2021 BMW R 18 Classic Review | MC Commute

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BMW Motorrad continues to expand its presence in the heavyweight cruiser segment with the addition of its boxer twin-powered R 18 Classic ($24,015 as tested). This iteration of the R 18 adds touring-friendly accommodations, including a fixed oversize windscreen, and double-buckle saddlebags that allow for added practicality.

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Long and low the R18 Classic makes a presence. Of all the motorcycle reviews we’ve published over the past few years, there are few streetbikes that make the subtle statement of this Black Storm Metallic Beemer. It stirs quick gas station chats everytime we fuel up and it’s noteworthy how the non-motorcycling public understands that it’s an “old bike that looks new.”

Lifting the 805-pound machine off its kickstand isn’t the easiest feat, but with 16-inch wheels in motion it’s astounding how agile it is. A wide and pleasing handlebar bend makes it easy to cast direction changes even at parking lot speeds. Still with two giant cylinders protruding off either side, caution is exercised when negotiating curbed turns and while splitting California traffic.

Twist the throttle and the 1,802cc (110ci) boxer twin doles out a punchy spread of power with upwards of 90 pound-feet torque just above idle. The engine’s horizontal power pulses are visceral and make for an engaging ride. Engine vibration is present throughout the rev range, but it feels calculated and further adds to its pleasing cruiser motorcycle experience. Both the engine and exhaust note sound unique. Its crisp note makes you want to yank on the twist grip hard. Maintenance-wise the engine requires oil and filter changes every 6,000 miles. BMW Motorrad also recommends owner’s inspect the valve clearances too. A tad early for our tastes. During fast-paced riding, we recorded a 34 mpg average.

A heel-toe shifter makes it easier to row through the six-speed gearbox. We value its precise mechanical feel and the easy ability to notch it into neutral at stops. A beautiful mechanical driveshaft transfers power to the Bridgestone Battlecruise H50-shod 16-inch rear wheel. The final drive is nearly devoid of maintenance aside from scheduled 24,000-mile differential case oil changes.

The ride-by-wire throttle affords three throttle maps (Rock, Roll, and Rain), in addition to cruise control. Each setting provides a smooth, accurate sensitivity, but we like the Rock setting’s more rowdy response. Traction control (BMW calls it Automatic Stability Control) is standard as is ABS that automatically reroutes brake pressure to the front or rear circuit based on rider control input and vehicle load.

Similarly to the 19-inch front wheel equipped R 18, ground clearance is limited and it doesn’t take much lean for hard parts to scrape against the asphalt. Still, with its high level of stability, and strong triple-disc hydraulic brakes, the R 18 Classic responds well to hard riding as long as you keep the vehicle more or less in line. High-speed stability is equally pleasing and we were impressed how well it rides at triple-digit speeds. Still, we wish this R 18 Classic offered full-travel rear suspension like its bagger and Transcontinental siblings.

Our testbike was outfitted with the Premium Package ($1,450) which adds Adaptive (cornering) Headlights, electronic reverse, and Hill Start Control. These doodads make it easier to operate, however we wish the cornering headlamps were brighter through turns—which is surprising, considering its limited cornering clearance. The reverse feature on the other hand functions well and makes this nearly half-ton motorcycle easy to get out of tight parking spots. Our bike also had the $2,150 First Edition package, which adds chrome and white pinstriping around the fuel tank. We could easily forgo this pricey option.

Photography: Joseph Agustin
Videography/edit: @AdamWaheed

Motorcycle Riding Gear Worn

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I’ll always like this bike simply based on looks. They did a great job!

thebulgarianguy
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Somewhat surprised at such a positive review from a sport-oriented rider.

paul.vanhout
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Another informative and entertaining review Adam, by far the best motorcycle review channel, thanks.

motorcycle-paradise
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Waheed looks like an entirely different person every few months

giantslug
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Nice review, as always sir. I test rode the 18r with the 19 inch front wheel and immediately disliked it. Test rode the Classic and bought one; much better ride with the 16's. As you passionately pointed out, the fit and finish is spectacular! And, almost everything on it is metal. Very few plastic parts made to look like metal. I like that. I am 5' 7" tall and i will tell you it is a superb bike for short riders like myself. If you are short; it is a very confidence inspiring bike. That said, it is not a beginners bike as it can get away from you because it is deceptively smooth. 85mph feels like 60mph on most other bikes i have had. But there in lies the only problem i have with the bike. It can really gob up miles on the highway without effort from that big-ass low rpm engine, and BMW puts on a 4.2 gallon gas tank with no fuel gauge. I can see that on the 18R for bar hopping. The Classic should have a 6 or 7 gallon tank. They make a bike great at highway travel barring the next gas station had better be within 140-150 miles. Makes no sense. As a side note, the hill-hold function as well as the reverse gear is awesome. Some people might say those things aren't needed, but those are people that have never used them. The 1st time you use either one, you'll go "holy crap-that's nice". One last thing. The windshield is also removable if anyone didn't know. JMTC.

cg
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We'll be sharing this on our FB page next week since you did such a great review!

bmwmotorcyclesofsoutheastm
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Sat on one yesterday, usually not into cruisers but this thing is very very cool, very comfortable and classy I feel like I need to be wearing a suit to ride one, great bike!

DailyPanigale
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Seeing these in person and sitting on them changed my mind. Now I really want to demo one. Also, at least near me, the dealer has several in stock and they have huge factory rebates on them. That’s rare in this market where you’ll pay a huge markup for something like a new Harley-Davidson if you can even find the one you want.

mindspinn
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The camera angle is much better today compared to the other version of the bike in the review last month 🙂

dennisclark
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Love your work adam bike needs a passenger seat up grade and crash bars your enthusiasm is infectious stay safe top dude from blighty

lesliewilliams
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You’re really not a cruiser sort of guy, yet you were very enthusiastic about this one. That says a lot about the bike.

rzu
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A beautiful and magnificent piece of machinery and a total joy to ride

kellyco
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Great review. Are you supposed to be splitting traffic at the lights? With the distracted drivers these days I would NOT advise you try it.

anthonydowling
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Brilliant review 👍I also love watching you ride around the USA where you are, looks so cool.

dadmadforgot
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Seems to match up better to the Road King than the Heritage…

gwaddles
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Absolutely Superb Machine, No doubt one of my favorite Cruisers 👊✌️👍!!!, Thanks for sharing 👊👍✌️🥇!!!

LesterSuarezGonzalez-dzns
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Great review. One of the best I’ve listened to, you should get one, I have the same bike, I’m on holiday at the mo and listening to all you guys with various opinions. 😂. Some should have done their home work like you did, I like the way you ride it too, im not quite as fast. You’re the first who’s pointed out it’s a four valve head which amazed me on other tests ( it was a two valve head on their bikes ) 😂 you must get one though. Thanks for a great report. 👍 🇬🇧GAL, I’ve even subscribed 👌

gl
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I know it's probably irrelevant, but it's so alien to me hearing you speak about fuel as impure as 87 octane when standard grade here in the UK legally has to be 95, and premium grade is 97+. It makes me wonder how that would impact the performance of the engine as far as fuel economy is concerned.

Coylee
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that reverse gear is a seller. the peace of mind of not having to worry about where you park is great - nothing like trying to push 800 pounds up hill backwards while people walk by wondering if they should lend a hand to make you look tough

seanbirtwistle
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This bike looks great. I love the BMW Boxer motor.
However, due to age I can never own or ride one cuz there is nowhere to stretch out my old legs. This is a cruiser, after all.

donaldoehl