2021 BMW R18 Review. Bavarian Harley Davidson Cruiser? 

How do you think the R18 shakes up the CRUISER market?

I am a long term (52 years) rider including 6 Harley Davidsons plus other bikes. I currently have a 2021 Softail Slim HD which I am ready to change. I saw the HD Lowrider S 117cu on YT and decided to order one. Paid a deposit and waited. Last week I was finally able to test ride a Lowrider and there is a BMW dealer 50 metres away. So, I took both the Lowrider and the R18 for test rides over the same course including motorway etc. Well, the R18 not only looks better than the HD but rides more comfortably too. Price in NZ is close but the options provided on the BMW are much better…. Cruise control, heated grips, reverse, traction control, LED lighting all round and a more comfortable riding position. So, I have cancelled the Harley and will be parking an R18 in my shed instead. Quite frankly I have had enough of the macho, staunch Harley look and they are everywhere here. I now prefer a quality engineered, retro style cruiser with all the extras already added when you purchase. As far as comments on here trying to indicate BMW is copying HD and any other cruisers, the writers should gather their facts and they will note the origins on the R18. Rant ended.

Loved the video and I picked mine up about a week ago. Not my only bike (I also have a BMW 1200 GSA among a few others) and couldn't be happier with the 300 miles I put on it this week. I am a stickler when it comes to motorcycles and never bought one brand new. This one had me at Hello… I didn’t think it would be as nice as the photos, and it blew me away when I saw it in person. I wanted to hate riding it, but I loved every rumble and turn. The view from the cockpit makes you feel like you’re piloting a Messerschmitt in the 30’s, and gets you to that place where nothing else matters.

I watch a ton of reviews (on all kinds of things) and I get so frustrated that I am compelled to critize often. In this case, I am so very pleased with your review. It was objective, pointing out the good and the bad, and you did it with tasteful humor. Good job, and thanks!

Love BMW shaking up the world. Harley's been resting on their laurels for too long.

After 20 years of riding harley touring bikes, i got mine yesterday and i love it. Im glad i got it, glad i sold my road glide hd to get it. Your review is spot on to my 100 miles i put on it when i got it yesterday.. im really happy with this one.

I like your independent mindedness and honesty. You also show Romania to be a beautiful country. Well done to you and Dave, thank you.

Another great review 👍👍🍀 I love the look of it 👍

Your last comment was spot on! The touring version should be very interesting to review! Thanks for the video!👍

This has to be the best review of this bike I have seen yet! Thanks!

Seems like a great cruiser, but stuff like this just makes me love my GS even more. It cruises, goes fast, has wind protection, can go offroad (ish), and is supremely comfortable. I would not ever buy a bike this limited in performance and riding style, but it sure looks cool.

Beautiful bike in a beautiful city. I never knew Romania was like that.

The best review so far, great work. BMW built it because they can, love it!

I liked the Monument Valley intro & outtro. I've ridden there and it really is beautiful. Very thorough first impression. I like you include a night ride so the lights can be seen working.

I love your reviews and humor. Your English also so nuanced and colorful. One of the best reviews for this beautiful pachyderm. Thanks and continue like this!

Extremely comprehensive review with humor!! Love this guy’s work!!!!

Great honest review Dave👍🏻 I’m still waiting for mine here in Australia! I can’t wait🤤😍🤤😍

I’ve never seen one of your reviews. I really enjoyed your comments and humor.

Magpies ... magpies like shiny things ... and Dave. Dave is probably thrilled with shiny stuff.

I’ve never owned a cruiser but must admit feeling a guilty pleasure looking at the R18. Looks stunning👍🇦🇺

Interesting to see if Harleys adventure bike is as good as BMW s cruiser

Gosh, What took you so long? I gave up my exclusive BMW dealership in 1988 and neglected to take a bike for myself after I passed the shop to my apprentice. In the meantime you folks at BMW Motorrad made a lot of beautiful bikes but none that suited me. The R80 has me dreaming all over again and I can't wait for the opportunity to ride one. I give it a dozen thumps up.

Dude your best review ever. You rock.

Great, infotaining review!

frumos intro! a meritat asteptarea de „cealalanta“ ieri in plus mi-a facut placere sa te cunosc personal in Otopeni la BMW!

Great stuff, mental bike!!!Believe me, very soon you'll have to pay extra for such a luxury as vibrations, good job, BMW, cool video LWHome, Dave's deserved an ice-cream. You are always humourly clever enough to pick the authentic pleasure bike. Thanks.

Great review, loved it.

Great video and a great review LWH. finally you included a review of the fuel filler cap 🤣

💪🦴 you said it !! Beat you up! Well with every review I fall more in love with the R 18!! I had a chance sit and start one ONLY!!! Can't wait to test ride, thank you for sharing 😊.

Totally agree, rode this last weekend, absolutely loved it! Perfect city bike

Great review, thanks !

great review. nice seeing the different point of views

I loved it when I revved my Moto Guzzi too. It’s okay to love quirkiness. The rails are a cruiser thing. You have been adventure biking a long time obviously. You have been admiring this motorcycle from afar for awhile now, even though you got to spend a few hours with one before they were released. I’m really happy that you finally got to ride and review one.

Not for me, but wow what a machine. Great review, thank you 👍

08:12 Perhaps the tiny "beep" is just a warning for when the real HORN steps in ? Next time try holding the button down a bit longer and we'll know. Thanks for a great video !

I’ve been on my Sportster for 5 years now and was thinking of upgrading to a Softail next year. But then came the R18 and I’m at the point where I can’t make up my mind. It just looks absolutely beautiful.

Good review, I went to the R18 opening night here in Melbourne and I loved it! Just 3 times the bike of my R60!!! By the way can't wait to get to Romania one day by bike and see your country!

I like your reviewing style very much!

great and honest review..

I’m sold after my test ride !!!! This bike is Awesome!!! And I owned a Harley.

I’m considering purchasing this bike and have watched several reviews including the Soul Story by BMW… Your review is by far the most entertaining I’ve come across…with your conclusion happening to be the exact same bike I’m considering…I’m feeling more likely to buy it!! Thank you!

Nice review Dave, awesome bike. You should maybe try another non-Harley custom cruiser , the 2014 Honda Valkyrie . Curious seeing your opinion on that one . Cheers mate and safe rides 👍

Very nice information. Nice presentation.

As an ex BMW R1100S owner I love it. But as a current Moto Guzzi California Audace 1400 owner I know my Guzzi is a better motorcycle more power more revs less weight(Audace is 315kg wet weight) I tested a HD Fat Bob 114 and my Guzzi accelerate better turns better and brakes better then the HD. I recon the R18 is more of a Softail Slim od Deluxe competitor then the Low Rider S or a Fat Bob. I'm happy that BMW build it and I hope it will sell well!! Definitely better then the old R1200C!! It's a Lovly looking bike! Moto Guzzi California Audace 1400 rides and have a ground clearance similar to a XjR1300 not a normal cruiser. Now if You ever gonna have a chance to ride one of the new Moto Guzzi 1400 just make sure that You put it in veloce mode(Italian for sport) wich is sport mode equivalent of BMW Rock mode! Roll mode = turismo on a Guzzi and rain = pioggia!

And Raccoons. They like shiny things too. Great review. Love the channel.

Again, a great video! It sure is a beautiful machine. Though I would not dare to take it out in fear of having the perfect chrome finish getting scratched. I much prefer my non-chrome, blacked out bike. And I can cruise on it, too. But I imagine if you are really into chrome-cladded cruise, this is a very good option. And I have a very soft spot for old BMW bikes...just beautiful. Yes, BMW got it right here IMO with some modern bells and whistles, but it does not get in the way of the cruise experience.

Great review. R-18 is a work of art.

Nice review! I think for those looking for a cruiser this bike is likely of interest, particularly with Harley seeing more and more concerns raised about it’s long term survival. I doubt it will sway any Harley loyalists however. And personally I think it’s pretty but otherwise could care less - just not into cruisers. In the end I think it will be a small niche bike, and doubt it will blossom into a big platform like the R nine T did. But then I’m not a cruiser bro, so what do I know?

It looks great and if I was in the market for a crusier, I would take it for a test ride. But for now I will stick with my R1250GS!!

Saw it live.....ordered it. Just got me in the feels but being x-south African, have a BMW bias, and Berlin is a beautiful city, who would not want Berlin built.Love the commentary style, makes me long for Pretoria where Naas is still Baas,......lol.

This is a good review

Wanna have!! Thanks for a good video!👍

Thanks Bloke, this review is exactly what I was after. Maybe next year for the new bike for me though. First we have the building of the new shed to house the machine or the boy children will be sleeping in the garden shed. I am a bit concerned about the vibrations you mention. My hands tend to go numb on the bars if the bike vibrates too much, which makes throttle and braking... exciting to terrifying.

Thanks for your interesting program. Just bought one of these bikes after a 100km test ride in the rain and sun. Traded my R1250 GS. I love the gear box and general deep character of the R18 engine.

I used to own a 2001 R1200C, still miss that bike, I own a 2017 R1200GSA and as of my birthday, I now also own aR18 , thanks to my awesome wife. This was a surprise birthday gift,!! I have been lusting over this bike since the concept was first introduced. I am over the moon about the looks, torque, ride, Torque, modes, and the ability to put me in my riding zone in under 5 miles riding her, oh did I. Mention torque?

What a great review. Very professional. I don't think the R18 shakes up the cruiser world but adds a very nice and different flavour to it for those who don't like the taste of HD. Personally I ride I Triumph Thunderbird Nightstorm and love it. What would hold me back from buying an R18 would be the high price (I am probably not the target customer then) , the left and right shaking and the lack of leg room (I am 1.90mtr / 6.2ft tall). Love the look of it though and looking forward to next season to seeing them on the road in the Benelux and Eiffel.

As usual a great video, i wonder in what part off romania you are testing the bikes, i visited romania the first time in 2005, i only saw bad roads, so bad that i crasched the rear suspension off the Yamaha royal star venture i owned that moment, from 2006 till 2012 i owned an 1800 goldwing, with these bike i visited romania every year, than from 2013till 2019 i had a 1200rt, with this bike also to romania till my last visit in 2017, now i own a 1250rt, and planning to go again to romania, it became my favorite country for bike hollidays, aldo i almost never find roads with good asfalt like in your movies, they are a pleasure to look at. Greets

3:55 You might be projecting a little: nobody is staring at you, you are staring at her 😂.

Beemers & Badgers...sounds like the makings of an interesting series!

Rumor has it Dave likes this bike a lot. Working with you must be stressful for him.

Hi, thanks for the great review. Can I ask you about your size and how that fits with the driving comfort? I‘m 6‘3 and considering a R18 test ride.

It's crazy, I'm planning a trip to monument valley utah and I'm needing a bigger bike for it. I'm looking at this because i found some nice used ones for a good price and here i see you in monument valley. It's a weird coincidence i get to see it thrive in the exact environment, that im worried about my old carb'd honda shadow running in. I need to be able to canp over night and eat the trip without heavy maintenance. My shadow needs to be given a fresh tune up and pretty much right after to maintain reliability at these conditions

Long way home on the red light is like TMF on the white vans in his videos 😄 Mate,I think we counted all the traffic lights in Romania trough this video 😵

I watched this as keenly as an “Ostrich attracted to a shiny thing” cheers from Sydney, Australia

My local dealer in central California posted they have one in the showroom...need to check it out in person today.

Your demonstration in the BMW r18 with awesome is such a beautiful bike Isaiah's more beautiful than any Harleys out there I get another bike is going to be the r18 No Doubt

Would like to see a touring version of this bike. The low rpm nature and reverse are great attributes. Put nearly 500,000 miles on a pair of goldwings and liked the low end power and the reverse, also stability in crosswinds was great. Right now I am on an R1250RT and like it. This looks like it could be a great basis for a touring bike, with some improvements. As to Harley, they have never built a motorcycle I wanted.

thanks for the cool video! Speaking of riding comfort, how tall are you?

Heat is energy. It doesn't rise. Hot air rises. It's a better-than-average review but what about the cruise control, maintenance difficulty and expense, I would have liked to see more about slow speed maneuvering.

I currently own 5 Harley Davidsons, from a 48 to a heritage softail, crossbones springer and a custom springer. I ordered My r18 up in Canada last week. Going to get it the exact way I want it. Will be ready for the 2021 season. I own all sorts of bikes, and I found this one to be very comfortable, not sure how it will handle 6 hours of 110 kph, but cannot be any worse than my 48 sportster.

I tried HD some models and R18 ... R18 is so solid and metalic, no brainer for my European taste!

Glad you like it. I saw one at the dealer and it didn't do much for me. Me being a shorty, it did fit me okay though...except for my foot contacting the cylinder. Was offered a ride, but as I wasn't attracted, I saw no reason to put miles on their machine. If I was going to buy a Beemer, it'd be an RS. Sorry, as a cruiser, to my eye, it's not in the same league as a HD. Also not a fan of vibration and HDs do very little of it these days.

A beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery and a total blast to ride 😎

Made a booking after watching your commercial

Off road!!! Good lad!!!😂😂😂😂 My thoughts are: what a huge ugly rear end, covered in denim saddlebags!!!😂😂😂😂 I really enjoy these reviews as the are so comprehensive and wee presented. All the things required and boxes ticked. Good job. Thanks for good work as usual. 👍🏻

Great review! The best so far! What an intro! Magical... and the photo with the growel reflecting on both the exhaust system and top covers! Phenomenal! You should make hollywood flicks! - - - But no! A BIG nooooh! Not ostriches! Nor badgers! Your thinking about magpies! They like shiny things, almost st as much as the Binky-guys... /Hugo

Nice! Sick bike...

Considering touring, the optional windscreen and bags will take care of your concern

If I could afford it, I would love to have this bike as a second or third bike to just take out on sunny Sundays for a drive in the countryside and around town. I love it. The exhaust has gotten a lot of praise for their looks, and I know they look a lot like they did in the 1930's models but I just think they're ugly. I think you should have talked about the very, very cool exposed crank shaft. Apart from that, great review.

nice city bike! perfect for a short trip to your local Starbucks! 👍😎

You made me laugh- a rare event. Thank you. 🤣. Ps - I bought one. It’s gorgeous. When the GS crowd will ask me at the next club run why (look of utter confusion) - I will say that I was thinking of a small bike but then decided against it. 🤦‍♂️

Enjoyable and informative film. If you don't mind saying, what's the town/city you're riding round?

Drive mag wipe...Haaa...Couldn’t find that product on Chemical Guys website! I like machinery. Hitting the start button on this one will be fun.

Love my Triumph Bobber but this has peaked my interest.......

A lot of people were skeptical about this when it was announced, but many have warmed up to it when they have gotten it. I wonder if it just makes more sense in person or if journalists are just doing the wink and nod with the BMW press bike. I personally am a fan of it and I hope it does well, but not sure if makes any sense. All the cruiser riders I know say forward controls make much more sense for that type of low seating position and cruiser posture.

Magpies like the shiny stuff! Love the style of your reviews - I have sneaking suspicion you spent a lot of time in England, watched a lot of UK TV or have an English wife / girlfriend, The influence has to come from somewhere......

But how would it handle off road? Maybe with some knobblies?

Dude you're hilarious :)

Thank you for the review. By the way, what a beautiful city and country side you are in... Is it Russia?

How does Dave enjoy the pillion seat ?

I wonder how the 16 ltr tank will be received in the US, perhaps to small for the long hauls over there ? Same goes for the "feet-down" riding position, time will tell.

Have you tried the chopper yet? A BMW cruiser with Ape-hangers -Kool ja?

You spoke of old school motorcycling. How does it compare to the Moto Guzzi Eldorado?

Dude, you sound semi South African. Great review!

The place where getting your motorcycle news is easier than explaining why you bought a BMW R18, but not by much!

Love the GS Pro Gloves?Cheers JHB-SA.

How does it compare to the 1400cc Guzzi California ?

The hugantuan 19 inch front wheel surely contributes to highway and straight line stability due to larger rotational inertia compared to a 17 incher.

I’m dying to ride this bike and see how it compares to my 1982 Honda 1100 Goldwing for performance and vibration. My old bike is naked like the R18, and just under 600 pounds. I love the boxer engine; the way it delivers its power, how it looks and how it sounds. But I’ve not experienced a two cylinder boxer before. I would hope that the Beemer with its 800 extra cc would perform at least as good as my 80ish hp, 39 year old brute and if it does, then I will probably buy one because that’s just the right amount of hp and torque for me, and also I think the thing is damn beautiful.

Do a review on the transcontinental and tell me your thoughts on it.