My new R18 Bagger

[rambler358]

Looks like BMW may have skipped the torture seat theory and made it comfortable right out of the crate
OM

They did! However, the BMW Comfort Tall Seat is definitely not comfortable - don’t ask me how I know.

[Roy.Jackson55@aol.com]

Picked up my new 2022 BMW R18 Bagger a couple of weeks ago. Just took it for the first service yesterday. On my first ride out, the warning indicator was telling me to get the bike to service. It went out automatically after a few hours and never came back. The service department checked and didn’t see any issues.

I have notes that the BMW Motorrad Connected App loses connection for Map mode after a short period. As part of the service yesterday, they did provide a software update as apparently one is already available. Also, there is one coming for all TFT equipped bikes in November that is intended to address a number of issues. As part of my visit yesterday, also had engine bars installed.

Rode home after service yesterday and didn’t have any issues. Really loving this bike. I’m coming from a 2011 1600GTL

Glad you are liking this bike. I test drove one 2 weeks ago and will be trading my R 1200 RT on a new 2023 in early Dec. I have been doing the 1foot or 2 two dance on BMW since 1978. As I'm getting older I no longer feel comfortable doing that. I use to have a 30" seam and I guess I'm shrinking On the test ride, it took me a while to put both feet down, more out of habit and riding a big new bike, but once I did I was hooked. Bike is a blast to ride, I do not find the weight an issue once I got the bike off of the side stand the first time. Best stock seat I have sat on, and on the highway no issue with helmet buffiting. The TFT is visible in any light unlike my RT which is useless in bright sun. Gauges seemed spot on and the bike was smoother than I thought it would. My only trouble was with the Heel/toe shifter. I have never used one in 51 years of riding and I believe the adjustment was not good for me. It does look like they are adjustable. A friend of mine who is BMW/HD rider told me he alway removes the Heel shifter on his harleys so that may be an option. I will have to do some more info on that. The fancy cruise control worked as advertised and a must on any R18B I purchase. I guess this is enough rambling for now.

[ADulay]

My only trouble was with the Heel/toe shifter. I have never used one in 51 years of riding and I believe the adjustment was not good for me. It does look like they are adjustable. A friend of mine who is BMW/HD rider told me he alway removes the Heel shifter on his harleys so that may be an option. I will have to do some more info on that. The fancy cruise control worked as advertised and a must on any R18B I purchase. I guess this is enough rambling for now.

Four BMW's ago, back when I was still on the Harleys, I absolutely loved the heel shifter. It's one of those things that you get used to and really miss it when it's not on another bike.

Don't cut it off or remove it now. Make the adjustment and you'll never look back.

I did an R18 test ride last week and going back to the heel shifter was just so nice for me.

No, I'm not in the market for the R18 but had to at least test drive one in order to be able to at least discuss it with other riders when need be.

I've got 100,000 miles on my last three RT's. May as well do it with this one before even THINKING about another new bike.

AD

[rambler358]

Four BMW's ago, back when I was still on the Harleys, I absolutely loved the heel shifter. It's one of those things that you get used to and really miss it when it's not on another bike.

Don't cut it off or remove it now. Make the adjustment and you'll never look back.

I did an R18 test ride last week and going back to the heel shifter was just so nice for me.

No, I'm not in the market for the R18 but had to at least test drive one in order to be able to at least discuss it with other riders when need be.

I've got 100,000 miles on my last three RT's. May as well do it with this one before even THINKING about another new bike.

AD

Personal preference I guess. After 6K miles on a R18 TC I still didn’t like the heel shifter.
I sold the TC and now on a GTL, and glad to be rid of the heel shifter.

[ponch1]

Four BMW's ago, back when I was still on the Harleys, I absolutely loved the heel shifter. It's one of those things that you get used to and really miss it when it's not on another bike.

Don't cut it off or remove it now. Make the adjustment and you'll never look back.

I did an R18 test ride last week and going back to the heel shifter was just so nice for me.

No, I'm not in the market for the R18 but had to at least test drive one in order to be able to at least discuss it with other riders when need be.

I've got 100,000 miles on my last three RT's. May as well do it with this one before even THINKING about another new bike.

AD

I had one on a 1600 Nomad. It is nice when one gets used to it. HD took them off now I think. One has to order it as an accessory.

[motor4]

Glad you are liking this bike. I test drove one 2 weeks ago and will be trading my R 1200 RT on a new 2023 in early Dec. I have been doing the 1foot or 2 two dance on BMW since 1978. As I'm getting older I no longer feel comfortable doing that. I use to have a 30" seam and I guess I'm shrinking On the test ride, it took me a while to put both feet down, more out of habit and riding a big new bike, but once I did I was hooked. Bike is a blast to ride, I do not find the weight an issue once I got the bike off of the side stand the first time. Best stock seat I have sat on, and on the highway no issue with helmet buffiting. The TFT is visible in any light unlike my RT which is useless in bright sun. Gauges seemed spot on and the bike was smoother than I thought it would. My only trouble was with the Heel/toe shifter. I have never used one in 51 years of riding and I believe the adjustment was not good for me. It does look like they are adjustable. A friend of mine who is BMW/HD rider told me he alway removes the Heel shifter on his harleys so that may be an option. I will have to do some more info on that. The fancy cruise control worked as advertised and a must on any R18B I purchase. I guess this is enough rambling for now.

My understanding is the heel/tow shifter is adjustable. If in the end you don’t like it and replace it then want to sell it let me know please. Someone on the forum said to put your left leg against the tank the, I think, turn the handlebar all the way to the right then she should lift off side stand with ease.
Thank you