HANDS ON: BMW R18 Cruiser START-UP and Walkaround 

Thoughts?

Okay , okay. .people hating on the fishtail exhaust,this is a bit of history. R18 has a frame that looks retro like 5 series, the covered front forks are killer, old-style open shaft drive and the bike is nearly art you can ride. Pipes are somewhat like the R25 again celebrating BMW's long legacy and history in just about every country in the world. I love 'em.

That exhaust is just wierd looking. Rest of the bike looks nice.

As a long time Harley owner I say it is a beautiful bike with one caveat. Those mufflers look like a pregnant guppy .

A Cruiser without Cruise Control 😂😂😂

My favorite part of the bike is the phone holders on the side. Must buy!

It looks like a propellor engine on wheels, very nice.

Dentist's weekend warrior bike 🤷🏼‍♂️

People ride uncomfortable bikes all the time, I find crotch rockets uncomfortable and ape hangers super uncomfortable. I might get uncomfortable on this but I’d still rather ride it for the shear style than a goldwing. If you want comfort. I hear H-D has some pretty comfortable trikes available, you don’t even have to worry about dropping them! Or Volvo makes some pretty comfortable four wheeled, fully enclosed motorcycles.

Great review big fella,love the bike & would be happy to own one.I would only change the exhaust pipes for the smaller black ones.

I'm not here to argue the boxer vs Vtwin debate, I'm just glad SOMEONE is producing a bike that doesn't look like a standard cookie cutter cruiser.

This is the only bike I could ride, as I'm 5"2, and I know there are a lot of women out there and few men in this situation. I had pretty much given up buying a bike, but now I'm here. Thank You BMW, the best Motorcycle I've ever owned. ( R100 R was my first bike)

I really love everything about this bike.

It's a beautiful looking BMW!!

You are very funny and the bike sells itself to former boxer owners in my 20’s. I’m 72 now and still looking forward for a newer boxer but it seems like the R9T is more than enough but will continue to dream of this R18. To those who are Harley fans and haven’t driven a BMW Boxer, the difference is night and day. Handling, leaning and less vibration and low center of gravity differentiates the two brands mainly because of the difference on the engine set up. Boxer rulers!

The one thing this motorcycle was missing...a smart ass.

I must give BMW high praise for making the effort to fill a void in their motorcycle lineup. This is the first we have seen from them that has taken into consideration the riders that prefer a Fat Boy, Road Glide style of motorcycle over the Eurostyle metric bikes. They have done an outstanding job in my opinion. BMW has always brought dependency and style to the customer and to the people that find the engine configuration not to their liking, well TS old boy because it should come as no surprise to anyone looking at the BMW line of motorcycles that the engine would have this layout. Personally for my height 5’-10” the controls are in just the right spot. However anyone over 6’ might find the lower controls and the pistons in a battle for space. I ❤️ this bike and wish I could own one. Alas, my opinions mean nothing because my financial situation has kept me out of the riding game. I miss it terribly! Riding was like walking or breathing to me but when your forced to give up things you love for other things you love more there is nothing else to do. In my case, my youngest daughter passed away , funerals are very expensive and raising her child has seen to the rest of my funds. Taking care of my grandchild is far more important than getting to ride my motorcycle. It’s sucks because by the time I’m no longer needed My riding days will have passed. I think? Exactly how old is too old to get back on a bike? I don’t know the answer to that question. Peace❤️✌🏻Stay safe people👍🏻

A great, humorous, and down-to-earth video. Thank you, LWH.

Whow, great, you can use the cylinders as a kind of heated dinner table to warm up your burritos or cook teriyaki meat. 😋

Have you ever sat on the crapper too long trying to watch a Long Way Home vid or finish that Sudoku puzzle and your leg fell asleep? That is the comfort you will find on this bike.

I fricking love the look of this motorcycle

It’s stupendous,love it , wish i was 20 years younger

BMW made the cruiser before Harley Davidson did back in the 1930s when Harley Davidson was still jest a bicycle with a motor.

It is just beautiful....period!!!!! Great job BMW....would get this before any Harley

350kg! Crazy. 6 feet? Come on, you not American. Use the metric system.

Seating position looks way too cramped for me at 6ft 5 and I suspect that will put a lot of people off. Looks well built though.

If I were ever to switch to a cruiser, I'd sell my soul and get this. It's a VERY good looking bike. BMW has done the retro chrome and black thing extremely well.

I actually like the exhaust design.. looks different, original

You and I have the same sense of humor. I’m sitting here laughing at your comments.

This thing does not need crashbars, not even a side stand, you can comfortably lean it right or left on the cylinder heads .

This bike is the reason I want to ride again 👍

That engine is mind boggling. When I was a kid back in 1974 I use to live by Hwy 1 in calif. I use to see countless BMWs R90sg. I still like the RnineT better

With those options BMW is releasing for it and eventually the aftermarket if the bike catches on, which I hope it does since it looks cool, it should stay around for many years. I own a 2013 K1300S 30th Anniversary Edition and it's been rock solid since I've had it. I also work for BMW on the automotive side for 11 years in the States.

The best part of the video, the dog that was coming out the door not knowing a video was being made. :-) well, the explanation and the video overall is excellent and I enjoyed watching the whole video. I have booked my R 18 and am waiting for it to arrive this Sept 2020.

super made bmw, the best in the world bmw r18 the perfect bike

I say it sounds awesome!! It's a pleasant departure from V twins, and 270° firing interval parallel twins. I ❤ IT!

I can dig it

Best video ever, keep it that way, love your humor

This bike will be a nail in Harley's coffin.

For those worried about the exposed driveshaft, I think that is designed to teach Harley riders to keep their kitschy assless chaps with the leather frills away from rolling art.

I also have some questions- 1-Can I put forward controls on it? Probably no. 2-What is the big drum between the cylinders? 3-Why the bike what looks like bobber 1.8L is more heavy then harley 110 ? 4-Is the frame filled in with concrete like bismarck?

I like the style. It's amazing how BMW went to all this trouble and it sounds exactly like......A BMW MOTORCYCLE! I sure like the 1930's R models, I don't need 1800cc's. The late GS bikes are pretty sweet as is.

The bobber configuration looks the best in my opinion. I don't even have a motorcycle license but this is inspiring me to get it.

I love your smart arse comments to odd questions and comments.

My birthday is in July. This would make a good gift

Jeeeez... Let that horn alone! You just woke up my dog dude...

Good review. So far thE most usefull review of this bike, well done!

Adventure bike : cruise control Cruiser bike :

Hi mate, I´m from Brazil and I´ve been riding Harleys for a quite long time. Last year I decided to get a BMW 1250 Adv and the bike is awesome. But since I knew BMW Motorrad was about to launch a cruiser bike and as soon as I saw the R18 caming out, I´m very keen to go back to my harley cruiser riding style. I think BMW reached the point with a bit of their own way of make life a ride.

Great video, really enjoyed the laid back humour in the Q&A portion. I laughed and I cringed at some questions. Tapered pipes sound & look better than stock and at 5’4” I’ll have no problem with comfort assuming bars are available for hobbits like me. Look forward to your road test review. Stay safe, ride fast. Cheers

I like the reverse feature, I don't like the plastic thing that covers the oil cooler (I guess it is the oil cooler) in the lower front...

nice good video !! thanks for that !! very beautiful neo-classic bike, a piece of Art to put in the living room when not biking !!!

Beautiful Beast. To those that do not like the exhaust I've seen another exhaust on that bike (OEM option or pipes from another model that fits). Foot straight out while driving = death. Nice sound. 1800cc very impressive. Looks like a Tank.

Didn't think that I would would say this about a cruiser, but that R18 looks great. I could tolerate one in my garage! Thanks for the video brother, highly entertaining as per usual. Stay healthy.

Dads army 1945 Katherine Zeta Jones "I am from Berlin". " Oh that's nice, Berlin Germany?". Love it. Very droll humor here :-) Subscribed. That is a YUGE engine. My little R65 looks like a strimmer in comparison. Forward footpegs? Good luck with that! Can you have 4th degree burns??? Take the chrome off and yes I would like one.

“What are you going to do with a centre stand?”. Maybe check oil levels properly, change a tire easily.......

Will it be available in the U.S.? I ask not just because I do want one but also because I can see that bike being very popular here. (edit) Holy shit, that horn is awesome @ 4:38.

Thank you for your review. You are always fun. I owned a 2002 BMW R1200 CLC. I may buy the new R18. My concern is that if I order custom parts to suit my preferences, will BMW install the custom parts during assembly in Germany. I don't need a box of factory parts shipped to the United States with my new R18 and then be required to pay my local BMW dealer to strip down the newly built, never ridden R18 and replace parts. Further, I don't need a box of expensive BMW parts sitting in my garage until I die of old age.

The ideal would be to put a fuel tank of 20 liters minimum to have a range of 300 kilometers before reserve !!

I've never been answered by a satirical smart Alec presenter before. After the shock of recognition faded and I stopped undulating with pleasure, I think I am left to feel as though I have been fondled on the centre stand, which even though at my age, I don't often use as a prop for balance while I work, It does come in handy when ever I want to pull out the toolbox for inspections various. As we now know from the BMW Australian MotorRad Page there will be full range of accessories with which to improve the already high desirability of the R1800.Those crashbars will be my first purchase though when ever I can get one of these lovely B's.They spent so much money getting those pipes to look so fugly, for ten bucks more for a hole-drill they could have made them sound half decent. Again, we can purchase decent resonating cones from the accessory sets. They look as though an anaconda has swallowed a whole sheep and sound like the poor bleater is still farting alive.The same can be said of the warning horn, Meeep, Meeep, sounds like the Roadrunner with a hoarse throat. I am not one to complain either so I won't draw attention to that paltry front mudguard looking like a lady finger banana which will just allow roadslush to splatter my shiny wide , crashbar protected engine. I would much rather the wrap around old style Like the 1970's R series. If I did have any complaint it would be that you got play with this beautiful new Boomer before I did. Cheers, Steven.

About time BMW!!!! I ❤️ it .. throw on ape bars , leather flat bags , take off that obnoxious exhaust system and throw thinner or performance style pipes , engine performance kit and Walla!!! ...you’ll have thee fastest smoothest cruisers

I like how it quivers from side to side when it first starts beautiful bike

"Legs over the cylinders?" I am guessing that gynecologist's will be buying this bike.

Basically how to answer the questions without answering the questions.

lol I liked when you started measuring out distance with your tape :) nice review man! the "Bismark on wheels" question/comment was funny too.

You're at Drivemagriders place with their bike ? Same place definitely, so must be that bike, I guess it's BMW Central launch venue. Go Romania !!

Went from a street glide to a k1600b 2 years back. Still loving that, love the look of the R18 excl the exhaust shape (large goldfish in exhaust!). Would love to own one/looks amazing but I think for the price there may be other options.

Yes very nice I had a 600/6 with 1950 miles on it Fantastic one !

As all ways great n funny review,first impression really like the bike,can't wait for a ride review. Keep safe guys,wash yer hands

That Bismark email was funny LOLOLOL))))

When the vid started & you said you couldn't ride it, I was about to switch off. Then I heard you answer the first question. You are very entertaining to listen to. Measuring out the 500 feet made me laugh out loud. I now look forward to hearing your next vids.

Loved the Concept bike, The final product is a big Disappointment

hows the bike for very tall riders? I really dig the bike but I am at 6'11 quite ducking tall, and the leg room behind the engine seems concerning for me... or can you put your legs over cylinders?

Don’t mind the looks but. I prefer the cone pipes and, that exposed shaft drive looks dangerous to me. Reminds of the power takeoff on a farm tractor, very dangerous to the unwary.

This channel is really well made and interesting. You deserve much more than 16300 followers. I am sure more will come. Keep going!

It doesn't look like it has enough seating room. Were you comfortable on the bike?

I think this 'Dave' he keeps referring to is like 'Robin Master' in Magnum PI 😁😆😁

Thank you, very witty, exhausts are still too long though, the bobber version with a set of short pipes is the one for me.

Where can you put your legs while on a cruise? This was a real problem after about an hour on my current R1100RS. I am getting worried that you and BMW have no idea of the distances covered each day while cruising in the USA and other countries in the world. Being able to change up your riding position to relieve stress is quite important.

BMW is clearly trying again to get into the US Harley market share, but it seems to me the two huge cylinders are exactly where a Harley rider wants to place his legs, what's is you sense of this?

What happened to the exhaust? Did a Bavarian sousagemaker get his hands on it or was it a detonation of unburned fuel? Please lick the exhaust and if it tastes like a Weißwurst we'll find out.

0:32 [ insert thought cloud over head ] "OMG those mufflers are hideous! "

Looks and sounds Stunning. Whiners will be whiners - Never Fails :) I am sure it's the Harley crowed.

What a great review, Brilliant friend.

What is Steve gonna do with a center stand? park it straight maybe? like the other motorcycle that's behind you?

Absolutely awesome , funny stuff , and the bike is cool as well . Thanks for your humor .

The size of those highway pegs are ridiculous.

Service the valves every 6000 miles! Solid lifters? Why? This is 2020.

It's a lovely bike.

Very cool bike! Sounds great!

Will BMW make hard panniers? It's magnificent looking machine. But I would want to use it for long distance touring as I currently do on my Indian Springfield or my R1200R classic.

I want one, I like the classic fish mouth exhaust.

I do like the bike....It looks to be a very good bike. It should run very good.

I thought all boxers had to have a centre stand so it didn’t puff blue when you start it. Also the 500 ft pipes, yeah it’s an overstatement, but 500 ft isn’t that far off, those pipes are waaay too long, embarrassingly so. Reasonable question I thought.

Your sense of humor....HAHAHAAHHHAHAHAAHH@500FT measurement

Where do you put your feet? Seems like a bike you want forward controls, but where?

Nice looking bike. Way better than the R1200C. Still don't think it would be very comfortable for me.

Why can't we have the old fashioned reversed brake and clutch levers like in the concept bike?

Tis a fine beast of a bike, I'll wager.

I like this BBQ option attached to front fork