My maiden pilgrimage on my R18 TC was a little over 6,000 miles (just home). Overall, the bike is a solid, comfortable big trip machine rolling 10+ hours per day. My feedback is made in reference to many thousands of big touring miles on HD ultra classic, GSA, and GTL over the past 10 years. I prefer the GTL for its its calm nimble quickness, but my Purple Rain R18 Tranny offers a Apollonia Appealing Alternative. I paid well under 30k for my bike, and it's an absolute bargain in reference to HD and Indian. Basically, it's the bmw hd ultra classic with bleeding edge technology, better handling, spine saving suspension, and a much lower price tag! It's a deal!
I totally agree. This bmw is a deal quality features and price. Much better than my ultra. The r 18 b is a real deal that I am strongly entertaining...
I bought the first R18 my dealer received. The rear suspension was terrible, and it was adjusted correctly. The dealer lowered the price to 13000 just to move them.I sold mine after buying two Corbin seats and other upgrades. I took a major hit just to get rid of it. Some people like them , but they aren't for me.
I bought the BMW R18 Transcontinental full optional in mid march. I come from the HD Touring world (I still own a CVO Road Glide Mako Fade color) and this bike is impressive in many aspects. The engine pulls really strong in terms of torque: it's definitely in line with an HD 114 or 117 ci M8 engine. In tight curves and hairpin bends it's way better than an HD Touring bike. Shocks are just great and better than the Ohlins I always installed on my HDs (Street or Road Glide or Limited): both with bumps and with stability while riding at high speed on long curves (no wobbling at all). The 10.5 TFT is from another league (apart that it doesn't support Apple Carplay). The Active Cruise Control is not bad at all on highways and the Marshall Audio system is definitely better than the HD Boom Box 2 I have on my CVO Road Glide. Attention to details and perceived quality is at the highest levels. That 1800 cc Boxer engine and the Cardanic transmission are two pieces of Motorcycle Art. Weight while parking with engine off is exactly the same one as perceived with an HD Limited: I never used the reverse gear. What I really miss from the HD world is the various Stage 2 or 3 or 4 and the huge number of third parties exhaust systems: nothing here (only the standard R18 has some exhaust system to choose from but not the B or Transcontinental).
Fun fact: I test drove the standard version of the R18 and learned that the percentage of plastic parts on the bike is extremely low (it was >5% if I remember correctly). Hence the extreme weight but everything you touch meets expectations.
@@veiledallegory What does than mean? You don't like it or you think it will be judged unfairly. Seems like a fairly useless comment and sort of a strange reply to the comment. Do you have a bike and what kind so we can see from what perspective you're looking at this.
The basic reason I bought R18 after loosing interest in street riding years ago. Quality, pure metal and chrome, design is beautiful, I use only Rock mode ... machine is spot on for me at least!
I swear to god, your channel is one of THE BEST. Everything about it is just great. Your subjectivity and objectivity is highly appreciated. Your explanations of all that stuff, articulation, everything. Keep it up. Good stuff.
Nice to hear someone else who doesn't blast their music everywhere! This is one of the most detailed reviews that I've seen on a bike. Thank you do much for this video. I really feel like I've gotten a very honest and full review of everything I wanted to know about this gorgeous bike.
Cornering clearance is why I love the K1600. Big power, lots of lean before I’m scraping pegs, can fit highway pegs, and it’s almost as heavy but doesn’t feel like it.
Also to add, this is by far the best review of this bike period on the internet. Fantastic videography and attention to detail, hats off to you Sir 👍👍👍👍
I put about 12,000 miles on an R1200C before the transmission gave out, so I'm still shy of BMW's dry clutch (even the slipper) on the R18. But other than the transmission spindle failing, that C was the best all-weather bike I have ever ridden. The front telelever suspension practically eliminated "nose dive" when braking and it felt incredibly stable (with Michelin tires) in the heaviest of downpours. Given that it was built the way Germans thought a cruiser SHOULD be and not what Americans wanted it to be, it was an odd duck. More of an underpowered roadster than a cruiser. Like all BMWs it was over-engineered with multiple integrated systems and every fastener held at least three parts together, but I really loved riding it and was devastated when it gave up the ghost on the side of a highway on Christmas night.
I just picked this up a few weeks ago. For a cruiser it is excellent. Fit and finish, attention to detail is unmatched. Definitely not a Harley or Indian, but when parked, it does get much more looks than the others. There is a learning curve if you are used to big V-twins, but with all the standard options it is a better buy than the other bikes.
I am absolutely not interested in getting one of these ever, yet I still loved the review! Thanks for a thorough breakdown, as always. I will admit that reverse function is pretty neat, never seen that!
Thanks for being a person that doesn’t blast their giant 2-wheeled boom box in cities/towns 👍. As a city dweller, the stream of loud pipes and loud stereos can be oppressive at times. I realize people have the freedom to run their bikes this way, I just appreciate it when a bit of consideration is used.
18:25 the R18 has the best stand. Once you put weight on it and the bike settles on the stand, the stand is locked into place. It won’t be able to move unless the bike is level, then it’s unlocked and can be swept back. It’s a great stand-you don’t have to worry about the bike rolling forward on it’s stand and tipping over.
This was very useful! I am at a crossroads, deciding between two bikes and this is one of them. I had nearly written it off but finally here is a review where the rider actually RIDES THE BIKE through some real roads. Power was tested, braking was tested, cornering was demonstrated, without fear. Thank you.
Yes, but why? Because some bikes are not built for mass consumption. Lump this in with the Triumph Rocket 3, Ducati xDiavel, Harley CVO's, Moto Guzzi MGX-21, Yamaha VMAX, etc. You don't see many but when you do you stop and take a second and third look and marvel at the design and engineering. These are the bikes you sit on at the dealer when you're really there to buy a BMW 310 GS.
Came here because of the bmw r1250 gs adventure ! But got stuck because i love the way you touching ( showing ) and reviewing the motorcycles so that we can see the rigidity of the motorcycle and pointing and showing the parts what it is and love the way you explaining stuffs through out the video ☺️ me so likey ☺️❤️
I bought the R18 Bagger in October last year. Before, I rode the Triumph Rocket Touring. The Bagger, in comparison to the Rocket is much more manoeuvrable and easier to ride. Depends what you're used to. The Bagger only vibrates at idle, anything above that doesn't cause any vibration, at least not noticeable. Good vlog 👍
Thanks for the review. I don't see many Harley guys switching. Like you said, they have to fit a certain mold to be accepted into that crowd. FYI, regarding scraping the floorboard, I believe the lean angle is 35 degrees for the BMW. A Harley Road King is 31/32 (left/right sides) degrees for reference. A Road Glide is 31/29. I think BMW has been hung before they even have had a chance here, not in your video, but generally speaking. It's a certain type of bike. Most people don't have the money to spend on one; if they do, it's going to be Harley otherwise, they'll get teased by their friends. The non Harley rider crowd doesn't typically drop this much money on a bike. It's heavy because they went all in on the quality, very little plastic parts. The good news with the BMW is that you don't have to let your friends sleep with your wife or girl friend like you do when you buy a Harley.
I owned several bikes over the years, including a BMW S1000R and R1200GS. It may be shifts in riding habits or moreso improved understanding of my riding habits, but I am on deck to purchase an R18 Roctane. I am a fan of Boxer motors, and the R18's reminds of me of my dad's R90S from 1976. On the other side I have always loved Road Kings and have eyed the Indian Chiefs, but Road Kings are unnecessarily expensive and Chiefs don't have a hard bag option that I feel better suits the around town and short jaunt style I find myself riding.
The Transcontinental is heavy, but I have found that by removing the fairing, the saddle bags and top case, you can get the weight down to a manageable level. Also, remove the floor boards for better cornering, and put your feet directly on the jugs using fireproof boots. Then select the "rock" mode.
I have been on Harleys for about 3 decades. Currently, I am running my second Ultra. I am really considering the Transcontinental for my next heavyweight tourer. Thank you for you in depth observations.
I probably listened to about 8 minutes of this until I heard that the R1200C had styling 'issues.' Rather than explain what those 'issues' were the subject was changed. The issue of 'style' is a 'subjective' issue. Many to include myself consider this R1200C the epitome of 'style.' It's is, has been on display at the Guttenheim Museum, it was a 'co - star' with James Bond in a movie. I couldn't care less what others opinion of the R1200C I consider a great looking bike. The R1200C looks like it is from the art deco days of the 20's - 30's - & 40's, and at the same time looks futuristic. I own a BMW K75, R1150RS, and the R1200C. I have rode the R1200C over the same type of terrain, and long distance hauls as the others. I've rode it across time zones that most Hauley Davidsons traverse by truck, or tailor. I'd say you ought to qualify your opinions as opinions or pure BS..
I think for a cruiser, this R18 is one of the nicest looking bikes in it's class. I also love Moto Guzzi California's - but these are even nicer looking.
Well Ian , A month or so has passed since my last comment re this test, I revisited my dealer to look at the R18 again and I’m glad I did because they had a couple of R18 custom bikes that had been pre registered with only 300 miles covered , and massive savings on the new costs I also had a great offer on my GSA so I bit the bullet and came home with the R 18 Custom , wow I’m totally impressed with this bike, I don’t have the tft screen which came on the GSA which is ok , I’m not missing it to be honest , the build quality is just amazing , I’m looking forward to putting many tnousands of miles on this bike , thanks again for your brill test reports. - Graham.
I have a local BMW dealer nearby and I've still yet to see any of the R18 models on the road. Maybe they will go over better in Europe and other parts of the world. Having said that, you did a fantastic job reviewing this bike. It is a very unique machine for sure. I guess maybe a BMW loyalist would consider such a bike if a cruiser tourer started to appeal to them.
i saw one a few weeks ago i guess the reason why you never see those things is that theyre standing in some dudes garage looking pretty, being polished every sunday but riding? not so much
I hold no “ loyalty” to any particular brand. IF an American made brand made a bike I wanted at a price that was able to be substantiated I would certainly lean in that direction. Bottom line for me though is value. Value not price. If a $30k bike has 30k worth of value then it would be worth the price; however, I have yet to see an American brand produce a bike that has enough value to validate the price tag. Just my personal opinion/ perspective. Any motorcycle close to the $30k range has got to be something really special in all aspects and there are very few that are at that level yet.
The crazy thing is that either a Harley Road Glide LImited or the Indian Challenger Pursuit is more expensive than the TC, the HD is rudimentary in comparison, no reverse gearing, no ESA, no ADAPTIVE ABS truly very expensive vs the BMW, the Indian Challenger Pursuit has more power, does have the ESA and is much more comparable to the BMW. The BMW only falls down in two ways, sheer weight and any rider over 6 ft tall will feel cramped. Build quality of the BMW is definitely far superior to either the Indian or Harley.
Great review once again Ian! I like that you are doing occasional reviews outside of the ADV/Dual Sport segment. I always look forward to watching your new videos while I’m drinking coffee in the morning!
I loved the bike. absolutely beautiful but in the end I'm 5'7 and 150lbs and between the weight, no adjustable windscreen, and little room between the shifter and the engine jugs I ended up going with a 1250rt. it just fit me better This is my 1st bmw and I've fallen in love with the boxer engine. Great review of the transcontinental
hello greetings from bavaria the BMW country :-) I drive a BMW car and a BMW motorbike, an R18 to be precise, and I love the motorbike. For me one of the most beautiful bikes, unique and reminiscent of the R5 from 1930. You don't notice the weight when driving. it can be navigated playfully. I like the vibration the engine gives off, it gives the bike character. i cruise, i don't do any races, even in the bavarian alps, where the roads and curves are narrower, it's easy to move around. At biker meetings, my R18 likes to stand between the HDs and gets a lot of attention. At such a meeting, an HD driver said to me "I would drive the BMW R18 three times as much as he does with his 114, given the quality." And it's true, the quality is excellent and the weight comes from the many metal parts and less plastic. i would buy them again.
Cruiser ovners are used to taking corners way slower because they know the limit. Your garage is atm probably 80% filled with ADV bikes... but they have clearance for days, so you were auto used to thinking you had it on the R18.
Hi Ian, like you a cruiser type bike was never on my radar either until I had the opportunity to ride one. We run the Rider Training Centre for BMW in the North East of England and are fortunate to have a new fleet of bikes each year( 1250's, 750gs's and 310 roadster and gs). Motorrad UK asked if we'd like an R18 to try and we of course said yes please! Having ridden the demo bike for a few hundred miles I began to enjoy it so much I bought one myself exchanging my 850gs for it (and a shed load of cash obviously). I find it handles well given its limitations but provided you ride it in the way it's intended it isn't a problem. You are correct about weight and ground clearance, I have an R18 classic first edition so not quite as heavy as the Trans and regular pegs rather than running boards but it runs out of lean quickly and sometimes unexpectedly, if you hit a bump mid corner for example, but on fast, open, smooth tarmac it's a hoot! Love the revues, thanks for your open and honest opinions. Cheers, Iain Corser
Thanks Ian, what a great interview. Very in-depth, but not overly so. You seemed to hit the sweet spot with this installment. This class of bike is somewhat appealing to me for the same reasons you indicated, but like you, the weight and price are definitely a little intimidating.
Best reviewer on the web! Gotta admit i find it funny your not a cruiser guy. All the things you hate cruiser guys love! And i agree. The majority of Harley guys are conformist by nature. Despite trying really hard not to be
I got a chance to test ride the R18 classic a few months ago and thought it was an exceptional cruiser bike. If I didn't already own a new Harley I would be seriously interested in getting an R18. I thought it was so well made and had great character...loved it. I'm not in the market for a touring machine like this one, but it does look cool.
Dear Ian, I’m relieved you overlooked the drop test this time. 😉 Maybe the reason why cruiser riders move around in groups is so there’s always a few people to help lift the bike upright if one ever drops it. I never rode a cruiser so I don’t know.
Thanks for reviewing all types of motorcycles on your channel. Very interesting and enjoyable for all of us that just love and appreciate motorcycles. I used to have a Honda VTX1800 (I ride cruisers/ADV/dirt and sport bikes - currently 7 in my garage) and I would argue that the VTX is the best performing, most reliable, long lasting cheap cruiser ever made. I could haul ass on that thing on the twisty back roads and it was only on rare occasions it would scrape (cornering hard). (I regret selling it). The reason I mention this is you rarely hear about them / they don’t hold their value and in my opinion are very under rated in general (there is a huge group of VTX enthusiasts all around the country though). PS that bike did have a big downside though which was range on a tank of gas.
I own a Concours 14 and have ridden other heavy bikes. I like the looks, fit and finish, of the R18, but hate getting this one off the stand. Not pretty, but my next bike will be a Goldwing.
I enjoyed the video. BMW seems to have an enigma on it’s hands here. Beautiful bike for sure. Would I shell out the serious coin for this? No, I would not. My GS is perfect , thank you. My question is this - whilst riding , did you ever have a serious smile on your face? Best!
Great review, I think the biggest difference between this bike and a Harley is that you get the BMW boxer engine reliability. Side note, I am surprised that you managed to get a model with the adaptive cruise control included as I've heard many of the bikes that came into the US in the last couple if years never had it due to the global chip shortage. Also, even if BMW does get 1% of the Harley market it still translates to a significant amount of cash. Cheers Thanks again.
It's noteworthy that BMW choose the R-18, an admittedly long-in-the tooth engine design, to showcase the adaptive cruise control. I'm going to suggest that BMW feels that this feature would be more acepted & appreciated by the target demographic buyer rather then the K1600 rider.
The extremely limited/awkward feet-forward seating position option will deter many of the older guys (with worn out knees) who comprise the majority of the customer base for this type of behemoth. It's an awesome machine which, given the type of use to which it'll be put, will last more than the lifetime of the owner even if he's in his early twenties!
It is very comfortable with the mid mount pegs vs forwards. Forward controls put a ton of weight on your tail bone & I want off the bike in 20 minutes. I’ve done 300 miles day on my R18 literally just stopping for fuel I put in while straddling the bike, so no real time off the bike. Trying the same thing on a forward control Harley or Indian and I had to do a lot of stops to recover the tail bone pain.
I'm one of those few that adored the look of the R1200C (not the cream colored one from Bond movie). I saw the R18TC and had to own it if for no other reason than to admire the classic retro look of it. I've had it for almost a year now and not a single complaint but I've never had it out when I failed to get many admiring looks and lots of compliments. I even had a HD guy comment on the "growl" as he mentioned he hadn't heard such a growl from a beemer. I predict this one is a keeper and will eventually sell well. However, right now you can get this beast for one hell of a deal. The local dealers are offering great financing too!
My R1150RT is dwarfed by this huge BMW Transcontinental. totally out of my budget, but nice to see BMW makes something as huge and heavy like this. Must be soo comfy to ride. And I already find my RT so comfy on the longer roadtrips.
Another superb video as always! I sat one one of these the other day. At only 175 cm this is heavy but wow nice and low and once you're on the go it drives like a dream.
It’s funny… I wasn’t even considering a bike like this… but BMW is running some great incentives on it right now and I just love motorcycles. So here I am having an open mind about it.
I have to agree with most of what you say, a great video as usual , I have one of the original cruisers from the 90s + a 2018 1200 GSA , I was interested in the R18 when it was launched here in the U.K. but the deals were limited so I walked away, but the fit and finish quality of build etc is just amazing , the one you tested is much too heavy for the average person so it’s only going to appeal to a small amount of riders , Harley have it all sewn up like you say , shame it’s so heavy but , thoroughly enjoyed your ride out and can’t wait for you to test the new GS or GSA 1300 , well done 👍
I bought an R18 transcontinental first edition 2 weeks ago. its an amazing bike. definitely prefer this over my harley. time to sell the harley I guess..
When I was about 10, my dad had a 1966 R6. It was black with white pinstripes. When I was 10 it was a humongous bike, scary big. But now I know it was tiny. This bike reminded me of it. I went the Honda route since I was 14. Might have to find the nearest BMW dealer.....
I own this bike, love it! However, navigation I use a Garmin Blinkers are crap, they don't stay on Mirrors are too small BMW network, if you break down, good luck, finding a shop that will work on your motorcycle
There is a European RU-vidr that tested the adaptive cruise control on the RT against rapidly decelerating cars and motorcycles and it did a spectacular job slowing down and avoiding running into the vehicle in front of him without him ever going to the brakes. BMW Motorrad got the adaptive cruise control right. I think the R18 is a great looking motorcycle and when I'm ready to move to that type of riding it will be my top choice if it's still around.
Here in the USA I don’t think Harley Davidson riders would leave for a bmw. Maybe if the money was right, but for me if I’m dropping 25k it’s going on a Harley Davidson!!!
My BMW club in the Northeast US has 5 ex long time Harley riders who bought BMWs. All of them share one regret that they didn’t switch to BMW earlier. I think the biggest hurdle for Harley riders is being willing to even test ride another brand. But once they do, I know several that switch brands. The R18 line can conquest several of them. When I test rode the R18, there were a lot of Harley & Indian riders who gave it a go. Every one of them was blown away. I personally tried Harley, Indian, Triumph & BMW cruisers and ended up buying an R18 Classic…. It was better handling and overall bike than the Harley & Indian. The Triumph was also great, but was a smaller motor in the Bobber. Riding the R18 and rolling on the throttle makes me giggle out loud every time.
I respect that ! Probably true for the most part. But for me I couldn’t take that Step. It would be like a 500$ Stihl chainsaw & echo chainsaw , they may be just has good or better But I’ll pick the stihl up every time.
One thing to add about boxer twin Beemers: Accelerating in a hard left turn, the MC wants to dive into the turn Accelerating in a hard right turn, the MC wants to stand up The engine's geometry creates a gyroscopic effect to the left, only under hard acceleration Just FYI from a fourty year Beemer rider
Let me compliment you sir on a very excellent review. AS the owner of two HD CVO's, I probably would not purchase this bike and I think they should have put the six cylinder motor they have in it, but that being said, I was impressed by your unbiased opinion and review.
Mission Profile. This bike has a specific profile. I have the 2021 Goldwing tour DCT and it has all the feature this one has and then some. Apple CarPlay, movable windscreen and a larger compartment that would fit your phone. The GW does lack radar cruise.
Good review. I am in the market for a large cruiser. I owned 2 Indian RoadMasters and I loved it. I should not have sold it. I am also a BMW loyalist. (GS’s, GTLs, RTs, etc.) But I just can’t get myself to owning an R18 TC. I’m leaning toward trading my GTL for an Indian Pursuit because of better performance. Keep up the good work. Cheers!
@@internetcensure5849 LOL! You're absolutely right. I didn't make myself clear. What I meant was Indian Pursuit has better performance than the Indian Roadmaster. In the mean time, I traded my GTL for a K1600 Grand America. I am very happy with the GA. Cheers!
I bought the r18 on a whim and i am so glad I did. Just put 800miles 5/7/22 -5/9/22 and i was pleased with it. Quality is great and handling is amazing. You can rev it to 5k rpm and shift up on rock mode.... 2 things i dont like Seat is basically like sitting on bleachers... No fuel gauge but we have some dumb voltage info that you will never use.... i am keeping mine. I am 6.075 inchess tall amd 200lbs of pure sexyness...
Good, indepth review! How about one on the R1250RT? With your GS experience, that would be interesting and useful to those of us considering a transition to a more tour-focused boxer.
as a HD die hard. if i had to get rid of my road glide why would i ever pick this over the goldwing much less the k1600?? i just dont see the point especially at 35k...
Can always add highway pegs to put your legs up. Something about this bikes speaks to me as being awesome/special. I'm a fan of BMW's R9t and the upcoming R11t looks sweet too. The R18 is a heavy bike, but it's a all metal and not plastic like on a Harley. That's impressive. More power would be nice. BMW heritage done right, in my opinion.
I was interested in a Victory SportCruiser , so the dealer let me ride the cruiser as it had the same motor. That was the only time I've ridden a cruiser. It was fun, but I'm more FT. I like the oil cooled motors.
"cruiser riders trying to project a rebel image"...pmsl this is so accurate. In just the same way GS riders pretend to be Charlie Boorman. I suspect both sets of riders generally never stray further than their local bike meet (just see how many of both bikes are for sale with next to no miles on them)....
I'm always surprised at just how much I can lean my 2012 Victory Cross Country in to corners. Wandered into this review because I was considering replacing it.
On my K1600, when I have an Aux light out, you get rid of the warning by turning the Aux lights off, then turn the bike off and back on. Since the Aux is off, it does not know it is having a problem until you turn it on.
Nice review Ian. It'll be at least a decade or more before I'll be in the market for a cruiser bike but one thing I know for sure -- it won't be the R18. The thing is fugly and that dash: looks like a 1960s toy robot staring back at you. Like others have said, go with something that makes sense out of the box, like a Harley or, better yet, a Goldwing. Nein!
VERY thorough review, as usual. You nicely addressed the gripes that have been floating around; lack of power, vibration, foot position, etc. You're right in that you have to compare apples to apples, and the only apples this compares to are touring cruisers (Harley and Indian). Given that it has great fit and finish, good comfort and good handling relative to it's segment, the question is are it's weaker engine and lack of foot forward controls, deal breakers. Probably for most, but because it isn't selling very well, one does wonder whether saving 20-25% off of it's competitors' prices makes it worth the plunge. By the way, your test bike might have been north of $30K MSRP, not only because of the Vance & Hines exhaust, but also the Roland Sands valve covers and engine breastplate... those are very expensive addons.
I just bought a new K1600 GT - it doesn't have the adaptive cruise....I personally don't like it...and dont use the one in my car either..hahah...Great review...I bought the K over the R18 because I like the look better,...
