I need to ‘check under the hood’ though visually it appears my new R18FE was sent to me with the rear shock in ‘shipping mode’ setting…meaning it felt like a hard tail over bumps instead of a HD softail 
Will adjust the shock today and then will be excited to take her on a ride to feel the difference in rear comfort. I know it is only 3.5” of rear travel so not expecting ultra comfort, just enough to make it ok for the bike it was designed as.
I have say, I am in love with the look of bike with black paint and pen striping. If you get a chance to ride one, ask the dealer to inspect the rear shock setting before you ride it as I read, maybe in days prior, the dealers did not even adjust the rear shock from ‘shipping mode’ before they put them out for demo rides.
The engine is a sweet boxer and enjoying how it feels. Even used the weird roasting rack bmw sells as an Option…aka Leg Rest, I had added. Though ‘yes’, it is strange and not the most safe setup due to time it takes to reposition you feet back to the pegs (not looking to open a discussion on that point thanks though) but on an open road with little traffic I can feel a bit safe using them.
Still in break-in period so no crazy speeds as yet but surprised that I like the stock handlebar layout as much as I do when riding and is easier to handle then I had previously felt during demo rides.
I have a 2019 goldwing tour dct that can fill in for any highway Touring needs and now retired so this new R18 might be my last new bike purchase and at .9 finance rate and price paid the deal was too good to pass up.
Figure it can be a gamble to buy such a big bike. Reminds me of the R1200CLC purchased new back in the day. That one I sold (for better or worse). Feel this R18 is a keeper in my book and a gamble purchase that has paid off
Give one a try if you like the look, you may be surprised that it can be a ride you become comfortable owning…like your favorite pair of loafers maybe.
Will adjust the shock today and then will be excited to take her on a ride to feel the difference in rear comfort. I know it is only 3.5” of rear travel so not expecting ultra comfort, just enough to make it ok for the bike it was designed as.
I have say, I am in love with the look of bike with black paint and pen striping. If you get a chance to ride one, ask the dealer to inspect the rear shock setting before you ride it as I read, maybe in days prior, the dealers did not even adjust the rear shock from ‘shipping mode’ before they put them out for demo rides.
The engine is a sweet boxer and enjoying how it feels. Even used the weird roasting rack bmw sells as an Option…aka Leg Rest, I had added. Though ‘yes’, it is strange and not the most safe setup due to time it takes to reposition you feet back to the pegs (not looking to open a discussion on that point thanks though) but on an open road with little traffic I can feel a bit safe using them.
Still in break-in period so no crazy speeds as yet but surprised that I like the stock handlebar layout as much as I do when riding and is easier to handle then I had previously felt during demo rides.
I have a 2019 goldwing tour dct that can fill in for any highway Touring needs and now retired so this new R18 might be my last new bike purchase and at .9 finance rate and price paid the deal was too good to pass up.
Figure it can be a gamble to buy such a big bike. Reminds me of the R1200CLC purchased new back in the day. That one I sold (for better or worse). Feel this R18 is a keeper in my book and a gamble purchase that has paid off
Give one a try if you like the look, you may be surprised that it can be a ride you become comfortable owning…like your favorite pair of loafers maybe.
