Cycle World article: R18 vs SoftTail Slim

[TodkaVonic]

2021 BMW R 18 First Edition vs. 2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim Comparison

BMW rolls the R 18 cruiser onto American highways. We grab a Harley-Davidson Softail Slim to compare technology, tradition, and culture in two modern heavyweight twins.

www.cycleworld.com

No sour grapes, promise. But why on earth would I care about 1/4 mile or 0-60 times for my cruiser? Brakes better. Fit and finish better. Equal or better HP and torque stats...

 

[theMucker]

Any time that they get a bike from a manufacturer who doen't limit what they are allowed to do with it, Cycle World has always done the entire range of performance tests on street bikes. They have a list of tests and specifications with which they feel that they have to fill in the blanks. Granted, most potential owners of either machine won't care a lot about quartermile times or 0-to-60 times, but the numbers do give some idea how well they'll do when you get on the road and your buddy in the other lane gets frisky. Funny thing about the R18, most of the famous customizers aren't sticking with the concept of the R18 as a "cruiser" either. And Roland Sands built his as a drag bike.
I've said it before, the R18 is NOT a cruiser. It's a dang "naked, sports-standard".

Whatever category it's placed in, the R18 is a very unique new model from BMW and I don't see much in the Cycle World article that I disagree with. At the same time, I hope most folks who read it will also understand that there is more to the R18 than what CW put in print. They apparently didn't tune the rear suspension to get the best ride. They got the usual OEM seat (which is NOT a good place for the bum) and failed to mention the optional seats available. And they said that you can't put floorboards on it, but we know that's not correct, even though they are correct about not being able to position the feet well forward, as on the HD. Oh well....

 

[theMucker]

Another R18 review:

Review: BMW's R18 First Edition is powerful, simple and sophisticated

The BMW R18 First Edition features the largest boxer-type engine the company has ever produced in a motorcycle. Its two massive cylinders -- each is 901cc -- produce a claimed 91 horsepower and 116 pound-feet of torque. The R 18 First Edition costs at least $19,870. From top: The fish-tail...

www.post-gazette.com

 

[R18Art]

Great Article. I traded in a 2019 Fatboy (Softail) on the R18. The article is spot-on. After a few long rides on the highway and in the twisties, I've come to the same conclusions.

A few things;

• The brakes on the R18 are definitely better. I'm sure it's because it's a dual disc set-up. I do wish the brakes did have a little more initial bite. But definitely better than the Harley
• No heat. I'm really surprised how little heat I feel on the R18 from the cylinders compared to my Fatboy. It's still cold here in CO, so when or if Summer gets here we'll see
• The R18 does get buzzy at around 75/80 mph. I find my hands going numb. So I find myself cruising below 75 and it's fine. The Harley also gets buzzy at the same speed, but there is something different with the Frequency that doesn't seem to affect me the same way
• The R18 handles great compared to the Fatboy. The Fatboy has a huge 160 front tire and that makes it horrible for cornering. My 2017 Softail turns in and handles as good as the R18.
• Ground clearance isn't as big an issue on the R18 as any media makes it sound. Yes, I've dragged the pegs on the R18 but it's on a par with the current crop of Harley Softails (with the exception of the Fat Bob). It has more ground clearance than the 2017 and earlier Softails which scrapes floorboards/pegs very early. I find that a reasonable speed through the canyons, still faster than cars, the R18 does fine. Keeping to posted speed limits in the canyons and again, the R18 is fine.

A couple things I do wish the R18 had;

• Fuel Gauge. While I don't really use these to gauge how far I can go, it is a nicety when you forget to reset your tripmeter. There are some stretches when riding in the Rockies where there isn't a gas station, not super far, but not enough if you are running on reserve. So, it's nice to have a rough idea. Yes, I usually know how far I can go on a tank and use my tripmeter for that, but again, if you forget to reset it and I know motorcycle fuel gauges are notoriously wrong.
• USB Port - Again, new to the bike still reading the owners manual so if I missed one please tell me where it is. The Harley Softails have a USB port near the steering head. When I first got my Harley I wasn't sure when if ever I would use it. Well, I use my phone as a GPS unit and it makes keep the battery full easy and having the port by the steering head keeps the wiring neat. The BMW dealer told me I could plug in USB connector on the left side of the bike near the reverse selector and run it to the bars. Sure, but I don't like wires hanging off what is otherwise a clutter free design...

I really like the R18. It's a great addition to my motorcycle collection and i really enjoy riding it.