I think BMW vastly overestimated the demand for the R18. I've seen similar deals at the local dealer shop. Those bikes sit and sit. Even with discounts and 0% financing they aren't selling. Also, I don't think I've seen one on the road yet, which is sad.

It's a gorgeous machine in my opinion, but it got lukewarm reviews and to me it's a niche bike. The target buyer is probably a current BMW owner looking for a power cruiser. BMW was foolish if they thought they'd get many Harley owners to convert.

 

They are good looking machines, beautiful attention to detail but I'm not the target market. The only "cruiser" type bikes I'd even look at are the Rocket III and New Diavel V4.

 

My sales guy says the first 1-2 iterations were crappy, whereas the later “Transcontinental” has a much better geometry. Maybe that has gotten around. The only “cruiser” I’ll ever get on is my beloved VMax😉

 

I heard a somewhat similar comment from a BMW person last week.

 

I particularly like the exposed shaft drive of the R18 and the classic black paint with white pinstripes, but as a Racer owner the R18 isn’t my cup of tea. I’ve never seen an R18 on the UK roads but I’ve never seen another R nineT Racer either.
2022 Q2 UK data shows a total of 452 R18’s registered of all models (this could include bikes pre-registered at dealers) - to be clear that includes all registrations since the R18 appeared on the market.
I guess it’s not a good comparison but the highest numbers of Racers ever registered in the UK was 316, I make the comparison not just because I own a Racer but because the time each was sold for was approximately the same (the R18 is still being made of course). At the same time (Q3 2019) the registrations for the other R nineT derivatives were 258 Pures, 372 Urban GS’s and 633 Scramblers.
The amount of investment BMW made to produce the R18 must have been much greater than it put into any of the R nineT derivatives so financially it seems to me they are very committed to, and believe in, their R18 project. Not that the UK was ever the main target market anyway for the R18. 🇬🇧

 

At my local dealer: 2022 R18 Bagger w/active cruise control, etc.

$25,740
Cash back $ 3,000
Demo Discount $5,245

Total $17,495. And 0% APR

You might be able to get the other discounts, MOA member, military…


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At my local dealer: 2022 R18 Bagger w/active cruise control, etc.

$25,740
Cash back $ 3,000
Demo Discount $5,245

Total $17,495. And 0% APR

You might be able to get the other discounts, MOA member, military…


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

That’s a California price I’m pretty sure. It’s become an issue there because some Californian’s are having a bit of a financial dilemma these days with everyone leaving the state … so I’m sure that dealership is feeling the pressure. Everyone who can stand-up and walk is walking.
The 18 is a big and beautiful bike … I recently saw a very custom R18 Bobber style that looked amazing …
I’d be afraid to leave that bike in a parking lot for more than just a few minutes …. It would be gone I’m sure.
…………………… Blitz

 

Shame really it never took off. The BMW dealer near to me says that they struggle to shift them. 0% finance and £3000 off list price, still doesn't help. Again. Not my cup of tea either. I've only seen one on the road. I suppose Harley have that particular market sewn up.

 

I think it's fair to say that the Australian market hasn't taken to them either judging by the number currently sitting on dealers floors that have been heavily discounted from the launch price.

 

I've yet to see one on the roads in Scotland...

 

I'm not surprised the R18 is not selling. BMW is asking big money for a big bike that looks just weird. Not a fan of the R18.

 

They look ace, and it's really great to see something a bit different available that doesn't conform to the "industry standard" cruiser. Definitely love to have a go on one, and would really consider owning one. Not that I would, I find cruisers a bit uncomfortable to ride.

 

Maybe BMW is playing a bit with a bigger boxer and in a configuration where it might actually work. I cannot think that the big boxer will work in the GS or the RT, but it is fun and nice in the R18. The problem with R18 is price on the one hand, not that it is that more expensive. There are Harleys more expensive and selling, more a question of the buyers wanting a wider use out of the bike in that price range. I always appreciate if brands are prepared to risk and experiment. I wish I could support and buy one, but already have enough toys as is and will pass on this one.

 

R18 ... I'm so repulsed from a quick sideways glance that I haven't inspected one yet or likely to inspect one in the future. OK, just looked at a photo of one and think they must have been designed by a "committee" rather than by a team.

 

I think it is a taste and budget thing. Sometimes they get it right and sometimes they dont. The old 1200 C is suddenly very collectible these days. My guess is the moment they stop manufacturing them there will be a demand. Like kids, when you cannot have it you want it. 😄

 

The original teaser bike was beautiful. With the pogo style solo seat, and the inverted hand controls with the signals on the bar ends. Then it seems something happened between that and releasing it on the market. The bike became Americanized with the boring same old same old seat. To BMWs credit, some backpedaling was done, and that pogo seat was offered.
I don't know how many of you guys have actually got a chance to ride one but I did and I will say it is not very comfortable. The boxer engine does not allow a forward control look or feel much like the Harley and Indians do that big jug, 2 inches from your shin makes for an uncomfortable ride in my opinion. Plus the bike is awkwardly heavy for being such a low rider.
Now if you just wanted to be different, and your main riding style is barhopping, the bike works.

 

Exactly this. The concept was beautiful. If they had just mass produced that they would have sold loads of them. Unfortunately, they added those stupid exhausts and the big seat and now it just looks like a dogs dinner. The unit garage sport kit sort of makes it look good again.

I guess making it euro 5 compliant messed it up.

 

While at the dealer for a tyre exchange, they lend me one for a test drive. I totally loved the bike, altough i was a HD Road King owner before my R9T, so i'm into the bike style.
It was the R18 First edition, and that thing has torque, lots really.

I think the problem is the price, only HD or Indian can sell these type of bikes at this prices.

As for me, later in life, i would own a r18 bobber style. I do enjoy the look and the power.

 

While at the dealer for a tyre exchange, they lend me one for a test drive. I totally loved the bike, altough i was a HD Road King owner before my R9T, so i'm into the bike style.
It was the R18 First edition, and that thing has torque, lots really.

I think the problem is the price, only HD or Indian can sell these type of bikes at this prices.

As for me, later in life, i would own a r18 bobber style. I do enjoy the look and the power.

I too was a Road King guy. I cut my teeth on a 2001 flhrci. That is still a good platform for HD.

 

I took an R18 Classic for a test ride a couple weeks ago. It has been enjoying room and board in my head with free rent since then.

Loved the torque. Really, really loved it. Made the R9T feel like a moped. I have been considering something for longer rides for a while and keep find myself thinking about these.

 

I took an R18 Classic for a test ride a couple weeks ago. It has been enjoying room and board in my head with free rent since then.

Loved the torque. Really, really loved it. Made the R9T feel like a moped. I have been considering something for longer rides for a while and keep find myself thinking about these.

My thoughts exactly, except I’ve only sat on a few at the dealer.


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I do think they overestimated the market for the R18, and definitely price doesn't help. However, Unit Garage recently made a sportail kit and exhaust for it and looks awesome. I would seriously consider it if it I had the money for it.

 

That's about the only style of cruiser I'd ever consider riding.

 

Was offered an R18 as a loaner over a weekend when my bike was getting serviced, took a 850 GS instead.

 

@GenericUser1 Why ? Not even curious … that was perfect … to have and ride freely for a day or two … you would have been an excellent resource for the rest of us to learn … was it a 👍🏻 … or was it a 👎🏻 ? …………… Blitz

What’s wrong with this interpretation of what was originally a stock ugly bike ?
It went from stock R18 ugly to R18 beauty ! See how pretty those exhaust pipes could have been from the factory …. I’ve slowly become a “BobberBoy” and I’d surely give a bike that clean and that powerful a try for a week or two ….. and I’m pretty sure I’d end up buying it too … if you’re at all impressed with the available torque on your 9T … and you should be … wait until you test ride the 18 … 😱

Don’t you wish this had been your loaner GenericUser1 …………..

 

I had seen and ridden the R18 when I still lived in VA because the local dealer was actively bringing them to the Bikes N' Breakfast event. I admit I like the concept bikes from the promo series way better than the actual released version. Still it rode about how I expected given a Heritage styled bike chasing the Harley crowd. Still only ever saw a single one on the road that wasn't a dealer bike and it was always the same guy near where I lived.

Now that the Bagger and Transcontinental with the fairing and hard bags exist I'm starting to see them out on the road a now and then and almost always 2-up. They look more at home like that in my opinion I'd almost say I find those configurations attractive if I didn't hate speakers on bikes.

 

To each, his own. After reading these comments about the concept version, I did a bit of digging to compare it to the production version. Frankly, I don't see a huge difference. The concept had more of a custom look, and was clearly minimal. Perhaps I found the wrong photos.

I'll give you all the point on the base exhaust. It's an abomination. Given that there is very little chance I would keep any stock exhaust on a modern cruiser, I am able to look right past it. Now the V&H factory option solves that issue well enough. Seats are pretty much the same deal. Not many modern BMWs have a seat worth keeping in my view, so yeah. Also something I would factor in from the start. I do think they are all a bit overpriced, but not criminally so.

+1 on the torque comment. That motor feels like you could pull stumps out of the ground all day. I'm not a small guy at 6'2 and 250 lbs, so I was really impressed with the grunt.

Side note, I dropped my 08 GS once by stepping in an oil patch at an intersection. Not an easy lift, even when done correctly. I think the 18 would be easier, given the height difference and the fact that those heads would essentially act as a tripod.

 

To each, his own. After reading these comments about the concept version, I did a bit of digging to compare it to the production version. Frankly, I don't see a huge difference. The concept had more of a custom look, and was clearly minimal. Perhaps I found the wrong photos.

Some things to me that make all the difference in terms of overall look on the concept bike:

• Headlight sits lower between the clamps and set further back
• Black headlight bezel instead of chrome
• No visible meter on the bars (have a feeling it had no gauges at all but possibly something like a motogadget set in the bar clamp)
• Reversed clutch/brake levers coming from the bar ends
• No visible brake/clutch reservoirs on the bars
• Front fender and rear fender mounted via nice round bent tubing, giving more classic look (Might actually be a larger fender too ironically)
• No covers on the sides under the seat, leaving supsension visible
  (Most likely covers are to hide airbox and battery but concept appears to have a small coffee can type air filter and what is probably a lithium battery hidden in something that looks like an ammo can)
• Rear blinkers mounted under the set
• Single brake light on the left side of the tires with plate mounted there
• The sexy exhaust that everyone loves
• Bobber style seat (which is now available but wasn't at first)

The net effect is the whole front end is unbelievably clean and the side profile as well. Obviously, most of this was made possible as the concept bike doesn't technically need to meet road going guidelines and someone that doesn't need to have their bike inspected after purchase could most likely get away with recreating it. Specifically, the air intake and exhaust on the concept are probably possible since it doesn't need to meet any Euro5 or other noise and pollution standards. The small batttery would likely be hell to live with on the concept, but hey its a concept meant to look good not be reliable day to day. The clean front end clearly comes at the expense of having anything on the bars like mirrors, reservoirs or gauges.

Most of this is probably able to be reproduced with the production bike since the rest of the concept seems to be nearly the same as production. You are right that there aren't massive differences, but the net effect makes the production bike look clumsier... basically the same thing that happens to nearly every concept.

I'm not one that thinks the production bike looks ugly, just not as good. I think the early reviews panning the seating position and lean angle neutered the hype a bit.

 

I think it's a bit like some car brands, if you want a Wrangler, 911, Mini, etc. then nothing else will really do. If you want a cruiser you want a HD or maybe an Indian.

I like the R18 from a design perspective just like I like the CE04, it's different but just not my cup of tea.

 

Quite interesting comments on the R18. Like i said earlier on comments, not my cup of tea. Not been a cruiser fan. But. This bike is coming down in price at the moment. Probably the only vehicle (bikes and cars) which is. £3000 off and 0% interest for 3 years at my local BMW dealer. Possible extras could be had just to shift it out of the showroom. Not saying i would get one. But is the R18 one of those oddball bikes that manufactures like to throw up now and again? Not so much nowadays. Certainly USA had lots of (Japanese) models which we never got in UK. I can remember the Honda DN 01. About £10K new 10 years ago. A good one now, you're looking at £8Kish. This could be one of those bikes? BMW Rocker. Certainly not dropping in price. The K1 fully faired bike. A good one now. £5-6K. Would a R18 be better than crypto currency . Just food for thought

 

R18 is a loss leader / proof of concept that made it into production. BMW never seriously expected the thing to be a door buster. It's a niche of a niche of a niche (seriously compromised luxury minimal cruiser made in Germany)

Which is awesome because 1.) It's a badass toy 2.) It's a badass toy made by a group like BMW who take themselves very seriously 3.) You don't see shit like this with the car industry.

I think it'll age better than the R1200C.

 

R18 is a loss leader / proof of concept that made it into production. BMW never seriously expected the thing to be a door buster. It's a niche of a niche of a niche

Same sort of passion project made the R9T. Some one off concept bikes turned reality take off, others don't. Glad they made it either way. If I had a lot of spare money burning a hole in my pocket I'd pick up either an R18 or a Triumph Bobber and customize them. But I don't...

 

Got it ….. that’s what I thought !

 

The amount of valuable, truly life-changing information on this little forum of ours is almost infinite, isn’t it?😂

 

In my area it's largely cruisers, a few ADV's or dual sports and a smattering of nakeds and sport bikes. Out of hundreds of Harleys I have seen one R18 bagger and maybe one or two from the Japanese brands. When you think of the stereotypical HD owner that is what is mostly here and I'm in the DC metro area.

I just don't see the appeal, sitting fully on your tailbone, legs way in front or splayed on highway bars/pedals, hands above your head (I've seen it) riding an 800lb bike. I just don't get it.

 

In my area it's largely cruisers, a few ADV's or dual sports and a smattering of nakeds and sport bikes.

when I lived in the DC area I saw mostly nakeds and sport bikes or HD style cruisers. But I’d say it was 50/50 cruisers and sport/naked. Guess it depends whether you live on the MD side or VA side and how close to the City. More cruisers outside the beltway.

I agree about the typical cruiser riding position, forward controls never appealed to me and the arms up apes or mini apes bars also seemed fatiguing. Mid controls and swept back bars are definitely more appealing but the seats and riding on your tailbone is hard to fix without being Almost upright or leaning a bit forward. I think that is why ADV and Sports Touring is so much more common in most of the world now.

 

I just think that if it had more closely resembled the original concept (and I don't think it would have had to have been too compromised to keep close to it) then they would have sold loads more. I would have considered it because its so cool.