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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!
Originally 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 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.
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