Is BMW Trying to Take on Harley Davidson and make a cruiser ? 

Love the look how you can see the whole engine on display like a Lambo or Ferrari. No obviously wires. Very clean

I absolutely love this bike, but unfortunately I can’t see buying one brand new. The pilot in me just loves the big air cooled cylinders with the exposed pushrods. So similar to an old piston aircraft engine! I’m sure this engine will be bulletproof. The exposed drive shaft is great too. It’ll be in my list to buy used down the road.

The only gripe I have with BMW big capacity lineup right now is that I can’t afford any of them. Amazing looking bike

R18 is my first cruiser! I fell in love when I saw it and drove first! It is a peace of art, love riding it (and I am superbike guy).

You are quite the salesman Sean, you actually had me wanting a BMW motorcycle. I never would have thought about one. Great video, glad to see you back on a bike!

I have an R18 Classic. The windscreen is damn near necessary to have on it. I absolutely love the bike. For people thinking about the price, check out what deals your local is doing. I got mine for 16,500 last July when the msrp is 23,500. You're pretty much always gonna have it in Rock mode. I don't mind the goofy names, its part of the charm imo. A swapped seat is very necessary as for some reason they chose such an uncomfortable stock seat (maybe it was intentional to sell accesory seats). I changed a couple cosmetic things, apart from that I don't need to change anything. You can fire the bike up on the kickstand as others said, just has to be in neutral. Ive dragged pegs maybe twice? Three times? Its really not an issue if you ride it normally and not like you're on a track. Though I will say the Classic model is more maneuverable than the base model because it has 16 inch front and back instead of 17 inch front and 16 back on the base.

Great review. The questions about “target buyers” are spot on. At 56 years old, I just bought the R18-TC. I wanted a Harley but after every test ride, the quality and ergo’s turned me off the Harley’s. Yet, the thought of slower torqy cruises with my wife was always appealing to me. The Wing, RT and K just felt like too much machine and not enough character. After test riding them all, the TC is beautiful, amazing tech and at 6’3” I have lots of leg room. It’s fun to ride and like all bikes, that’s all that really matters. So far, it’s a win. (My wife even commented on the “quality” diff compared to Harley’s).

I've ridden an R18 yesterday and you absolutely can start it on the kickstand. You need to press the "black power button" first. And then after the bike wakes up, you just press the red starter button (assuming you are in neutral). Also no need for clutch to be pressed to crank the engine.

It's awesome to see you doing test drives again. That is one of my favorite parts of your videos

I own the 2021 First Edition and I absolutely love it. It IS a piece of art visually and from an engineering standpoint. Im the only one in my area that has one, and everywhere I go, people stop and stare in awe of it. I wish the pipes were louder from a safety standpoint. Other than that, its been fun and safe to ride.

Sean I think you nailed it! This is a BMW heritage model designed and engineered for the Beamer faithful. I really feel that BMW is not so much as building their version of a Harley but picking up where Honda left off with the original Valkyrie. And IMHO I feel that the R-18 looks more proportional in either the Bagger or Transcontinental models. Thanks for your fantastic review.

Loved this video, brother. It brought back memories of the 1963 R27 I owned when in high school. Back in the day.

I own a harley but would definitely add this bike to the stable. Very unique and with the bobber seat it's a classic

They already made a full size modern Harley style cruiser at BMW. It was reviewed in the WSJ about 4 months ago and is on the market. It got excellent reviews.

awesome to see you back ,really like your test rides ,stay warm

Thank you for that evaluation. I am thinking of getting the R18B as the big boxer looks great. And I agree it is not what you ride, but rather where you are going.

At 67, most rides on Interstates for travel and work, I decided to sell the naked 1200 and move toward a bagger. Hard choice, I have never had a bagger or fairing in the 50 years of riding. Had HD’s along with all sorts of different bikes through the years. Shaft drive, engineering, low maintenance not to mention style and looks it was a no brainer choice for me. Love my new R18B, your video is spot on thanks, to all out there it’s our choice, it’s our butt in the saddle, do your homework before buying. Its all about the ride!!

With a little bit of rust here and there,it should become a classic🥰

My dream bike right ther! I love how that came out. That bobber seat and some low apes, looks so dope. Great bike!

I just custom built a bracket to mount a Harley Police seat on my R18 Classic. Perfect height and crazy all day comfort. I sent my stock shield off the Clearview and they now have windshields taller and wider for this bike. I went 2 inches taller and one inch wide on both sides with a recurve at the top. This bike has soul. 1900 miles and owned since May of 2021.

I’m still pissed about Pontiac also. I was a Grand Prix guy…….but I’ll never turn down a Goat. I’m not a BMW guy, but it does look really on target. Love your vids. Keep at it.

Massive respect for riding on the highway in 20° weather. My bikes don't see the light of day again until the 50s

You have a great way of reviewing bikes. Love it.

I bought one of these 3 weeks ago. It’s been in the dealer for work for a week already. Here in the UK BMW parts seem to be slow, like really really slow. The scraping foot peg problem isn’t a huge issue if you set the really easy to adjust rear shock for your weight. Bike goes fast, handles way better than it should and the “small” tank gets pretty good range. The stock seat I found hard but then I find most BMW seats hard. Had the seat replaced with a Mustang Day Rider and the seats so much better. So good in fact I don’t even think about it on a long ride. For me the pegs and handlebars are in a great position and everything’s where I want it and within easy reach. For the short times I’ve had it it’s been a great bike, turns heads and gets people talking. I just hope this first few weeks isn’t a start of a lot of reliability woes.

Love the boxer engines. I really love that they went air/oil cooled instead of putting the less-beautiful water-cooled 1250 motor in it, even though it makes more hrsprs. I've always been the anti-cookie-cutter HD guy, and that's why I got a R1200GS years ago in the first place. It was the same price-point as a bagger at the time, and I had no regrets getting it. This silhouetting the old BMWs is pretty frkn nice. If I were in the market for a $20-$25k bike, this might be the one. But then I do miss my GL1800 too...

I absolutely love the R18 but I’m a little bit biased as I own a First Edition. The R5 is stunning and I love the fact they have styled it off that. Am I going to ride it everyday, hell no, I’ve got another R series and a Royal Enfield for that. But as a cruiser for heading off for a blast once a week or so, well, it’s it uber cool for that and makes you feel like a boss

Really enjoyed that review- thanks.

I started out on dirt bikes and borrowed (from friends) street bikes. Then I bought a Harley and then six yeats later traded for a Suzuki V-Strom, which I totaled. I have sworn up and down that I'm done riding, but five years later I keep watching Triumph videos and this channel. It's a disease, I'm telling ya! Most important though, is the scripture in every video! Awesome channel.

You failed to mention the BMW's built-in feet heaters. Beautiful bike!

Beautiful bike overall, great video as always, have to say though, that exhaust is hideous

A beautiful motorcycle. My favorite motorcycle was a R69s, it was bullet proof. The exposed drive shaft is cool!

Was so interested in picking one up when they first came out but the small fuel tank capacity completely turned me off and I can't see paying new car prices for their new touring models. They are pretty.

Ergonomically, I think this bike would benefit from a taller seat. Just look at the 1936 model, it has a taller seat. The current seat height will probably cause discomfort in the hips for many riders, including myself a short person with a height of 5'5".

The BMW R bikes from back in the 40s, 50's and 60's are some of the best looking motorcycles ever made. They got the paint job correct with the R18, but the lines are wrong and the bike is huge. They should make a retro bike that's closer in size to the Triumph Bobber and captures the charms of those early bikes. I'd buy one.

Great video. I just purchased an R18 Transcontinental and it's a great bike.

Our ones we get in nz, you can start on the kickstand but you need to disengage the clutch. Bought one last year. Glad I did its a cool bike.

Wonder if that engine will fit into a vw bug.

I don’t like the fact that the R18 isn’t water cooled, that was my biggest issue with my R1200C. I really liked that bike, if felt far more nimble than other comparable cruisers thanks to the boxer engine keeping the weight down. Can’t wait to try one of these. I was able to start my R1200C with the stand down as long as it was in neutral.

I love flat twins. This is beautiful! My 89 Dnepr had exposed pushrods too. I wonder if a sprung saddle would suit this. Perhaps also a simple screen. But otherwise it's perfect.

Nice to see the promo vid shot in my country, South Africa. Clarens drive coastal road, twisties heaven.

I sat on one this past winter and was blown away by how frikin wide those cylinders are. It makes my Electra Glide seem positively anorexic by comparison. An amazing bike but certainly not for me that's for sure. Being stuck in the Goldwing jockey position all day is also a non starter. I don't doubt the quality is there, it is absolutely a piece of art but those cylinders?

I'm sure someone has already mentioned this, but just in case... the R18 should start and run with the kickstand down if it's in neutral.

It really is a beautiful bike. It will be cool to see what bolt on cool stuff you guys do!!! I am really excited to see what Paul cox does too

The dry clutch is old technology on BMW bikes. The RTs had them from their introduction until 2014. They now have a wet clutch. Although it's very sturdy, It doesn't last forever either. I had to replace mine on my previous 2007 RT at 150,000km and it's a major job. It requires that the bike be split in two... (20hrs labor at a dealership)

I rode this version and the bagger. I’ve owned BMWs in the past and this is the most uncomfortable bike/bikes I’ve ever been on my hip angle and foot placement was terrible.

I’ve been eyeballing these. I think I’m going to pull the trigger. It the most comfortable cruiser for me because I hate forward controls. Most Harley mid controls are more like less-forward controls. This thing truly has mid controls. Very comfortable. BTW there are many used classics with low miles out there for good prices.

Seen several reviews of the R18 - all good - but yours is very good 👍

It´s a good Review about that motorcycle! I would love it if you do one more with the different variants on the market now. As an owner of an r18 i have to say i love that bike.

I think you hit the nail on the head with the two big drawbacks 1) boxer engine will not allow cruiser posture 2) (lack of) start from parked position. This will be a sales flop IMO from those two things. The start thing they can change yesterday no problem but the boxer engine no chance. I think the used market for these will be plentiful with underpriced bikes within a few years.

Another student at my MMI campus has a brand new R18, it looks about 8 feet long and it's one of the ugliest things I've ever seen, it's absolutely butt ugly in person. Which means eventually I will need one!

beautiful moment when you accelerate at full throttle in low or high gears (it doesn't matter, but it's worse at low speeds because there is no rotational inertia of the wheels to compensate) with the crankshaft turning in the longitudinal axis of the bike... flip the floor (or lifts you from it)... which changes the cycling in curves without a doubt!

This is truly the most magnificent machine ever manufactured. Nothing could be more beautiful.

Man this bike will do a sub 4 second 0-100 if the conditions were perfect! I’m in love 😍, but I also like to add that the CVOs have 1923cc and produce 106 hp and 93-97 whp depending on the conditions, so in that case, the Harley has a good increase in power

I do love me a beemer. K series for me though. That tank looked tiny for such a big motor. Any idea what real MPG it gets yet?

That sound gets me goosebumps every time those engines rev up.

Very cool Bike! Great video!

No forward foot pegs would be a deal breaker for me. I need them for long rides. Other than that, very desirable ride.

Beautiful bike except for the GIANT exhaust. My neighbour had an R5 that was his daily rider in the summertime and every morning I use to hear him start it up and I'd watch him drive away just because it looked and sounded so good.

This bike screams sidecar! Westonian would look killer! Also, this bike has an electric motor reverse which is a must have when a sidecar is added.

Love your show very much. Honesty and no BS. Looking to get a ZG14. You bought a hi milage. 2k or less. I'm also pretty tall. About 6'4 so you can understand what I'm talking about. If you can find me good one with lower mileage. Thanks for your time. Been also interested 8n the retro z900 is a lot lighter.

It's marketed to people like me, older generation. It reminds me of the old Guzzi Eldorado I had. Except with engineering and it's nice. I also had a 4 cyl K-bike. That engine wouldn't work in this, way to much engine.

I'm a huge SRK fan so let me add this. As Spring rolls around, more folks are getting wind of these bikes. Most 2021 FEs are gone. I picked up the Classic (think Road King with soft bags) for several thousands off MSRP plus BMW incentives. Coming from a Road Glide, yeah it was different. Now that I've logged several hundred miles on it, those differences are not as big of an issue. It's smooth, comfortable and is just beautiful. The smallish tank is okay, the shifting is exponentially smoother than my Road Glide and it carries the weight so low, maneuvering is pretty easy. Can you scrape the pegs/boards? I guess if ride aggressively, yes. But this is a torque monster cruiser. This thing chugs down the interstate at 75 like it's on a Sunday stroll. I'm 6'4" 220lbs and have no issue with comfort other than a very stiff seat. Easily upgraded. If you simply have to have forward controls, a mustache style crash bar with highway pegs is an option.

The R18 BMW is HUGE engine wise. I am 5'4" and 150 lbs and I had a hell of a time getting it up what a beast.

I had a R69s, a beautiful motorcycle, it also had a single dry clutch.

This bike needs a lot of refinement for it to be a “cruiser”. Terrible seating position and lack of forward controls is not a good look

The Germans rarely make something that's pretty, IMO. But that bike is absolute art.

This is beautiful actually and I love the sound of that boxer! And 4 second 0-60 on cold tires and not fully full throttle? I want one…

The first time one in person the size of the cylinders blew me away. They are huge!

The fit and finish looks good, BUT the engine configuration kills it. As a taller guy, I have no idea how you’re not uncomfortable as hell. Hard pass, but thank you for the video.

No one will ever take away the main bulk of Harley core audience. They don’t care better bikes are being made, to them it’s all image and lifestyle.

Man,, I love my K75... I’ve been looking at these for a while now... so many tour packs & fairing options available.. but my 93 k75 won’t die and never lets me down

Great review 👍 I'm 6'5" and can ride in comfort. (R18 Deluxe 1st Edition, Floor Boards, heel up-shift, standard Cruise control) Starting on kick stand is no problem, just need neutral and clutch in. Note that I believe that Cruise Control upgrade option you're referring to for that bike, will be standard CC only, not adaptive. Regarding the Ride Modes, I don't get all the jibes and confusion over the mode names....... in nearly all reviews. It's pretty simple really, with a bit of tongue-in-cheek attitude included in the name for ROCK mode. 😁 It'll be interesting to follow the future of the R18. It was always going to be a hard slog for BMW to convert main-stream v-twin riders, particularly in the US market. I think most adverse reactions seem to be more of a knee-jerk reaction to the alien feeling of the R18, which is somewhat understandable with most of the US Cruiser market being long term riders of forward-control, transverse crankshaft motorcycles. But for many to dismiss an iconic engine design so quickly just seems quite closed-minded. Yes, some of the boxer quirks are probably going to feel uncomfortable (different) initially. However, those quirks pale to insignificance against the sweet overall ride experience that is the BMW R18. And then when you get off, it's always there to look at 😍😍

I love this bike, but At a couple minutes in I can’t help but notice that exposed rotating final drive shaft…. As a safety issue of possible entanglement and dismemberment in a millisecond… not good, put a safety cover/tube over it.

I'm going to have start commenting on every video, where's the 200HP harley content? Don't make me drive to Amish country and protest outside your shop. Give the people (me) what they want!

Great review, thanks! Concerned with peg placement and price (getting into Goldwing range) but still worth a trip to the dealer.

This is my favorite new bike of the 2020s! I have yet to see one at the dealer yet

well, I don't think BMW wants to do "Harleys" ...they can make motorcycles, I don't think they want to start doing washing machines on wheels... 😉

They were letting you test-ride R18s at Barber Vintage last year. I ended up spending that time at KTM (probably buying an 890 Super Duke in the near future), but I did check out BMW and that bike is MASSIVE. They had some modified versions that were super cool, but it’s not what I’m looking for. I buy a cruiser-style bike, I’m just throwing mileage at it, so probably gonna go Honda Shadow or a Suzuki S50.

A + +, video. you are the bike intell guy. great job.

Good vid. I don’t agree with the notion having to replace the dry single plate clutch. They are proven all the way back. Even the K’s from the early 80’s with 100hp. If you burn one, then you need to tidy up your style. Thanks for another great review.

I love that sound !!

Before you were born, as a student in Morgantown West VA, ( 73-74) I tested a selection of 750's. The BMW was the smoothest. There was a Kaw, Honda, and Suz too. You talking about the R 18 reminded me of it. I also liked the fact that it was bottom heavy making it easier to pick up. Although admiring the bike, when you mentioned the price, I had to chuckle. The R18 top speed is 111 mph, and 0 to 60 is 4.2. for $30k+ USD I drive my 79 Honda 10th Anniversary limited edition 750L model that top ends at 125 MPH, except I'm too old to get a rise out of that, and 0-60 in 4.5 seconds . Irony I bought her in 79 at Devon Honda in Devon PA which is no longer there. I think her Blue book is about $6k. USD. One thing for sure, if crossing the PA turnpike which you should have included in your video's, your BMW is about the smoothest bike in the world. In retrospect, they don't wobble - like Harley's -

Agree on the side stand. Don't love the pipe the size of a pony keg. I sold my GS because I hated the boxer pulling to the right. Has that improved?

Many many bikes have side stand safety switches not only BMW. You made it sound unique to the brand.

Built in leg warmers. Love it

I lkve and gave owned many different bikes. When it comes to classic cruisers I have always ridden Harleys. That being said I really really love the R18. What classic lines. I hope to have one in my stable before long. Black please.

Forward controls puts any/all road impacts directly on your sacrum. Mid controls allow your legs to absorb some impact. Train tracks hurt with forward controls, yet you can stand up with mids. I’ll take mids all day without the fatigue on my back

NICE....i like this machine...that said my vic cc will keep up peachy and is a pleasure to ride

BMW’s have always built the best series production motorcycles in the world, no doubts about it! Noone can compete with them!

Seen one. An absolutely beautiful machine. And smaller than you'd think too.

just got my first bike Kawasaki Vulcan 500 because of this channel I was gonna get a 600cc sport bike or something stupid like that until I watched your video explaining what’s better to learn on (not saying bigger faster bikes are stupid there awesome would’ve been stupid for that to be my first bike) thank you for educating me

Love this bike!

Nice review , I like it any way, I sat on one , I would love to ride one .. but then I would need to buy it 🇨🇦

Nice review God bless!

What a beautiful machine!

Absolutely Amazing Machine!!!, Really impressive and majestic German powerful Beast!!!, No doubt one of my favorite Motorcycles!!!, Truly love The Amazing BMW R18!!!, Good explanation and video as well, Thanks for sharing!!!

R18 Transcontinental and bagger rode better for me. Better suspension. Better ground clearance. Better handling. And glorious 10.25 inch dash system. Heated seats. 4 or 6 speaker Marshall systems. They are beautifully built. All metal parts. It’s why they are heavy. No plastic. Rock. Full power. Aggressive throttle control. Roll. Full power. Slightly relaxed throttle control. Rain. Reduced power. Very relaxed throttle control.

I case you didn't know, BMW used automotive type clutches for a long time before this bike came on the scene, my R75/5 and R90s both had the same single disc dry clutch, even the "K" bikes came with the dry clutch

I have this bike and it is everything you say and more. It is like riding a work of art and it's a blast to ride. Oh and you can start it without having to put the kickstand up, you just have to put it in neutral.

Love the looks great review. Adam Sandoval did a good review on this