The R18 is unveiled

[Grumpy Goat]

Does nothing for me but YMMV ...

[Grumpy Goat]

Lots of photos in this First Look on Motorcycle.com.

For me this is the best looking one:

   
   

And at the opposite end of the spectrum (albeit with the nicest exhaust):

   

What were they thinking with this exhaust?

   

But please, that is only my taste, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I think that the Bagger is where their success in NA will lie, if there is any success.

I showed the video to 2 Harley friends I sometimes ride with and they were not impressed.

Where BMW will garner interest is in the technology they will put into these bikes as compared with the technologically retrogressive American cruisers. It appears to me that the focus of the latter is on "looks" and merchandise, while BMW's focus has always been more on the motorcycle. They will hoping that would set them apart.

[darrell]

I like the simple style and clean look of the R18. It will be fun to see the next versions they bring out based on this first iteration. I look back at my first BMW and the one that likely kept me attached to the brand 20 bikes later and really don’t see a lot of difference except lots of technology added to the R18. Would I own one? Not today but one never knows. I remember when I first saw the GS models and thought who would ever buy one of those and now with over 250,000 miles on various GS models I’ve owned, yes I’d buy another GS. So BMW, just maybe, some day, some how in a weak moment on the dealers floor I’ll ride one home and keep it. And the real benefit is I could go riding with my friend Bruce and he could not tell you butterflies run in to the back of my windshield at the speed I ride cause there ain’t no windshield.[attachment=533]

[Lee]

For me this is the best looking one:

I agree. With the optional seat, valve covers, exhaust and wheels the bike looks much better than the base model.

   

A fully loaded bike with no accessories cost $22,000 plus shipping.
Yesterday I could see the accessory prices but not today.
Were you able to see the final price when doing a Build Your Own on the bike I pictured?

[Grumpy Goat]

A fully loaded bike with no accessories cost $22,000 plus shipping.
Yesterday I could see the accessory prices but not today.
Were you able to see the final price when doing a Build Your Own on the bike I pictured?

I was able to see the final price but I don't believe that the configurator is working properly. The final price was just over $22K.

[Lee]

I was able to see the final price but I don't believe that the configurator is working properly. The final price was just over $22K.

Yep, I see the same $22,000 final price for a loaded bike but when I start adding accessories, the price does not update.
It may be awhile before the configurator shows accessory prices.

[darrell]

Stopped by my dealer this morning after a 52 mile ride with temps from 44 to 41 degrees for a minor service. They had one R18 demo bike. Was offered a test ride but no interest in the bike so declined. I did find the bike a very beautiful bike from a pure looking motorcycle. I like the nice lines, open drive shaft and clean look. The tail lights and brake lights are integrated in the turn signals. Never had them start it so no idea on the sound. They have 350 miles on it from demo rides and various employees riding it home at nights.[attachment=866][attachment=867]

[Grumpy Goat]

If the exhaust and front forks had nicer lines I might give it a second look.

[darrell]

If the exhaust and front forks had nicer lines I might give it a second look.

Seeing the actual bike and not just photos those front forks and exhaust looked perfect for what BMW was after model wise. It reminded me of my 1st BMW the 1953 R51/3. I posted that photo earlier in this thread.

[runnerhiker]

The Fort Collins dealer had one and I sat on it. I had a hard time lifting it off the side stand, it felt long and heavy. I don't like the looks nor the feel (ergonomics). It'll be easy to pass on this one.

[Grumpy Goat]

Here is the Daily Rider review by Zack Courts of Revzilla. I think (as he typically does) nails this one on the head.

[Ray]

I see in the end of year AMA news that Reg Priidmore gave the R18 an 8 out of 10 after a little road riding.

[runnerhiker]

It's been one year since the OP on this thread. Today I got an e-mail from BMW offering 0% APR and $2000 trade-in incentive on the R-18. Not exactly shocking, I don't remember anyone on a BMW forum itching to buy one. I am not interested at all.

[Grumpy Goat]

It's been one year since the OP on this thread. Today I got an e-mail from BMW offering 0% APR and $2000 trade-in incentive on the R-18. Not exactly shocking, I don't remember anyone on a BMW forum itching to buy one. I am not interested at all.

Hehehe ... and I am less interested than you.

It is a beautiful bike and more art than anything else. I don't think that they are selling well with a 0% APR and $2000 trade-in incentive. I do wish them well, especially if they can make a dent in the NA cruiser market.

[MrVvrroomm]

https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/epic-...ders-tour/

Only adding this here because I saw your Zack Courts daily ride link.

This was our first time riding in Europe in 2015. We hadn't yet owned anything BMW yet. Was the trip of a lifetime.

[Duccrazydave]

Sweet! Thanks for the story link, Bruce. The first time we hooked up with the rest of the RS crew, in GA, I recall you sharing stories of that ride.