Revisiting the BMW R18 First Edition!

[@michaelbaker9617]

Two years ago.. I bought one. NI’ve learned: -Turn rear preload to shipping, then out 12 full turns.. Haters are riding in shipping position (full in) and yes, it’s harsh. -I NEED Heated Grips, Cruise Control, reverse, linked brakes, and hill stop. -I replaced the stock seat with the Mustang Ryder and peg / legroom improved significantly. -I use ROLL mode on the freeway and find sweet spots at 70 and 80 mph, 5th and 6th. -None of the Harley’s can hang stoplight or roll-on. -I run Non-Ethanol 93 Octane. -The big Beem is a cold starter in the winter. Stock Battery is Meh. -Kate’s original review sealed the deal.

[@patrickmeylemans9627]

To get it off the side stand, turn the handkerchief bars fully to the right… it makes it much easier…

[@blairbrown4812]

12:18 If there's one thing that being a Star Trek collector has taught me is that the least practical items are the ones that are the absolute best and 🎉the ones that we should get,the ones that "work."❤😊

[@andrewd7586]

Kate I’m just on 6’ in the old language & I’ve found my R18 very comfortable generally. The seat is a tad firm/hard, “butt” that’s probably my skinny arse.😱🤭 Yes it is a true cruiser & I bought mine with that solely in mind. After 2 years of ownership, I have absolutely not regrets! It’s a forever keeper.👍🏼😎🇦🇺

[@douglassandiego1852]

I purchased one of the first R18's to arrive in San Diego, CA and love this beautiful heavy weight motorcycle. Came with the commemorative box that has never been opened. Your correct it fits a niche market, people either say not for me, or I love the cool black & chrome look, ride, smoothness - it is very much an attention magnet due to the bikes unique look. For me it's going to be a long term keeper.

[@chadr9791]

Really enjoyed both reviews ,,, this bike is a pure classic of the future,,...in fact ,its a classic right now ,,your honesty is so refreshing, I agree with all you have said about the R18 ,,, so well done and enjoy the summer and as we say here in Ireland ,,,keep her between the hedges....lol .

[@dipseadiver]

Great review. Thank you Kate. Sorry I missed you at the Halliwell Jones event last weekend. PS. The presentation box came with: Copper coloured decal's, a hat, belt and hard back coffee table book detailing the history of BMW motorcycles.

[@UsernameKate]

Haha I knew you'd know what came in it Phil! 😁

[@ravenslament622]

Kate when i saw your video of this bike and I thought Mmmm if it had been in production when I purchased my Harly Davidson 883 Sportster think I would've chosen the R18, im 5'9 and my sportster has a low seat hight but i had no issues. Enjoying your open and honest experiences on your chanel, ride save

[@philipkearns9757]

Hi Kate. Must have missed this vid. Still have my R18 Classic that you sold me 2 years ago. Still loving it. Nice to see you riding round my neck of the woods. Fantastic to see how your channel has grown. A really well put together video which outlines the pro's and cons of owning a bike like this. It very much is about the look and feel. Keep up the good work.

[@okiesilver2897]

I have the R18 FE. Love it, the seat is a bit firm, only 1 hour then need break. I am 6’3”, 34” or so inseam, I find it comfortable riding position, no problem with foot position. My suspension is great, no issues. Fit and finish is stupendous.

[@farleyboy1968]

Hi Kate, I truly enjoy your channel, thanks for putting out quality content. I have only owned 1 bike, my 2014 Can Am Spyder STS. It is pearl white, has floorboards and cruise control and I absolutely love it. It is nice to see that you test various bikes. In years to come, I suspect I shall also own a Honda 125 Supercub. My wife will hopefully choose a bike she likes in the years to come as well. I hope you have a safe and sensational summer. We live in the Ozarks of Missouri, USA and am 55 years young.

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! I really enjoyed that. Beautiful bike for sure and sounds great. Certainly a niche bike. You look great on that beast! Your videos are getting better and better , super job. Pardon my ignorance, but what is a stanky leg? Best!

[@benkelly2190]

This is a stunning looking bike.. ya wouldn’t want to see loads of em, if you owned one.

[@jameshutchins3396]

Some bikes are primary and some bikes are for something your primary can't do. Like a second or third bike. Having owned a few BMW 's I am sure it's sweet.

[@colberki]

I find that it’s better to step on the back brake too to stop my R18 faster. The linked brakes don’t do the rear brakes enough for hard stopping.

[@SoDakTwisties]

I'm glad people have a lot of options in most motorcycle segments. It's my opinion that Harley has done a better BMW impression (Pan America) than BMW has done a Harley impression (R18). I think you're correct about this being made for a narrow demographic, Kate. I feel that the R18 will appeal to BMW fans the same way some Harley fans place a lot of worth on the heritage aspect. The R18 does have a pretty unique art deco style that makes it stand out in a lineup of all its competitors.

[@martyn_g]

BMW have drawn on their own heritage with this one. Not copying HD.

[@martyn_g]

And the Pan Am is not even in the same ball park as a GSA.

[@georgearcher5696]

I'm glad you dig it because it's not pretending to be anything else I can't wait to buy one 2nd hand and I'll keep it forever or till I can't get my legover anymore

[@Keith-rk4td]

I like the first prototype over all.

[@UsernameKate]

That was STUNNING, the uncluttered switchgear of the concept won my heart but I knew it wouldn't make it to production 🥲

[@andrewmanahan2469]

Always like your videos Kate. Really enjoyed this one as I’m 99% of the way to buying an R18 and … I used to live next door to the Fourways ( as Mike rightly said) :-)

[@bertsbike]

I'm 6'1 and find it very comfy. My inseam is 32"... If you're much taller, you may want a taller seat. The suspension is on the firm side, but I like it.

[@UsernameKate]

Love that! Such a classic looking machine 😊

[@bertsbike]

@@UsernameKate Absolutely!

[@johnniel8116]

I would love one ,reverse a plus , but I love my 1600 Thunderbird !

[@ambrechambers7094]

Beautiful bike! All that chrome and black switchgear? Only thing I see.

[@gl2856]

Good vlog Kate, quite a few negative comments from riders who ride for a half hour test ride , shame really because it’s such a great bike , had my Classic from Halliwell Jones and I love it , bought it for my 80th birthday a little before the big day 9 thousand miles later I still love it to bits. I can’t actually fault anything apart from the seat and the screen was a little low for me at 6.1 , I’ve not altered the suspension and it’s perfect , fitted the bagger front mudguard because I use the bike all year long and it keeps the bike cleaner , most of my riding these days is around north Wales , I very rarely use any motorways prefer the twisties , touched down foot peg once , so not really a problem , still have the original tyres on Bridgestones which are no problem, mine had the 16 inch front wheel which imo rides better than the 18 on your bike , amazing engine and gearbox , chassis is quite amazing for the length of bike , but the fit and finish is the best in the world and it looks just amazing in every detail , oh it does have a petrol gauge Kate , also I use mine in Roll and it returns average 54 mpg, I do 150 miles and fill up , servicing at Halliwell Jones has been first class, can’t fault them , all in all perfect , stay safe Kate. 👍 Graham L

[@UsernameKate]

I love the fact that you love yours Graham! You take the bike in the correct spirit it was intended to be taken, more power to you 😊 safe riding

[@mikep.9371]

I have floorboards on my Intruder LC 1500. I describe the ridding position as a very fast recliner / chair. Now you made me hungry Kate.

[@richardallen6432]

I sat on this bike, this past weekend, and for me at 6'2, it felt like I was the proverbial "Monkey having it's way with a Football" while sitting on it. Folded up I didn't like it. It is a beautiful bike, and definitely well made. For cruising around town for a hundred miles or so, it would be fine, but if you are looking to use it to tour a distance...I don't think this is the bike, even though BMW has created a transcontinental model. Just my opinion of course.

[@guywolff]

I would love for BMW to make a modern R80 /2 with a modern Earles fork , A bit longer suspension in the back than the R18 . 460 pounds and a 4.5 us gal tank ... The R nine T has missed the retro mark .BMW made such a classy bike in the 50's and 60's ,I think they could take a large part of the Triumph retro market if they just looked back at what made their early bikes so outstanding ...

[@Keith-rk4td]

Rennsport Replica? I would say yes! 👍🤠👍

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

I saw one at the local BMW dealer in Canada. It was priced 50% of the new price as a 6 month old Demo model R18B. Truly a bargain at the price they were asking....

[@vacoasrebel6729]

New R18's in the USA $9995 6 to 8 weeks ago. Brand new fully loaded $29000 transcontinental models $18500. $8000+ discounts across the range!

[@MaherIbrahim]

I test drive one this morning, i was kinda nervous riding it it’s so so heavy. And yes they have so many discounts on it at the dealer. I just wish it’s smaller and more convenient to ride around town.

[@reeseprince8]

One of them bikes you really Don't need to mod

[@hasanksa362]

I like how you are holding mobile like monitor 👍🏼

[@OCCUPIEDNATION]

6:00 When I first saw you taking the A49 out of Stockton Heath I thought you were going to track test the R18 around Oulton Park. Now I'm thinking breakfast at J&S. 😂😂

[@freemenofengland2880]

Just a question Kate. How did you manage to get from J&S to Frodsham without going through Delamere forest? 🤔🤔

[@StuFrodsham]

I have to visit that place one day !

[@56Spookdog]

It’s a good looking bike, is the reverse gear a true reverse gear or an electric motor?

[@jfro5867]

A lever disengages the drive and when you press the button the starter motor kicks in to take you backwards. Extremely easy to do, 100% safe, works well, it’s strong. Not a gimmick at all. Not needed on flat tarmac but say on gravel it’s amazing.

[@jeremypetch7006]

The reverse has its own dedicated motor. The starter is separate again.

[@geogeferguson]

I saw you at the bike shed on youtube. It would be good to see you riding the BMW electric, THANKS.

[@glennmiddleditch7076]

Hi Kate can you tell me what riding kit you wear?

[@richardsracingmad]

50k subs now Kate…I think you went full time at 30k ish…..so u are getting momentum, congrats! 🎉 it’s 10 times better looking than the Rocket 3, it’s got class

[@chris53small]

so do they hold their value Kate i was suprised to see so many on Ebay with super Low miles for around 11 and 12 Grand from the 2020 era

[@vacoasrebel6729]

New ones in the USA have been going as cheap as Maccy D Chips.

[@AmbrosiasRideOuts]

My R1200c is the 1st attempt by BMW at a cruiser. This bike is a beauty, as you said, it will appeal to the buyer who knows what they are looking at. Had mine since new and absolutely love it.

[@kdsowen2882]

He popped that little-wheelie rather casually and easily . On the topic of Four-ways , 3-ways are better... Dave NZ

[@markhorrocks5967]

Obviously an Avengers fan from back in the day 👍

[@TheHikrr]

Nice Bike!

[@cirian75]

Bloody ell Warrington literally around the corner from where I used to live.

[@jfro5867]

Well done k8. These are lovely bikes, I have one, extremely pleased with it.

[@grhmnz4648]

A nice review ,Kate . You are right to think of the R18 as an individual machine ,not to be really looked at as a Rocket 3 alternative . Great to see Mike as well ,

[@helenloughton2418]

Try living in scotland saltires everywhere😢

[@DailyDrivenBikes_1]

The bmw that out Harleyed Harley davidson

[@vacoasrebel6729]

😂😂😂😂 Not according to USA R18 discount prices! Dealer's can't sell them.

[@pgVeritas]

I think you’re missing the point, Kate. The R18 isn’t about Europe, it’s about the U.S. Since events in Eastern Europe, several German manufacturers will close production, or move a significant amount to the USA. The official reasons belie the truth, which I’m not going to get into here. The official reason is the avoidance of import duty on non-US produced imports. Thus, BMW, which already has car factories out there, at some point within the next 5tears will move all production to the USA. Those dangerous indicators on a lot of other models aren’t some whacky designer’s idea, they’re for the U.S. market where safety isn’t a big thing, but law suits are. U.S. cruise lights and multifunction rear lights have been a thing for decades in the U.S. BMW have saved millions by not having to change lights for US type approval, but unfortunately, it’s at the expense of safety of its European customers. I’m not getting into the politics, but ultimately this whole thing will end in tears, trust me. It’s the last gasp of a dying empire, but it’s too little too late.

[@keitht3055]

Who is the devilishly good looking young man with you 😅? Whatever happened to beardy wierdy! Lol.

[@adammcallister2260]

The first video I properly watched of yours was the R18. Feels like we’ve come full circle! This would be the perfect bike for me but I’d like something a bit more modern styled. Something more similar to the outgoing Vulcan or the Honda Rebel. This is one heck of a bike though. Also shout out to Fourways. I left them a disgruntled review a while ago and was invited down to give them another go by the owner. They’ve improved significantly since then. The new facilities there make it a much more pleasant visit, too.

[@Volksplane1]

It's good you had a few criticisms as BMW can draw on these for further editions. I like the machine and would have one if funds allowed.

[@MrZahir.]

Now that’s what you call a Bike!

[@Jeff034]

Yep, my R18 is for long afternoons. So easy to bag it out, but most never getting what it’s about.

[@kellyco4139]

A beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery 😎

[@chris53small]

the fact they put reverse gear as an Extra is a bit Stingy considering it weighs so much keep on vlogging Kate

[@winni4u]

✌️😃👍

[@larsgustafsson1712]

If i was to buy a BMW that would be the nicest alternative.

[@justininfrance]

What's with all the union jack flags? Are we at war?

[@NeonLuvBar]

You should have taken it over Hardknott Pass ! Just checked out the different R18 models, and if you test ride one, BMW enter you into a draw to win an R18 100 Year Edition.

[@UsernameKate]

Was saving that trip for the busa 🤣🤣

[@ronbailey8370]

Not for me. I need the Rocket 3 please.

[@arthurd.6350]

So just buy it yourself. What's the problen?

[@markgiles8527]

What the hell is up with the fork rake?

[@luisloya1120]

Its raked out - chopper style. Makes the bike more stable and Sexy!

[@chema1546]

Kate BMW r18 uauuu no...

[@malvec9013]

The R18 reminds me of my father's 1974 R90. Before dying, he gave it to an employee that didn't appreciate it and the guy sold it for a few hundred dollars because it was too old. 🙄

[@critterIMHO]

I have strong mixed opinions about the R18. I both like it AND think it’s ridiculous.

[@UsernameKate]

this made me chuckle LOL

[@marcbrasse747]

To be honest: I can appreciate what thy are trying to do but to me it is a bit of a dinosaur acting like there is no ball of fire in the sky. I strongly believe in electric so for that kind of money…. But off course YOU also bravely tame dinosaurs with ease. I am still catching up on your vids but did you try anything electric yet?

[@jfro5867]

On the other hand Marc, bikes that are not solely sold on high performance (speed, acceleration, aggression) are probably the only way forward. In the UK we are being strangled by lower and lower speed limits and speed cameras all the time, even blanket 20mph limits in Wales as one example. Hence the popularity of smaller capacity bikes such as the Enfield 350 ranges. I have an R18, it’s everything Kate says, I love it. You enjoy the ride so much more. In that way I do agree these are the last of the dinosaurs. Enjoy while we can.

[@ellistolchard4400]

200mph speedo is a bit ambitious...

[@UsernameKate]

It's got big dreams clearly! lol

[@stephenbrown321]

⁠maybe its in kph?

[@UsernameKate]

Good shout! You must be able to change it for if you travel further afield. Good thinking bat man!

[@maskedavenger2578]

Looks more like what a proper Beemer should look like ,a big improvement on those GS fitted with three oversized biscuit tins . 👍

[@kentishmale1969]

That monstrosity is quite possibly the worst exhaust I've seen yet on a bike, and would be the very first thing I'd change on this bike

[@vacoasrebel6729]

1. The R18 is underpowered compared to other cruiser bikes, the power figures are fancifull BS when you add in the weight they have to haul! 2. It's built for the vertically challenged, seat too low for tall riders or long legs. 3. It doesn't compare with other cruisers as it can't do feet forwards safely! That particular model has the cheap and nasty external seam exhaust cans. 4. In the USA the R18 range has one of the highest discounts. $8000 + discounts as they don't fit the Cruiser bill and dealers want to off load them! 5. Reports of right hand cylinder issues bring buried and BMW refusing to replace engines in the USA. 6. It's about as cool as cardboard socks. Worst bike to Escape BMW Berlin for 7 decades! Basically it's very expensive in Europe but with some cut back cheap features.

[@jfro5867]

You’ve clearly not ridden one then, obviously. It’s about low revving torque not power. Most people fit just fine so if you really want feet forward or more performance or something lighter buy something else. USA is a hard sell because HD has a decades old strangle hold on the market but they are selling, albeit slowly. I have one. There’s nothing cheap about this bike it’s really well finished. I’m on the R18 owner forums and there are no engine ‘issues’ being hidden either, that’s a lie. There’s always someone poisonous like you on KZbin who whines and bitches about something you know naff all about.

[@jeremypetch7006]

You have never ridden one and youre missing the whole point therefore your points are mute as you wouldnt give it a chance even if had the opportunity.

[@vacoasrebel6729]

@@jeremypetch7006 oh dear! WRONG! I've had the misfortune to ride the R18 range. I was also one of the first people in the UK to ride the Roctane on a long ride. As I said, underpowered, the weight makes the torque and HP issue very evident, and that shows even more on the Trans, Roctane at 370+ and the Trans adds around 50kg with a terrible non adjustable screen. Not good on an expensive flagship bike.

[@jeremypetch7006]

@vacoasrebel6729 Well. I wish you luck with your campaign of critical thinking mate. You obviously enjoy it and somehow think the world is a better place with your opinions present. I feel, however, that in amongst it all, there is a man searching for answers, and obviously, the R18 triggers something that you can't handle. Best you look elswhere to complement your desire for ultimate satisfaction.

[@martyn_g]

@@jeremypetch7006the biggest haters of the R18 are usually US cruiser fans.

[@lakerich1940]

This R18 exhaust pipe looks like an elephant trunk , which is not very good-looking. I choose r18 100 years edition.

[@davidwallace6224]

the problem with that bike is there is no real use case and like all beemers way to f-ing expensive. to buy that you have to be a BMW freak and believe they are the only one's who make a good Moto. I was at "Moto Camping Only" in Luna France a couple weeks ago and most of the Guests were German, a couple of them you could here in there voice anything else is not good which being a yamaha owner and an ex resident of germany, I have heard this a 1000 times before... yes your GS1250 is cool, it's 30K my T7 is 10K so like what are we comparing? stupid...