0​
Earplugs: amzn.to/378MMaX​
MOTORCYLE GEAR
Phone Mount: amzn.to/3doHkqk
SOCIAL MEDIA
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MUSIC
Intro
Disfigure - Blank [NCS Release]
• Disfigure - Blank | Me... ​
/ disfigureof​. .
Outro
ÉWN - Feels [NCS Release]
• ÉWN - Feels | Trap | N... ​
/ ewnmusic​
Chuki Beats
( / chukimusic ) Instrumental produced by Chuki
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Music promoted by Audio Library • Hall of the Mountain K...
Music Provided by Dj Quads
KZbin: kzbin.info/door/fiS...
Soundcloud:
/ djquads
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[@sidestand]

What do you think of this bike?

[@seankelly5258]

I like it much more than the standard variant. Good call on BMW's part with the tweaks, turning it into a bagger.

[@sidestand]

Agreed.

[@75robcam]

Visceral

[@jacoblund612]

I like it so much, that I'm planning to order one soon :-). I also looked at Road Glide and Street Glide, but they are much more expensive where I come from (Denmark) and I really like the quality of everything on the BMW. Small things like the bolt holding the seat (on the rear fender). On the BMW it's a work of art - on a Harley it looks like an afterthought :-). I really like the big screen too - however, I wish they had gone for Apple Carplay, instead of their own app. Great review! Thanks!

[@sidestand]

@@jacoblund612 Very nice! It’s a solid machine. Glad you enjoyed the review, thanks for watching.

[@Yankeeman1954]

Transcontinental owner after many Harley touring bikes. Fit and finish superior. Great stereo. Reverse gear. TFT screen is the best in the industry. Heated grips and seats, standard. Similar power to a stock Harley RGU. Handles better due to the lower center of gravity. Riding modes. Adaptive cruise control is a game changer. Bags don't detach and are a little smaller than the Harley. Some customization available but nothing close to HD. Dealer network comparably small.

[@txpistolero]

Longtime HD with two in the garage and one R18 1st Ed. Yeah I should’ve waited for the Transcon- had no idea! Had an 04 CLC bagger that was a blast at 60 HP. 😅

[@cmichael40]

and expensive

[@martyn_g]

Dealer network for HD in Australia is run by a bunch of muppets. BMW give you far better support.

[@Tinfoilhat311]

I have a k1600GTL. AT 6'1 225lbs. Size 13 boots. It just fits me so much better. I found the r18 just does not have enough room for my feet. And frankly, the 1600 has far better performance and is water cooled. Cool looking bike, I just don't fit well on it.

[@northerniltree]

My take on all this for those interested in the R1800 bagger is to step up another notch, and buy the T/C model. You've now got a taller windscreen, plusher, wider seat, crash bars and lowers, driving lights, improved sound system, and a top box you can remove and keep handy for the really long trips. It can be unplugged from a connection under the seat, but will trigger a harmless dash warning light, as the bike thinks the lights on the top box went dark. this leaves a square unfinished luggage rack that you could bungee a jacket to to cover it. This will give you the "uber" bagger experience with a top box at the ready. This is my plan, at least.

[@nelsonphilip4520]

Nothing wrong with having more choices! I like your layout and thanks for suggesting it.

[@deandesrosiers6857]

Good call, I bought the TC for similar reasons. BMW would dominate if the top case was quick-release detachable. But, the lack of plastic parts, clean lines and machined parts is very refreshing in 2022. My wife actually called it beautiful.

[@marvelsbagger4176]

Great review, paying this much, wanting a bagger, do the homework. It always your ride no matter what others think or say, it’s your ride and your decision. Test ride as many baggers as possible, research the engendering of the engine, chain vs. shaft, weight, horsepower, looks, etc etc etc TEST THEM WITH A RIDE. Having said that, I now ride an R18b.

[@philiprobinson593]

What's the heat like from the engine. Also is the lean angle better that hd

[@kellyco4139]

A great honest review of a beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery

[@dolodaero]

That little struggle at 4:15 made me laugh too hard 😅😂 great review!!

[@williamallen8070]

Thanks for the review, great stuff (especially the segments without music). I’m buying one of these in the next 3 weeks if I can swing a deal. Love the bagger aspect

[@nikogdissis801]

Thnx for a honest & thorough review, the joy & excitement in your voice says a lot. I was on the fence about trading in my ‘17 Street Glide. Took one for a test ride & sealed the deal. Your handling & suspension review is spot on. A 870 lb bike has no right to handle this well, almost effortlessly.

[@deandesrosiers6857]

Excellent Review. Finally, a reviewer who can explain "why" bikes feel a certain way. Your opening comment about rake and trail is the best way to start understanding this motorcycle. It shouldn't be fun to ride, it shouldn't be "quick" to corner, and it shouldn't be comfortable, but it is all these things and well over 900lbs. Add in the linked brakes, three drive modes, automatically adjusted suspensions, reverse, 10 inch TFT display, and adaptive cruise control and you have a complete package sitting on the showroom floor. No need to customize for a wide range of riders. I am 6'3" and I have plenty of leg room and all the comfort features make it a joy to ride. After 25 years of sport touring and adventure bikes, I didn't immediately migrate to a Harley but the concept makes sense if I want my wife to join me. BMW nailed in my opinion. Character, quirky, fun, beautiful and techy. R18 TC for me was my best purchase of 2022. The vibration disappears when you use "roll" mode when touring.

[@viktorgubenko713]

Great review. Thank you for your knowledge and enthusiasm. I’ve just discovered this bike about a week ago and am seriously considering purchase because it of all the cruisers available in the market this is only one that I was able to sit comfortably on without having to consider lowering it. I’m only 5’6 and had a hell of a time trying to find a bike that will first me.

[@GeorgeSmileyOBE]

I’m 5’8 so let me know if you buy the bike and your experience.

[@DonutLord32]

Know that feeling. Im a short person aswell at around 5 ft 5 so finding a low enough bike can be a mission

[@nelsonphilip4520]

Very much enjoyed your review. Very fair and you clearly enjoyed testing it. Perhaps the big take away for me was when you pointed out which components were metal and which were composite. In a recent KZbin review of Morgan's replacement for their classic 3 Wheeler, the all new Super 3, the lead designer pointed out the most of the bodywork was aluminium and that the components had a "cold feel" to it. While I understand the advantages to using plastic & composite material, kudos to BMW as well as H-D & Indian too for incorporating that "cold feel" into their models. Using metal adds to the visceral feel.

[@johnrice8313]

Beautiful bike, I also like the K1600B. Thanks for the review.

[@JMANmotovlog]

Awesome review of the R18B! Ride safe brother.

[@sidestand]

Thanks bro!

[@nickyd2913]

A little late to the party but a great review of this bike. Just traded my 2017 Street Glide for a new 2023 R18 Bagger. Had my heart set on a new Street Glide but the BMW just felt better for me. Better stereo, better suspension and better infotainment system. The gearbox felt smoother and the lower center of gravity makes the bike more agile in my opinion. The reverse gear is also great feature. It vibrates a little bit more, the engine does not sound as nice (Vance and Hines slip on is on the way 😉). The bmw Motorrad app is a must to use the navigation which takes some time to get use to. No button for heated grips 👎 Aftermarket is not even close to HD. Other than that in my most humble and personal opinion ! The BMW R18 Bagger is a must to test ride if you are in the market for a Bagger. And I am very happy that I chose it over a new Street Glide.

[@jhguygih]

Really surprised with the low number of subscribers. Very good review

[@williambaker2627]

Appreciate the review, I am actually going tomorrow to test drive my first bmw bike. I have owned many Harley Davidson bikes, but to be honestly they are all the same. I want to try something different, and bmw has the best warranty and rates available today.

[@tmar0075]

One thing for sure it's unique..if u like different this is it..will have to test ride one n see for myself..ride safe😊

[@walesqip]

I am going to buy it next month... can't wait :)

[@johngagne986]

As a BMW Motorad fan I have been thinking about an R18 but avoided it for now because long distance touring is unlikely for me but your review is making me rethink that. Perhaps I will go to my dealer and try one out. Thank you. For now I am on the GS1250 and love that machine.

[@feloniousmonk3049]

The suspension on this, especially in the rear with 120mm of travel, is better on rough roads than any HD softail, except maybe if modded with Ohlins. Far better than the 2.5" rear travel offered on HD Road and Street glides. Important if you're older and get bouts of lower back pain. A very good option if you ride a lot of 2 lane roads in the country that aren't as well maintained, like much of the twisty roads here in California.

[@mauriciomosquera690]

Great Video!

[@gabbyhayes1568]

If I were to buy the R18, I’d get the stripped down version for weekend rides. I wouldn’t want one for touring. It’s a beautiful bike imho. Fit and finish is just top shelf.

[@asmith8092]

Great review....i own a 2020 BMW 1250 GS but considering!!

[@tomislavstanich9379]

Why only this review shoulf matter? All the reviews MATTER!

[@DavidSmith-fw6uj]

Love from Mississippi USA 🇺🇸

[@bennyhultofficial]

imo cruisers thrives best at lower rpm. And a bike with that torque doesnt need stress. Other than that..nice rewiew.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Great job. :) You covered everything. Cant wait to ride this bike. Drop by buddy.

[@robertdaley1194]

I like the stripped down version, but a classic.

[@inout3513]

Only issue with these boxer engines is the lack of option for forward controles

[@davidbcossini8928]

What road is that, looks like the canyons in So Cal, can you please tell me where that was? Thanks awesome video by the way.

[@sidestand]

Mulholland Hwy in the Santa Monica Mountains. Thanks for watching!

[@danielserra8827]

Awesome

[@Diap842IV]

So many people complaining of the weight as if it’s way heavier than competition. The bagger weighs under 900 lbs. the problem is either the stand let’s it lean over a few degrees to far making it hard to lift, or the equipment inside the fairing plus the size and placement of fuel tank being so high up, just makes it too heavy. It is actually 90 lbs lighter than the big Yamaha but just seems heavy.

[@MrRobertcan2]

I highly recommend the cool sleeves ! Your welcome 😂

[@Tonycrossfit]

Excellent video! MPG?

[@feloniousmonk3049]

Very dependent on your riding style. I did a 23 mile test ride from Sturgis , SD to Deadwood, at a mellow "Cruiser" pace of an old man. My average speed for the trip was 48 mph. The computer gauge said 53.8 MPG. Bike had 60 miles on it, it was a Demo R18 B. You will lose a little bit of MPG from the mechanical losses from the bevel gear drive from the 90 degree cut on the final drive. I'd estimate it at 4 to 7%, depends on how hard or gentle you ride it, over a belt drive HD with a M8 engine. Own a HD softail with the 107CI motor.

[@kimhorton6109]

Handsome cruiser.

[@azdesertdog]

I'm not fond of imitations. Case in point the Harley Pan America. However, when I stood next to this bike at the dealership it just felt so stripped down and custom like. I think if Harley wasn't Harley and Indian wasn't right behind them this would be a gut punch to the great Bar and Sheild. In the end I think this segment is slowly ebbing with the aging Boomer generation. Great review.👍

[@sidestand]

Thanks desertdog! You’ve got some valid insight here. Makes me wonder if the gen Xers, Ys, & millennials would follow suit. I think the “club” scene would keep this segment alive. But we all know the brand loyalty there.

[@thollingsworth4910]

Is there an kind of lower fairings available for the r18?

[@chosenfewbuddha5696]

what gloves are you wearing

[@walesqip]

hi, you have fantastic gloves - will you share the name of brand?

[@jr95badboy]

That "power" Guage measures manifold vacuum

[@feloniousmonk3049]

yeah, even my little Van's RV-12 with a 1365cc 100 HP Rotax 912 ULS has one of those, hooked up to a Dynon Skyview Touch. It's not rocket science, running a manifold vacuum gauge.

[@i641.]

Wow, that's one giagantic bike. Also, I really don't think I can have much of a say on cruisers cuz they ain't my taste. I am naked or cafe racer for the most part, and maybe sport.

[@sidestand]

Same here! But I do love all bikes & I enjoy the different experience it brings. Thanks for watching!

[@raybrensike42]

I have to stretch my legs out straight once in a while on a trip. That's just the way it is for me. In fact, legs straightened out is the usual position for me while on a long trip. It's something I have to have.

[@dkslackmaster]

I have the R18 fist edition. I just throw my legs up on top of the heads when I need a stretch. Works well.

[@sixthsensemusicrevelation6612]

They now make a place for you to do that. Engine bars and leg extension plates over the heads.

[@kitetsu77]

wow what a review and knowledge of the bike great job, I still don't like the design tbh I prefer the standard one, what do you think of the bike though? you don't seem to rate it in your review 🙂

[@sidestand]

If I were in a market for a classic cruiser, I’d sport this one. Really dig the tech & hard bags. I can throw in all my camera equipment in there haha

[@foolishcoyote.]

Such an ostentatious, pulsating monstrosity. A favorite among Hollywood 'Chic types.....the combination of a classic look with modern technology puts this cruiser in most sunset Boulevard garages🏡 you look like you are having a nice time on that bike. Not sure if I could manage her constantly vibrating presence. Have you test rode the 2021 Honda Gold wing yet? You should try it out....the automatic DCT transmission is lovely. Awesome review brotha. Nice bike🏍️

[@sidestand]

Nailed it right there spoken like an LA native on Sunset! I would love to test ride more bikes & bring more of this type of content to my channel. At this point, my reach currently is limited to mostly BMW models for test ride reviews, but would like to expand my reach going forward.

[@Old.Scratch]

This comment did more for me than the advertisements lol

[@nelsonphilip4520]

Speaking of Gold Wings Honda offered an uber touring way back in 1996 with the original GL1500C Valkyrie. I feel it could certainly hold it's own some 26 years later and I would very much like to see Honda offer a reboot 21st century version.

[@feloniousmonk3049]

Wow, I'd think the Laurel Canyon Musician crowd would snap this up. Maybe if Gene Simmons was a little younger. Oh well, there's hope if we can get Dave Grohl or Chris Schiflett on a R18?

[@rollinghills3412]

I am interested to know why you prefer to ride the bike at 4,000 rpm? My HD RoadGlide likes anywhere between 2k to 3k rpm. Why would you not shift up once past 3k rpm?

[@michaelburley9479]

My sentiments exactly. I seldom feel the need to rev past 3,000 rpm since the engine has bags of torque to pull you along. I usually short shift my R18 and ride it like my H-D Road King. These are cruisers and don't need to be rung out to get power. The Beemer is very smooth below 3K & 6th gear is nearly 80 mph!

[@skippynj1979]

I built my flht, with a dark horse crank and no counter balance. I changed the cam and valve train to run at 3000 to 5000k rpm. .

[@davidthornell5547]

How tall are you?

[@garybaldwin1061]

Why are winding the piss out of it. How about upshifting.

[@laryangel4082]

9

[@zootszabo2415]

God bless Lori

[@rodrigoveja]

Thank you

[@marioherrera8065]

Horizontally you mean

[@charlievelez3510]

How does it handle with U-turns?

[@sidestand]

It handles it well with proper clutch & throttle control.

[@feloniousmonk3049]

You'll also want to use body english to outside turn side of the bike.... the low center of gravity will be a little bit sneaky.... best to practice it in an empty parking lot at night, free from traffic, to get the muscle memory and skills dialed in.

[@mamjack6134]

6:26 mail truck smoked your ass at the light

[@williambaker2627]

I personally think he was focused on the review video but still funny as hell.

[@mamjack6134]

@@williambaker2627 sarcastic way of pointing out he was dicking around not paying attention to traffic ,like when you get caught at a light twice because some tard is playing with their phone . Or he was waiting for the correct shade of green

[@omidk.6470]

Why do you keep the RPMs so high 😖 Its a cruiser

[@robertdaley1194]

Very much retro to 1930s model.

[@441rider]

Dirt eating shaft link included LOL! TFT gizmo should cause a few accidents hardly time to check mirrors in traffic.

[@stephenwilliams1824]

Americans love heavy metal on their tourers whereas Europeans prefer less mass on their motorcycles.

[@stephendavidson5387]

needs crash bars

[@percivalgooglyeyes6178]

A Harley killer?

[@darcher5888]

Beautiful bike but horrible wind buffeting, horrible vibration on the entire bike, can’t hardly reach the tiny shifter peg, and no place to stretch your legs due to the stupid piston heads. If you are going to do reviews, be honest.

[@darcher5888]

Killer looks for sure!

[@mikemcnett6166]

not the best review out there but i do like the bike after owning Indian and Harley for years

[@pggp273]

The only advice I can give is please do not buy this hideous and ridiculous contraption. You won't look cool riding it. You will look like a ridiculous bell end that has lost all sense on reality. This excuse for a motorcycle is an absolute heap of garbage and should have never left the drawing board. It's a shitter of a bike and I absolutely detest the fucking useless thing

[@nachohernandez9491]

Wow I actually love it I do Cross country on it and it's been a dream

[@littlehedchog123]

Tell us how you really feel

[@robertdaley1194]

What do you ride PG ,any recommendations?.

[@robertdaley1194]

I think you do Stand Up PG.🤟

[@robertdaley1194]

Wunderbar.