Great review, great looking bike, BMW traditional pinstripe really makes that bike look good, I think I’m in the minority here as I love baggers, I’ve owned Harleys and now a K1600b, and I fully agree with your conclusions, it’s is bonkers, and hands down the best bagger.
haha, loved this review. Super fun to watch you bicker with yourself. I just bought the R18 TC and like you, I was surprised and astonished. I think BMW nailed a number of important features - handling, comfort, torque range, style. Fun to ride, classic cruiser style and the tech and workmanship are way ahead of the comps. I do find it very attractive as well.
I’m in the US and prefer boxers and mids. Rode the TC variant and can see that large people may not always fit well. Being relatively small, I am happy to have a mid-control touring option besides the GW and other sporty bikes, and ADVs. Tempted, but my old R12CLC still works well. Would be a worthy replacement, though.
You marketing-positioned this R18B greatly. I always owned HD Touring bikes (in my channel videos you can see some of them) but on march 12th i'm going to take home a brand new R18 Transcontinental. I wanted to try something different with great attention to details and finishing. And this Boxer, for sure, is "something different". Let's see.
I am 67, can’t own a bunch of bikes for lack of garage, found myself needing a cruiser bagger from my 1200 naked. Knowing most mileage would be Interstate, after owning many bikes in the past, I chose the R18b. NO REGRETS, once I got used to the weight I am pleased with my decision. I would however encourage everyone, do your homework before making such a purchase, the ride, the maintenance and dependability. I miss riding naked but at 67 it’s better I am somewhat dressed now.
here in the states its been a hard sale for the most part . with r18s sitting on the floor for months .my local dealer has started to put bid discounts on all of them to try an move them
Great Review. This is a stunning looking bike. The optics are amazing. I could do without the iPhone holder on top of the tank, but the overwhelming sense is awesome.
I have the Transcontinental. I have the phone compartment. I had to buy a short cable from BMW for $30 for charging. It is not inductive unless they make an inductive accessory.
After a 40 min test drive I've come to the conclusion that as nice as this machine is I just can't do the ergonomics. Size 13 boots just can't find a happy place on the foot boards, I'd need three inches added to the seat height to be comfortable with a feet forward position. Can't help but think that most riders that can afford the price, will be unhappy with longer term comfort.
Those Headers should have been raised up and pushed forward by an Inch! The point of spending $30,000 USD and not being able ride it with comfort is a Design Flaw to my opinion. If you're 6' plus and wearing proper Boots, you won't be comfortable.
Forward pegs are for a woman who visits the gynecologist, not for men by motorcycles. I have to hand it to HD for the severe brainwashing they have handed down to you guys.
No highway pegs! As you said, you are not a fan of the cruisers and don’t know what us bagger guys look for in our bikes. Yes it’s a beautiful bike but practicality for long hauls, fail.
I wish, but aesthetics are so very personal and I claim no particular skill in this regard. I do think it looks pretty good compared to other baggers, and you obviously disagree, and that's okay! No need for the snide remark after the disagreement.
Excellent showing/riding things I would never test but, the elephant-in-the-room is, European cars are highly thought of in the USA and I believe none of them copy American cars so why are Europeans mucking about with copying Yankee bike stuff?
Rode Harley baggers for decades. My Transcontinental simply handles better, has better tech, comes with much more standard equipment at a lower price, has a superior stereo and far better overall fit and finish. Fewer dealers, only a small fraction of the customization options, less luggage capacity, less leg room and less get up and go. Tradeoffs with whatever you select.
You are correct. I am 5'7 and had a R-18, and it fit me perfectly. Kind of nice as a small guy where most everything I would like to ride is too damned tall. Chalk one up for short people.
Brits are always so hard on American bikes. Good review but man ok we get it you don't like American bikes man. I once heard a review where a brit said you couldn't ride on Harley on the highway but in town only. Get real man Harleys ride everywhere.
This bike is 10 yrs too late. The Classic Styling is just not as popular as it was. This is simply and old style H-D Fat-Boy with a Bat fairing and a bit more Tech. Either way, notice all the cash incentives with the original classic. They can’t give these hunks away , it’s frankly one of BMW biggest flops ever. 👎
Love the Indians, still not as good as far as ground clearance goes if memory serves. Better looking though, and a brilliant engine, we've always been fans of the marque on this channel. I sense a bit of owner's pride clouding your judgement there though, because the BMW's build quality is as good or clearly better in most respects, and the technology and cockpit presentation are generally significantly better. That is a fact. However, if I had to own a bagger (and wasn't allowed the K 1600 B) I'd definitely go Indian before H-D.
Shame you decided to use dull sponsorship, completely ruined this channel for me and I'll probably unsubscribe if the next one contains this tedious content,
You can fast forward Johny, surely you don't begrudge us trying to make a living? This journalism You Tube thing is no path to riches, let me tell you. Just paying the bills without a monthly cardiac event would be welcome! Cut us some slack maybe?
@@johnykryll No need to apologise, because you are correct. TV in SA may not be like it is where you're from though - we pay the channel to put the content on, and find programme sponsors to cover those costs and hopefully leave a bit left over for us. Unfortunately it is only a bit, if there's 2000 US dollars left over to share between 4 people each month, it's a lot! We all earn extra money by freelancing, and projects like this You Tube channel - the show is a passion project, and if we thought too much about how little we earn from it we'd probably jump off the nearest bridge. Mmmm.... maybe that's why my wife has hidden all the sharp objects in the house. So yeah, we'd be grateful if you'd cut us some slack, grit your teeth and use your scroll forward finger to skip past whatever ads may be annoying you. Or maybe you're a multi-millionaire and can buy us out and pay us some decent wages? That's be nice!
R18B is the best choice out of the R18 range. But for me Moto Guzzi MGX-21 is the best Bagger out there
Great review, great looking bike, BMW traditional pinstripe really makes that bike look good, I think I’m in the minority here as I love baggers, I’ve owned Harleys and now a K1600b, and I fully agree with your conclusions, it’s is bonkers, and hands down the best bagger.
haha, loved this review. Super fun to watch you bicker with yourself. I just bought the R18 TC and like you, I was surprised and astonished. I think BMW nailed a number of important features - handling, comfort, torque range, style. Fun to ride, classic cruiser style and the tech and workmanship are way ahead of the comps. I do find it very attractive as well.
Exzellent Driving, best Video i saw on this bike. Greetz from austria
I’m in the US and prefer boxers and mids. Rode the TC variant and can see that large people may not always fit well. Being relatively small, I am happy to have a mid-control touring option besides the GW and other sporty bikes, and ADVs. Tempted, but my old R12CLC still works well. Would be a worthy replacement, though.
If I had the choice, K1600B for me.
You marketing-positioned this R18B greatly. I always owned HD Touring bikes (in my channel videos you can see some of them) but on march 12th i'm going to take home a brand new R18 Transcontinental. I wanted to try something different with great attention to details and finishing. And this Boxer, for sure, is "something different". Let's see.
I am 67, can’t own a bunch of bikes for lack of garage, found myself needing a cruiser bagger from my 1200 naked. Knowing most mileage would be Interstate, after owning many bikes in the past, I chose the R18b. NO REGRETS, once I got used to the weight I am pleased with my decision. I would however encourage everyone, do your homework before making such a purchase, the ride, the maintenance and dependability. I miss riding naked but at 67 it’s better I am somewhat dressed now.
here in the states its been a hard sale for the most part . with r18s sitting on the floor for months .my local dealer has started to put bid discounts on all of them to try an move them
Many thanks, greatly appreciated, Cheers Neil
Sooooo quietly being dropped from production in 18 months
❤A. Clickable road couch
Great Review. This is a stunning looking bike. The optics are amazing. I could do without the iPhone holder on top of the tank, but the overwhelming sense is awesome.
I have the Transcontinental. I have the phone compartment. I had to buy a short cable from BMW for $30 for charging. It is not inductive unless they make an inductive accessory.
Really enjoyed your vlog very well delivered
After a 40 min test drive I've come to the conclusion that as nice as this machine is I just can't do the ergonomics. Size 13 boots just can't find a happy place on the foot boards, I'd need three inches added to the seat height to be comfortable with a feet forward position.
Can't help but think that most riders that can afford the price, will be unhappy with longer term comfort.
You tried real hard. Real professional review.
Excellent video, but I'd rather have the Goldwing Bagger, although this would be second choice. I'll stick with my KTM 390, though. Lol.
Amazing quality bike and video. Cheers.
Those Headers should have been raised up and pushed forward by an Inch! The point of spending $30,000 USD and not being able ride it with comfort is a Design Flaw to my opinion. If you're 6' plus and wearing proper Boots, you won't be comfortable.
Baggers are generally hideous, awesome video/review
Any vibrating when u open the throttle.
I prefer the Classic version of the R18. A Swiss Army knife bagger.
No forward mount pegs, that makes it a sales disaster
Forward pegs are for a woman who visits the gynecologist, not for men by motorcycles. I have to hand it to HD for the severe brainwashing they have handed down to you guys.
Amazing video 👍🏽👍🏾
Reminds me of my old Triumph Thunderbird...
A good thoughtfull vidio ruined by bloody awefull google ads what are these clowns playing at ? 🥶
Great honest review with realistic information and opinions . Thank you 😎
No highway pegs! As you said, you are not a fan of the cruisers and don’t know what us bagger guys look for in our bikes. Yes it’s a beautiful bike but practicality for long hauls, fail.
'It looks pretty good'....must be sponsored by BMW.
I wish, but aesthetics are so very personal and I claim no particular skill in this regard. I do think it looks pretty good compared to other baggers, and you obviously disagree, and that's okay! No need for the snide remark after the disagreement.
Great job bmw great job, just no chance and no residual.
Zee germans say this is the right way to do it, so this is the way ve shall do it
Why oh why no fuel gauge?
It has a fuel-gauge. The standard R-18 does not though.
Excellent showing/riding things I would never test but, the elephant-in-the-room is, European cars are highly thought of in the USA and I believe none of them copy American cars so why are Europeans mucking about with copying Yankee bike stuff?
Rode Harley baggers for decades. My Transcontinental simply handles better, has better tech, comes with much more standard equipment at a lower price, has a superior stereo and far better overall fit and finish. Fewer dealers, only a small fraction of the customization options, less luggage capacity, less leg room and less get up and go. Tradeoffs with whatever you select.
Good bike if you are like 5’8”
You are correct. I am 5'7 and had a R-18, and it fit me perfectly. Kind of nice as a small guy where most everything I would like to ride is too damned tall. Chalk one up for short people.
Brits are always so hard on American bikes. Good review but man ok we get it you don't like American bikes man. I once heard a review where a brit said you couldn't ride on Harley on the highway but in town only. Get real man Harleys ride everywhere.
This bike is 10 yrs too late. The Classic Styling is just not as popular as it was.
This is simply and old style H-D Fat-Boy with a Bat fairing and a bit more Tech.
Either way, notice all the cash incentives with the original classic. They can’t give these hunks away , it’s frankly one of BMW biggest flops ever. 👎
Don't believe him. I ride an Indian and have compared to BMW - the latter have a long way to go to be as good.
Love the Indians, still not as good as far as ground clearance goes if memory serves. Better looking though, and a brilliant engine, we've always been fans of the marque on this channel. I sense a bit of owner's pride clouding your judgement there though, because the BMW's build quality is as good or clearly better in most respects, and the technology and cockpit presentation are generally significantly better. That is a fact.
However, if I had to own a bagger (and wasn't allowed the K 1600 B) I'd definitely go Indian before H-D.
Shame you decided to use dull sponsorship, completely ruined this channel for me and I'll probably unsubscribe if the next one contains this tedious content,
You can fast forward Johny, surely you don't begrudge us trying to make a living? This journalism You Tube thing is no path to riches, let me tell you. Just paying the bills without a monthly cardiac event would be welcome! Cut us some slack maybe?
@@matdurrans3361 Sorry Matt, thought your show was a TV show in SA put onto YT. Will scroll forward, once again, apologies.
@@johnykryll No need to apologise, because you are correct. TV in SA may not be like it is where you're from though - we pay the channel to put the content on, and find programme sponsors to cover those costs and hopefully leave a bit left over for us. Unfortunately it is only a bit, if there's 2000 US dollars left over to share between 4 people each month, it's a lot! We all earn extra money by freelancing, and projects like this You Tube channel - the show is a passion project, and if we thought too much about how little we earn from it we'd probably jump off the nearest bridge. Mmmm.... maybe that's why my wife has hidden all the sharp objects in the house.
So yeah, we'd be grateful if you'd cut us some slack, grit your teeth and use your scroll forward finger to skip past whatever ads may be annoying you. Or maybe you're a multi-millionaire and can buy us out and pay us some decent wages? That's be nice!