I took a R1800 (100 CID) out today for a good test ride. Man, AWESOME.
This thing is a REAL motorcycle with all the visceral feedback that has been sanitized out of most modern bikes. The low-end torque is amazing and very similar to the Big Twin H-D's.
At 70 MPH in high gear (6th) the motor is turning only 2500 RPM. At 90 MPH it spins at barely 3200 RPM. These numbers are very similar to a Road King. At start-up, you'll notice a strong leftward twitch of the bike from the flywheel inertia reaction. Once the idle settles down, everything is shaking wonderfully. On the road, you also get plenty of engine feedback through the bars and seat. The mirrors even get blurry sometimes. It's all great. Reminds you that you are sitting atop a big air-cooled motor. I hope BMW resists what I expect will be calls from some quarters to better civilize this motor.
Riders with more delicate sensibilities will be placated by a relaxed and smooth ride when the big rig stays within sane cruising speeds 55-70 MPH. The thing just glides along in a very relaxed fashion.
It's a very fun machine and looking down on those massive finned cylinders that seem to stick out 4 feet on each side is a pretty sight to see. For avid BMW riders- be prepared for a totally different experience when you climb aboard this Big Boy.
Coming soon on the heels of this factory custom should be a touring bagger aimed right at Messrs H and D. Take a look here:
https://www.rideapart.com/.../spotted-bmw-r18-spy-shots-2/
.
This thing is a REAL motorcycle with all the visceral feedback that has been sanitized out of most modern bikes. The low-end torque is amazing and very similar to the Big Twin H-D's.
At 70 MPH in high gear (6th) the motor is turning only 2500 RPM. At 90 MPH it spins at barely 3200 RPM. These numbers are very similar to a Road King. At start-up, you'll notice a strong leftward twitch of the bike from the flywheel inertia reaction. Once the idle settles down, everything is shaking wonderfully. On the road, you also get plenty of engine feedback through the bars and seat. The mirrors even get blurry sometimes. It's all great. Reminds you that you are sitting atop a big air-cooled motor. I hope BMW resists what I expect will be calls from some quarters to better civilize this motor.
Riders with more delicate sensibilities will be placated by a relaxed and smooth ride when the big rig stays within sane cruising speeds 55-70 MPH. The thing just glides along in a very relaxed fashion.
It's a very fun machine and looking down on those massive finned cylinders that seem to stick out 4 feet on each side is a pretty sight to see. For avid BMW riders- be prepared for a totally different experience when you climb aboard this Big Boy.
Coming soon on the heels of this factory custom should be a touring bagger aimed right at Messrs H and D. Take a look here:
https://www.rideapart.com/.../spotted-bmw-r18-spy-shots-2/
.
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