Living with the 2021 BMW R18 | In Depth Review
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- Опубліковано 8 чер 2024
- Living with the 2021 BMW R18 | In Depth Review: Having been lucky enough to borrow the big Bavarian BMW R18 for the last couple of weeks I've got a good feel for what the bike is like to live with. In this video I show you what the bike is like on fast roads, at night, cruising, touring and a whole host of other things as well - and I give you my concluding pros and cons on the bike - If you're interested in the BMW R18 this video is for you!
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Folks - I'm sorry for all the adverts that are being served, UA-cam decide when, where and how many ads to show against any given video - I can basically only decide whether to have them turned on or off (and they are a necessary evil I'm afraid as this is how I earn a living). Apologies again and I hope it doesn't spoil your enjoyment too much!! Several of you have commented about how you are unsubscribing as a result which is a shame.....
I was almost going to comment on that aspect but thought it would be too negative to do so. And as Charlie Sheen said in "Two and a Half Men": "I understand ..." As always enjoying your reviews, even of bikes I would never want to have.
Unfortunately you can’t please all the people all of the time. This is only one of two channels (no prizes for guessing the other one) where I watch every video regardless of the subject matter 🇬🇧🏍
For a few dollars a month I get You Tube Premium ,NO adds !! Does this screw with your income or do you get something for me watching your videos ? I would Hate to be the straw that broke the camels back !
I gave you a thumbs down because of all the adverts it's like watching commercial television
Watching the great content you propose is worth waiting or skipping some advs. I’m among those who won’t be discouraged, the majority I guess. 👍
Not a cruiser person, but I love the look of this bike. Even the fishtail pipes are growing on me. I've never known anyone to buy a BMW for it's amazing sound. Traditionally, they are a quiet bike.
The bike’s grown on my a lot, but I still can’t get around to liking the cans.
Yes, I know they’re styled after classic pipes, but to me they just look like drop tanks lol
Try the rNINEt urban GS,
sounds awesome 👍🏼
Exactly I love this bike
+1 on that BMW sound. I had a C that I rode for years and loved it, even though it sounded like a sewing machine. I ended up putting a set of Kalinski race pipes on it (look almost identical to the stock pipes but much lighter) and they made a huge difference. Gave it a subtle rumble that came to life under load.
apart from their super nakeds and sports bike sound insanely good
Fantastic review. Great honest detail, love the grumbles and delights of this particular model. Joyful video. Thanks Mr.Fly!
Finally a good review! Love the unbiased positives and negatives. I'm currently stuck deciding between the BMW R18 Classic and the Indian Super Chief. Cheers from Tennessee!
Cheers Oddball - both great machines!
I've watched about 20 UA-cam reviews on this bike. This is by far the most comprehensive. Subscribed!
Thank you - and welcome along!
Loved the review very helpful so in love with the look of this bike .So all I got to do is test one keep up the good work you do always a pleasure to watch
Thanks very much!
Loved that side comment about the open shaft drive passing regulations - I was wondering about that myself as well. Great video as always, keep up the good work!
Thanks 👍 willco....
Totally stunning bike bike brill review again .watched mr darcy and ole man review this bike they loved it as well .keep up the good work sir
I love it, what a machine. Great honest review Andy, cheers.
Thanks 👍
Thank you for an in depth review of the R18. It is an exciting cruiser here in San Francisco CA USA. The excitement continues to build with next years release of the mighty Triumph 1200 RR. I can’t wait for your in depth review of this new Triumph. Thanks …
Great review . A beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery
Very good & thorough review. Not my thing but quite a machine. Although maybe a little flawed & seems the Rocket 3 might be a better proposition? On a slightly separate note along the retro side of things, I was hoping you might be able to try the new Moto Guzzi V7 at some point.
Excellent review so in depth, well done you sir.
Thanks for watching
Thanks for a great review! The best one of the mighty R18 I have seen yet. Got a second hand GS 1200a and am not going to trade it but if I had unlimited amounts of money I would have an R18 in the garage too.
Braving the elements to give us another stellar review.Thank you TMF! 👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏
Glad you enjoyed it - my pleasure!
I want to know who produces those post it notes. Hanging on at 80mph, that’s the star of this video
Oddly enough "Post-It"
@@TheMissendenFlyer 3M then I think. The Super Sticky variety I suspect?
Good video old chap! I saw on of these at a recent service at Bharnstormer and they look very imposing/smart/well finished. Not a bike I'd personally buy but the bike looks like an amazing piece of engineering and very well made indeed.
Exactly - engineering art
Another amazing review thank you I must say I am a bmw lover amazing motorcycle
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!
Thank you. Loved the outtakes at the end.
Glad you like them!
Great honest review , lots of negatives , i'm not well up on cruisers so wondered what the competition in this class would be .
Interesting seeing your ever changing growing beer and wine stash !!
Best regards Shaun
I'm amazed by the things people spot in the background of my vids!
Probably everything I loath in a motorcycle, good review Andy👍
Thanks 👍
Very good thorough review going by what you said it’s definitely a case of a body swerve with that bike
Your man cave is looking very empty Andy. Where have you hidden all your other 'toys'. My hat is off to you riding in that cold weather. The things you do for us. Much appreciated and thorough review as usual.
Parked out of the way so I could film this one.....
Fantastic review as always !
Thanks!
Great review ... keep it up ;-) 👍🏻 ... we love the R18, too.
Beautiful looking bike. Totally agree about mid set pegs I swapped the forward controls on my speedmaster to the bobber mid set.
The reverse probably only works when you kill the engine.. Very fair review as usual 👍
......You don’t need to kill the motor to get reverse.. I’ve just watched teapotone’s review of the bike!
Good analysis for anyone considering this bike.Cheers.
Rode a 2005 Honda VTX 1800n for a number of years and I loved it! I think this may be my next 'monster'. Great Review and the fact it's almost designed for customization gives it another plus. Lastly, just like the Honda VTX engine the German Boxer is also bullet proof.
Yet another top notch review 👍
Thanks 👍
Love these reviews even if I'm not interested in the particular bike.
Good vid and a nice bike. I’ve ended up going to BMW this week for my 3y Evaluation on my Grand America witch I test road the RT and then saw the R18 Continental witch blow my mind, luckily they had a Bagger one available for test. I found due to the low seat height it was surprisingly manageable even moving her around the car park. Also the engine was so lovely, I was concerned coming from k1600 platform I wouldn’t like the engine or position and the wait. BUT after being out and putting her on tight uk roads she handled it surprisingly well and very comfortable. Also the looks and the tech are amazing and the build quality seems to be first class also compared to equally equipped harly it worked out cheeper than a road glide. So since I was offered a really Good tradin I’ve purchased one and carnt wait but may have to wait for the weather to change to get the full enjoyment from her like most big bikes. But even with the weather I had a fantastic day at BMW Oxford and was well looked after witch is one of the reasons I go back to BMW.
COngratulations on the new bike Steve - roll on summer and enjoy!
Great review mate!!😉
Great review thank you.I notice second hand they are becoming good value.Maybe time to buy!
Very well made, both bike and film. Those exhaustpipes really looks like something from eastern Europe in the 50ies! Yak!
Love the look of that Beemer, not sure I could live with that exhaust for long though. Just hoping I'm not to old to ride by the time there are second hand examples on the market at a reasonable price
Excellent videos Tmf just waiting for good weather hopefully this week end for me . Thanks from danny
Fingers crossed!
Brilliant review!
Thank you Pete!
I liked the video, and the comments you made, it’s not a bike on my radar but still interesting to hear about it. I watched Teapots video after yours and he has a different opinion, but that’s great. With regard to adverts UA-cam have upped the amount on all videos at the moment. It will NOT make me unsubscribe though no way
Thanks for your understanding Simon....we all hate adverts...a necessary evil these days....
I love the looks. What an awesome machine
Sure is - mechanical art
Quiet is class. I'm all in on this bike.
Fantastic review, honest & pretty spot on over Andy! I’ve had mine now here in Australia since November last year. So mate I’ve enjoyed an Aussie summer, which was actually our coolest for some 20 years. Yeah a cool Aussie summer! 😆🥵 I’ll give you top marks mate for your dedication, for want of a better term, riding in those bloody awful conditions! 🥶 Thumbs up my friend!👍🏼 Mine was loaded & actually came with the locking fuel cap. Ironically it looks identical to yours? Did you try rotating/sliding the dead centre of the cap?... Yes no fuel indicator is a slight pain but the fuel light comes on with 5L to go. So with a tank holding some 16L it’s fair warning. When it does come on it begins to count k’s/miles traveled. The brake foot peg was a small issue so maybe a minor adjustment is needed? As for the reverse, initially I had some trouble engaging but I’ve found now with some 3,500km on it’s getting better. Also it makes a difference when it’s WARM!🤣 Aside from the negatives you’ve pointed out, I absolutely love my R18!😍 The smile never leaves my face even if I’m just looking at it. Again, a very good & thorough review! Cheers & stay safe through your COVID situation over there. Fingers crossed light is coming at the end of the tunnel! 🤞🏻🙏🏻🍻🇦🇺
Glad we concur Andrew - sure is a beautiful bike...
He dug deep to try and find fault...a good sign of a well thought out motorcycle...that R 18 is not for him hes just a little guy....should be doing scooter reviews....that's Don Rickles talking not me....
Lovely well engineered cruiser.
I agree with your point on the switchgear not in keeping with the bikes character
Glad we concur!
Thanks Mr Flyer. What was a cold and damp wintery ride for you was a touch of sunshine for me. Please keep up your excellent work. btw very poor design for oil level checks :>)
Yes isn't it just - a two man/woman job.....
Love how quiet the bike is
This BMW is phenomenal machine 🏆
I enjoy these in depth reviews, very informative.
I don’t like how the rear mudguard sits so high, looks odd. I also found the foot area cramped under the cylinder heads. I also suffered terrible hip cramps. Other than that I think the bike is stunning, but I’ll keep my Road King. Cheers.
Ridiculous AND painful then!
Nice bike and nice review! Greetings from Sweden😎👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it and greetings back!
Thank you for another outstanding video! Sadly had too many commercials and got irritating! I preferred the bike as a concept and now they’ve changed the overall look and sound! Question, what gloves did you wear? I couldn’t help but notice them when you rode at night and saw them illuminated!
See my pinned comment re the adverts - gloves are Keis G701s
Howdoo TMF Being a Harley rider and that is my daily ride i can see what BMW was going for but not sure if i would make the change. However as always great review. Cannot wait for the next tour video's after Corona madness is done.
You and me both!
As a tribute to the earlier R32 and as a cruiser, it's a stylish and unique machine that should be celebrated for what it is. With buckets of torque, strong brakes, and predictable (if limited) handling, it's a stress free enjoyable ride, that doesn't require your license to at risk to put a grin on your dial.
Well stated my friend...
Great review.👍
Glad you liked it
Great review.
Thank you
Great review! I'm looking at buying one when they come out with a decent passenger seat and windscreen because I like to do a lot of long distance backroads riding. I've seen two out and about so far in my neck of the world. Both of them had cracked the licence plates around the holding bolts.I guess the vibrations from the big throbbing twin is the culprit,my Yamaha MT-01 with the huge V twin has the same problem .I have to say the R18 and its engine are beautiful to look at.
Checking the engine oil - I don’t have a paddock stand and after deciding that putting blocks of wood under the side stand on my RnineT Racer wasn’t the best idea I settled on sitting on the bike, keeping it upright and leaning over using a shaving mirror to view the oil level 🇬🇧🏍
Nice solution. The sightglass being under the cylinder heads makes checking the oil level especially difficult. Judging by TMFs lugging about test trying to balance the R18 upright and get down to view the level could easily lead to tears.
Good tip!
Another way of doing it is sit on the bike upright, and use your phone to take a picture of the sight glass, it allows you to concentrate on keeping the bike bolt upright rather than looking down. Your welcome! :-)
@@richhelm21 Those cylinder heads are huge (and hot). Using a phone might be tricky. Worth a try though.
Checking oil on a R18 needs a second person... Check the BMW options list.😉
I have had mine (Classic) for a month now, I love it. Yep its bit of a lump and lane splitting is now bit of a memory Vs my Rebel 1100. I have the rear shock on minimum preload and the ride is 95%. Its a fantastic bike. Reverse is easy but the lever needs to be fully engaged. Sweeping lean angles similar to the Honda and the growl when winding on is nice for me. I love HD but every man and his dog has one... The view looking down is pure art in motion. The Honda is for sale.
Just love the boxer engine and an 1800cc version WOW.... will add one to my garage as as able......
I love my Classic, 50 years rid.
Riding oops 😬
Adverts not an issue ... just a pain.
Great in depth on the big Cruiser.
I have test driven it... I loved it but agree with all your comments.
I'm a GS and R nine T rider all with their issues but would probably not need such a big brute for touring.
Everything about the bike is perfect.
Can't remember how yo engage reverse may be gave to shut engine down first.
And YES a big Grin 😀
One thing you didn’t mention (or I didn’t hear at least) was cruise control. I waited for the Classic that addresses some of your negatives. Add windshield, better sounding (and looking) exhaust, ample bags, cruise control and the option for footboards. I kept the pegs as the footboards seemed stubby. The Classic also has a fatter 16” ft tire to smooth out the ride and improve handling. The lack of a fuel gauge is the real head scratcher. 🤔
Was waiting for that post-it note to blow off on the motorway 😄
Love your reviews... this had to be difficult for you to review, because you promote motorcycle manufacturers. I love BMW motorcycle, I have two.
What makes you think I promote motorcycle manufacturers? I love riding bikes and review them from time to time, I can assure you I have nothing to do (in terms of any kind of commercial relationship) with any motorbike manufacturer or dealer, never have and never will!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I thought I was giving you a complement. For this industry to survive they need help in getting their product noticed.
The reason I watch you on UA-cam is because you give an honest opinion of a give motorcycle. Please accept my apologies.
@@Dalevd No apology necessary!
Ok, maybe some tips, just to clarify things a bit. first off, great review as always, you show some interesting and different points on motorcycles that other journalist mist or simply don´t consider important when reviewing a bike. but that are some things that might help a bit. the brakes for example. front brakes on a cruiser motorcycle. as the bike is longer and lower than a normal motorcycle there is less weight transfer. that weight transfer helps with the brakes (fork diving is another matter). so the front can sometimes feel a bit vague. and since there is less weight transfer to the front, the rear "becomes" more effective. but will probably activate the ABS early. in the golden days without ABS, you really learned this as the bike would skid the rear real easy. engineers know this and some times they can and choose to work around this and sometimes they won´t or don´t want to becuase of the design and purpose of the bike. i haven´t ridden the R18 but, i´ve owned harleys and other motorcycles for about 25 years from various periods and that is usually the case. of course it could be that the front master cylinder is a little vague in feeling and that the ABS masks the feel also. of course someone will say .. i have this bike and it stops like this and like that and so on... No, do me a favor and go out on that bike again and start using both front and rear brakes, you´ll figure out the proper pressure required at the rear before the ABS kicks in. start with they rear and immediately (less that a second) grab the front. basically stabilizing the bike and then stopping. give a try and let me know if the braking feels better. you´ll figure it out.
Like a lot of big cruisers, I wouldn’t want one, but I love the fact that it exists.
Ditto....
Not sure about the exposed drive shaft. Some Guzzi (Daytonas, V11s) had exposed shafts and you did really need to keep on top of keeping the UJ and splines greased
Nice bike to look at, but riding is another story. Great reviews on all your videos.
Excellent review, not a bike for me though, cheers Andy all the best terry 👍🏍
...and to you Terry.....
Good review as always Andy. It is interesting that BMW seem to believe new versions of the R18 are also going to be great for a touring platform. The Transcontinental and a Bagger, both of which seem to be bigger than the Goldwing in terms of length and weight. Personally, I can't really see that as progress...
No I must admit I'd take my GoldWIng over this on tour any day of the week.....
I ride a r nine t scrambler. Today I rode 200 km on an R18. Quite a great experience! Up to 100 km/h, 3 gears are enough. Rides almost as agile as the BMW Scrambler. It felt like sitting on a Porsche engine on two wheels. Really great machine. The mass is in the engine and when riding sporty (modes: Rock), this mass is converted into speed. I didn't want to get off ...😀😊
Great to hear!
Good thing about bmw twin cylinder engines is when refuelling put your wet gloves on to dry them. Nice little treat for the motivation whist touring in the demoralising wet weather.
Good call!
I really appreciate your honesty in the review of the R18. Many other reviewers don't review bikes in every possible road condition and varous speeds. For example, no one mentioned that the R18 engine actually protects the riders legs from wind at highway speeds! In my opinion, BMW should have designed a lighter, more user friendly R model for new riders and seasoned riders. As an option, add a quick shifter. Also, I believe it is too expensive for many potential buyers. It is also not a practical bike to ride around town at slow speed. But agree with you it's how the bike makes you feel when you ride it that is important.
Cheers Erol - thanks for watching!
Its great you go to such lengths for us in these reviews. Time having past is this still one of the best cruisers? Does the Fatbob beat it for you?
Yes I think it does….
Nice review. To engage reverse you push down on the reverse lever and rock the bike back and forth just a bit and you should feel it click into place.
I used rock my 1964 Vauxhall Viva back and forth to get it to start.
Progress!
Thanks for the tip on getting the reverse to work 🙂
Like the look of the thing and I wonder if someone makes a proper exhaust system for it, could be a great bike if it sounds as good as it looks!
Yes I completely agree....
Good review as usual, but “strap something to the back seat” (16.02) 😆? Reverse assist stopped by having side stand down?
I don't think I had the stand down and that wasn't the only time I tried to get reverse to work on this bike....
Thank you for a great review, and hello from "across the pond" in Boston, Massachusetts. 🙂
Can you pass along the link for the heated motorcycle gloves, please ?
Take care,,, Rob
The problem with all naked bikes, especially ones which can travel quickly, is that you end up pulling the handlebars. The wind blast on your body turns you into a sail and your arms end up as landyards (or whatever the correct naval term is) and it can be very tiring on long runs. These bikes are for posing on in big cities, they are not for loading up and going on a big trip.
As an ex BMW R1100S owner I am happy to see BMW going out og their comfort zone and building something different. Now as a Moto Guzzi California Audace 1400 owner I think Guzzi built a far better bike then the BMW. Yes it is also a transverse mounted twin but because it's a 90 degrees V-twin there is plenty of ground clearance on my Audace compered to the R18. Basically the Guzzi rides more like a big naked bike XJR1300 or a GSX1400 then a tipical cruiser. It also has 3 riding modes (rain touring and sport) plus 3 stage traction control that can be switched off. Plus cruise control is standard. Now the best thing about the Audace are the brakes big 320mm radially mounted Brembos that are amazing(my previous bike was a 1000cc sport bike so I know what good brakes are like) my Audace has 96bhp compared to R18 91bhp but being a Italian Vtwin it is higher up in the rev range. Red line is at 7000rpm so the fun time is between 4.500-7000rpm. But the Guzzi has less torque but it is good 35kg lighter so I recon in gear roll ons would be quicker cause you could hang to the gears for longer. I hope the R18 will sell well so BMW would make a more aggressive version of it something that looks more like the R18concept/2 cause I think that bike would appel to a bigger crowd. Still I enjoy Ur review and I'm looking forward to more content.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by!
Thanks for the review. Wasn't this bike originally introduced as a celebratory nod to their early R32 model? In the same way that a replica Jaguar E Type might fall short in direct comparison to the latest sports cars, it might well still appeal to many. I won't be swapping out my BMW for this but I'll certainly give BMW credit for producing it.
I'm with you Alan, it may have its faults but I'm glad BMW had the guts to go through with it......
I would really like to see BMW offer a springer front end for the R18
Thanks Andy .. I would love to see this R2 styling on a lighter bike like the R80 .. Also wouldn't the original Earle forks be wonderful to see again ... One request to add onto the list for your "In Depth Reviews" would be tank range : MPG X tank size ...For instance my 2017 Street Scrambler has a 3.2 US Gal tank and gets 56 MP USG.Range 179 .. (Real life I get around 160 miles to the tank ) All the best from New England ... Guy
Yes thanks Guy - I'll think abut that one! Maths could be my weak point!
What do you think of F9's recent oil change test?? Does it make you worry about your Ducati at all? I've been obsessed with the 2020 V2, but it's making me think twice before getting one.... Interested to hear your take! Thanks
Thought it was a great video, although as Ryan said the science was a bit flawed because the bikes weren't run in similar circumstances. Either way, my Ducati has never given me an issue so I'm not worried in the slightest....
Interesting review, especially given that I own and ride a HD Low Rider S. Personally, I think this bike is aimed squarely at Harleys Softail Slim. It has some advantages over the HD in the fact it has riding modes, which the Harley doesn’t, but it’s all a bit sterile in comparison. Get yourself on the HD Slim and see how that stacks up beside it
I shall be riding more Harley's soon - starting with the Fat Boy - can't wait!!
That will be interesting. Apparently the worst handling of the soft tails due to the size of the rear tyre.....but one of the best looking. If you want performance and handling, low rider s is the way to go.....and don’t ride it in the rain!
I can't wait to try them!
Suppose it will sell well in the States for which it was mainly designed for, but for the vast majority of our UK roads it would be a little bit out of place, I think if you love this style of bike you will be prepared to put up with it's shortfalls, but I think it would be low on my list of bikes to own in the UK, even though it does look very cool I would soon be a little fed up with it. I think all the points you made pro's and cons are valid...
Cheers Stephen....
I said the same about the exhaust, I love how it looks and boxer engines are dope in my opinion, but that exhaust is such a mood killer compared to the rest of the bike 😂. I been trying to find a straight header exhaust and no one makes one that I’ve seen
Prototype exhaust looks wayyyyy better
Interesting review. There seemed to be quite a few niggles for a bike which is nearly £20k. You mentioned this and the Triumph Rocket 3 being your favourite cruisers... No place in that list for the Speedmaster? Which is considerably cheaper and probably a more practical everyday bike.
Sorry the Speedmaster slipped my mind - I do love that bike - straight to the top of my list for that one!
To put it into perspective, the 2021 Speedmaster now comes with comfort rider and pillion seat as standard, as well as cruise control. I've just spec'd one up as a possible purchase with pannier rails and soft panniers, heated grips screen and sissy bar/back rest (for nervous wife) for a little over £13k. The BMW is £19k and doesn't even have fuel gauge!
Saw car next to you as usual in wrong lane but at least he didn’t hit you cos he thought the huge cylinders would trash his car !
Awesome review! The one thing that would stop me from purchasing the bike is the lack of sound. I live 83 km East of Vancouver, BC & can go a short distance away and purchase an Indian motorcycle which has great sound. BMW has missed the mark on this one for me. Have a safe Spring out there. Cheers ✌😎
Cheers Steven - you too!
As always, a fantastic review. The veracity of your approach to analysis inspires trust. Next up: please review your beer collection in the background...and is that a bottle of Spanish Tempranillo we see there as well?
It's not Tempranillo but it is Spanish!
Can you add that chapter feature that UA-cam offers. I love it when people use that.
Sorry
Lugging about in reverse, could you use the reverse gear thingy it has and just sit on the bike ? Sod doing a work out like that, I got a motorbike because pedalling bikes was knackering me !
and I wrote this too soon , you demo reverse not working !
Looks like you put just the right amount of apologies about sound quality onscreen. Not one complaint so far!
You’ve not convinced me on this bike yet, but it was never going to happen. Each to their own 👍
Yes I hadn't twigged that!
Yes you put the apology on screen 4 times. Your Goldilocks zone maybe. 😊
Also folk may not realise you only find any issues afterwards editing, when the only way to sort it would be go out and redo the video, and the bike may be due to go back, gone, or you are working on the next bike review. 👍
Lack of centre stand an issue with flat tyres? Can you just get away with puncture repair kits? I'd definitely get a clear screen,heated grips and seats.
No optional reverse gear for this model?
If it was available,I'd get a top box for that bike as I don't carry pillions.
Would changing the brake pads give the front discs more bite and feel?
It does have a reverse gear as standard - I just struggled to get it to work!
I love you man, but I laughed so hard when you bent down to show us the suspension. It was like a different person entered the room at @23:58
Happy to entertain!
In Australia the BMW R18 makes the equivalent Harley Davidson model seem like exceptional value for money.
I rode my 2000 Roadking in what was almost a monsoon or at least felt like it while in France it was fine. Wet cobbles though are a real bum twitching ride
It's an amazing motorcycle...but again no centre stand which makes it not as practical as it could be. Great video full of useful information. I do think large capacity motorcycles are on there way out to some extent. But the BMW is a work of art.
Bye Stuart 🙂
God luck getting that thing up on the center stand 🙃
Thanks for another great review TMF! The lugging around bit is always hard on cruisers without anything at the back to grab a hold of. Even on my smallish 1200 Sportster, it's a pain and the risk of dropping the bike is always a clear and present danger. To move it around safely, I too always sit on the bike and peddle away with me legs... Still, aside from the terrible pipes and the sound (or lack thereof), it's a machine that'll turn heads and start conversations everywhere you go in Bikerland! 😍
True - splits opinions too it seems!
I can see why they are offering some deals on them already. I’m pretty sure you’ve got me sold on the Goldwing. It just seems vastly superior (counting maintenance and reliability) of any other bikes in the class. I won’t wait around for 1800 boxer touring bike they’ll make out of it. Would love to see more touring on the Wing! Or a comparison with the new ‘21 model.
I have a '21 in the garage at the moment and am planning my tours for this year as we speak! The R18 and the 'wing are very different machines aimed at a very different rider.....
The r18 should not be compared to a gold wing lol
It may look good in front of your front lawn,but I reckon there are too many down side to justify purchasing this over cruisers from what you said. One being heavy to lug around even compare to gold wing, cylinder heads in the way of pedels(thats kinda would be a major issue imo), dont sound great, kinda big due to boxer engine and controls too modern.