Any owner have a top 3 and bottom 3 list related to your R18B ownership? It is a sweet ride to look at though reviews and my gut makes me feel this is another r1200cl model (somewhat). Don't mean any disrespect to current owners, and I did own a r1200clc prior. I did ride the R18 when released though did not like it (maybe due in part to limited rear suspension travel plus limited foot space due to the 'big jugs'.
Ride safe all
Hum, no takers yet. Did ride the bagger today and felt like most reviewers did. Smooth at speed below 3k rpm. Has weight from dead stop for certain and if trying to do a slow turn. Don't know if one can adjust the heal toe shifter, probably not the stock one. Cannot speak to how much heat she will kick off with those big jugs though it was a hot day today but was moving so not stuck in traffic at all.
Did not mess with playing the radio, rock mode, nor cruise control. Figure those work fine and could try them if I do another demo ride. It rides smooth at about 80 almost at 3k in 6th gear...well so I have been told
Likes to be keep below 3k for smoothness though 3 to 4k if one wants to kick the speed up is not out of the question vibs wise for short periods of time. Seat is very comfortable though I did not hit many bumps at all (of course better then the original R18 models). Controls seem ok, maybe handelbars are just very so slight a drop higher then I might like.
In a way, too bad it would be hard to get this bike withtout speakers in the bags...sales guy seems to say/think it either comes this way or no radio at all. I like space in side bags
Like the white pin strips, old school in my book. Even the extra cost changing blue color sort of looks nice. Certain that would be way too much one figures.
Have a 19 goldwing dct airbag. Guess it is ok but never feel good in that seat honda sells even with the 2nd gen mini bar plate risers. Not a fan of the honda inteface for nav, doubt company they went with and seems it is a bit of a joke though too be honest have not played with it to speak of.
Don't know, the wing is so hightech one cannot even open the saddlebags if battery is dead, as it was today cuase my charger cable came unplugged for a long period of time. Then again guess some of the wing tech is better then bmws.
Did not play with the bmw screen though figure it is nice though read some users have issues with phones discounting from the 'nav' interface.
They will give me a trade-in price later this week I figure. Not betting I would jump ship to get the r18b though it has the bones/looks down patt just not perfect the way of putting the parts together (too much weight, little room to down shift, could see how she could fall over during very low speed tunrs and parking lot stops/starts).
You commented on my YouTube video as well. I wanted to reply here. I have a massive review to post but I need to get it edited and have ran out of time today but I will put it up soon on the blog / newsletter with some photos. Lots of thoughts but nothing bad.
Social Media, Blog, YouTube | BMWMOA Lifetime Member | MOA Board Secretary | MOA Regional Coordinator | Former-Vermont BMW Club President
Indeed, you did do a video on youtube. I very much enjoyed it and was kind of you to reply to questions asked. I liked your recording style and thoughts offered on the bike.
I am bit surprised we don't have any R18B owners on the site else none that wish to offer owner experience comments. Maybe a case of others happy with the bike and glad they got itthus riding it and no time to post.
Likewise, like most things, ones option might not be the same as others thus maybe with any bike it is up to the rider to find if any given bike ridden its their idea of a sweet ride.
In the case of the R18B it is possible my eyes favor the bike more then my bodies ability to easily handle it. The gift of the heavy front end fairing seems to be a trait carried over from the r1200clc line. Well that plus I am only 5'9" and 210lbs +/- with 30" inseam.
When getting back from the demo ride I did not attempt to do a low speed close turn around and instead simply parked it in a space. Yes, it has reverse and could use that. Impressed with your low speed trun ability skills for certain.
Others, Adam has other videos on his site. One I think about vblooging...maybe a topic he presented at the recent bmw national rally. I have not listend to it yet but plan to.
Not R18 related though do wonder what bmw will do next with the r1250 line. Not certain I can see them jumping the shark and going up to a r18 engine. Simply seems too big for a touring frame r1250rt layout. Do like the new bmw thought on an electric motorcycle via via making it an 'opposed twin' loking layout design. Thinking though we are several years out before we get to buy one of those.
Last edited by motor4; 06-20-2022 at 08:52 PM.
There's a dedicated forum for the R18, same for the K1600 and that's where folks go I would imagine based on the lack of traffic here. https://www.r18forums.comOriginally Posted by motor4
Indeed, you did do a video on youtube. I very much enjoyed it and was kind of you to reply to questions asked. I liked your recording style and thoughts offered on the bike.
I am bit surprised we don't have any R18B owners on the site else none that wish to offer owner experience comments. Maybe a case of others happy with the bike and glad they got it
Likewise, like most things, ones option might not be the same as others thus maybe with any bike it is up to the rider to find if any given bike ridden its their idea of a sweet ride.
In the case of the R18B it is possible my eyes favor the bike more then my bodies ability to easily handle it. The gift of the heavy front end fairing seems to be a trait carried over from the r1200clc line. Well that plus I am only 5'9" and 210lbs +/- with 30" inseam.
When getting back from the demo ride I did not attempt to do a low speed close turn around and instead simply parked it in a space. Yes, it has reverse and could use that. Impressed with your low speed trun ability skills for certain.
Others, Adam has other videos on his site. One I think about vblooging...maybe a topic he presented at the recent bmw national rally. I have not listend to it yet but plan to.
Not R18 related though do wonder what bmw will do next with the r1250 line. Not certain I can see them jumping the shark and going up to a r18 engine. Simply seems too big for a touring frame r1250rt layout. Do like the new bmw thought on an electric motorcycle via via making it an 'opposed twin' loking layout design. Thinking though we are several years out before we get to buy one of those.
I haven't ridden a R18, not sure I ever will.
sweet, thank you. very helpful
Take a look at the dedicated forum for the R18 series: https://www.r18forums.com
Adam is a frequent contributor there as well and there are more members with the R18B on that site.
I do own an R18 Classic & test rode the R18 Pure, R18 Classic & R18B before I bought my bike. I found the R18B was easier in parking lot speeds due to the increased rake of the front fork. This also helps a bit with the added weight of the fairing to minimize the impact. The adaptive cruise control was interesting as well & if I rode on highways regularly, I could see it being compelling.
The seat height of all the R18 models is fairly low though, so it should be easier for shorter riders. I'm 6'4", so I'm usually the opposite end of the problem on bikes. The B has the advantage that the stock seat is wider and thus more supportive than the stock on the Pure & Classic. I had to replace my seat with the Weekender, otherwise it's a 45 minute bike.
The motor of the R18 series is phenomenal & never falls short of putting a smile on my face. This is my 5th boxer motor BMW and the character of the R18 is such that it is still a boxer, but it has a different feel, with more low end torque than a typical one. The B is pushing more weight (about 70lbs more than the Classic), so it does feel slightly less urgent when you roll on the throttle.
Whether you choose an R18B or one of the other models, the engine will be the thing to put a smile on your face. Although I tried the R18B, I bought a Classic as I prefer the look as being more of a throwback to the original R5. I also like that I can take the windscreen off for summer to get better airflow. My biggest gripe with my GSA is the big fairing and screen can make it very hot in summer, but great in cooler temperatures.
Good luck!
Indeed, you did do a video on youtube. I very much enjoyed it and was kind of you to reply to questions asked. I liked your recording style and thoughts offered on the bike.
I am bit surprised we don't have any R18B owners on the site else none that wish to offer owner experience comments. Maybe a case of others happy with the bike and glad they got it
Likewise, like most things, ones option might not be the same as others thus maybe with any bike it is up to the rider to find if any given bike ridden its their idea of a sweet ride.
In the case of the R18B it is possible my eyes favor the bike more then my bodies ability to easily handle it. The gift of the heavy front end fairing seems to be a trait carried over from the r1200clc line. Well that plus I am only 5'9" and 210lbs +/- with 30" inseam.
When getting back from the demo ride I did not attempt to do a low speed close turn around and instead simply parked it in a space. Yes, it has reverse and could use that. Impressed with your low speed trun ability skills for certain.
Others, Adam has other videos on his site. One I think about vblooging...maybe a topic he presented at the recent bmw national rally. I have not listend to it yet but plan to.
Not R18 related though do wonder what bmw will do next with the r1250 line. Not certain I can see them jumping the shark and going up to a r18 engine. Simply seems too big for a touring frame r1250rt layout. Do like the new bmw thought on an electric motorcycle via via making it an 'opposed twin' loking layout design. Thinking though we are several years out before we get to buy one of those.
BMW demo rides are on the schedule for BBB in Fayetteville Ar. If I can find them I will attempt to get a ride on the R1800. Really want a ride on the R1250GSA
And the HD grand America. Then I will ride my 2009 GS on the same route to decide if it is worth all the $$$
I DO plan to berate them for not bring the demo to the MOA rally but coming here when they let the local dealer go out of business. No AR dealers.
I will post my impressions.
Rod
0F8EF7F7-9AA8-4D7C-82E1-B3EFEFCD9E96.jpgI also had the notoriously underpowered CLC and now own the Transcontinental and can tell you there is no similarity at all. This bike is equal to or better than any other large displacement motorcycle. I have owned all the modern Indians and a 2018 Goldwing but prefer the Transcontinental over all of them. At speed the bike is rock steady.
Last edited by armyvoyager; 09-08-2022 at 11:05 PM. Reason: Removing some words some readers might object to
Armyvoyager
R 18 TC rider
BMWMOA for 30+ years
Former MSF Rider Coach
Wow, that is some speed there.
Yes, 23 mph over the highest speed limit in the US. Fast enough to get the bike impounded in parts of Canada, and felony speeding in some states.
Paul Glaves - "Big Bend", Texas U.S.A
"The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution." - Bertrand Russell
http://web.bigbend.net/~glaves/
86D76029-C9B8-4E3B-9997-A8C244FE6E85.jpgTop:
1.Two up capability. I have other bikes so this was the number one reason for purchasing. Could not beat the value with the recent rebate and financing.
2. Looks. I love the giant boxer engine, the exposed driveshaft, and the dash.
3. Comfort. I just did a 2800 mile trip and found the bike quite comfortable. I have the comfort seat.
Bottom:
1. I am almost looking through the edge of the windshield. I will probably go two inches one way or the other.
2. The phone interface works great but is a little annoying to reconnect when you want to grab your phone for a pic or to send a text.
3. 6k mile valve check intervals!!
BMW has some incredible incentives on these, including 0% financing, $3000 off and they will make the first four payments up to $333 each.
BMW MOA Ambassador
BMW Touring Club of Detroit President
BMW Motorcycles of Detroit Sales Manager
Bikes: R1250GSA, K1600GT, R18CL, R9T Urban G/S, G310GS
IMG_5476.jpg
Just got my R18B last Friday. Rode it home Friday night and rode it to and from work (55+ miles each way) on Monday (been too cold and wet for me since then).
Likes:
Low center of gravity
Heated seats and grips
Different ride modes
Dislikes:
None really just yet.
Am getting used to NOT stretching my legs out but that's not terrible and my lower back really enjoys the posture change (that is significant in itself).
I DO wish the windshield was a little higher to keep the wind off a bit more, but feel that's just me.
What kind of seat is that?
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