The BMW R18 | The German Pin Up

The BMW R18 review. How good is this 1930s inspired German heavyweight?

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The bike: 2023 BMW R18 100 Years Special
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Locations:

Suffolk, England

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Other channels:

You can also find me on the @tuesdayatdobbs YouTube channel for weekly motorcycle chat.
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My personal motorcycle: 2010 Triumph Bonneville 865cc (the base version)

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Purely watching the videos is a gigantic support, but you can also support the channel here:


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Find me on:

Tuesday at Dobbs on YouTube: @tuesdayatdobbs

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Video editing: @monikameraki (Instagram)

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Music:

A Sputnik Moment - Aerian
Glories - Let’s not rush out and tell everyone
Slow Surf - OTE
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Some affiliate links may be used. You won’t be charged a penny for clicking on them, but I may get some commission from any purchases

[melmoranda]

Why hasn’t Freddie been snapped up as a TV presenter is beyond me. Sadly I can’t afford a motorcycle, but nevertheless I so enjoy watching his presentations .. And not forgetting Monica and her great filming. Respect to you both… If you guys ever come to South Wales let me know, coffee on me!

[MikeEaton-xzhh]

I purchased a new 2021 R18 first edition and I am speechless every time I ride my motorcycle. I almost bought a Harley Davidson Road King until I saw this motorcycle by BMW. A Harley Davison rider pulled up next to me at a light and he was impressed with the styling. He said “ I ain’t never seen nothing like that before!” Every motorcycle has its drawbacks but the R18 is art in motion! Freddie, well done presentation on the R18. You are spot on!

[gregicon]

American here, and proud owner of a 2023 r18 100 years edition. Outstanding review, and spot on. Will add this: both the shift lever and rear brake pedal are adjustable, so you can create perfect geometry between the foot peg, lever, piston casing, and riding boot. 2000 miles in, and braking/shifting are super intuitive. Added bonus - pistons block the wind on cold rides!

[Noblemumin]

I didn’t knew BMW could build motorcycles with such finesse. What a fine piece of machinery. Even to me who isn’t a big fan of cruisers, this is an absolute art on wheels. Incredible content mate!

[jfro]

Absolutely Terrific review Freddie. I have an R18 and you get exactly why I bought it over the HD and other established cruisers. I can forgive/ignore any minor niggle like no fuel gauge because I simply don’t care. It’s beautiful, and rides as good as it looks. If it was a ship I’d say it was like The Queen Mary ocean liner. Pure elegance. Ships like that will never be built again because of cost, thankfully BMW built this and I’ve got one.

[mantarayal]

Firstly, Freddie has become (or maybe always was) a brilliant, eloquent presenter. A teller of tales. Mixed with Monika's incredible and truly talented eye, this makes for great content and entertainment. As for the bike, looks, and usability are of course subjective. I think it's gorgeous. And, as for the lack of techy bits etc. for longer distances, and to match Harleys and the rest, the R18 comes in several forms, including a full-on tourer - fancy pants digi screen included. You just gotta pay. Ride safe all!! :)

[Bygkydcmc]

I'm an American who went from a Harley to a BMW R18 Classic and I absolutely love it. The BMW is different from all the other cruisers on the road out here. An unexpected benefit was how cool the R18 runs with the cylinders stuck out to the side instead of the v-twin orientation. I live where it gets hot and have not had any problems with heat the BMW in stop and go traffic. I can't say the same thing for the Harleys I've owned.

[capman]

Thanks for this emotional and good report. As a biker I had different motorcycles in the 1970 and 1980 and loved riding them. Years of driving cars followed.
Half a year ago I saw a picture of a Royal Enfield super meteor 650 and remembered what it is like to ride.
Not getting comfortably from A to B but to ride and feel and having fun while getting from A to B.
Then I got a look at a BMW R18 and fell in love. What a beauty.
For some weeks I tracked informations, pictures and videos.
At last I had a test ride for 2 hours yesterday.
Every word you told about this bike is true.
It gives so many emotions and while its big and heavy its like a smooth cat when you ride it gently but big and strong when you let it go on full throttle.
This bike is everything. It will get some extras and be upgraded until it fits perfekt to me.
By the way... I am from germany.
Yesterday I ordered one. Have fun and make life a ride.

[SVW-cl]

An excellent review, I own an R18 Classic for two years now along side a HD Fatboy, every time I start that engine and start riding, an overwhelming Joy takes over. A true Bauhaus Master Piece .

[MartinShufflebotham]

Mine turns heads in Texas, at a charity bike show yesterday it was obviously the only one there (amongst 50+ Harleys). Lots of good natured ribbing but lots of appreciation for her too.

[curtismager]

I'm American. Owned a 2021 First Edition for 3 months now. Freddie is not wrong. This bike becomes one with you after a few rides. An absolute dream to ride on the highways and countryside. A brilliant motorcycle. It has the perfect growl from 4th to fifth gear at about 3000 rpms but is not obnoxiously loud whatsoever. It's sonic harmony.

[andrewprosser]

Hi Freddie I have the bmw r1200c and it rocks back and forth just like the 1800, I am often told I could have bought a nice harley for the same money, my reply is everyone has a harley only the chosen few have a bmw cruiser, I've had it over 10 years now and never regreted having it. Thanks Freddie and Monica for all the top work you do.

[stuharrison]

Freddie, you made me chuckle with the accountants to step out the room comment. You are so articulate and expressive. Your talent is immense. This is now my goal to attain one of these bikes....thank you

[get_to_the_lunchbox]

It's great to have a lazy Sunday morning watching a Freddie Dobbs vid. Love this timeslot for publishing Freddie. Keep up the great work both if you!

[coastalhillbilly]

Seen these in person, Freddie ain’t exaggerating, build is jewel quality, 6000 mile valve jobs but no shims, appears easy enough for most home gamers, air cooled no coolant changes.
US market has some screaming good used deals right now.
My buddy has the full bagger R18, was a Harley guy. I’d get this over a Harley even if I wasn’t a value guy.

[neilt]

1930's Germany, they've come a long way (if you get my drift)
On a side note . Can we have a big up for Monica and her sterling camera work . Teamwork makes the dream work and all that .
Stunning bike, but i prefer the Harley you took out a few weeks back .

[stephennewell]

It is a stunning machine, so much more than any Harley. So glad you loved it Freddie, as it’s had so much bad press from those who just don’t get it. Bauhaus is so the right comparison.

[moonman]

I live close to the BMW Werk in Munich so I have these things roll around my area fairly often and it’s always a sight to behold

[akshaykb]

First of all, I want to draw your attention to the details and acknowledge the cameraman who worked tirelessly to create this masterpiece. Amazing

[tjf]

From Texas…it doesn’t push me out or away from Harley. Because it is so good and different it makes you want to add this bike to the stable. A Harley can be ridden cross city, state, or country and be totally comfortable for all. I think this bike lacks that agility but it is a perfect cruiser for almost any daily duty…awesome and yes I am getting one to park beside the Harley’s!