When you mentioned BMW spending the R&D on the engine it all became clear. They haven't done that for one model so expect something similar to the R9T (R18T?) and maybe even something touring or GS like. There's a lot of headroom for power at 50hp/l.
The world is a better place with Zack and Ari in it. Props to Revzilla for giving you both a platform to put out new content -- especially one that we all can see!
Randomly seeing your homie when you're out on a ride is one of life's little joys. That is awesome. This motorbike is not for me, but I guess someone will like it.
So for those talking about him dragging the pegs, My guess is the preload wasn't set on the rear suspension. It comes set at ZERO and you need to adjust it to account for rider weight and accessories/bags. The suspension preload seems to be something that dealers are overlooking on the checkout and delivery.
@@missingremote4388 This was the test ride. It appears that the BMW dealers (Globally) are not following proper procedure on the new R18's and setting the rear suspension preload. When shipped, it comes set at ZERO so as to allow them to compress the suspension to allow it not to move in shipping. During the assembly and checkout ride, the dealer should have adjusted the rear shock preload for road use. Failure to do this will make the motorcycle bottom out, rough ride and drag the pegs. Both the dealer example and my personal R18 were delivered with the preset at ZERO. Once corrected the bike is a totally different animal. I hope this clarifies the issues as to why many of the press people are dragging pegs in the simplest of maneuvers.
@@laryangel4082 I guess if you still possess the mentality of a 17 Year old going through puberty, and think that the performance of a bike is judged by whether it can pop a wheelie it would disappoint you. If I want to pop a wheelie, I'll do it on my K1600GTL.. I own an R18 because it is a retro-styled cruiser.
This is absolutely a "throwback" to a 100-year-old design. The 1937 BMW R5. The entire bike, not just the tank. Check it out. It's an amazing bike... and a design that evolved the medium and is still felt today.
I just love these guys. Stoked Revzilla picked up their content. It doesn’t seem that they try to be the best Moto content guys, but I think that’s what makes them the best. Pure Moto enthusiasm. It’s refreshing and always appreciated. Cheers boys!
It’s a shame the rear shock wasn’t set up for you. My R18 rarely drags legs except on the very tightest of turns. The seat I definitely agree with, changed mine for a Mustang and it’s transformed it for me. So comfortable and you sit slightly higher so you also get more leg room.
Checked it out today and right away hit me in the “feels”. The retro look, quality...open dive shaft, WTF..... I’m a “senior “ cruiser guy, so scraping a foot peg not the way I ride. Ordered it. Will go nicely with my Softail .
I'm not sure if someone has already commented, but the R18 is based on the original 1936 BMW R5. So as for heritage, yes: it's there. I'm no BMW fanboy, but this might be the bike that gets me interested in a cruiser.
I’d be interested to see a bagger version. Way too much dragging on corners for me though. Wish they would have just built a new R80 type of bike, proper retro for BMW.
They tried to compete with Harley and failed in every way, IDK why these are selling so well when Harley offers a motorcycle that is better in every way, for less.
I often go to work on a bmw test track and see the prototypes, and I can tell you there are a LOT of baggers, tourers, etc versions of this bike being developped. Wait a bit and you'll probably see a bagger r18
I love the reviews that Zack does: entertaining and informative. I am, however, able to separate facts from opinion. Keep in mind that every rider is different in riding style and preference. Zach is no exception. His preference is not for a bike like this as stated in a different video. I watch this review and read all of the comments. With the exception of Zach, there seems to be a lot of people weighing in on this bike without ever riding it. I went and rode one for myself. Great test ride with no scraping pegs. Keep in mind, I don't ride it like a sport bike.... This bike is not for everyone. I wasn't meant to be. Some people like the lower seat height for a variety of reasons. I would find any bike that has a 31"+ seat height as a negative. The looks of this bike are definitely different. You should take one for a ride and decide for yourself. Be careful , you may wind up buying one like I did. Thanks again Zach for the entertain review.
I have a BMW r1200r and really enjoy it...it's one of my favourite bikes of all time..I will not test ride an R18 because I know I will buy it!! hundred percent agree with your post.. take care enjoy your Bad to the Bone BMW bike! 👍
Considering he’s not a cruiser guy he was pretty complementary. A few added details 2 years later. These ‘21 FEs were $13999 all day. My ‘21 FE Classic was $15988. Both had BMW incentives that took that down about $1900. Fairly, this model is no more a touring cruiser than an Ultra is a run around town grocery getter. Most buyers took these as a bit of a throwback, wanting something other than the stereotypical American cruiser. It’s not for everyone just like the H2 isn’t for everyone. If you’re a dyed in the wool HD guy you’re probably too entrenched in that style to be tempted. Maybe not. The Classic version (think Heritage) is much more rider comfort and distance friendly. The biggest knock will be the seat (pretty hard) and the often refilled 4.2 g tank. I’ve done 350 mile days with zero issues. A set of engine guards with footrests solve most of the issues over a long ride.
Love the minimalism. No wires exposed. The whole engine is visible like nakeds should be. I would buy one but like Harley’s, anything over 500 pounds, too heavy.
I don't understand why people are having a hard time with an exposed drive shaft when most MCs have an open chain drive? Seems like if anything it would be a tiny bit less likely to grab clothing and etc than a chain...
Agreed, that is incredibly dangerous. I’m sure there will be injuries and lawsuits over that. Someone will strap down luggage. The loose end of the strap will get caught on the driveshaft and cause them to crash. I hadn’t even considered the shoelaces though. However it does look cool! Modern tractor PTOs all have driveshaft covers as a matter of safety.
Try seeing the bike in person, and you'll quickly understand the driveshaft is no more unsafe then a chain. And if your passenger somehow got their foot near the driveshaft there's no sharp teeth to catch their boot.
"it only has 90 horsepower so its not a ton" meanwhile im over here with my 90's sportster 1200 making a monolithic 57 trying my best to knock the pegs off and fry my tires everywhere i go
@@the.communist I mean, shoot, 24 hp in my CRF250L Rally is enough to blast me to highway speed of 75+ mph (which I do regularly) - 57 to 90bhp is plenty for cruising and touring!
Any gas gauge? Love that bike, clean, nostalgic, modern, with reverse, keyless, gear indicator. Convert that to bobber-cafe, with drag bars, kuryakyn mirrors and accessories. Fat grippy tires. All set. Just keep filling gas and oil changes, needs nothing else. For me, no bike is ready for my like but this one seems a little easy. Like when u did the dirt. And those scrapping pegs. Nice review and video.
Good Review of a bike that no one really knows what to think of. I'm instantly reminded of the R1200C. Not by aesthetics, but in the nature of the beast. Glad you mentioned it's 90s cousin at the end there. The two seem remarkably similar. The 1200C wasn't really a throwback to anything, just like this R18 isn't. Bits and pieces are, but all together, no. A great looking, great riding bike, but a bit confusing when it first comes out. Now, 20 years later, everyone seems to get the 1200C much better. This R18 seems to be the 2020 version of the R1200C.
Beautiful bike. No other add ons needed. Bang for the buck. No need for stage 4 expensive add ons which should be stock from factory. That driveshaft and motor is sick. Low center of gravity!
Sadly it’s every bit as powerful as my stock Harley Milwaukee 8 powered softail. But at least there is A stage IV available on the Harley that takes it up into the running with the Triumph Rocket 3 which will out corner either this or my Harley. If they’d given it at least the power of the BMW R1250 it’d be a different story and you could call it a power cruiser. The Lack if lean and uninspired power at a higher weight than my Softail nixed it for me.
The heritage you say doesn't exist that you referenced is the airhead boxer heritage. This heritage absolutely does exist and is its own type of bike. Many of these old airheads are still on the road today. This design is an homage to the 1930s - 1990s classic airhead-- almost 100 year old design that is applied to a modern cruiser beast. I love the automatic balance that my old '70s airhead produces when I Rev up past 3k rpm. I'm glad that old BMW symmetry is not lost to time.
The instant you initiated the turn at the railroad tracks I literally blurted out, “Oh my word Zach!” My heart dropped at the thought of the R18 in the dirt. 😂
I'm not a cruiser guy so this is pretty much exactly how I'd review any cruiser. Maybe Zack should have handed the R18 off to one of the cruiser fans at the RevZilla shop, then he could have done some flyby's on an S1000RR during the review. Observation on the review - we spent a lot of time looking at the bars... so my comment about aesthetics (which are maybe more important than things like cornering performance on cruisers) is that the switchgear do NOT match the bike at all, they should have given them the chrome treatment and that would have given the cockpit a bit more 'custom cruiser' look. "Adaptive headlight option that leans when you lean" - now that's just cruel, setting owners up for disappointment like that.
Sorry if you don't agree with my review. I feel I'm able to be objective even though I'm not a cruiser guy at heart. As for the adaptive headlight, maybe I didn't articulate the function well but the fact remains that it's an option on this bike and the technology is nifty.
@@zackcourts2280 Sorry I wasn't being critical! I don't disagree at all really (or maybe that I "agree too much" ;-) ... guess I was thinking "I'd not be a good guy to review a cruiser" and it seemed like maybe you struggled a bit too (which made perfect sense to me). IMO it's FAR more important that someone is honest with their opinions since so much of the what we see online is more 'influencer' than 'reviewer' these days. And the last comment about lean was tongue in cheek... was hoping that was obvious ;-) Well really the only part of the post that WASN'T tongue in cheek was the part about the switchgear.
I have zero desire to ride bikes like these but I can't stop watching these reviews! Plus, as an animal lover, Zac turning around to try and save the dog was way cool.Thanks!
Very honest review. better than the rushed ones ive seen and thanks for the "long trip" opinion. I also thought so. Cant imagine 11hrs on this bike, will be a deadly drag
I road this bad boy today at Sandia BMW of Albuquerque in a full race suit with size 12 SIDI boots. She's not cramped and my feet weren't hitting the cylinders, about an inch off. I will say the kickstand is a pain to put up with the race boots, but that's it. Absolutely EVERYONE loves the look of this thing and you one it! Doesn't wheelie though...
Sway-zee: - (adj) Swah-ay-zee. 1) The resulting description of riding a bike in the dirt that should not be ridden in the dirt 2) And Actor from the 1980s notable for his mullet hair style and way with the ladies.
Frankly, I love my bmw r18. I bought this over fat boy primarily because the harley dealerships have become so greedy with markups... I was fed up... Went to bmw and bought this. Didn't think too much and 800 miles later I am glad I bought this. Have been riding this over my Harley FXDR... And I am hooked on R18... What a bike! Go for this bike, you will not be disappointed especially in ROCK mode.
Another great Revzilla review...great top quality gear and top talent...keep up the good work...on a side note, I don't think this bike is going to break down barriers in the cruiser market
As a R/2 R/5 fanboy I would love to see the styling of this bike in an R80 size ..Nice and light under used mortor (Regular gas) 200 mile range 55 HP 55 touque ..Some modern version of the Earles fork and good brakes .. Less power than the Rnine T with older styling .Real suspention though with taller spring seat and single shock ... A modern R69s is what I would love to see .. That wasnt a short bike ..It had great suspention and was bullet proof .. WHen you look at the sales #s on the 900 Bonneville family it seems like a no brainer for BMW to truley find their heritage .. Though the R9T is a great family of bikes I think BMW is missing what made them great in the first place ..
They never set the preload on the rear suspension. (As most dealers haven't) I had to crank 7 turns of preload on mine to account for rider weight. This is something that should be on the dealers checklist.
@@exexpat11 I own a '97 Valkyrie. I have to get my lean on really hard to make the pegs scrape compared to what I'm seeing on this bike. I was looking for something to replace it once the time comes to do so and this BMW looks - looks like it fits the bill, but the clearance height seems a little low. I've ridden in all sorts of nasty weather. What will the U-joints on that exposed dog bone be like after a couple of thunderstorms?
@P. Taylor Our roads ain't all sweepers. It'd be nice if they were. But yeah. the ground clearance is too low. It shouldn't be dragging at that angle of attack.
When I saw the initial press releases from BMW my first thought was "Why?". I've seen their videos on it, seen the photos and the press releases, and now this and I'm still left with "I don't get it."
It's interesting keep saying 'no heritage / reaching for something that never was', is that an American thing? I see a lot of cues from the old beemers in the styling, stuff like the r5 from the 30s etc. Other than that agree with the rest though
Eda Bean I actually asked the guy who was riding it and he said the ground clearance is very good. He said he used to ride harleys and he would scrape all the time but on this bike he hasn’t
Great video. I'm really interested from a design point in this bike. Hopefully I'll get to try one, I'm 6'7 and really interested to see would I fit. I'm still disappointed with where they landed on the stock exhausts, I think they dominate the side profile aesthetic and not in a good way! I still really like the concept and engine!
Bin genau 1,80 und sitze optimal auf meiner R 18 First Edition. Zuerst sind die Fischschwänze für das Auge gewöhnungsbedürftig, aber auf ihre geschwungene Linie würde ich mittlerweile auf keinen Fall mehr verzichten wollen! 😊
I test rode the R18B at Sturgis last year. I found it to be a very heavy MC. First gear was too high. I saw you feathering the clutch while modulating your throttle to achieve moderately smooth starts.The BMW "pilot rider" was also having the same difficulty with smooth starts. My wife was riding pillion and is small weighing just over 100 lbs. At speed, the B model rode nicely when speeds were above 20 mph. Below that, I was always reminded that this is a large, heavy MC. Suspension & seat on the B model were comfortable when above 20 mph.Below that, a little bumpy. Wind protection was good with the "bat wing" fairing. When I arrived back at the "dealer" on Main St., I put the side stand down and with about 2 inches to the ground, I couldn't hold it (I'm 6'2" and 200 lbs.) It landed with a thud on the side stand. I agree with you that this is certainly a confusing MC. The B model is very nicely styled, well put together & feels like a quality product, but it just didn't feel like a motorcycle I'd be inclined to purchase.
I’m amazed how inexpensive it is compared with Harleys. I basically overpaid for ancient technology and shite performance. I could’ve had this or an R Nine T, but I was just on my third cult of Harley purchase.
The physics of a boxer twin: Accelerating in a right turn the bike wants to dive into the turn Accelerating to the left, the bike wants to stand I can imagine a lean off center into any turn would be a good practice to avoid the pegs on the ground
I would of said Claudia Schiffer, or Vanessa Hegelmaier :) Love the exposed driveshaft and a front end style. Wish they go back to building a 60s or 70s style boxer twin around 800cc with some of these features but with a sporty chassis.
I'm so glad that BMW made this bike. Looks amazing and I love the focus on the mechanical aesthetics, easily my favorite cruiser bike. Thanks for showing it off Zack!
Great review! My mate just took one of these beasts for a test ride today & he loves it. He was inspired by my recent purchase( & ride)of a Triumph Storm that i absolutely love. I turned 50 recently & the laid back style & speed of the cruiser is more suited to my (slightly) slower reflexes so i'm just enjoying the riding experience after 30 + years of go fast machines & i'm noticing more houses & scenery :) a lot of people stop to check out the Storm when i pull up at the pub & i'm sure this beemer will attract just as much attention. It's a beautiful ,elegant, classy machine! Cheers
Hey funny I got a 2012 T bird Storm too, got it when i turned 21 and that thing is a looker. Smokes most harleys out there too. Definitely keeping her with my Nightrod special
I really love this channel, but when it comes to the R18 I'm not fully convinced, especially about the claimed lack of "curvability". Look at how "Schaaf" (channel name) was beating the R18 around narrow mountain roads. Can't both be true, right?
I love the overall looks. The pipes and bars need to be changed. It feels like a Harley to me. I love it, but I feel a need to change it. I couldn't bring myself to buy one for the price. However, it would definitely draw my eyes on the street.
Have to admit: when I first saw the bike, I also thought the pipes were fugly. But…the more I look at the thing overall, the more I think the pipes fit. Mind you, were I daft enough to buy the thing, I'd likely go for a classic, upswept-megaphone thing. But, seriously, this is a love-it-or-hate-it machine, and I sort-of love it…but never, ever as a daily-rider. Which is what this YT channel's all about, right?
Really good review thanks. No one else does dirt! Never considered the slow speed torque issue but as I also have an R1200R I know exactly what you are experiencing. The video amply demonstrates this. The engine nevertheless sounds beautiful like a Swiss watch. Very classy. Foot peg dragging hmm not good. I wonder if an aggressive racer riding style will help. But my concern would be tight mountain switchbacks. Your dragging at minimal curves on flat roads! Nevertheless a very chill motorcycle and I can understand the attraction. It really is unique.
Good looking, but so many compromises. Edit: I think the Moto Guzzi Eldorado would be a good comparison and is certainly less compromised than this Beemer.
I don't understand why Revzilla picks riders that don't like cruisers to test ride cruisers. He talks about performance all the time when clearly that is NOT the purpose of the bike. The R18 was built to compete with Harley and Indian, not with Ducati Diavels or the Rocket which are more performance oriented cruisers.
I agree. It seemed like he didn’t want to review this bike at all and had nothing positive to say about it. We get it, it’s not for you, but idc if the bike is for you or not. I just want what it’s like to ride.
I own one. It’s a fantastic motorcycle. He’s dragging the foot pegs because he doesn’t have the preload adjusted correctly. Even then, it’s a cruiser and not a sport bike. Ride it accordingly.
I am not a cruiser type by any measure, but this bike speaks to me stangely hard. Love just about everything on it lol! Reminds me of those WW2 warcycles, looks great, sounds appropriate, and I actually like the lazy way the engine runs. Comparing it to Diavel is silly. Diavel is a power cruiser, or however you calling it. This one is like I am not in a rush because I am not going anywhere anyways type bike :D As a non BMW fan, if I had money, it'd be mine already :D
Great video Zack! It's always a pleasure seeing Ari in your videos lol. Love the chemistry between you two! If possible, please consider daily riding a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX. Thanks!
PG GP Maybe so, but underneath all the girly styling it is still an Sv650. I love my Zx14 and my 1199, but I probably put more mileage on my 2006 Sv650 than both of them combined. It’s just such a good bike
@@GMCBigBlock420 To be fair mate. My comment was a bit tounge in cheek. I actually quite like the bike but could never bring myself to buy one because of the stigma. But I am seriously considering a MK1 sv650 for winter bike. They really have stood the test of time.
PG GP Fair enough, In full honesty that same stigma kept me from the Gladius, and put me on a mk2 sv650n myself (in the lovely bright red). 😂 Hope I didn’t offend.
I'm torn, love the art, hate the dragging pegs. I've never owned or desired a heritage style bike but this would be the bike if I went crazy and bought one. The lack of ability to carve corners keeps me away from this style
R18 looks a bit like abstract art, best admired from a distance and never touched. The peg dragging at what seems like easy turns seems like a deal killer, over cook it ever so slightly and good bye to one of the jugs. They should have revived 1200C, but I guess will see soon enough weather this bike is a hit or failure. Let the market decide.
@@barrettwbenton right, they know this bike will only grow on people who really love motorcycles. Not for some rookie constantly thinking racing a Ferrari in a cbr.
Excellent job on the review. You are correct about the heritage. I built a BMW like this in the late 60s. R68 with the seat post removed and a high sissy bar. Twelve inches on the front end and this bike reminds me of that motorcycle. Same style frame, low seat and long front forks. For me it has heritage but I had only one of the two BMW choppers in the Los Angeles area. The foot pegs on the R68 could be adjusted so it would not drag as much in the corners. The frame is extremely similar to the R18. I rode this bike all over the state of California. Not much heritage for most riders.
I would like an explanation, however, as to why my R1200C "doesn't count" according to Zach? I guess because it doesn't drag pegs incessantly and isn't made just for looks?
So it outclasses the harley in every metric and even has a lower suggested retail price but they havent been making them as long as harley so its not as good. Got it.
