BMW R1800

[darrell]

Interesting read.

https://www.cycleworld.com/story/bikes/i...dium=email

[Lee]

I didn't realize it was dual plugged and had two cams, one for each cylinder.
With the low compression I'm surprised it needs 91 to 93 AKI.
The R1200 takes 89 AKI and the R1250 takes 90 AKI.

As is usual in large-bore engines with a substantial compression ratio (R 1800’s is 9.6:1), mandated fuel is 95–98 RON (Research Octane Number).

[Grumpy Goat]

I didn't realize it was dual plugged and had two cams, one for each cylinder.
With the low compression I'm surprised it needs 91 to 93 AKI.
The R1200 takes 89 AKI and the R1250 takes 90 AKI.

I too was surprised at that. I do hope that this big boxer gets more handsome when it is released to the public.

[Lee]

. I do hope that this big boxer gets more handsome when it is released to the public.

I like the /2 version.



   

[Olgry1]

I would like to see it in person but my first impression is not bad!
Not sure it would be my choice for nice curvy mountain roads

[Grumpy Goat]

This red /2 version is not bad, I will admit.

[Ray]

I didn't realize it was dual plugged and had two cams, one for each cylinder.
With the low compression I'm surprised it needs 91 to 93 AKI.
The R1200 takes 89 AKI and the R1250 takes 90 AKI.

I got the email when this came out.

Air cooled? Max RPM 5500? Over 100 kg of engine? Dragster wheelbase?

Yes I like the look, but performance plays a big part in my sense of esthetics.

(From the Guggenheim)
   

[Grumpy Goat]

I got the email when this came out.

Air cooled? Max RPM 5500? Over 100 kg of engine? Dragster wheelbase?

Yes I like the look, but performance plays a big part in my sense of esthetics.

I am with Ray on this ...

[darrell]

I disagree with Ray and Wayne. This is a perfect bike for Midwest US cruising from museum to museum watching the corn grow in between each museum while stopping on occasion for a piece of pie and ice cream.

[Grumpy Goat]

I disagree with Ray and Wayne. This is a perfect bike for Midwest US cruising from museum to museum watching the corn grow in between each museum while stopping on occasion for a piece of pie and ice cream.

I have to watch my pie and ice cream. Even Dr.Ray told me as much one breakfast in Eureka Springs.

[Ray]

I disagree with Ray and Wayne. This is a perfect bike for Midwest US cruising from museum to museum watching the corn grow in between each museum while stopping on occasion for a piece of pie and ice cream.

You know - you're right. Define performance. Other than the people who live there, not much can make central Illinois interesting, but this bike might do it.

And Wayne - you might recall I opted for reduced calories the first year with y'all in Oark by skipping the main course and going right to the blueberry pie and ice cream.

(If I got preachy, I apologize and guess it was probably over the concept that Americans generally need to better match their energy intake to their energy expenditure; and I always try very hard to emphasize that one should never take it personally....)

[Grumpy Goat]

And Wayne - you might recall I opted for reduced calories the first year with y'all in Oark by skipping the main course and going right to the blueberry pie and ice cream.

I do recall wondering how you skipped the burger and fries and had pie and ice cream for lunch ... all to control calories.

(If I got preachy, I apologize and guess it was probably over the concept that Americans generally need to better match their energy intake to their energy expenditure; and I always try very hard to emphasize that one should never take it personally....)

Hey no complaint from me. You speak truth anyway.

[Lee]

And Wayne - you might recall I opted for reduced calories the first year with y'all in Oark by skipping the main course and going right to the blueberry pie and ice cream.

I've been known to do the same. I also like pie with breakfast

[Ray]

So nice summary on Revzilla of potential design problems with this monster step toward cruiserdom. https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/an...-butts-in?

Andy Greaser points out that the wheel base would have to be gigantic to allow foot-forward (gynecology/lithotomy) positioning preferred by the cruiser/bagger crowd. Note how the jugs limit peg/platform placement.
   

He believes the engine would probably be best served up in an LT/RT model or something low and stretched like a pre-war retro or a wide-load sidecar alternative to trikes.

But, with regard to the these ideas, editor Lance Olver states, "He states, "The number of people in the U.S. market who want a non-Harley-Davidson, non-Indian, retro touring bike with an air-cooled engine that redlines at 5,750 rpm must number in the tens. Two thirds of those buyers already purchased a Yamaha Venture or Eluder. The rest couldn’t get approved for financing."

I believe he is right again.

Meanwhile - more BMW resources going toward competition with lesser technologies produced by lesser companies, and fewer resources going toward technological advancement - like the S1000RS they discussed in 2014-15.

[darrell]

I had a chance to spend some time today at my dealer and visited with one of the owners who attended the initial release of the R18 bike in Italy. He told me he really hoped BMW did not change much from the photos that are appearing now on various sites as he felt they had a winner of a model. He felt very strong it is a segment of the market BMW can go after as not just some copy cat model others are putting out in the cruiser line.

Supposedly BMW has one R18 in the US he was hoping they could get to the Minneapolis bike show the first weekend in February. Sort of sad once again BMW corporate is not participating in the Mpls show so the 3 dealers are going to put together a BMW display of various models and hoping they can get the R18 for the weekend.

As a side note BMW, Ducati, Triumph, KTM and one other major supplier are not participating on a corporate level at the Minneapolis show. I remember running across Bruce and Dawn at the show last year and we commented the show was okay but not large like they used to be.

[Ray]

I had a chance to spend some time today at my dealer and visited with one of the owners who attended the initial release of the R18 bike in Italy. He told me he really hoped BMW did not change much from the photos that are appearing now on various sites as he felt they had a winner of a model. He felt very strong it is a segment of the market BMW can go after as not just some copy cat model others are putting out in the cruiser line.

Well..., if it sells in Peoria..., he might be right.

[MrVvrroomm]

I remember running across Bruce and Dawn at the show last year and we commented the show was okay but not large like they used to be.

After last year's pitiful show, we won't be wasting our time/money anymore.

[Ray]

I remember running across Bruce and Dawn at the show last year and we commented the show was okay but not large like they used to be.

After last year's pitiful show, we won't be wasting our time/money anymore.

Well..., at least you still have a show. We lost ours a couple of years ago.

[Grumpy Goat]

Andy Greaser points out that the wheel base would have to be gigantic to allow foot-forward (gynecology/lithotomy) positioning preferred by the cruiser/bagger crowd. Note how the jugs limit peg/platform placement.

Thank God that dumb "windshield-splat" riding position should not make it onto a BMW motorcycle. Looking at the picture, the normal seating position looks just fine and the bike actually looks very cat-like and muscular, instead of looking like a fat oompa loompa that certain bikes typically are.

I think that with the right colours the bike could be a better seller (in the US) than even our beloved RS. Sales in Europe would probably be slower.

[Lee]

BMW did a poor job of designing a cruiser in the late 90s and I thought it best if they never tried again.
They did a much better job this time and I think it will sell in the US.
It may not be a big seller but I bet it won't flop.