New R18 owner

[2wheels2fun]

Just purchase an R18B (2022) dealer demo. This is my second Bimmer (R1200 GS) and my 6th bike..quite a difference! I put 500 miles on it over the last few days and am getting used to the bike. Loved the concept since I saw the first pics-but didn’t love the geometry when I rode one on a demo day when they first came out. I am a 6’2” rider with short arms for my height+this accentuated the slightly weird ergonomics of the bike. This version has “ape hangers” of a sort which makes the geometry work for me. I like the feel, though the weight is taking some getting used to. I have ridden HDs for years when I travel to ride with buds elsewhere-this bike is even heavier. Love the looks, and feel, and nice rumble that is not obnoxious when you pull up to the light or cafe.

I need a taller windshield as the wind noise is excessive. The bags are also crazy small after having 3 cases on the GS. I suppose I will go the route of a seat back and rack with a bag strapped aboard for any serious traveling! Ironic because you would think a bagger would be set to hit the highway! I have been doing one or two 6-8 trips a year for many years and will have to adapt.. any input on windscreens or tailpieces would be appreciated. By the way, the TFT is somewhat nice but overly complex-I think HD made a smart move by partnering with Apple Play- though I would rather see Android Auto. Why do these companies have to reinvent the wheel when a great product exists?! I assume it is licensing fees and potential profits.

 

[Anibal]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new bike. I also have the B and I love her. Yup, the weight on that thing is definitely something to keep in mind as she will happily have a lay in if you are not careful at slow manoeuvres. Rear break and clutch control are your best friends here. If you can, invest on a decent set of crash bars. I went for the BMW ones and have saved my bacon twice with only an almost invisible scratch to the lower part of the bar. There are a few aftermarket pipes out there, some louder than others. I like the look and sound of the Sharkroad but they don’t ship them to the UK.
The other one I was looking at is the H&V but I believe the sound is very similar to the stock one, so for the money they ask for it one needs to consider if it is worth buying unless you remove the back plate/silencer. There are a few more like Jekill and Hyde and it is meant to be good since you can select the noise level electronically.
A few guys here of similar height have gone for the TC windshield although the Jurock 7 I believe is a very popular one. I don’t particularly like the shape of it but that is just me. Scott Semone adapted the winglets from the TC to his Bagger to mitigate air turbulence and I believe it works very well.
Use the search feature on the forum and you will have enough material to read all the way to the 3am trip to the toilet.
Have fun and post a pic, we love those.

 

[2wheels2fun]

 

[harrisrc740]

Is it me or are your handlebars taller than normal?

 

[2wheels2fun]

Yes they are. I rode the original R18 a few years ago, and my long legs/short arms combo made for an uncomfortable riding position. These pseudo “ape-hangars” and the floorboards have made such a difference that I bought the bike!. They are a BMW option $488. I am looking online now and see less expensive options.

 

[Star-Lord]

Yes they are. I rode the original R18 a few years ago, and my long legs/short arms combo made for an uncomfortable riding position. These pseudo “ape-hangars” and the floorboards have made such a difference that I bought the bike!. They are a BMW option $488. I am looking online now and see less expensive options.

I like the Roland Sands pieces.. mirrors, floor boards, cylinder covers and foot brake

 

[BobW]

Great looking bike (trivia, Bimmer cars - Beemer motorcycles click)

 

[2wheels2fun]

Thanks Bob! I ve had my GS for 14 years and always referred to it as a Beemer. My buddy (bmw-less) corrected me to bimmer. Learning has occurred!.

 

[BobW]

Whereabouts in Mass are you? In an earlier life I spent a bunch of time there visiting family and friends spread all over from the Cape to the Berkshires. 2 wheeled activities included Enduros on the Cape, Moto X at Southwick, tons of road miles and even worked at the ISDT when it was held out of Dalton. Many good times had in your corner of the country

 

[2wheels2fun]

I’m in the Merrimack valley. Most of my riding has been north to New Hampshire and Maine, as well as “wheels in the field” with MaxBMW on my GS. Plan on taking the R18 out west where we are from. Luckily I have friends with garage space out there.

 

[Viking Power]

Welcome!

 

[2wheels2fun]

I like the Roland Sands pieces.. mirrors, floor boards, cylinder covers and foot brake

It was a package the local dealer had - those pieces you mentioned plus 15" rise handlebars, 21" front and 18" back custom wheels, mini windshield (ridiculous). I liked the package when I saw it and took it for a ride-sold! BMW had made a great deal on the package- they called it The Black Stallion..