An owners thoughts on the BMW R18 First Edition 

They nailed it. It's a beauty. I am proud of BMW'S achievement. Have had It customised to a bobber. 1st edition, all opps. I would never have a cruise control on a big bike. Have had it for over 2 years.

Collected my R18 Classic last week, after being a lifelong Harley Rider, this bike knocks spots off of every one I've owned, love it !

Great review. I’ve had my R18c for a year. It’s a force of nature and an amazing machine. It brings fun to the ride and looking down while riding and looking at the jugs is incredible. It was worth the gamble to purchase sight unseen and having never ridden any make of full size cruiser.

It's the most beautifull bike made in last 20-25 years. THERE IS ANY DOUBT ABOUT THAT .

I bought a couple of month’s ago. It is a great ride and I haven’t been on a bike with a better finish. Compared to other bikes in its class, I think it is one of the best values out there.

I’ve owned an R18 for 2 years now. The 2021 First Edition. Just kept it naked and…the more I ride it the more I fall in love with it! It’s funny to me here in the states but, with the lack of initial attention with the Covid release for obvious reasons, they just aren’t selling and you can almost steal them from dealers here right now. Personally I love the bare bones first edition with the retro styling versus the newer bagger versions etc. The retro styling that harkens back to the 1936 R5 tend to get lost in those versions to me. The first edition belongs in a museum it’s so gorgeous from a styling standpoint. To be fair, I think you have to like that retro look but even from an objective viewpoint it’s a classy bike striped down naked as the first edition came. Beautifully engineered, reliable, drives and handles awesome with its German engineering, fantastic for weekend warrior cruising up and down the ocean coastline here in Florida, also drives great at lower speeds around town yet has all the torque or speed you could ever want in a cruiser configuration when you want to dig in like that as well. They are going so cheap now from the dealers here in the states that I have thought of buying a second bike and just storing it as an investment! I believe in a few years these will be a MUCH sought after instant classic. It could be ahead of its time. Certainly overlooked. That is until I drive around town. EVERY time I go out and stop somewhere someone walks up and loves it and strikes up a conversation. 100% of the time! People are missing out! And I own a multi award winning Harley bagger show bike as well with 4 times the amount of money dumped into that money pit and I have come to MUCH prefer riding my R18! Anyhow, from one totally happy owner to another? Cheers mate! Enjoy! 🍻👍👍😎

Glad you are loving it Ross. Hopefully this encourages more sales for BMW

I've had mine for 2 months now, mind you that my previous bike was a Weestrom and I use my bikes to commute everyday in the northeastern part of the United States. With that being said, it's the perfect commuter bike. It's boring to ride, relaxed, predictable and smooth. Which in my opinion it's what makes this bike so much better than its competitors, although balanced its a little hard to get use to it but once you get it and aren't afraid of it, it takes corners nicely...sure it's no Penigale or GS650 but it's great for it's shape. I love the bike and I hope to see them more here in the states.

It is an absolutely beautiful bike! Well done BMW! Enjoy ! Greetings from the Netherlands

Love your channel Ross! The production quality, content and format are always spot on. 👍🏻

Absolutely Superb Machine!!!, No doubt at all My favorite Cruiser 👊👍✌️🥇!!!, Thanks for sharing 👍👊✌️!!!

Great review. I’ve had my R18 Classic Highline for 2 months and absolutely love my bike. Thanks for the tip Ross. It’s an adventure every time we do our pie run.

I’m definitely a fan of these bikes, I love the boxer engine 😎

I love the look of the stock fishtail exhaust

The R18 is a great looking bike. Glad you are happy with yours.

I have to say Ross, I love your channel. You are so polished and just a joy to watch. I have so much to learn on my channel to be as polished as your content is. I too purchased a R18 First Edition and feel the same about it. It is so refined and pulls like a freight train. Keep up the great work mate. Eric

I picked my R18 HL up a couple of weeks ago as a demo for a bargain price. I totally agree with you - every time I ride it I like it more. Lane filtering at the traffic lights isn't really an issue. The torque is effortless and the handling is great. HEated grips and cruise control top it off! My biggest gripe is the exhaust - I wish it made just a little bit more noise. The sound is great but the volume is too low for such a special bike. The aftermarket pipes are too loud and unrefined in my opinion. I will probably have a go at making my own mufflers to get what I want. I also replaced the crappy horn with the low pitch horn from an E39 (it is plug and play!) - it now sounds more like a car and not a Japanese 250 ;-)

Great honest and accurate review too 👍 they are an amazing bike to ride and so much fun 🥳

I’ve gotta say I love the look of that exhaust.

good night!buddy.thank you! you made awesome ,👏

That closing shot of resting your feet on the cylinders reminds me of something I read from Neil Peart of Rush in one of his books about touring on his GS, he liked to keep his feet warm using a similar method on cold days before be bought his first heated socks, he suggested that's what makes the boxer engine superior more than any other reason.

As you say, Ross, it’s a piece of mobile art! The other good thing about mid-pegs is the ability to bear weight through your legs to mitigate the impact of visible bumps ahead! Thanks for the video!

I keep an r18 in my garage, a 2021 classic FE, and I also maintain a 1999 R1200C.... Two very different and distinct rides, depending on my mood, both get driven equally.... This is a great review. Kudos to you.

Great vid Ross. I’m really enjoying my 22 R18. Getting close to first 600 maintenance. I li e the fishtails but considering the Pro Race shorty for more sound and engine guards The bike is so balanced especially cornering, low c.g. Highlight: The Boxer Engine is simply amazing

A beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery 😎

Got one, like yours, love it to death, also got a K1600gtl Exc, love that too!

Mate I'm still in love with it. Thanks for bringing it by. For me it's not if I will buy one but when. I just need a left over 20k and I'm in. Great review as always. Thanks again

I decided to get one a few days ago. Very excited! I have a massive wait tho as i never bothered getting my full license when i was young. A long 9 months ahead.

great review

A good and honest review. I am German and own the R18 FE since January. I still enjoy every moment on it. Even the fishtails are growing on me. Didn‘t like them from the beginning. FYI, the pin stripes are definitely not hand painted. It’s a wrong information from the dealers. Anyway, they look nice. Ride safe, mate.

Best pie shop.. I'd say the Grumpy Baker at Bilpin ! Love that shop !

The exhaust is the best thing about the R18 because it looks like the R 5, the only thing I hate about the R18 is keyless and the fact that it doesn't have an oil temperature or fuel gauge

Gosh I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Wunderlich cylinder leg rests!

Great post !!!!!!Love mine!!! Added it to the stable. R1250gsa, K1600 bagger and now this. Had it customized. So much fun. The bike has soul. You don’t see yourself coming and going. I get compliments all the time from admirers…. Mine is stripped. If it’s your only bike , I’d suggest something else , especially if you tour. Not a fan of the touring version of this bike. Suggestion. Demo demo demo before putting your hard earned cash down. Good luck & enjoy !!! 😊😊

I’ve had my First Edition since 2020, still loving it. I made some changes: put on Jekyl and Hyde exhausts, wunderlich oil cooler cover like yours, got front mudguard pin striped to match rear, installed the BT Moto tuner remap - good video!

Hi Ross love the vid, just bought one it’s hilariously brilliant. you mentioned you may get a more plush seat did you end up doing that ? And if so what did you get ? And did you ever consider a wind screen ? Cheers

I too am searching for fish tails like the concept.

Work of Art..;-D

Beautiful bike well done BMW.

"Survey Says" They nailed it. I had a Moto Guzzi Audace which I loved but was so big and unweildly that I sold it. This one makes up for it with the reverse and all of the fine details. It is gorgeous and now I am convincing myself I Need one. Interested in whether you found a seat yet and if so what make?

great review helped me finalise. whats your opinion on the helmet. thats the exact arai i want to get.

I love riding mine 21 r18 1st south central Texas I haven't seen another yet, but would like to

2024 they have a few in the range now R18 Midnight, R18 Classic, R18 Bagger plus the new R18 Rocktane. They have a lot more colour options as well, and the Vance & Hines slip on is coming. I have the last of the Harley Iron 883 Evo 2017 Sportsters. I really like BMWs R18 STD in option 719 velvet green metallic. (The Urban GS is on that List, but its a wish List so)

Hi great detailed review of a definitely quirky bike. I luv them .Is the seat something that can be rectified by going to some one like Ergo seats? What are your thoughts? Great

I own an R18. I like the mid pegs. I have owned two Harley’s with forward controls and I didn’t like it. On arrow straight long motorways I can see their attraction BUT in every other scenario not for me thanks. The R18 is lovely exactly as it is.

The cross country seat tranforms the comfort dramatically.

Best review bar none Ross! And no, not just because I’ve owned my First Edition just gone 2 years.🤭 Your assessments on the good AND not so good is 100% accurate. My brother in law, is a life long Harley man, in his mid 60’s & he was gobsmacked when he threw his leg over. Not that I cared.🥱 This is my first cruiser & my last cruiser! Never to be sold! After a myriad of BM’s, including the S1000RR, then the S1000R, this is for me the pick. 👍🏼😎 Yes the only thing I was miffed by was lack of cruise as my previous 2 had it. I’m looking at the Atlas aftermarket option. Oh & how good is the Beeline nav?👍🏼

Have to agree with all you say , pretty spot on mate, my only gripe is the standard seat, which isn’t comfortable at all , well done , great report. I’ve even subscribed. 😂 gl U.K.

love to see a review on best dirt bike 250 for bush fun

I'm right with you bought one love it

Great information, what's the ground clearance like on these?

Spectacular bike matey. I thought the suspension was great. Handled the dirt roads out of Tarana fine. Beautiful bike. I agree that everything on the bike is quality except for that cover.

This bike is gorgeous and I would feel like a king riding it anywhere. I hear you Ross. And I don’t think it deserves any comparisons because it is just a special bike in its own right. Come on who doesn’t applaud BMW for building this amazing machine in a time like this? Also how did it feel coming down the other side of the hill at Mt Panorama? That track was a little scary on my Honda Hornet (but so much fun!)

Great review, can i ask what the number plate size your using is?

Could you post a link for that oil cooler cover?

rough craft makes that exact exhaust system:)

Have you had a look at the Triumph Rocket, what are your views?

I just can't yet get my head past the perceived exposure of the cylinder heads. Like so many other BMW bikes, does not this aspect of their engine design make then more prone to serious engine damage if dropped?

As long as they’re air cooled (oil cooler acceptable) and twin cylinder, I am in.

Love that you score it high for the big jugs 😖😂🤣

awesome bike, but no cruise option nor standard here in UK for 22 models

I've heard the mirrors vibrant at highway speed, enough so a that you can't tell how many cars are being you. What do you say?

I dig the bike and to my freaking amazement my wife saw this bike and said that is a great looking motorcycle lol she is a harley girl her whole life i would change the mufflers

Awesome review. Well done. #BBTN Not sure if it would suit a tall rider like myself. I know I’d enjoy that torque though.

That is beautiful. But how would it suit a 6’5” rider like me

Has bmw released a service manual?

bmw needs to release a service manaul or mine will b for sale

LoL! Love the Honda comment 😀😉 Mate, you must be doing something right, because every review, I hear myself saying "I could really see myself riding that!" 👍👌 Ps Who needs forward controls when you have leg warming rests!

This is my favourite motorcycle and I would love to own one but unfortunately that won't be happening.

This model is now $16.5k which was amazing price. On the other hand Harley sportster S priced the same. Obviously H-D is smoking some crack lmao!

If BMW had made those mufflers without the standing seams they would be beautiful! But as is they look like very early Japanese junk !

I love the bike but I am very concerned about two things: 1) it's VERY pricy and BMW doesn't have a solid reputation of reliability with 40% failure rate. Quite a risky purchase. 2) It didn't sell well, I am afraid it might go off production.

Australian English very sweet

Made in Germany Technologie 😊

An American pie run is much better. 😋

I mean, you’re not wrong. Honda’s are pretty soulless 😂

The dull & raw alloy engine contrasted against the black cylinders, chrome rocker covers looks terrible. Why couldn't BMW have dressed the engine with a better finish?

Have one very nice