• Welcome to the BMW R18 Forums. Member registration disables ads and allows you to post and share. Register Here.

Is there any sense in having two?

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1789222567#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter BigJimSlim
  • Start date Start date
B

BigJimSlim

Well-known member
Site Supporter
Joined
Sep 25, 2023
Messages
574
Location
Michigan
Visit site
Bike
R18B
Currently own an R18B. I love the bike, but I also love the stripped down models as well.

I know I’ve come across at least a couple of folks who own a B/TC along with one of the more standard models.

To those who own both, what’s your use case for either bike? Why ride one and not the other? Do you favor one over the other?

I’m just kicking tires in my mind right now, but am wondering if it’d make any sense for me to have two of the “same” bike. I currently have three bikes and of them, the B gets the devil’s share of use. I was looking at the HD Low Rider S to swap out for my sportster, but feel like a more standard R18 would make a good “short runner” and would come in cheaper to boot. Not to mention, some of the mod kits for the standard bikes are pretty incredible.

Eager to hear anyone’s thoughts. Thanks!
 
I recently purchased an R18 First Edition with less than 400 miles on it; with that said, I typically distract myself from the work week wrenching on older 95 -99 Land Rover Defender D90 rigs, where I chop the hardtop roof and install a rag-top, which also includes an entire interior makeover with new upholstery, new electronics (stereo, navigation, etc.) and LED lights all around... Then I typically sell it, sometimes for big money and sometimes just above what it cost for the entire project..

Me personally, I don't have a need or justification for a garage beyond a single bike (R18 B); which satisfies my riding style as of today.. NOTE: I also work in civil service... not the best pay

I absolutely love the custom "Bobber" work and different examples of the R18 First Edition; I purchased the second bike as a build project - who knows, I may fall in love with it and keep it, or see how it does at an auction...

Whether wrenching on a D90, performing maintenance on my R18 B, customizing the First Edition and or just getting out and riding on the bike... It's a hobby for me, and one that provides mental therapy....

Screenshot_20240911-134131.webpScreenshot_20240911-134041.webp
 
Last edited:
I'm probably not a good one to ask about the practicality of having two of the "same" bike since I have four First Generation Triumph Rocket 3 and one Second Generation Rocket 3... The more, the merrier! (y) :D
 
D04011 said:
I'm probably not a good one to ask about the practicality of having two of the "same" bike since I have four First Generation Triumph Rocket 3 and one Second Generation Rocket 3... The more, the merrier! (y) :D
Click to expand...
Four first gen rockets?? Wild! Curious question - did you have issues on any of em with the tps sensor or stepper motor? How about the cam seal? Buddy has a 2014 and has replaced these bits at least twice since picking it up in 2020.
 
IN2R18s said:
R18B and a Bobbed R18 Highline here. The Bagger is for the longer trips, and the Bobber is for getting around town....
Click to expand...
That’s kind of my mind right now. Is the character of the two different enough to feel like it’s two different bikes?

Also, would love to see the bobber!
 
BigJimSlim said:
That’s kind of my mind right now. Is the character of the two different enough to feel like it’s two different bikes?

Also, would love to see the bobber!
Click to expand...
The usual characteristics, like the bike wobble on startup, sound etc. are the same, but the ride is different. different seating position, handlebars, wind factor. To me they are 2 different animals.
1726093091410.webp
1726093119355.webp
 
Alright, this thing is somethin’ else. Very cool! You’ve got me thinking now! This is built off the standard R18?
 
BigJimSlim said:
Alright, this thing is somethin’ else. Very cool! You’ve got me thinking now! This is built off the standard R18?
Click to expand...
Yes, R18 Highline. I bought the bike with the factory Bobber kit already fitted as seen in the pic below. But the seating position just didn't do it for me. So I bought a different seat kit, changed the pipes because the Akropovics are just as quiet as the fishtails, and fitted the factory beachbars.
1726093656722.webp
 
Absolutely NO mechanical problems at all with any of them and I have two 2014 Rockets, a Roadster and a Touring. Just standard oil/filter changes, other fluid changes, tires, brake pads, etc. All my First Generation Rockets have Ram Air with custom tunes and either TORS with Cat Delete pipes or Jardine full exhausts. I have a number of friends with First Generation Rockets and none have had any TPS Senor or Stepper Motor problems.
 
D04011 said:
Absolutely NO mechanical problems at all with any of them and I have two 2014 Rockets, a Roadster and a Touring. Just standard oil/filter changes, other fluid changes, tires, brake pads, etc. All my First Generation Rockets have Ram Air with custom tunes and either TORS with Cat Delete pipes or Jardine full exhausts. I have a number of friends with First Generation Rockets and none have had any TPS Senor or Stepper Motor problems.
Click to expand...
Wow! From what I’ve researched, seems the tps was a common issue. But I guess you find what you’re looking for. Glad to know your bikes weren’t impacted.

My buddy got it all sorted out, it seems, and it’s running flawlessly now, but it was a goose chase for a bit trying to figure out what the problem with the idle was.

And if you, by chance, have a lead on TORS for a 14 roadster, he’d be over the moon. Can’t find anything aftermarket for that thing!
 
I have 3 FE R18s and a GSA, the R18's are a Pure, a Classic, and a TC. They all have very different characters, and I am pleased with the uniquely BMW sound of the exhaust of them all. I have over 40,000 miles across the 3 of them and they have been flawless, only getting better with age and miles. I did not like the stock front tires on them as they all seemed to wear funny, but in each case a replacement with same tire has yielded great results. commanders on the Pure and Classic, Bridgestone on the TC. I ride the Classic most, generally locally, the TC is for special days, long trips and times when music is called for, the Pure is just special and is great anytime. After riding the TC getting on the Pure or the Classic is a whole new thrill every time, and the TC is a lofty and stately treat after riding the others. My Pure seems almost surgical in its precision and finesse after riding the others. My Classic is much more visceral than the Pure in its sound and feel, it has more vibration for certain and feels like much more of a brute when riding it. The larger tire on the Classic really makes the bike stable and confident on most all road conditions. I got these bikes to ride them and I've been perfectly satisfied with my Big-Boxer motorcycles, although the concept 2000cc is a real teaser. :)
 
Last edited:
IN2R18s said:
Yes, R18 Highline. I bought the bike with the factory Bobber kit already fitted as seen in the pic below. But the seating position just didn't do it for me. So I bought a different seat kit, changed the pipes because the Akropovics are just as quiet as the fishtails, and fitted the factory beachbars.
View attachment 15846
Click to expand...
If you don’t mind me asking, what pipes are you running on the B? Apart from the aesthetics, any increase in rumble?
Cheers
 
BigJimSlim said:
Currently own an R18B. I love the bike, but I also love the stripped down models as well.

I know I’ve come across at least a couple of folks who own a B/TC along with one of the more standard models.

To those who own both, what’s your use case for either bike? Why ride one and not the other? Do you favor one over the other?

I’m just kicking tires in my mind right now, but am wondering if it’d make any sense for me to have two of the “same” bike. I currently have three bikes and of them, the B gets the devil’s share of use. I was looking at the HD Low Rider S to swap out for my sportster, but feel like a more standard R18 would make a good “short runner” and would come in cheaper to boot. Not to mention, some of the mod kits for the standard bikes are pretty incredible.

Eager to hear anyone’s thoughts. Thanks!
Click to expand...
I have two identical 2021 FE Classics, with one attached to a Hannigan side car. Easy answer to the question about not being able to enjoy the bike without the sidecar!

I really enjoy riding both, with around 12,000 miles in between them and zero issues whatsoever. Each serves different purposes but in a familiar way.

I do all my own maintenance so like the ease of learning the fairly straightforward maintenance routine once (thanks to Scott’s and others tutorials on this forum!)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top