@@mickthemaverick5998 May be you are not into cruisers. Everyone has their own preference and choice. My dad is 58 YO and he doesn't do long rides, it will be just for for very short rides to cafes, gym etc. This is a lifestyle product to me that's it. If I wanted to give him something more utilitarian machine, it would have been GS1250 or Africa Twin.
That's fair enough. Your Dad is lucky to have a son who can afford that sort of present, but unless your Dad is a big strapping fellow I would urge you to take him to test ride it and try moving it around before you commit to buying it. From Andy's review it certainly would seem that the weight is an important factor in the use of the bike. Good luck with it anyway!!
I am fortunate to have a few bikes including a much loved GSA. Just bought my R18 2 weeks ago from BMW Belfast and love it. Safe to say I will be selling my Harley.
I remember BMW going massively off-piste with the5 series looks years ago. Nobody liked it initially then grew to like it. For me, this is the same. Regarding a lack of fuel guage, I have an r9t with the same issue. Simple solution is to reset trip computer every time I fill up. I know I've got approx 160 miles before light comes on. It really isn't a problem - but should be included for the price. Great review as always.
what a beautiful bike !! BRAVO for this exceptionnal beauty !!! a piece of art !! just to put in your saloon for splendid decoration !! it is the reincarnation of the R60/2 (the one with the Earles fork, the one of the french "gendarms" in the 70's) .... but here with a normal fork .... VERY very nice work !!
Thanks for the review! I would really like to see is the touring version of this bike with all the good staff! What is nice is that relax feeling when you are in this bike when all the other bikes today seem so angry! It is like a biplane in a middle of private jets!👍
I love the looks and styling of the bike and from what I can tell the finish looks excellent, I also love high torque engines that don't need to be revved to the red line to make progress but it's not a bike I could see myself living with. I have no doubt that they will be highly sought after in the distant future and has all the makings of a modern classic and from that point of view I can see them being bought as future investments. It's not the kind of bike you would buy if you could only have one bike, it's a bike for those people with plenty of garage space and lots of time on their hands.
If one was wealthy enough, what a great bike to have for a bit of posing on. Then put it away till the next balmy day came round. Otherwise not much use really! Good review though Andy.
I rode one on Saturday and it is worth the hype (IMHO) And the bike looks much better in real life. The only thing I disliked was the hard seat and inability to move my butt around while riding. I imagine an aftermarket seat would remedy that though.
It reminds of when BMW brought out the new Mini. Great engineering, loads of work put into it, but it seems like they found a text book explaining the term “Retro” and followed it page by page while leaving out the soul of the thing.
Wow. I’m impressed with how most of the comments down here are almost universally negative. Which is exactly how I feel! I feel bad knocking it,because the tremendous amount of work and money they put into this bike is obvious. But even though it’s dripping with chrome and all that,it just seems so meh and unoriginal. It feels like a bike that was built to be awesome. Instead of it just organically BEING awesome! Like I said,I feel bad saying that about such a nice bike.
I had a similar experience with a Kawasaki VN1500 many years ago. I fell in love with the looks and bought it on that basis. Riding it away I was immediately underwhelmed. I swapped it for a Hayabusa barely two weeks later.....
I totally agree this is the result of some designers personal indulgence and has no place in the real world. Sales will flop but on the flip side anyone that does buy one (which will be few) it Will eventually become desirable due to such small production numbers. But you going to have to stick it in the garage and wait a very long time
The engine would go well in an early 1900's replica aircraft or a small swamp boat. Imagine what Allen Millyard would get up to if given two or more of these engines to play with...
Stunning looks, but weighs a ton, no cruise, no fuel gauge, no quick shift, no bags, no fully lockable system, 3" rear suspension make it less attractive. Here in the US, you can get the highly desirable best selling HD Low Rider S for 18K while this one is $22K. Tough decision. I am glad I love my GSA, so I don't have to worry :))
One drove by me about a week or two ago when I was out on my Harley Forty-Eight, took me a few seconds to twig on why this dude was over taking me so slowly (to let me get a good look) then I seen the pinstripes and instantly realised what had just riden past me. It was a beautiful machine though I couldn't hear it at all over my own, he rode around the twisties and straights with a very relaxed, laid back and cool look and the bike made it look effortless, truly cruising. Whilst I think the bike is a beauty I did prefare the concept, the pipes just look too big and to me something got lost between design and production but still thumbs up from me.
BMW: We love boxers, why is nobody making a boxer cruiser?! Untapped market in the prime ‘can afford a BMW’ age range! TMF: I’m short and my feet touch the cylinders. Harley: *laughs from deathbed*
Thank you for posting. From my perspective, it is a beautiful looking bike. Love the exposed drive shaft. The BMW logo on the side of the gas tank, is it actually screwed in, or is it glued into place with faux screws? Interesting, other reviewers have commented about the foot pegs scrapping. Are the options on the bike you tested different?
First of all, you're the first one to say the pegs are high. But what i fail to see is the point of this bike. It doesn't do anything as good or better then the already existing models on the market. And it's really expensive for a weekend toy that can't keep up with most other bikes. I'll be surprised if this bike does well. It's like the Niken for me. Fun concept, and nothing more. 💖👍🏼
I cannot help but compare this to the Triumph Rocket III; at least where i am, they are priced fairly similarly, and the Rocket just adds so much more as I see it (not just power).
YEAH sure !! the Rocket (the 2012 model) has it ALL !!! such a monster bike ... the R18 is also very nice bike, a piece of ART as decoration in your living room !!
I took a good look at it at my local dealer this weekend and I think BMW did a great job with design as well as with the fit and finish. The engine is stunning, and I think there is just the right amount of chrome for that type of bike. I love that, like the Nine T, they used the oil and air cooled engine. I’d be tempted to start it while on the side stand, given that initial side to side torque shove. I do agree that some after market pipes and a bit more free flowing exhaust would look and sound great. I’m currently a sports bike and sports touring bike owner, but I’ve had large cruisers before and I think this one will stand out as relatively rare (compared with Harleys and Indians in the U.S.) and distinctive. I especially like the exposed drive shaft. By the way, I suspect the rear preload could be adjusted to better suit the individual rider.
@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne it's a really pretty bike and it's so fun to ride. It makes me feel a million dollars so I'm happy to sacrifice a fuel gague! Try one out, you may see the light :)
@@magpiemorris4054 I've had a few bikes of similar shape and they cripple my back. Ironically the most comfortable bike I have found to be is the Kawasaki ZZR1400
@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne Ah, in that case I wouldn't reccomend it. Comfort is deffo not one of its strengths! I'm still in my 20s and can only really enjoy 1.5hrs at a time.
I have to say your review is spot on. I agree with everything you liked and disliked. I was, however, not surprised that the handling was good. That boxer platform has never failed to impress me with great handling. I’m a bit surprised with the number of negative comments. I guess the takeaway is, love it or hate it, it is impressive.
I saw one close up last week at my local BMW dealer and it’s an eye opener for sure especially with those massive boxer cylinders sticking out like big ears, however I’m not a massive cruiser fan and the weight of this beast would be the main thing putting me off considering one along with the lack of a fuel gauge (what were BMW thinking?). The Triumph rocket looks much better IMO. Thanks for the intro to it anyway Andy, ride safe.
To me it's a typical dentist and lawyer's bike. Nice for the sunny Sunday afternoon cruise, leaving the Porsche in the garage. Beautiful to watch though. Thanks for the show. 👍
Thank you very much for your good work but everything about the bike appears wrong to me, I just cannot find anything to make me even test ride! Had a C1200 once which was far more practical but the BMW allegiance to half a VW is prehistoric! The US guy who tested it was running on pegs just going on/off the freeway, no, it is really a Morgan on two wheels!
I love the looks of the retro bikes all the manufacturers are putting out these days. Maybe because when I started riding thats what bikes looked like! I think this Beemer looks gorgeous. I'm not a cruiser guy myself, but I do appreciate the styling. I currently ride a 2018 T120, so I've got the retro thing covered. But im really loving the new batch of Royal Enfields as well. I may have to add one to the stable.
Nice review. I’ve been intrigued by this bike since I first saw it so I was interested to see what you thought. It’ll be very interesting to see what the future holds for this bike. What I love is that BMW is trying new things (Triumph too for that matter). Good on them for making something beautiful. Even if I’d probably never buy one I like it.
The concept bike was (in my opinion) one of the most stunning bikes I've ever seen, unfortunately due to the compromises enforced on manufacturers, it lost the carbs, the better looking exhaust, the bar end hinged levers etc etc etc. I don't understand the obsession with a fuel gauge, if its similar to the setup on my R nine T, a light will tell you when you hit reserve, a display will then indicate how many miles till empty, surely this is more accurate than a digital 'bar' gauge or analogue set-up ?. I agree about the lack of cruise control on a 'cruiser'. Finally, it's clear by your excellent road test that during 'normal' riding you will rarely scrape the pegs, but if American road tests are to be believed, it happens on every corner ! I would love one of these bikes, but will wait a few years until they have depreciated heavily, as they almost certainly will.
Despite the fact that I’m right on the top end of your viewer age profile I’ll be watching your channel for many years yet. I really enjoy your style of presentation. With regard to this bike the biggest question I have is “Why?” Given the time and money invested on this bike’s development I think BMW could have done a far better job. It’s obese. As an owner I would not want to be followed by Greenpeace who will try and roll my bike back into to the sea whenever I stop. I will also predict that this bike has been built for a niche market that no longer exists. We’ll see. Despite these comments, that was still a great review!
Hi Trevor. I hear you have found motorcycles 😀. Bike looks nice when it’s clean, but I’d rather spend my time riding than cleaning. And £20k??? As they say, “Less is More” 😉.
I have a '13 R1200RT, this bike should have been more retro in my opinion. Back to '30's and maybe early 50's styling? I agree this is a niche bike looking for a specific buyer. Not me, I like my bike with weather protection, comfort, relatively light weight and features!
F70100 - You have me spot on. Just out of interest, does a PFD annunciation of MAN-TO-CIAN mean anything to you? Gibberish to most people but “those in (or were in) the trade” will know what I mean. Me, I’m a Bonneville owner. Not too fast and plenty of bling to be polished.
I think this will fall into the category of bikes that everybody wants to have but can’t. However if I had the cash I’d have this over a lot of other bikes, and I’m an adventure bike guy. There’s something about how it looks from behind with those massive cylinders poking out under the tank that makes it like a work of art. However being an Australian I reckon the heat off those beautiful cylinders in summer would get old very quickly. Love the review
I think your review is spot on TMF - perhaps just lacking in disbelief at what you get for the price, but I guess you are used to that being a BMW fanboy and all ... I am no "cruiser" myself, but I see the beauty in it - pipes included - it would have taken so little to make the bike perfect for what it is meant to be. After all, it is a very good looking bike that takes you right back to a time long gone, when you look at it. It almost seems as if it was developed by two different teams; one with a keen eye for the beautiful details, and one that, well I hardly know what to say, one that didn't really have a clue ...
Thanks Andy another one of your great informative reviews covering the important sort of things people want to know. I'm not a Cruiser guy either, so really "not my cup of tea". But the bike is unique and looks beautifully quality built. I also hate those silly looking fishtail pipes on that big Bimmer, are what you chaps from the "old country" I am guessing would call "naff" or a bit "daft"? :) Some cracking funny comments here too! lol
Watched NTP’s review, watched yours, and then the first bike I see when taking the dog out for his morning constitutional, the very same R1800, and that in Sydney’s inner West too. It might be a sign but I think one of the R1250 range has more appeal. Raw engineering though, there’s a lot to be said for that.
Big cruiser with no pillion seat. What a waste of all that power (90bhp) from 1800cc!!!!! It should come as standard with a dozen tubes of Solvol Autosol chrome polish. I just don't see the point of the price. Where is the market when there are many better cruisers at half the price. Not for me but a good honest review Andy.
I would be surprised if there is a second edition. You're the first review I've seen on it though, so glad to see it. Seeing it from behind the handlebars, I was thinking it needs a springer front end. Especially for the price tag if they wanted to play in the Harley market for Harley price. Also, saw a funny statement recently when you pointed out the made in Berlin. A guy said on a motorcycle forum I'm on, he expects his BMW to have German air in the tires, and his Japanese bike to have Japanese air in the tires!
Great review Andy, now I'm certain I don't like it!! Before and after the walk-round you said it has no cruise control, but in the walk-round you included cruise in the electronic package, does that mean it is an option not fitted to your bike? I have to say I think the bike is hideous and I'd rather ride a Lambretta Pacemaker! Having said that I don't ride anything now and my RF900 RW and NT650V are resting peacefully in the man cave. I mention those to emphasise my point about the Lambretta!! LOL
Yes sorry - I think cruise control is an option, but I'm not 100% sure now you mention it, may just have been a slip of the tongue in my excitement - should be standard on a cruiser surely?
Excellent video! I really do like this bike! You present a very honest approach for any biker to appreciate. Knowledge is the key and you certainly deliver! Makes one feel they are behind the wheel of this tremendous BMW R18 First Edition! Nice and low makes the rider feel high and free from the days worries! You ride impressively for anyone wanting to ride safely yet with classic fun to drive you home! BMW escapes the traditional boundaries of all classic low rider bikes. Feeling freedom to ride is the adventure one finds on the back of this The First Edition/R18 ! PeaceAll.
It all boils down to reliability, longevity, affordability and value for money. The bike market nowadays are very competitive and people will buy the best bike they can for the amount of money they want to spend.
The first thing I noticed was as you said, the modern switches on a classic design bike. Definitely an overlook in the design. I have to hand it to BMW for designing and putting this on the market in two years. Same with the Indian FTR1200. They said it was coming out quickly and it did. This is where Harley is seriously lacking, no knew designs. I don't think the new sneaker man in charge can save them.
Thanks for the great review. I love the bike as a design exercise. That said I have to admit that I don’t understand cruisers at all. Over here in the US cruisers are almost the default and I hate getting stuck behind them, inevitably going 10-15 mph under the speed limit. BMW's last cruiser only lasted three years in production. I wonder if this one will be different.
Looks like that whats happening, i just went to a dealership in chicago that has an new 2021 r18 first edition at about $10,000 off the original price. Guess bmw bet big and could not cash out.
I ended up buying one of these this years, a 2020 plate with 3500 miles on it. I have had nothing but constant issues with it. The bike also shows signs of corrosion and has bubbling chrome on the engine breast plate. To top off my reliability woes the dealer (at least mine) has been absolutely awful. Lots of promises and they have broken every single one. Non dealer related if you need any parts for then the bikes essentially off the road for two weeks. My latest issue is a warped disc, binding brakes are an issue I’ve reported from the day I collected it. Took 6 days for a disc to be delivered and I’m still waiting for a calliper. Shortly due a 6000 mile service and I’m not confident I will get the bike back for weeks if it needs anything other than oil. The bike itself is lovely feeling. With correctly adjusted rear shock ground clearance is much better than it has any right to be. Suspension is very firm but makes more sense the faster and harder you ride. The engines great. Has lots of vibes high in the reg range but smooth when cruising. Over taking and accelerating it feels mechanical and alive. My bike won’t do more than 100 miles before the low fuel light comes on. The demo bike I’ve had for the past week does over 130 miles per tank before the light comes on with the same sort of riding. Funny how fuel economy improves when the brakes aren’t dragging. My little annoyances other than reliability are the speedo is marked in 20’s. So at 30mph, 50mpg and 70mph it’s not marked and not easy to see. There’s no digital read out option to help this. The lack of fuel gauge is actually annoying. The entire handlebar arrangement is chrome but the switch gear is very cheap looking black plastic and doesn’t seem very in keeping. One thing you mentioned is the oil sight glass. It’s in the stupidest place possible. I’m sure a small dip stick could’ve been tucked in out of sight which would allow the bike to have the levels checked on its side stand. All minor points but the speedo readout is probably one of my bigger annoyances. Hopefully get my bike back next week sometime. On another note, BMW Motorrad UK are useless if you have any problems and they reply whilst avoiding any of the questions or grievances you asked or made them aware of. The dealer does the same. For a premium brand it’s been very very disappointing.
You never give thumbs down, though you were justifiably and perfectly within your rights to do so with the Honda rebel. Much prefer the Trumpet. Feel the Dumbo's that so dominate would tire quickly.
This was the fastest I've ever clicked on a TMF video, was desperately looking for a GOOD review, and boy did I get it, cheers TMF! (also, I have some unknown infatuation with this bike, hence my excitement!)
Just a friendly warning... The fact you were looking for a GOOD review and the fact that he always holds back on the negatives to not put off potential buyers (upsets the ppl that lend him these bikes) should be enough to tell you this bike is a flop. A very pretty flop.
Great review as always Andy. Unfortunately the crowded foot position is a design flaw and could really affect riding pleasure for those of us with average and above sized feet. No fuel gauge another design flaw and quite a serious omission. I’m thinking this has been designed by accountants and not people who actually ride, a real opportunity missed. I’m not being negative for the sake of it but the two issues I’ve mentioned are unforgivable for such an expensive machine.
Now with the electric age coming, it feels like a final hommage to the boxer engine. I would be very sad seeing it dissapear, but nothing is eternal. I do like the look of cruisers, but I would probably choose the hd softail standard. It too has a very pure look, but is a lot cheaper (only a tiny bit more than a R9T pure) and I already own a boxer; my 16 year old GS has a R9T engine in it 😂
The R18 unquestionably beautiful motorcycle which has all the design cues of a motorcycle that can trace its heritage all the way back to 1936 and the R5. I agree that it lacks the performance chops that have made modern BMWs what they are however in my opinion BMW just nailed it & i would happily say that it's a fantastic replacement for my 2006 Suzuki Boulevard m109r.
Informative 👍Things like foot peg positioning I find gets better with muscle memory and a suitable boot. But get what you mean. That engine is gorgeous. Reminds me of a menacing cyberman or American heavy metal locomotive. Spitting my tea across the room "don't mention the war!" Ride safe. Living the dream as always 👍
The R18 is an awesome cruiser as cruisers go. Just love that giant twin motor. However, for daily riding and trips, the 1200/1250 RT is hard to beat features and performance.
The Fishtail pipe is part of the classic look , put a more modern looking can on it would destroy the look of the bike . Also as an ancient biker ALL bikes have a fuel gauge it's called the MK1 Eyeball , to operate simply unscrew the fuel cap and look in the tank - I've never run out of fuel in a car or on a bike . Great video though mate and you are the ONLY reviewer to point out the ball joint on the indicators , keep up the good work .
Your comment about your small feet hitting the cylinders is a great detail that other starry-eyed reviewers don’t mention! My shoe size is 11.5 & in my riding boots, even bigger! I think the boot/cylinder concern, lack of stretching my long legs out (I’m 6’1) & no fuel range gauge reduce the appeal of this bike, I’ll stay with Harley but fit a reverse-gear from Baker Transmissions. The Breakout fit me perfectly & is more easily customised from all the after-market options available. I think the BMW is ok for short rides but less good on a long-distance camping trip where fuel range knowledge is crucial. I’ve had Harley’s since 1989 and they are a hard act to break away from!
This is a good review which is up to your usual high standard. Early in the video you mention lack of cruise control. At 19:08 you say it has "ABS. Cruise control, traction control". Only one of those statements can be correct.
Yes yes yes! I kinda thought you would like it, it captured me very quickly into the ride, just made me feel great. It does have a few idiosyncrasies but what bike doesn’t. Great vid sir, thanks a lot and kind regards.
Thanks for review. Looks a nice bike. No fuel gauge is nuts. I keep a small orcal astor 125 in France for a bit of fun, but it's no fun having to keep thinking of fuel. A lovely vintage beast but did look out of proportion. Thanks for a great very fair review.
This looks a bit out of proportion to me, the engine is too big for the style. Be much better as a 750 and would probably sell by the bucketloads then.
That is a very good point. I thought the engine was too big for the chassis. A 1250cc would have been good but BMW are going after HD and their Softail's are 1690cc
When there are obvious omissions on a new release it does make you wonder if they've got an eye on the 2022 model 🤔 After all, they have to offer some improvements when the next year's bike comes out to tempt you on to it, but they already know what they are 🤷♂️
I like it.I have to agree about the swichgear.it would be much more in keeping to have them in Chrome.yes,,cruise control would be good but no need for quick shift.Yes,I like it a lot and that surprises me a lot as I have been a Harley man only,for the last 40 years!
Great review TMF. For the people that have not done their homework. BMW has a full Bagger version in the works with the BWW toggle switch and TFT, electric windshield, full fork mounted fairing and all the touring pieces for an American style cruiser. The weight is no issue, if anyone has ridden a full dressed cruiser they can be upwards of 900 lbs so this has some way to go still, my Nomad with a full fairing package was 850 lbs. To compare this to the Rocket 3 is unrealistic the Rocket 3 is a muscle cruiser, and I have yet to see one on the roads in Canada this year. Triumph completely missed the mark with the Rocket 3 for the north American market. There's no decent hard touring bags for it, no fairing no windshield. I rode out to see an 2010 Rocket 3 touring thats for sale, and that bike is almost perfect for the north American market. 2020 Rocket 3's are sitting at the 2 dealers where i live, it has been a total flop in sales here. I think personally BMW have done a great job with this bike, they stuck to their heritage and once all the hard bags are on this and the front fairing it gives people another option for a high mileage cruiser. It is definitely on my radar for next year along with the Indian Challenger and Gold Wing DCT.
Great to see BMW revert to using quality metals and materials. I still think they were inspired to build this from a visit to the BMW museum and those cylinders from the BMW radial aero engine era. Thanks Andy.
it is the reincarnation of the R60/2 (which I have owned in the 70's oohh man ....) !! but here without the Earles fork .... very nice bike ! neo-classic piece of Art !
@@raycollington4310 I think it is very unlikely to happen but anyway on a bike or bicycle you have to look for safety yes and so you do not wear loose clothing or 5 meter scarfs and 2 meter hair in the wind !!! ;-)
Hey guy's. I own this bike, except its the first edition deluxe, with floorboards etc... With the floor boards you seem to get a lot more room to move your feet around. I had a fatboy beforehand and the ergonomics is the same. I had highway pegs on the fatboy which i removed as i don't find the riding position practical. I live in the country so I leave the bike on "rock" always... i just love the torque, dencent brakes and impressive handling for a cruiser... Don't think i will ever sell it. I would like to do something to improve the sound though... Happy riding guys
