Back in the day on my BMW 750, a cab driver decides to pull a U-turn right in front of me on Central Park West / NYC. I locked up the bike and slid underneath the back of the cab. The left cylinder dug into the pavement and protected my left leg, the right cylinder locked up against the underside of the taxi bumper and protected my right leg. It all happened in a few seconds. I was unharmed. I got up, picked up the bike, which only had minor scratches on the valve covers. The cab driver could not have cared less. I told him he could have killed me. He just shrugged, which pissed me off. So I reached inside the driver's window, put the column shift in park, turned off the ignition, took the keys and threw them into Central Park. Hopped on my bike and roared away. That's what comes to mind when I think of BMW motorcycles 😊

I’ve always felt the same way about mid controls. I’ve wanted an R18 since I saw the first one.

I’ve owned 4 BMWs and 7 Harleys. I love the Boxers and the Big bikes. So I agree it’s a matter of choice on the day. Go ride!! 🤟

I have been riding my R-18 Transcontinental after a Vtwin Indian Spring field and it is a massive improvement. The ride technology is outstanding no heated crouch while riding and the heat from the cylinders is a none issue. The controls are easy to adapt to and it is a better riding position.

Both my v-twins fry my ass in the Texas heat while my R-18 FE is the bike I now choose during the summer months. No heat issues at all. The ride is stiff and the seat is painful though.

Your foot comments on foot placement are spot on. I think that forward controls, you are giving up some control of the motorcycle.

Stunning motorcycle! I test rode one last year and didn’t feel any heat from the cylinders.

Your explanation of controls placement may be hands down the best. I'm a non-rider who's peeking in, seeing about pricing, convenience, that sort. That explanation of where your weight and posture is for fatigue was perfect. This really answered a lot of questions about what would, if, my fist bike be, and why. Thank you!

The best technical explanation I've heard. Straight to the point no nonsense even after a year sounds 👌

Very well said! I confirm on my side (I own an R18 Transcontinental) that the engine is ALWAYS cool even after 8 or 9 hours riding in twisty Alpine roads or hairpin bends. Demonstration is that I can lay my legs on the two cylinders to take some rest or to stretch them. With my CVO Road Glide the heat from the engine is strong in my inner legs when I stress the engine on the same roads.

Great job reviewing. Love the look of the bike and maybe one day… My Dyna was my first bike and I put over 50,000 miles on her in 4 years including an Iron Butt. You are right, you ride what you have.

Harley created a boxer motor for troops in Africa during WWII. Interestingly it is nut for nut exactly like the BMW. Unfortunately it was too late, the troops crossed over into Italy therefore never using them in the intense African heat. It’s a solid motor. 💪🏼

Surprised no one is complaining about the harsh rear suspension . That is the ONLY thing that stops me from buying the R 18 . Love it to bits otherwise. Front suspension superb. Manoeuvrability great. Was not bothered by the engine heat because of the reasons you mentioned. Almost everything about this R18 I love with the exception of the rear suspension. I adjusted it to the max I could for my weight but it still beat the hell out of my lower back on roads that were less than smooth tarmac. It is a work of art - I agree. Its a pity BMW won't redesign the R18 to the same rear geometry as the R18B - which I hear has better rear suspension . I am not fond of TFT's and big fairings that is why the R18 appeals to me over the R18B. Its a pity they won't give the R18 the same rear as the R18B so that rear suspension drastically improves. This is a gorgeous bike. Cheers

Great review Adam! I have a ‘19 CVO RoadGlide and just picked up a 2022 R-18 Classic. I absolutely love the bike and you nailed each point on what this bike is, just a cruiser. I just wish it had 2 more inches of clearance so you can get a little more aggressive in the turns. BMW missed it on that one.

Thank You Sir, Adam as I've told you in the past; at 14 I learned to ride on my uncle's 47 Indian Chief, at 16 I bought my cousin's 65 Panhead Electraglide. The latter was my my primary bike for 26 years until I got rear-ended at a stop light. I ride Ultras for " iron butt" and my personal touring bike. I've had Heritage, Roadkings, and an old 87 Goldwing I chopped. But my current touring bike for my Lady and I is an 06 GL1800 Goldwing, soon to be pulling a trailer once I finish painting it for tent camping. At 56, if I could afford that BMW bike I'd get it with panniers and tourpac that are removable because I believe it could be the best all round bike. Thank You again for your enthusiasm and honesty. You are in my prayers Hoka Hey

my only complaint on this bike after a test ride was how heavy it felt with low speed handling.

Bmw r18 the best motorcycle ever Made.

The R18 is a gorgeous bike. The seat height and bent knee would be my biggest issue. But I need to actually ride one and not just sit on one! Nice review.

You nailed it Adam. Definitely a city slickers ride to have fun and look good.

I rejected this bike due to mid controls. I like forward, my legs were hurting me already in the shop. I understand your happiness, r18 is one of best looking motorcycles, so congratulations! I am curious on your review after 15000 or 30000 miles!

I rode an R1200C for years and loved it, my favorite bike. I wish though that they had kept the telelever 'wishbone' 3-point suspension in the front of the R18C. It was an award-winning design innovation in 1998 for the R12C and made for a rock-solid front end - no diving in a corner when having to suddenly decelerate with your front brake. I put over 100,000 very enjoyable kms on my R12C through the mountains of BC and AB in Canada. Thanks for this - I won't shy from buying a R18C, great review 🙂

Nice to listen to your obvious enthusiasm for your bike. Although not a cruiser fan, I’d pick this over any offerings from the competition. I haven’t checked out the specs on the newest R18’s but I know the First Edition bikes didn’t have a fuel gauge. I sincerely hope BMW have addressed this, as I wouldn’t fancy pushing over a 1/3rd of a metric tonne more than 100yds (downhill)! Enjoy your bike. 👍🏻😎

As a young geezer with arthritis in one of my knees... and who rides with other young geezers who also have similar challenges... it is crucially important to me that I intermittently be able to stretch my legs forward when an occasional moment of pain or discomfort surfaces. Placing them on the protruding engine is a poor option. Ergo, no R18 for this young geezer.

It LOOKS cool, but that's about it. Handles like MUD. Test rode one & hated it. Uncomfortable seating position. The jugs don't allow you to get your feet up! Glad you enjoy it!!! Keep up the great work, Adam. To each their own.

Great honest and accurate review 😎 I’ve been riding for 50 years and had many different bikes but I think the R18 would have to be my all time favourite , it’s a blast to ride and pulls like a Mack truck 👍

R 18. A Piece of Art 🤩 Outstanding. For touring the whole world go for the BMW GS 1250. Best tourer for any road 😎

I just picked up a R18 Transcontinental and so far I absolutely love it!

I reviewed this bike about a year ago and it wasnt for me. The cramped seating position and lack of foot positioning was a no-go for me.

Best review addressing perceived issues, I have seen so far. I’m a Harley man through and through but if money was t an option I’d have multiple brands.

I have a 2022 R18B and love it. The quality of the parts is crazy good. It's quiet when you are idling through town but has a great sound when you open it up. More than enough power to be entertaining, and I've had liter bikes, 600s, 1300 (FJR) and a GSXR 750 in the past. It's not a sports bike, but you don't have any problem blasting away from cars at stoplights, mountain roads, or the interstate. I think that some of the long term winners from BMW have been slow or late to catch on. It's a luxury cruiser. Looking forward to putting 150K miles on mine, and I think it will do it no problem.

Yes, man you’re truly right. If you want a bike to last get a boxer motor and if the style fit your taste, absolutely, get a BMW bike. It will bring to you lots of joy and ownership pride!

Nice thing about R18 in any form is the used market has great deals. Considering the low miles I'm seeing on used machines owners aren't riding very far.

Rode BMW 21 years and switched to an Indian a year ago. I miss standing on the mid controls on a long ride.

Great review Adam! I think you hit all the concerns right between the eyes! In 1979, we were on a cross country ride and met a fellow rider out in New Mexico, a school teacher from Florida, riding a BMW. He had 375k miles on it and no plans to ride anything different! Boxers… the Chevy Corvair boxer is still used in Light Sport Experimental Aircraft. Has to be a tough engine to be relied on off the ground! Thanks for addressing the key questions about this bike. Ride safe brother!

I'm glad you like it Adam, I believe I will keep riding my Harley...

Awesome video and it makes sense. Every bike has a different purpose but they can all be used however the owner chooses. It would be cool to see a garage video where you show your bikes off and talk about some cool differences. Have a great day!

Having brought a r18 and watching this review after the only thing you could have added is that a test ride isnt often long enough to get used to the bike it took me about 500 miles to truly fall in❤ with this bike

I had a few of these and loved them. I am however surprised you say the engine is smooth. I found a zone between 2,400 and 3,000 which was lovely but outside that it’s quite a lumpy or ‘characterful’ engine. I certainly wouldn’t class it as smooth compared to other twins I’ve ridden.

Hey Hermano, You are absolutely right,, it looks sexy man, I mean it´s a beautiful motorcycle, but... for me seems pretty uncomfortable because the boxer engine, and the mid foot controls, even though I am a man who will not ever have the access to ride this kind of motorcycle, but watching it through my screen, and thanks to you, it looks that way. So yeah... this is gorgeous. God bless you brother.

First of all, I'll deal with ANYTHING in order to have vibration. I've owned a lot of drop dead boring, smooth, quiet, Japanese bikes. Never again. about 20 years ago, I bought my first used Sportster 1200. It was a revelation. I knew instantly that was what I had wanted all my life. It also sounds great. I no longer have that Sportster, but I currently have 2 Sportsters and a 1989 FXRS Low Rider. Motorcycle perfection. H-D totally RUINED the M8 engine by putting a balancer in it. Another HUGE problem with that particular bike is it's tube type tires. I've ridden about a million miles or so in my life, and probably had 70-80 flat tires, almost all of them on bikes with tube type tires. They are unfixable on the road. I paid thousands of $$$ on towing bills over the years because of all those flat tires. I gave up bikes with tube type tires a long time ago, and my flat tire problem pretty much went away. If you DO manage to have a flat tire with a tubeless tire, you can just plug it, reinflate it, and be on your way. This is 2022. WHY are motorcycles still using Model T tire technology? How would you like to have a tube blowout on that 900 pound bike going 80 mph on the highway? IF you survive, you will still be stranded. I don't even know why DOT allows street legal bikes with tube type tires to be sold anymore. They claim to be concerned about safety? Tube type tires are by far the most dangerous thing on any motorcycle that has them, and they always have been. If German engineering is so great, why are BMWs always at the bottom of every list of motorcycle brands based on reliability? I don't know about that one, but the GS does NOT use the old school pushrod boxer motor. It has a liquid cooled DOHC motor that may look like the old boxer motor on the outside, but it's total trash on the inside, and its lack of reliability proves that.

Test rode the "bagger" version last year at Sturgis, only thing I wasn't crazy about was low speed maneuverability. That thing was heavy below 15mph.

I use the rear pegs for long distance too. Also takes wind resistance away from the lower body area. 👍😎

This engine design has been around for a long time. It’s a proven design. I don’t have a problem with how this bike looks and performs. I think it looks great.😀

Outstanding description of this magnificent motorcycle. It is absolutely the most character, soul, heritage and performance BMW I have owned. That is out of a total of 38 BMWs since the 70s. I want to grow older with this R18 Classic First Edition! I also have a GSA 1250 model. I believe BMWs are a refined acquired wonderfully satisfying passion. They retain the best value of any motorcycles in the world. They also have premium tier one quality and long lasting low maintenance. 38 out of 85 owned and ridden hundreds of thousands of miles speaks by itself...we have to earn the right to talk about them. Not just give an opinion based on others' perspectives.

Adam, when you talked about the maintain schedule, you forgot 2 things VERY VERY important. 1. It is the next one at 6000 miles OR 1 year, which ever comes first. The light in your dash wont come out until bmw turns it off. So every year you nee to do maintanence, and that 6000 miles service involves valves check,,,, THATS A OVER 1000 DOLLARS SERVICE. That’s very important to know. I have a r18. Yearly maintance brother even if you ride it or not. Whichever comes first my friend. That’s what you shoulda said.

I have the R18 B model. I am qualified to tell everyone that by installing crash bars (eBay $150 USD) you have place to rest your feet in the forward position without having to buy foot rest to mount on the crash bars...It's super comfortable on long rides.

My first bike was a used BMW. A friend said I shouldn't worry about someone stealing it because it was so ugly. I've now owned 15 of these ugly bikes. Quality built from stem to stern. I agree that riding the ride that makes you happy is priority # 1. Miles of smiles is what matters at the end of the day. 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🙋‍♂️

Maintenance costs will start to add up at about the 3 years of ownership milestone. After that, you will look to trade it for a Yamaha. 🤑

Great video, I like it so much , I bought both the R18 pure & R18 Transcontinental. Loving both! Enjoy life and ride

All true. Nice presentation. On my other "R's" I put my legs up on the cylinders as required when needed. BMW's rarely get very hot so it has not been a problem. If excessive temperature was experienced, insulators could be used on your pant legs to protect you from the temperature. On very long trips I often take off my shoes and place my socked feet directly on the cylinders. It is very nice feeling. The wind rockets through your toes and the cylinder temperature is not a problem. Sitting for many hours on a bike requires different positions for your legs. Boxers allow that.

Those mufflers what were the krauts thinking absolutely ruin the look of an other wise great looking bike. Cheers 🍺 🍺 🍺 🍺 🍺 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧😎

I always have to watch a few videos before I subscribe to a channel, I think I finally subscribed about 2 weeks ago. I like your content it's not the same old same old every video. Keep up the good work from Rockford Illinois

Had a 2005 Honda VTX 1800n and unfortunately had to get rid of it a few years ago. I absolutely loved it. Looking at this as my next machine as soon as I put some dollars together. Thank you for a great review.

Adam, loved your honest review, been looking at one of these instead of upgrading my Harley. They are cheaper to purchase than a similar HD and to be honest, I've not read or heard a bad review about them yet. Keep up the great videos, love your channel.

I see it's more of a nostalgic and collector oriented design. I couldn't see splitting lanes comfortably on this bike.

Mid controls …… the riding position is called the lotus position! There is a reason on your goldwings and so many others use this seating position

Other advantages of the opposed twin design include that it falls on the valve cover and not your leg (I've never met a one-legged BMW rider). I rode a '71 R75/5 for 170 miles at 90mph and I when I put my hand down on the value covers, they were just pleasantly warm.

The R18 motor is just not a bigger boxer motor. BMW engineered an oil circuit within the air cooling pathway to further cool the engine. First time for this improvement and shows their commitment of constantly improving the boxer

This bike is a work of art. I agree with what you’re saying and will look at one of these soon. Very special.

I bought the R18 Classic First Ed. Love it. You hit a home run with that review!!! Well done.

5:40 HIGHLY DISAGREE! As someone who commutes 600 miles a week back and forth to work, having your knees bent like that is the WORST! You will 100% fuck up your knees being bent like that for constant long rides. Forward controls is 100% the way to go for the least amount of fatigue.

The front cylinder of a V- twin is like a fat kid at a birthday party when cake & ice cream is served!

nice work explaining the foot controls.

Remember early days of Harley Davidson they had a boxer motor for a few years

Had a couple of test rides, it’s a lot of fun, pulls like a train and has tons of character. I could live with one, but not as an only bike.

I just found this video. Absolutely excellent video! I really really like this bike. I have been looking at it for a while now. Thank you so much for sharing.

Experimental Army, according to one site the engine was 100 degrees cooler than the other Harleys. Only engine like that I ever had was a junked golf cart, my father welded a narrow frame, so it was just engine and me, and I sat over the worm gear axle. Decisions for next one, practical or..., CB500X, the new Nightster, or maybe MT-09. Have fun on it.

I have a R18 trans continental…. And I had this bike for over a year … 5 k+ miles …. Best bike I ever had… highly recommended

It appears you got a different R1800 than other reviews had. Cycle World reported "prominent vibration" . A 6000 service is a expensive deal at a BMW dealer. HD only require fluid changes.

I'm a Harley guy, but i've liked this since saw it first time. And it is kinda bike that screams sidecar!

You’ve made many very relevant points here. It’s not my cup of tea, however I believe that BMW have done a great job with this bike. Great vid man! ✌️

Everything you say in this video is 100% what I think about my R18. top quality, lots of character in motorcycle, beautiful, unique. I love my naked R18, no windshield no suitcases. Pure motorcycling. greetings from bavaria the BMW country.

Adam if that bike doesn’t make ya look sexy, the hats always do. 😂😂🤘🤘

It has benefits, but it isn’t as aesthetically pleasing to me. To each their own! 👍🏼

All I will say is whatever the service schedule is, follow it like it's an aircraft. You will find using the recommended transmission and final drive fluid shockingly expensive too. It does require valve clearance checks too. As far as the foot position, my legs don't fold like that to the rear pegs. If you think this is a tourer, check out the R1250RT. The RT's do everything well. The R18 is more niche, but it is unique for sure. The funny thing is, among the beemer faithful there's a lot of pushback and rejection, which I find odd. To me it looks like an R69 on steroids, but the tupperware crew sees things differently. Anyway...It is a cool bike, have fun with it and "let's be careful out there".

Awesome running yet uncomfortable to ride with the motor in the way

Friggin bang on there buddy. I love mine. Its a thinking man's bike..

Excellent video, explaining most of the ifs and whys of that bike. My R18 is, by far and a long shot, my favourite bike. I don’t know what kind of wizardry Beemer did, but that giant elephant is actually pretty flickable on slow speeds. First bike I have that can eat a thousand miles without me being tired.

I took it for a test ride. It’s a nice around town bike but I love the flexibility of moving my feet around on my road glide

I rode one at Bike week Daytona. I have never been on a motorcycle that vibrated like this one. At idle you had you hold on to the handle bars or the front end moved back and forth. Maybe something was wrong with the engine, but I would not consider bike for any application. I am 6’1” and my legs were very cramped. Not for me at all.

I've always wondered about heat off of the cylinders on a BMW, thanks. Hope to see you at the BMW rally in Colorado. If not no biggie. Ride safe

Your right "Ride what you want to ride" but I still can't get pass the look of that motor.

My Dyna came with forward controls when I bought it and I really want to take it back to mid. It seems like it would be a way better ride. I noticed on longer rides my knees start to hurt with forward controls. Like you said it also puts all the weight on my tail bone

I have forwards on my street bob and I put a set of mids on it as my highway pegs.

As a novice trying to find my way to my first bike. Your explanation of the R18 was excellent. So far it is running ahead of the pack. Will continue watching your videos. Yhanks

the "jugs" were a problem for me, I felt restricted and wasn't able to extend my legs at all. Otherwise, I was a buyer. It looks incredible, just not an ergonomic fit for me (I'm 6-2, 224, with relatively short legs). I think someone under 6 feet would probably love this model

If BMW made a version of this bike around 1000 cc's, with the same styling, less weight, and lower price tag I would like it a lot more.

Great review. You answered the key questions about this bike. Thank you.

Man, I loved the R18 and really, ALMOST bought an R18B for my 40th. There is just so much character in the power delivery and the bike looks great from every angle (except those pipes). In the end thought I had major issues with the large TFT they put on the R18B, and phone connectivity. It disconnected from my phone 6 times in 15 minutes and per my friends at the dealer, is a known issue yet to be solved. In the end I settled on a new S1000XR instead. Thinking of adding an R18 Launch Edition to the fleet though; the deals right now are incredible.

Just brought a '22 R18 Classic home. Loving it so far and agree with all you said!

Love this. Can't wait to get mine.

I've ridden BMW'S since 1980 and never had a problem with heat, seating position over 500.000 miles. My problem is with the weight of the R18. I've ridden the Alaska Highway 5 times on my '77RS before it was paved, and never saw a Harley that wasn't a local.

Glad I go to see your personal take on the R18. It was love at first sight when I first saw the concept revealed. Although I wish they could’ve leaned more towards the original concept, I still think they did a phenomenal job with the outcome of the bike. I have had my 2021 First Edition for over a month now with a little over 1500 miles. It was a demo model from San Francisco, and had it shipped to Honolulu. It is my first cruiser bike ever. Prior to this I had a factory cafe racer with mid controls. That was my first bike. So I totally agree with you point on mid controls. And just like you, I wanted something nice and shiny that stood out from the crowd and would draw the attention from riders, and non riders alike.

I agree, the beemer is a great bike, but as I age I find that I need to stretch my legs out in front of me. My knees can't take that mid control angle for more than about 30 minutes. But I do love the bike. Old knees suck.

Keep that one clean brother awesome bike I would love to have one

Hi Adam, you simply haven’t addressed problems: weight distribution, manoeuvrability (need for reverse gear), comfort etc. Enjoy your next BMW junket.

I guess I wanted to feel Special too.. I just bought a 2008 Buell Ulysses, It is a well engineered bike but the Vibrating Harley engine roasts your legs and crotch non stop. Maybe I can find a wrecked Indian Scout and repower it . It will Rip on a curvy road .. The only really bad part about the Stock Buell is the windscreen blows the air right into your face. It's so loud I can't even use my blue tooth speakers for navigation . I already ordered a Madstad windscreen and brackets for it .. So far the horn bracket has broke and the kick stand fell off..

Now I know how the heated seat on my Harley works and why I can't shut it off.

I’ve owned more Harleys than I can count. And I’ve owned an RT, 3 GS bikes and K1600 GT. If a Harley owner ever rode one of these, they’d never ride a Harley again. I’ve ridden these R18s, but I was a GSA owner at the time and didn’t want one.

I rememberd when I raize the back suspension on my Low Riser S... now it's the new thing. so I'll do the same thing on the R18 to get better handling.