Why hasn’t Freddie been snapped up as a TV presenter is beyond me. Sadly I can’t afford a motorcycle, but nevertheless I so enjoy watching his presentations .. And not forgetting Monica and her great filming. Respect to you both… If you guys ever come to South Wales let me know, coffee on me!

I purchased a new 2021 R18 first edition and I am speechless every time I ride my motorcycle. I almost bought a Harley Davidson Road King until I saw this motorcycle by BMW. A Harley Davison rider pulled up next to me at a light and he was impressed with the styling. He said “ I ain’t never seen nothing like that before!” Every motorcycle has its drawbacks but the R18 is art in motion! Freddie, well done presentation on the R18. You are spot on!

American here, and proud owner of a 2023 r18 100 years edition. Outstanding review, and spot on. Will add this: both the shift lever and rear brake pedal are adjustable, so you can create perfect geometry between the foot peg, lever, piston casing, and riding boot. 2000 miles in, and braking/shifting are super intuitive. Added bonus - pistons block the wind on cold rides!

I didn’t knew BMW could build motorcycles with such finesse. What a fine piece of machinery. Even to me who isn’t a big fan of cruisers, this is an absolute art on wheels. Incredible content mate!

Absolutely Terrific review Freddie. I have an R18 and you get exactly why I bought it over the HD and other established cruisers. I can forgive/ignore any minor niggle like no fuel gauge because I simply don’t care. It’s beautiful, and rides as good as it looks. If it was a ship I’d say it was like The Queen Mary ocean liner. Pure elegance. Ships like that will never be built again because of cost, thankfully BMW built this and I’ve got one.

Firstly, Freddie has become (or maybe always was) a brilliant, eloquent presenter. A teller of tales. Mixed with Monika's incredible and truly talented eye, this makes for great content and entertainment. As for the bike, looks, and usability are of course subjective. I think it's gorgeous. And, as for the lack of techy bits etc. for longer distances, and to match Harleys and the rest, the R18 comes in several forms, including a full-on tourer - fancy pants digi screen included. You just gotta pay. Ride safe all!! :)

Thanks for this emotional and good report. As a biker I had different motorcycles in the 1970 and 1980 and loved riding them. Years of driving cars followed. Half a year ago I saw a picture of a Royal Enfield super meteor 650 and remembered what it is like to ride. Not getting comfortably from A to B but to ride and feel and having fun while getting from A to B. Then I got a look at a BMW R18 and fell in love. What a beauty. For some weeks I tracked informations, pictures and videos. At last I had a test ride for 2 hours yesterday. Every word you told about this bike is true. It gives so many emotions and while its big and heavy its like a smooth cat when you ride it gently but big and strong when you let it go on full throttle. This bike is everything. It will get some extras and be upgraded until it fits perfekt to me. By the way... I am from germany. Yesterday I ordered one. Have fun and make life a ride.

An excellent review , I own an R18 Classic for two years now along side a HD Fatboy , every time I start that engine and start riding , an overwhelming Joy takes over. A true Bauhaus Master Piece .

First of all, I want to draw your attention to the details and acknowledge the cameraman who worked tirelessly to create this masterpiece. Amazing

I just love the way you do your motorcycle reviews! It's like listening to a friend :)

It's great to have a lazy Sunday morning watching a Freddie Dobbs vid. Love this timeslot for publishing Freddie. Keep up the great work both if you!

i’m in the US i bought a brand new 2023 BMW R18 OPTION 719 MINERAL WHITE i absolutely love it, its an excellent bike and for the price i couldn’t pass up on this amazing machine!!!

As an American, I absolutely want this bike. I would never buy a Harley simply because of the whole "Harley culture" (lack thereof, really) and the fact that they're terribly overpriced. I did want an Indian, but again, at the price point, I know I can get more bike for less. I rode a BMW professionaly for a short period of time and I know they make quality machines. But this. This is the definition of quality. And it has to be the most beautiful modern bike I've ever seen. And for the price, there's just no question. I have to have one.

Thank you for such an honest review. Glad to see the model is getting the recognition it deserves. I am very privileged to own a R18B and the bike puts a smile on my face every time I crank that engine on and either go out for an impromptu ride or just go out to work using the bike as my commuter. The built quality is second to none and the ride becomes more comfortable with time as my body adapts to the ergonomics of the bike. Keep up the good work.

I am not into cruisers and therefore not in the market but I love the idea of this bike. I appreciate your honest appraisal of the bike as it has it's shortfalls- the lack of USB being the least of them. The foot position has been mentioned as being compromised by others. Thank you for a true review and not papering over the cracks to avoid upsetting the supplier of the bike.

I live close to the BMW Werk in Munich so I have these things roll around my area fairly often and it’s always a sight to behold

Hi Freddie this is a surprise you coming in on an R18, gaily good quickie report too. I’m pleased you like it unlike a host of other testers on KZfaq who’ve slagged it off having ridden it for half an hour on some straight stretch of road , Ive bbeen riding bikes for 64 years , I bought my 2021 classic with 200 miles on it , I usually do around 10/15 thousand miles per year I’ve now completed 9 thousand smiles on my classic I also have the previous cruiser from BMW the R1200 C , so the R18 is an amazing all round bike the longer you ride it the more you appreciate just how good it is , nothing beats time in the saddle to get used to the bike , the gear and foot brake lever need setting for each individual, one setting does not fit all , it does have a petrol gauge , the light comes on to tell you low fuel level ( just like your car) then it counts up to around 45 miles to allow you to get to a filling station , I usually ride for 150 smiles then fill up any way , they should have told you that before taking the bike out on the road , my only gripe has been the seat is is like a plank and I’ve fitted a mustang seat bmw approved, and the screen was not tall enough ( I’m the same height as you, I fitted a clearview screen from the USA 4 inches taller , I feel you would have liked the bike more had it had normal footrests rather than the foot boards, easier to change gear , I don’t think the USA guys will be buying them instead of Harley D , but I’m sure when it does catch on in the states bmw will at least make small inroads in sales making it viable to carry on production , I do hope so as it’s an amazingly good machine to ride , most of my riding is done in North Wales on the twisty’s , I very rarely use motorways , keep up the good work Freddie 🎉Graham

Freddie you have such a clarity in the way you explain bike stuff. Watched all your Royal Enfield episodes very nicely explained. Subscribed to your channel today.

The best review of this motorcycle that I have seen on the entire internet, Congrats!!

Thanks Freddie. Always like your reviews. I’ve purchased this exact same anniversary model. Agree - this is a work of art and beauty. I haven’t been on the bike yet. I’m still on restricted license until July 2024 but I had to have this limited edition - so it’s on display at BMW Melbourne. My son and I detail as a hobby and we polished it within an inch of its life and then ceramic coated it three times. Result is the deepest gloss levels achievable. The wait is killing me. Again - thanks for a great review.

I think Freddie's passion for design , whether car bike or building just comes spilling out in every genuinely passionate review. As for the bike, I get the whole no-holds-barred design and attention to detail, the big displacement motor and minimalist yet industrial design but it's just not my thing even though cruisers are, along with its weight and it's cost, and I would genuinely prefer something like a Victory Hammer or Vegas for my classic style cruiser kicks. However thanks for a cracking & passionate review yet again!

Hi Freddie I have the bmw r1200c and it rocks back and forth just like the 1800, I am often told I could have bought a nice harley for the same money, my reply is everyone has a harley only the chosen few have a bmw cruiser, I've had it over 10 years now and never regreted having it. Thanks Freddie and Monica for all the top work you do.

Yet another thoughtful and insightful piece showing Freddie’s absolute love for bikes and his knowledge, he also points out the less than useable bits whilst considering the competition Keep up the good work 👏

Best review I have seen for the R18. I had a BMW R1200C Independent from new and ran it for 13 years. Considered a left field choice and either derided or loved by both motorcyclists and the general public, I didn’t care, as the looks and riding experience were both beautiful and sublime. I toured Europe and every where in between and managed to rack up 32,000 miles without any issues. I test rode the R18 Classic two years ago and it brought back the memories of my R12OOC but with more power and stunning looks. I currently have a K1600 B which provides practicality and style, albeit in a more futuristic way. Keep up the good work !

Freddie, you made me chuckle with the accountants to step out the room comment. You are so articulate and expressive. Your talent is immense. This is now my goal to attain one of these bikes....thank you

Mine turns heads in Texas, at a charity bike show yesterday it was obviously the only one there (amongst 50+ Harleys). Lots of good natured ribbing but lots of appreciation for her too.

1930's Germany , they've come a long way (if you get my drift) On a side note . Can we have a big up for Monica and her sterling camera work . Teamwork makes the dream work and all that . Stunning bike , but i prefer the Harley you took out a few weeks back .

Simply the coolest looking engine and drivetrain there is. I hope BMW keeps making these. Gorgeous.

It is a stunning machine, so much more than any Harley. So glad you loved it Freddie, as it’s had so much bad press from those who just don’t get it. Bauhaus is so the right comparison.

Beautiful bike .Beautifully put together . Great stream as usual . Thanks Freddie

Hi Freddy I always love the presentation and content of your videos I am now retired and live in Spain and get to ride some stunning near traffic free roads in the sun but I sometimes get a little homesick especially when I see some of your locations. Many many years ago as a member of the RAF I was given a house in the overspill quarters at Shotley Gate I have spent many an hour sitting just where you were, happy memories and great videos thanks Freddie

When I first saw these, I thought they'd be a hit in Canada, but I've only ever seen a handful. The dealerships have been discounting them, and used prices are lower than expected. The only negatives that come to mind are the limited amount of room to move your feet, and the lack of a fuel gauge. Harleys and Indians typically have floorboards and a lot of folks fit 'highway pegs'. They all have fuel gauges. Back in the day, the aftermarket had fuel gauge tank caps that you could fit to bikes that didn't have fuel gauges. Some clever chap should look into it since BMW seem incapable. I still think the R18 looks absolutely beautiful. Great video, Freddie. Love the presentation and Monika's camera work.

Best Video yet. Constructive criticism and positive enthusiasm that inform. Lovely photos too. Enjoyed it so much, thank you!

Oh Freddy, I really enjoyed your intro and look around the bike. Your tone of voice reminded me of the botanist David Bellamy describing a rare and wonderful plant, and I have not laughed so much in ages!. Thank you!!. As for the bike it’s a wonderful engineering concept, and I don’t think BMW expected to sell that many of them. But I am grateful they built it as it demonstrates that alongside the emotion of motorcycles, they can also be beautiful.

My 2021 R1150RS has a fuel gauge and when the light comes on I have 40 miles left in the tank. You cannot beat the boxer engine for character. They way it sounds, the way it feels. It is awesome. I have a dealership showroom full of bikes and I can ride anything I choose. But most nights I take my Beemer home.

Very nice review. I 100% agree with your assessment of the R18. All aspects you mentioned, made me buy the R18 First Edition in 2022 and I ride it Japan. The buying price beginning of 2022 was to my surprise even lower (converted) than in Germany. Normally, european products are about 20% more expensive in Japan. But also here, the RRP was quickly reduced by at least 10%. What BMW did and is still doing, especially in the US, is a slap in the face to all who bought the bike at the regular price in the beginning, elsewhere. IMO, this strategy can only be buying market shares from HD and others. However, no premium or luxury brand would ever run such a predatory pricing at the cost and image of the product only short after the launch of a newly developed product. Furthermore, I believe, BMW also produced too many and flooded the market. Luckily, at least the First Edition is sold out now. Freddie, continue your very good to the point content! You have a new subscriber.

Brilliant description & filming. Made me desperately want a bike I used to hate. Dobbs magic.

This is one of the best reviews I've ever watched it makes me more determined to get one second hand and keep it for ever

Fantastic video. I have the same bike model (2023 100 year edition) and just love it. I m 5.8 and it is perfect for me and even for long rides. I rode nonstop 3 hours and did not feel tired at all. I touched 90mph at times and did not even know about it. Very smooth.

I’m currently on a bmw course for my test. They have an R18 in the garage. Each morning and evening I can’t help paying a visit to it. It’s a thing of raw beauty. Freddie I want to thank you for the riding inspiration. Fingers crossed I pass my mod 1 and 2 on Thursday. Say hi to Monica and keep the vids coming 👍👍

Freddie I’ve owned my First Edition since launch in Australia in 2020. I still love every single time I look at it let alone ride it. It’s beautiful aesthetically & beautiful to ride. Perfect? No. Yes you’re right about the fuel range, but the low light comes on at about 4.5 litres which gives you plenty of time to find somewhere to fill up. Yes the suspension is firm & yet as you said the bloody thing just gets on with it. The handling is sublime as the weight is way down low. Yes I’ve scraped the pegs a couple of times but the bike was not unsettled. Enjoy your time with it mate. Mine however is my forever R18.😍👍🏼😎🇦🇺

Great video. I’ve seen other R18 riders rest their legs on the cylinders while riding and you can actually buy bolt on rests that act as highway pegs. It’s not forward controls, but it is an option. Also I’ve been told the suspension is easily adjusted to the rider’s height and weight. Shame the supplier didn’t do this for you

Another excellent video. Intelligent, articulate and a real enthusiast. Very well filmed by Monica too, I hasten to add.

I'm American. Owned a 2021 First Edition for 3 months now. Freddie is not wrong. This bike becomes one with you after a few rides. An absolute dream to ride on the highways and countryside. A brilliant motorcycle. It has the perfect growl from 4th to fifth gear at about 3000 rpms but is not obnoxiously loud whatsoever. It's sonic harmony.

I have to agree. Saw one in person and my jaw dropped. Stunning looking and sounding bike.

Obviously I am wrong, as many like it, but I think it is horrendous, only beaten in the horrendous stakes by the Honda Rebel series.................... But what do I know...........?

This bike is gorgeous, the sight of it on the side stand positioned in the beautiful country side is exquisite. I'd love to own it for that alone, but on top of the gorgeous detailing, the reverse feature, the exhaust, the seating, the handlebar position, and not to mention the larger engine wih the quintessential BMW engine style. My pa (grandpa) used to ride an older BMW, and that's another reason id love to get the R18, just to see him smile. I commented something of similar fashion on your previous video with the R18 but I feel very strongly about it so felt I should reiterate.

From Texas…it doesn’t push me out or away from Harley. Because it is so good and different it makes you want to add this bike to the stable. A Harley can be ridden cross city, state ,or country and be totally comfortable for all. I think this bike lacks that agility but it is a perfect cruiser for almost any daily duty…awesome and yes I am getting one to park beside the Harley’s!

A handsome brute in a tuxedo. And, as a Harley Davidson man, I love the R18. I haven't seen one here in the States up close yet, but the problem with the R18 is the mid controls. I couldn't deal with that. Another fine production Freddie, you're the best.

A lovely video with your usual superb production. It is definitely an iconic machine, super engineering, if I had the garage space and the money it would be lovely to have to keep forever and eventually just to sit on it and dream when I’m too old to ride!

Had an R18 for 18 months (8000 miles). There is a 12 v output by the reverse, you can get a plug in with 2 USBs on a variable length wire. The fuel gauge is a pain but I use the trip meter. If it hits reserve warning lights and a count of miles since hitting reserve appear in the display.

Fine composition! Thank you for your comment to this share.

I have never had a review video manage to change my opinion on a bike but this truly has made me look at this bike in a new light

I always liked cruisers but hadnt mine, just rented from time to time. Last summer rented this naked r18, was amased and two months lated bought r18bagger. A masterpiece!

brilliant review freddie. i´m in love with the design, as a 20-year old motorcycle lover, i would love to ride this classical beauty everyday.

The presentation in this video is top class - congrats on another great video!!

Its an awesome beauty❤ excellent video as always Monica and Freddie. Hi from Holland 👏

Yank reporting in. I learned as a teen on a vintage (even back then) CB750. My dad bought a medium metric cruiser for my Mom to learn on, and bought himself a K100. Though at heart I still love a UJM, my riding style (60mi commute each way) and body type fit a cruiser much better than anything else. A year ago, I started writing again after a nearly three decade hiatus, and the r18 was the first bike I found that fit me perfectly. It was more than a little too large and expensive for my reentry trainer, but I still haven't forgotten it. I currently ride a 2008 Yamaha warrior, and I love it to bits, but I would love something with a few more niceties, like real cruise control and heated grips. I've spent more than a few hours considering my upgrade path, and I've more or less settled on a new Harley for the combination of power, comfort, and accessibility of service & customization. But I'm still searching r18 videos on KZfaq...

Had an 1800 VTX and a Harley Wide Glide, lost them both to hurricane Ian here in Florida, I now own an R1200GS Beemer...I am in the process of trading it in on a 2021 R18 so yes, I do like this bike!

I'm an American who went from a Harley to a BMW R18 Classic and I absolutely love it. The BMW is different from all the other cruisers on the road out here. An unexpected benefit was how cool the R18 runs with the cylinders stuck out to the side instead of the v-twin orientation. I live where it gets hot and have not had any problems with heat the BMW in stop and go traffic. I can't say the same thing for the Harleys I've owned.

I’ve been a Harley Davidson enthusiast through and through all my life. I am on the cusp of seriously considering an R 18 because I am so impressed by the beauty and quality of these fine motorcycles.

Summed up perfectly Freddie am a bye RE Fan but I love this bike it’s beautiful without being OTT Sadly are never get one it’s way out my range but good luck to anyone who gets one! Great video from you & Monica!

With reverse "gear", it makes it an ideal sidecar hack. Come to think of it, it has always been; to the point of being an icon for WWII. Another excellent video AND great price tip.

Great review Freddie. The influx of negativity from the v-twin cruiser simp brigade was inevitable. The R18 is art on wheels, a great nod to BMW’s heritage.

Great entertainment Freddie, wonderfully put together video . R18 is a beautiful bike. Keep up the great work 😊

Freddie, This is an unwieldy beast which does not deserve to be called a motorcycle. I enjoy your vlogs. You have what it takes say my wife and I from Australia. James

I don't think most Americans would buy an R18 instead of a Harley, but I think most of us can appreciate it for what it is. The biggest drawback I see for Harley riders over here is the lack of a pillion seat, saddlebags, and windscreen. For a grand more, you can get a Heritage Classic that is already set up for touring-- which is what most Harley riders purport to do. While comparing the R18 to a touring bike isn't exactly fair, Harley also doesn't make a bike with a similar sized engine that is so intentionally designed to be elegant. I would love to have one, if only to stick out among my friends and family who ride Harleys.

great review, at last a reviewer that gets what bmw were doing with the r18,art in motion, I have the r18 transcontinental so the big brother and absolutely love it ,yes its a big heavy bike but all that disappears when rolling and handles way better than it should , unfortunately most people who test ride the r18 only do so for about half an hour and the dealers don't really explain to them how it should be ridden , they go out and give it high revs etc and then complain it vibes too much , these bikes are designed to run between 2-3.5k revs where the torque band is , gear change between these revs and its smooth and gets up to speed very quickly ,amazingly comfortable on long rides

Good review mate...use the Low Fuel Indicator warning..this comes on at a gallon left, you can easily go though your modes to see how many miles you have left before empty :)

It’s a modern classic already that is well worth owning. I am buying a 2021 with 1000 miles for a dramatically reduced price in Florida. As you noted, the US market is loyal to HD but as many boomers are aging out of riding heavy weights, BMW will struggle for a while in selling the R18 in any variant. Let’s see the new generation of riders taste for such top class engineered cruisers. The beauty of this bike is so special that it’s well worth adding one to my stable of 2 wheelers.

I bought the same 100th Year edition. This is a dream machine. I have also the first attempt of a cruiser for BMW the R1200C. They are both amazing in their own ways. I live in North America and ride with my Harley friends and I get a lot of positive comments.

This R18 looks better built, finished and substantial than any other motorcycle that I can think of. It oozes cool, drips with quality, and exudes a sense of solidity and permanance. BMW also has the R18 Transcontinental, outfitted with fairing, larger fuel tank, big TFT display with fuel gauge, radar Active Cruise Control, panniers, pillion and top box. Fabulous bikes. Who needs an incredibly fast sportsbike these days? The model you are on is intentionally more basic...BMW has a whole lineup of R18s now. I can't wait for the Scrambler...

There's an old saying in the watch world: "buy a Rolex to impress others, buy a Grand Seiko to impress yourself" , HD are the Rolex of the bike world. Especially in America anyone not buying a Harley are usually met with a "Yeh but it's not a Harley Davidson". You're buying into a club, a dream, a culture. You're showing the guys you're one of them too. Its a tribalistic choice rather than a best bike or best bike for me choice. This BMW is a quality bike, I totally appreciate that it has depth to the quality that harks back to bikes of the past and I get the design heritage. It's the first and probably only modern bike that I sense it was as you say made to a spec not a price. I applaud BMW for that especially knowing they probably lose money on every one they sell (or don't sell) That they have to discount heavily in the USA seems symptomatic of the above too However due to advances in technology and modern requirements (fuel gauge and USB excepted) , the sheer size and bulk kills the purity of the original and for the same money I'd buy the original every single time.. A joy as always.

I‘ve got a GS 1200. Great motorcycle… but this is a dream machine! Piece of art! Great review 👍

Telling better stories than the BMW marketing team. I hope they paid you well for this man. Other than just lending you the bike. Why? Because you earned it.

I need to buy one of it as soon as I can!!! Thanks for your amazing review!

Two years ago, I purchased a R18 Classic...and I love it! It's beautiful. A true work of art. It's incredibly easy to handle. After two years, I still have dreams about my next ride on this Berlin-built beauty. Note: As for Freddie's acute concern about the lack of a fuel gauge, I've rode my R18 Classic across barren sections of the USA and I've never had a issue with understanding remaining fuel availability. Just use your brain. 🤷‍♂️ A USB port, Freddie? 🥴 I just returned from a 1,100 mile round-trip, where I used my iPhone for both GPS navigation and Sirius XM while the iPhone laid in an R18 tank bag, without a charging port. Using my Cardo, I was also making & receiving calls, and texting the entire time. At the conclusion of each 550 mile leg, I still had around 30% of a charge on the iPhone. This vintage-inspired motorcycle doesn't fit Freddie's tech- co-dependent lifestyle.

I had one for a couple of hours as a service loaner,I didn't know about the reverse ! . I was genuinely impressed, such a cool bike and so smooth once you get it rolling. Great review, thank you.

Monica rocks! You go girl, great work, and the guy on screen is pretty good too! 😂 🏍️

I own a BMW R9T Pure and really like it. Bought an Indian Springfield - a heavy cruiser and did a 7500 mile trip this summer.

Hi Freddie, I’m not really a fan of this bike, but you have allowed me to like it for reasons you describe. Well done. Monika caught it. . .my favorite “Easter egg” is the Rondel on the front of the case only visible between the forks. Well done Monika.

I recently acquired a Transcontinental..a bit of dressed up R18 😊..but i will tell u..one of the best bike i ever owned to date...n i had quite a few..Ride Safe 😀

I recently bought the R18 100 years bike. First BMW ever. It is fantastic. I love everything about the bike and I bought it in the United States and walked out the door for $15,400 American. Fantastic handling machine.

Having ridden sports bikes as a young man and now in my 40’s (after a 20yr hiatus), I decided to buy my dream bike, A ZZR1100. I find the bike very exciting, mind blowingly and effortlessly fast, but not particularly relaxing. I might have to try a cruiser, so I can enjoy the view and surroundings a bit more rather than feeling the need to destroy every Porsche that pulls up behind me. This is a beautiful bike, and Freddy, you presentation was top drawer 👏🏻

Seeing one of these in the flesh, my opinion on them quickly changed. They are beautiful and the boxer engine grows on you!

i love your videos, your unique commentary

I don't understand how they physically did it. But this bike is so heavy and stable on the highway, yet surprisingly flickable in a tighter environment. I did the « drop test » to see how I could handle getting the bike up if and when I'd need to do it: very easy, not at all a burden. I'll keep my V7 Stone in the garage too for the moment, but I have to admit I find less and less reasons to keep it as I always choose the R18. Seriously, this is the one with my name on it. And yes, Mr Dobbs, you are absolutely right about the pricing of that gem: there are no common competitor to it at this price point and with this build quality. Let's be honest: Indian's arms are too short to box with Beemer's quality and engineering. Triumph, while very appealing, doesn't really has the same appeal with the Bonneville Speedmaster (chain driven, smaller bike). Harley charges an insane amount of money to get close to what the R18 offers. Meanwhile, Yamaha and Suzuki won't make the cut when it comes to the cool factor, even if they offer excellent cruisers. So the R18 is a loner. A beautiful, captivating loner. There's nothing that can touch this precise territory at the moment. And yet, for some reason, you never, ever, ever see one on the road (except mine).

Hey Freddie, Back when I was making the choice. A 2022 Base BMW R18 offered the biggest engine, heated grips, cruise control, and relatively easy maintenance for a price that was at least 3 to 4k less than a competitive harley davidson with similar specs. Thats why I went for it and I love it. I think Harley is actually catching on to that with the 2024 models and starting to add more amenities for a lower price than they had on the 2022 models.

Just a few design points I'm not keen on. 1. The front mudguard is to small, 2. I don't like the indicator placement, 3. The area beneath the headlight looks empty and incompleate as though something is missing, 4. The rear light cluster is too small. 5. I would prefer a separate rear light/brake light. 6. The front end could do with some chrome. 7. From the front, i.e. the bike could do with more chracter, i.e. the forks headlight areas. Just my opinion of course......

I recently moved into the cruiser world and purchased a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. I did consider an R18, and I do find it truly - truly - beautiful, although not necessarily more than the best looking Harley's - in my opinion -, such as a Fat Boy. You did such a good job in showing its superb aesthetic design. But, I would sadly never consider an R18 for me: one of the reasons I decided to get a classic cruiser such as a Fat Boy is the riding position and forward controls, which are one, I think, with the character and the experience to ride such bikes. This is of course subjective, and many I am sure will truly enjoy riding an R18, but I found out that to me, and I suspect to many others, a huge part of a cruiser character is precisely in the characteristic comfort, and feeling deriving from forward controls, stretched legs, and the ability to move them while riding - hence the great benefits of floorboards.

This American would consider this bike... it's gorgeous! Still in love with my Triumph T120 at the moment though. Great Video as always!

Yes I am considering the R 18 Classic!

Thanks for the review Freddie. Having owned several Harleys in the past the R18 outshines them in every respect: more character, flawless construction and better handling. It is also, in my opinion, the most beautiful bike in any class on the planet. Truly Deus Ex Machina. Now review a Roctane....

My all time favorite motorcycle was my 1970 R75/5. The R18 is a real airhead boxer, pushrods and all. I WANT AN R18

As an American...my 1st street bike was A Harley Davidson. Sold the bike when I got married...28 years and 4 children later...it's time to get another cruiser. I had my heart set on a New Fat Boy Harley...but, now that I've seen the a R18 BMW? Damn good stuff ...I must say.

I bought the R18B. Just beautiful - every ride is an event!

Brilliant. First time I’ve watched a Freddie Dobbs review and I’m hugely impressed. Don’t know if I could subject an R18 to NW Scotland weather and I don’t have a garage in which to keep it in the way it obviously deserves 👍

Cool video. That motorcycle has a timeless design - beautiful.

As an ex BMW R1100S owner and a current Moto Guzzi Audace 1400 owner I really like this bike. The compromise of gear changing is solved by toe and heel shifter(or just adjusting the gear lever position) one can get the leg rests with crash bars for feet forward riding position. Plus sadly most R18 owners I talked to said that rear suspension is not set properly from the factory. The preload needs to be taken off cause they all seemed to be set up for 120kg+ riders( maybe we have the American market to thanks for that) it is still limited with suspension travel but at least it is forgiving. I think the best model out of the R18 range is the new R18 Roctane. With better ground clearance thanks to the 21' front and 18' rear wheel and the frame geometry from the bagger/transcontinental model but without all the weight.

Jesus Freddie, I’m currently riding a 2022 Indian Chief Dark Horse 116 cubic inch. But tomorrow morning I’m going to my local dealership to check out an R18 they have in stock. Good sales pitch Freddie😁!!