Thanks! Yea, really hoping that working with the new BMW/Ducati dealer opening here will allow me to expand my knowledge on other bikes across that board. I enjoy seeing the new offerings and updates, but I don't have experience with a lot of the bikes, so I don't feel like talking about them means much. Hopefully remedy that once they open this summer! Congrats on 20k!!
Everyone thinks that because the R18 doesn’t sell like Harley it’s going to get chopped. Outside of the GS line, nothing they make are high volume bikes. R18 owners are very happy with the bike, myself included.
I think it's a combination of things. They have to invest in a new market to get market share, for sure. The years of deep discounts, near or zero interest rate financing, and previous year model bikes collecting dust seems like the combination of factors that lead folks to believe there may at least be change coming. I personally think their main goal was to develop a big enough oil head to have the power folks expect in today's world that they could then use as a platform across a wide array of "heritage" family bikes for years to come. As to whether that means specifically the R18 (or R20) we have today, who knows. Heck, the 2022 R18 TC I test rode before buying the B is still sitting in the showroom at that dealer. I joke that if it sits long enough to get down to around $10,000 I might get a second one for a top case lol. Don't get me wrong, I love the bike, it just doesn't seem to have caught on in North America. I've seen exactly one other R18 in the wild in 2+ years, and we go to a lot of motorcycle events. Cheers 🍻
Yea, hope I can see it in person this year. Hard to really tell how much fun paint pops in pictures. I thought the tobacco fade HD did last year would probably be cool, then a friends got a LR ST in it, and it was awesome in person. Hope you're doing well!
You would like the blue.... lol. You know, if you're fiending for a reasonably priced road king.... the Roctane does exist www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r18-roctane.html
I have a 22 18B and I love it. There was a part of me that didn't want BMW to introduce any new variants - It would make ours even more special. The reverse gear thing was a hiccup but it didn't affect me at all, except I got some freebies - Just waiting for the repair recall in time for Spring. And yes - I wasn't a fan of the fishtails - but I fitted Black Freedom's on mine anyway. Thx
I'm not sure how much it matter at this point, as it seems like the biggest boon to model popularity and longevity is usually more aftermarket support. I don't think the R18 is going to get to a sales level that many more players get into that game. I've personally only seem a single other R18 owner in the flesh, an R18TC at Bikefest Lake of the Ozarks this past year. I went to my most local dealer in October I think, and they didn't even mention the reverse recall. Not incredibly surprised based on my previous experience there, but I haven't had any problems with it to date, so don't plan on deactivating it. It would be nice if a fix was announced though. I did see someone ask if the 2025s would have a fix or different mechanism or something... since they seemingly couldn't sell them with the same faulty part. I was half joking lol. I know some R18 forum folks that love the fishtail, but it seems like 90% not love it to 10% love it 😆 Cheers!
Fun fact, I built a separate bike garage in 2020. When I got the R18B in 2022... I had to tear it apart and extend it by two feet 😆 I found the classic/pure to be a bit awkward for me when they came out, but stretching the frame a few inches on the B/TC opened up the rider triangle enough for me to be comfortable.
I think if the R18 first edition would come like this it would have been received better. The fishtail exhaust was not working for most. Adding cast wheels helps with weight loss and makes the bike more versatile. Adding suspension at the back helps with ground clearance and the weight will be more counting forward so the steering will be quicker. Now I still would love to see a stock version resembling the R18concept/2 with those nice short exhausts and a fatter back wheel nothing silly a nice 200mm back wheel would do. Ps yes here in the UK winter weather sucks. Cold wet rainy and snowy. If one is lucky you can pop out for a quick 2 hour ride between the rain and spend another 2 hours cleaning the bike after from slime grit and salt. But hey at least you get to spend some time with the bike🤜🤛👍
I get that they wanted to lean into the R5 heritage idea out of the gate and differentiate the bike from the market with the art deco vibe. I think they (to me) nailed it on most everything but that "fishtail inspired" (because let's be real it wasn't even what most people think of when they think fishtail exhaust) was just a bridge too far. I remember sitting on one in 2021, and thinking it was a great looking bike EXCEPT for the weird exhaust. The classic didn't really fit me how I'd like, so waited for the bagger anyway. I mentioned it in another comment, but that's why the Roctane confused me a bit. I wasn't sure who asked for such a bike. Conversely, they made the R12 with the 1200cc motor instead of the 1800cc. IE I would love to see a more stripped down, Sportster-esque R18 that had less laid back ergonomics. We shall see... Luckily we haven't had too much winter weather, just cold. They don't salt around here, so usually get a day every week or two that are ridable! Unfortunately, the stars have to align just right when it gets dark so early. Come on Spring!!! Cheers 🍻
Going to be real, the Roctane seemed to get so little press I sometimes forget it exists lol. The whole "heritage" line seems a bit all over the place right now. I had an R9T and loved it, but wish they would have done the R12 with the 1800cc powerplant. As I understand it, the R18 was originally going to have the 1200cc oil head the R9T got, but they decided it wasn't enough power.... then they made a cruiser with the 1200cc a few years later? I appreciate that they're expanding the lineup and adding new options/accessories, but I'm a bit confused by the choices overall.
@@Chasing.AdventureI agree. Was worried they were gonna drop the line all together. I absolutely love this line. Def on my short list to buy. Still think I am gonna get a 2023 or 2024 model. Insanely good deals to be had atm.
I have a Roctane and the Speedo in the headlight looks fantastic but the downside is super bright light washes out the imbedded LED indicators. They need to offer a beach bar option.
@@SeanFisk Yea, I love my 18B, and for 20k new (or less) with all the bells and whistles, I'm surprised they aren't selling out. It's a lot of bike that basically couldn't be had elsewhere for less than 30k. Good luck, I am sort of in the market for a smaller around town second bike, and hoping to get a test on the R12 this summer to see if it might win!
@@dhc8guru I haven't actually seen a Roctane in person. My closest dealer (until the new one opens locally this Summer) hasn't ever had one unfortunately. I think that headlight/blinker issue is a problem on the B/TC as well. You can barely see the blinkers from the front in the dark. I have my aux lights on the engine bars synced with the blinkers though, and they're WAY more obvious. Cheers 🍻
Nice Job man, you need to do more of these when you can!
Thanks! Yea, really hoping that working with the new BMW/Ducati dealer opening here will allow me to expand my knowledge on other bikes across that board. I enjoy seeing the new offerings and updates, but I don't have experience with a lot of the bikes, so I don't feel like talking about them means much. Hopefully remedy that once they open this summer! Congrats on 20k!!
Everyone thinks that because the R18 doesn’t sell like Harley it’s going to get chopped. Outside of the GS line, nothing they make are high volume bikes.
R18 owners are very happy with the bike, myself included.
I think it's a combination of things. They have to invest in a new market to get market share, for sure. The years of deep discounts, near or zero interest rate financing, and previous year model bikes collecting dust seems like the combination of factors that lead folks to believe there may at least be change coming. I personally think their main goal was to develop a big enough oil head to have the power folks expect in today's world that they could then use as a platform across a wide array of "heritage" family bikes for years to come.
As to whether that means specifically the R18 (or R20) we have today, who knows. Heck, the 2022 R18 TC I test rode before buying the B is still sitting in the showroom at that dealer. I joke that if it sits long enough to get down to around $10,000 I might get a second one for a top case lol. Don't get me wrong, I love the bike, it just doesn't seem to have caught on in North America. I've seen exactly one other R18 in the wild in 2+ years, and we go to a lot of motorcycle events. Cheers 🍻
The Red looked awesome
Yea, hope I can see it in person this year. Hard to really tell how much fun paint pops in pictures. I thought the tobacco fade HD did last year would probably be cool, then a friends got a LR ST in it, and it was awesome in person. Hope you're doing well!
I like the blue, wish there was more of it.
The P&A stuff looks cool
You would like the blue.... lol. You know, if you're fiending for a reasonably priced road king.... the Roctane does exist www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/r18-roctane.html
I have a 22 18B and I love it. There was a part of me that didn't want BMW to introduce any new variants - It would make ours even more special. The reverse gear thing was a hiccup but it didn't affect me at all, except I got some freebies - Just waiting for the repair recall in time for Spring. And yes - I wasn't a fan of the fishtails - but I fitted Black Freedom's on mine anyway. Thx
I'm not sure how much it matter at this point, as it seems like the biggest boon to model popularity and longevity is usually more aftermarket support. I don't think the R18 is going to get to a sales level that many more players get into that game. I've personally only seem a single other R18 owner in the flesh, an R18TC at Bikefest Lake of the Ozarks this past year.
I went to my most local dealer in October I think, and they didn't even mention the reverse recall. Not incredibly surprised based on my previous experience there, but I haven't had any problems with it to date, so don't plan on deactivating it. It would be nice if a fix was announced though. I did see someone ask if the 2025s would have a fix or different mechanism or something... since they seemingly couldn't sell them with the same faulty part.
I was half joking lol. I know some R18 forum folks that love the fishtail, but it seems like 90% not love it to 10% love it 😆 Cheers!
Thank goodness the wheelbase was shortened. I went to look at the r-18, that thing was as long as a 1976 buick.
Fun fact, I built a separate bike garage in 2020. When I got the R18B in 2022... I had to tear it apart and extend it by two feet 😆 I found the classic/pure to be a bit awkward for me when they came out, but stretching the frame a few inches on the B/TC opened up the rider triangle enough for me to be comfortable.
I think if the R18 first edition would come like this it would have been received better. The fishtail exhaust was not working for most. Adding cast wheels helps with weight loss and makes the bike more versatile. Adding suspension at the back helps with ground clearance and the weight will be more counting forward so the steering will be quicker. Now I still would love to see a stock version resembling the R18concept/2 with those nice short exhausts and a fatter back wheel nothing silly a nice 200mm back wheel would do. Ps yes here in the UK winter weather sucks. Cold wet rainy and snowy. If one is lucky you can pop out for a quick 2 hour ride between the rain and spend another 2 hours cleaning the bike after from slime grit and salt. But hey at least you get to spend some time with the bike🤜🤛👍
I get that they wanted to lean into the R5 heritage idea out of the gate and differentiate the bike from the market with the art deco vibe. I think they (to me) nailed it on most everything but that "fishtail inspired" (because let's be real it wasn't even what most people think of when they think fishtail exhaust) was just a bridge too far. I remember sitting on one in 2021, and thinking it was a great looking bike EXCEPT for the weird exhaust. The classic didn't really fit me how I'd like, so waited for the bagger anyway.
I mentioned it in another comment, but that's why the Roctane confused me a bit. I wasn't sure who asked for such a bike. Conversely, they made the R12 with the 1200cc motor instead of the 1800cc. IE I would love to see a more stripped down, Sportster-esque R18 that had less laid back ergonomics. We shall see...
Luckily we haven't had too much winter weather, just cold. They don't salt around here, so usually get a day every week or two that are ridable! Unfortunately, the stars have to align just right when it gets dark so early. Come on Spring!!! Cheers 🍻
Roctane without the ape handle bars and the speedometer is up right and not in flush with headlight.
Going to be real, the Roctane seemed to get so little press I sometimes forget it exists lol. The whole "heritage" line seems a bit all over the place right now. I had an R9T and loved it, but wish they would have done the R12 with the 1800cc powerplant. As I understand it, the R18 was originally going to have the 1200cc oil head the R9T got, but they decided it wasn't enough power.... then they made a cruiser with the 1200cc a few years later?
I appreciate that they're expanding the lineup and adding new options/accessories, but I'm a bit confused by the choices overall.
@@Chasing.AdventureI agree. Was worried they were gonna drop the line all together. I absolutely love this line. Def on my short list to buy. Still think I am gonna get a 2023 or 2024 model. Insanely good deals to be had atm.
I have a Roctane and the Speedo in the headlight looks fantastic but the downside is super bright light washes out the imbedded LED indicators.
They need to offer a beach bar option.
@@SeanFisk Yea, I love my 18B, and for 20k new (or less) with all the bells and whistles, I'm surprised they aren't selling out. It's a lot of bike that basically couldn't be had elsewhere for less than 30k.
Good luck, I am sort of in the market for a smaller around town second bike, and hoping to get a test on the R12 this summer to see if it might win!
@@dhc8guru I haven't actually seen a Roctane in person. My closest dealer (until the new one opens locally this Summer) hasn't ever had one unfortunately. I think that headlight/blinker issue is a problem on the B/TC as well. You can barely see the blinkers from the front in the dark. I have my aux lights on the engine bars synced with the blinkers though, and they're WAY more obvious. Cheers 🍻