Comments on: 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane | First Ride Review

By: Ed Leo

Ed Leo — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:26:49 +0000

Took a 2022 R18 on a 120 mile test drive … pretty much loved the bike except for the awful, overly stiff rear suspension … although I could see where vibration could be an issue for some people, at least I can say it didn’t bother me because at highway cruising speeds in 6th gear, it wasn’t any worse than my 96 Honda 1100 ACE

By: Mathew Kendell

Mathew Kendell — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 21:22:32 +0000

I just returned from my first long trip on my 2022 BMW R 18 Transcontinental. Nearly 5,000 miles in 9 days. Over 1,100 miles in one continuous day of riding. It is a fabulous machine and is as good and better than any other touring motorcycle I have owned. I have owned and ridden over 50 different motorcycles of varying makes, years and styles. Each serves their own purpose. I have yet to find a single motorcycle that doesn’t have some type of shortfall. Therefor there is rarely a time when I only have one motorcycle parked in my garage. I understand that reviews must include content that will answer the many questions that different consumers will have. The R 18 line of motorcycles are purpose built. If ridden for their intended purpose they are excellent machines. My 2021 R 18 FE is a blast to ride. I have ridden many multi-hundred mile days. Would I want to tour on it for multiple back to back multi-hundred mile days? Not if I have other options. Riders are like fingerprints. We are all individuals and our individual desires and “needs” vary. To each their own. To my knowledge there doesn’t exist a true do everything excellent motorcycle. There are a few that come close. Chose a bike that best meets your desired purpose and consider having multiple bikes to fill the need for different purposes. Can I scrape the pegs on my R 18 or the footboards on my Transcontinental? Yes I can. Every time it happens it is a reminder that I am riding too fast on the wrong bike. I rode my R 18 FE once for 12 miles on a well maintained gravel forest road because it was 50 miles one way to get to an alternate paved route. I survived and it handled it perfectly well. Would I purposely do it again? Not a chance. Again wrong bike. As a cruiser the R 18 is a terrific motorcycle. The Transcontinental is a lovely touring motorcycle. For any other riding styles/preferences there are far exceedingly exceptional motorcycles. Ride the motorcycle of your choice but please judge its abilities with consideration of its intended purpose. Consider getting a bigger garage. You NEED more than one motorcycle. It is a fact. Safe riding to all!!

By: OceanBreeze

OceanBreeze — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 08:49:08 +0000

I have two standing gripes with the R18 range . No fuel gauge (absurd) and the horrible rear suspension . I can’t understand for the life of me why BMW won’t change the R18 rear suspension geometry to that of the R18B or R18TC – make that standard across the whole range . The R18 ; R18
classic and the Roctane all seem to persist with the R18 std suspension at the rear and that just does not deliver comfort on less than perfect Tarmac.

By: MapsBam

MapsBam — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 23:56:58 +0000

In reply to Jay. What is it that you don’t like about this statement? Harley’s have better reliability. That’s a truth. Looks are subjective.

By: Jay

Jay — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 03:45:02 +0000

In reply to Doc Larry. "Better reliability. Much better looking machines"- you cant be serious.

By: Rocco

Rocco — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 20:06:04 +0000

I have owned a BMW motorcycle and many others including Harley Davidson. The BMW was the best road handling bike I have ever owned. When it came to service the BMW was easy to work on also.

By: Craig C Goldstein

Craig C Goldstein — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:11:05 +0000

In reply to Doc Larry.

I agree with you to a point Larry…..However, I am picking up a NEW 2022 R18 transcontinental loaded with Adaptive Cruise, Central Locking bags, TPMS, heated seats/Grips, Marshall 6-speaker sound system and more for a discounted priced of $20,500 AND at 0% with BMW picking up the first four payments and 3/36K warranty…..I’m willing to overlook a few things at this price point. A comparable Harley would be $45K (CVO)

By: Doc Larry

Doc Larry — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 03:02:02 +0000

BMW has been trying sell a cruiser in America for years. Maybe the Roctane will give them some amount of success.
All motorcyclists are aware that BMW’s have their issues. Reliability issues and a small network of dealers in the USA does nothing to make American riders warm up to the brand either.
Here’s the bottom line. Harley Davidson is a religion. Dealers everywhere. Better reliability. Much better looking machines. Resale value that BMW can’t come close to matching. So, why would anyone pass the HD store, or the Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki stores to buy one !?
At least the pics of the German countryside were really beautiful.

By: TRACEY KELLER

TRACEY KELLER — Tue, 30 May 2023 15:38:55 +0000

i have the 2022 18b , the engine vibration is its worst enemy , the floor boards at 70 mph plus is numbing , the fairing is too short too narrow , almost like riding naked, gps is a joke,

By: Rick M.

Rick M. — Mon, 29 May 2023 12:50:47 +0000

The 2021 Classic is let down by a hard seat, massive buffeting over the screen above 65, short range and little room for foot braking or shifting. Otherwise, what a thrill to ride. I leave it in rain mode due to the incredible thrust.