3 month review

[MN246]

So I've had my R18 B for about 3 months now. The riding weather has been limited, but I've put about 500 miles on it so far. I'm sure my initial opinions will develop over time, but as of now I like this bike more every time I ride it. It took me awhile to realize it doesn't want to be ridden like a Harley or Indian. Lugging the motor at low rpms doesn't seem to be nearly as welcome on this bike compared to an American V-twin. Initially that was a negative for me. As I've ridden it more, it's become clear it wants to exist between about 1800 - 3000 rpms. As long as I keep it in this range, it is ultra smooth and rides like a dream. Really, my only complaint on the bike, is that I wish BMW would have added a counter balancer to smooth out the motor. I've heard their explanations, and honestly I'm calling BS. They could have smoothed out the motor if they wanted to. At 80 mph in 6th gear it got way too much vibration. At 75 mph its a dream. Since this isn't a bike for those who are in a hurry, I can forgive this some, but there are times where we just want to get to our destination.

It really shines in comfort and fit and finish. Probably dependent on individual height and build, but with the front crash bars, I can put my feet up on them and they replicate highway pegs perfectly if I want to stretch my legs a bit. The overall comfort on this bike is as good as any bike I've ever ridden. I wish the bags were a bit more roomy, but they are perfectly functional as is and have the best latches in the motorcycle world.

Overall, it is a brilliant bike that is beautifully designed and meticulously crafted. I get compliments on it every time I ride it. If the motor were a bit smoother I would give it 100 out of 100. As it is, I'll give it 95 out of 100.

 

[emgarciax]

It smoothes back at 90. Or so it feels.

 

[Anibal]

So I've had my R18 B for about 3 months now. The riding weather has been limited, but I've put about 500 miles on it so far. I'm sure my initial opinions will develop over time, but as of now I like this bike more every time I ride it. It took me awhile to realize it doesn't want to be ridden like a Harley or Indian. Lugging the motor at low rpms doesn't seem to be nearly as welcome on this bike compared to an American V-twin. Initially that was a negative for me. As I've ridden it more, it's become clear it wants to exist between about 1800 - 3000 rpms. As long as I keep it in this range, it is ultra smooth and rides like a dream. Really, my only complaint on the bike, is that I wish BMW would have added a counter balancer to smooth out the motor. I've heard their explanations, and honestly I'm calling BS. They could have smoothed out the motor if they wanted to. At 80 mph in 6th gear it got way too much vibration. At 75 mph its a dream. Since this isn't a bike for those who are in a hurry, I can forgive this some, but there are times where we just want to get to our destination.

It really shines in comfort and fit and finish. Probably dependent on individual height and build, but with the front crash bars, I can put my feet up on them and they replicate highway pegs perfectly if I want to stretch my legs a bit. The overall comfort on this bike is as good as any bike I've ever ridden. I wish the bags were a bit more roomy, but they are perfectly functional as is and have the best latches in the motorcycle world.

Overall, it is a brilliant bike that is beautifully designed and meticulously crafted. I get compliments on it every time I ride it. If the motor were a bit smoother I would give it 100 out of 100. As it is, I'll give it 95 out of 100.

Not sure if your bike has only 500mls (not broken in yet) or you haven’t had the chance to ride more than 500mls, but I will say that mine smoothed out at around 2.6K mls. Don’t get me wrong, she does vibrate a bit still but not as much as when she was new. I kinda like the vibrating aspect of the engine at low rpms and like you said, at 75mls/h she is as sweet as a nut, pusher harder and she will shake a bit. The R18 is a beautifully crafted machine, has tons of charm and pulls like a freight train. Enjoy

 

[Rufus]

On the open road stick it in ‘Roll’ if you want less vibration and a smoother experience. BMW have no doubt designed this bike to be exactly the way it is, it’s one of its biggest charms, it feels like a big engine not a food blender.

 

[MN246]

It smoothes back at 90. Or so it feels.

I haven't gotten it up there.

 

[MN246]

Not sure if your bike has only 500mls (not broken in yet) or you haven’t had the chance to ride more than 500mls, but I will say that mine smoothed out at around 2.6K mls. Don’t get me wrong, she does vibrate a bit still but not as much as when she was new. I kinda like the vibrating aspect of the engine at low rpms and like you said, at 75mls/h she is as sweet as a nut, pusher harder and she will shake a bit. The R18 is a beautifully crafted machine, has tons of charm and pulls like a freight train. Enjoy

This one had 3800 on the clock when I picked it up. Unfortunately I haven't gotten to ride one that isn't broken in. I think its a bit deceptive if you ride it by feel. Because the rev range is small, it feels like you have to short shift. But if you look down at the speedo, you're going a lot faster than you expected. It performs about as well as my buddy's 117 milwaukee 8.

 

[Rufus]

This one had 3800 on the clock when I picked it up. Unfortunately I haven't gotten to ride one that isn't broken in. I think its a bit deceptive if you ride it by feel. Because the rev range is small, it feels like you have to short shift. But if you look down at the speedo, you're going a lot faster than you expected. It performs about as well as my buddy's 117 milwaukee 8.

That’s it exactly, short shift it. There’s no point holding onto high rpm’s on a long run because it’s not pleasant. The gearing is very tall on these bikes, ride the sweet spot and it’s effortless, silky smooth.

 

[MN246]

That’s it exactly, short shift it. There’s no point holding onto high rpm’s on a long run because it’s not pleasant. The gearing is very tall on these bikes, ride the sweet spot and it’s effortless, silky smooth.

That really is the key to an awesome ride on these. The weird thing about it is that it accelerates faster than it feels like it is. It seems slow, and then you look down at the speedo and you're going 75.