Beemer Behemoth

[Guzzistajohn]

I like to looks of it, I'm sure it's great, everything but that butt ugly pipe on the thing. I'd hate to pay BMW prices and have to change it right away.

[TodkaVonic]

Is that an oil-drip-pan I see under that Guzzi?!?  Whaaaaaaaatt?!?

It's 50 years old!  That's a solid 3 years older that me, and, let me tell you, things aren't exactly as tight as they used to be for me either 

[cookiemech]

Some of us would LOVE to be ONLY 47!

[bigbikerrick]

Nice looking stable, Doc! If it were me, I would immediately remove the pipe,and hang it up on my wall as wall art, before it got a ding in it. That pipe has got to be collectable in the future. How about a display of weird pipes on the man cave wall, with a Griso pipe right under that one.....
  The aftermarket has got to make something cool looking, that also lets that beast breathe a little fireThe "jugs" on that bike must really look impressive in person!:thumb:
Rick.

[Huzo]

Nice looking stable, Doc! If it were me, I would immediately remove the pipe,and hang it up on my wall as wall art, before it got a ding in it. That pipe has got to be collectable in the future. How about a display of weird pipes on the man cave wall, with a Griso pipe right under that one.....
  The aftermarket has got to make something cool looking, that also lets that beast breathe a little fireThe "jugs" on that bike must really look impressive in person!:thumb:
Rick.

Maybe a repro of the pipe the designer had in his hand when he conceived the thing, would be a move in the right direction ?

[TN Mark]

Great review Nate, thank you. I’ve been anxious to see one of these and will likely stop at my local dealer tomorrow. I hope BMW sells more than they think they will. From what I understand there are (were) five models planned using the R18 drivetrain. I’m guessing emissions limit the motor to 91HP as that is a bit low for an 1800. Though I suspect the aftermarket will bring out the potential of the motor.

I don’t the mufflers look bad either. They help strangle power due to government restrictions but they at least flow well from an aesthetic standpoint.

[CapitalGoose]

It's hard to even see, now. The concept version showed things off much more nicely.





Silencer aside I think they've done a nice job here. I'd have one, if I rode cruisers.

Agreed. I think it's a beautiful bike. However, the concept was definitely prettier. I get that not all of those details will make production, but man I wish they had!

[CapitalGoose]

I bought one yesterday. Rode it about 120 miles today. It's a blast. Pulls like a damn freight train. I'll get to more of my impression later.

First, the usual gripes:
1) It's heavy. Yes. It's something insane like 760 pounds. It's really heavy. Despite it's girth, riding around, even in parking lots, it feels...nimble? Can I say that about 760 lbs? Maneuvering it in my garage is tedious. There's an electrical reverse gear that's something of a novelty. I don't have any trouble pushing her backwards though, at least on flat surfaces.
2) It's low. Yes. Saddle height is 27 inches. That's not a big deal until you get to 2.b) the pegs are like 8 1/2 inches from the ground and 2.c) There's only 3.5" of travel in the rear shock. Many, many reviews mentioned pegs scraping seemingly all the time. Well, 100+ miles today in the coulee region of SW Wisconsin and nary a scrape. Granted, I was careful and was "cruising", but, regardless, she's not the peg-scaper that you may be lead to believe, at least not with, let's say, un-spirited use. The rear shock travel issue is confusing to me because reviewers will say it's not typical of BMW but IS typical of other cruisers, ie the HD Softail, etc., and then go on to say that it's a problem. I guess either way it translates to potentially not the smoothest ride. Felt fine to me though.
3) The pegs are under you. Kinda. They're actually about 16" forward. I'm 6' with a 32" inseam. Sitting in the saddle, my thighs are parallel with the ground and my knees are at a 90 degree angle. It's like sitting on the can.    It's not uncomfortable for me, but I'm used to a loop frame and, if I really want to torture myself, a Ducati Sport Classic. If you absolutely must equate cruiser with extreme foot-forwardness, you're out of luck.
4) those mufflers! Holy crap what were they thinking? All I can say is, in person, they're kinda sexy. They curve in and under and are pretty sleek overall. I had anticipated changing them pretty much immediately, now, well, we'll see.
5) It vibrates! Why no counter-weights! Yup. Apparently the engineers wanted to recreate the R5 feel right down to it pulling to the left when you twist the throttle. After riding my Guzzi (which visibly shakes whilst on it's stand), this engineered un-refinement doesn't faze me. I could see it bothering some, however.

Next, my gripes
1) There's no fuel gauge. It's a $23K motorcycle with all sorts of useless info on the dash (average speed? Seriously?) but no fuel gauge. How is this acceptable?
2) The seat is atrocious. For reference, remember, I ride a Paul Smart Ducati who's seat cushion is slightly thicker than a folded $5 bill, and my old Guzzi which has a generic "bobber" seat. Not premium comfort items, either of them. So you can sense my disappointment with the abuse that is the R18 saddle. I remember one reviewer who said that swapping seats is mandatory. He was correct and it will happen.
3) She's kinda quiet. Not sure how to remedy that short of swapping pipes.
4) There's no way that I can see to reverse the shifting to GP to match my other bikes. Bummer.

Next still, my positive impressions
1) The build. It's built like a brick sh*thouse. Everything is very-well executed and exudes quality in both build and material. In terms of fit and finish, it's very well done.
2) The look. Long and low. The lowness (as mentioned above) sacrifices lean angle and rear shock travel. In return, you get that cruiser aesthetic. Adjunct to this is the simplicity of the dash and overall cleanness of the handlebars/controls. Everything is tidy.
3) That engine. It's monumental. It's uncluttered by hoses and cables and trim pieces. It's just a great big boxer engine, right there, and there, and there's some too. I find it beautiful. And, performance-wise, it's a hoot. Twist the throttle and it just keeps pulling and pulling. The torque is fantastic, which is important because she only makes 91hp.
4) It's purpose-built for cruising. So many of the reviews found faults because they were trying to make the R18 into something it isn't. She's not a bagger. Although you can get a windscreen, if you don't have one, and you're doing 70 sitting bolt upright, there's gonna be a breeze. She's not a sport bike. If you're scraping your pegs around every corner, you're going too fast. Slow down. Cruise. She's not a touring bike. The tank is a bit over 4 gallons and the seat is horrible. You're gonna want to stop to stretch out, low fuel notwithstanding. So stop. Look around. Relax.

My final word is that it's really something you need to see and, hopefully ride, before passing judgement. It's far more appealing in person than in photos and many of the expert's impressions don't really apply for typical riding.

And on that note, I will close by posting a photo. Oh the irony.





Nate

HOLY CRAP! Congrats! She's (or He's, pronouns are...interesting, these days) a beaut! You've also got quite the stable there.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I look at that R18 engine and it screams MORGAN 3-WHEELER to me!

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

And on that note, I will close by posting a photo. Oh the irony.





Nate

NATE!
I have been looking for pics of your eldo! I saw you post it a while back, but I couldn't remember your user name and I couldn't find the thread...  Can you please post some pics of your modifications, I would much appreciate it. If you dont want to clutter the thread, a PM is fine to.  Did your eldo once wear a hack? or did I make that bit up?

I'm very interested in your headlight and the specifics of your rear fender bob. Any info appreciated.

[TodkaVonic]

NATE!
I have been looking for pics of your eldo! I saw you post it a while back, but I couldn't remember your user name and I couldn't find the thread...  Can you please post some pics of your modifications, I would much appreciate it. If you dont want to clutter the thread, a PM is fine to.  Did your eldo once wear a hack? or did I make that bit up?

I'm very interested in your headlight and the specifics of your rear fender bob. Any info appreciated.

I'll PM ya, mayor. It's a very long list...

Nate

[TodkaVonic]

HOLY CRAP! Congrats! She's (or He's, pronouns are...interesting, these days) a beaut! You've also got quite the stable there.

Thanks! I'm actually looking to sell the Ducati. Love it and will be sad to see it go but it's time.

Nate

[Guzzi Gal]

I think I need to take a ride to Scottsdale!  It's not a bike I could own, I don't think I could get it off the stand, but I'd love to see one up close and personal. Congrats Elevenminusoneblade on your beautiful new stable member.   

[rjamesohio]

I was picking up some parts at the BMW dealer yesterday and there it was in all it's blackness....

I've ALWAYS been partial to black bikes with white pinstriping. My first new bicycle was a black Schwinn Typhoon with white pin-striping. My dad tried HARD to talk me out of the black, but it was an open and shut case.

This thing is BEAUTIFUL to look at. But fortunately for me, I've ridden long enough to understand that ergos are CRITICAL to actually riding a motorcycle.

The ergos on this bike would likely not work for me, so thankfully I'm not tempted to take the test ride they offered.

I'm not so sure I could resist other new machines as readily; there are some GREAT choices out there but I've currently got two machines that I really like and I almost have them outfitted the way I want them...

Pretty Pretty bike though. They got it very right to look at.

[JJ]

At the end of the day, that Beemer is really not a "Behemoth"...

This, Boss Hoss V8...is a BEHEMOTH!!   (Hey!  Is that Ozzie Osbourne?!?)

[bad Chad]

Not how I see it.  The BMW is certainly a behemoth, the Boss is more a carnival attraction!     I do believe you are right about Ozzy, he helps to make the point.

[janguzzi]

The California 1400 and all its variants weren´t really a success in the US.
Does the R18 have the guts?

I thought the cruiser market is dying together with its drivers ...

I think I would prefer a HD or an Indian

[TN Mark]

I just got out of the BMW dealer after looking at and sitting on the R18. In a word: B E A U T I F U L. I suspect BMW has another hit on their hands. A behemoth? Not by a long shot. It’s long(ish), low and the engine is certainly wide. But the real behemoth in the BMW lineup is the R1250 Adventure that was parked next to it. And maybe the K1600’s.

The beautiful execution of the R18 motor can’t be denied. They kept it so clean and uncluttered. Amazing in a production motorcycle really. They have a lot to be proud of with this bike. The job BMW did with hiding wires, hoses, connections, sensors etc is simply amazing. Congratulations on a job very well done.

Anyway, the R18 is very well executed with attention to detail second to none. Except; the mufflers. Their shape is excellent for the bike. The failure is the large seam on the top and bottom of them. No biggie really as I suspect most owners will replace them anyway. BMW showed the shape that works but likely didn’t see the need to spend the extra to make them seamless. Another good call on their part.

The riding position is what it is and ‘could’ likely be greatly altered by another seat and handlebars. Again, I suspect the BMW Accessory catalog and the aftermarket to address these things.

If only Piaggio had a similar vision for an 1800 Cruiser line. Nothing in the Guzzi lineup can come lose to this R18 for design uniqueness, execution, attention to detail and beauty. For beauty, maybe the closest being a black Eldorado 1400. Oh well, the Germans certainly win this round.

[bacongrease]

  
Pofile......Harley.

The ugly of the  lump can't be disguised.

.

[bad Chad]

I find the 900cc plus pistons absurd.   

The motor may be a gem, but the cartoonishly large jugs wreck it, for me.

[JJ]

C'mon now...in the end, you know this would be a WAY COOL ride!!

[Perazzimx14]

Just got back from Hermy's BMW where I sat on the 1800 and stood it upright off the side stand. That was plenty for me. It felt like 3 tons of dead weight. I mean it really felt like balancing a wheelbarrow full of bricks. I quickly set it back on the side stand and walked away. I hope the sell a million of them but I know I won't be buying one.

[guzzler]

NATE!
I have been looking for pics of your eldo! I saw you post it a while back, but I couldn't remember your user name and I couldn't find the thread...  Can you please post some pics of your modifications, I would much appreciate it. If you dont want to clutter the thread, a PM is fine to.  Did your eldo once wear a hack? or did I make that bit up?

I'm very interested in your headlight and the specifics of your rear fender bob. Any info appreciated.

Jeez, I reckon that Eldo is about the best one I,ve seen!
Easily the one I,d pick of that three!
I,d love it to complement my V11 Sport ha ha
Cheers Guzzler

[TodkaVonic]

Jeez, I reckon that Eldo is about the best one I,ve seen!
Easily the one I,d pick of that three!
I,d love it to complement my V11 Sport ha ha
Cheers Guzzler

Aw, thanks Guzzler.





It's definitely Marmite but I get more positive comments than negative. Either way there's usually a story of Guzzi adventures +/- advice about "maybe adding a front fender, huh?"  I enjoy it (the advice/conversations I mean) thoroughly.

 



Nate

[JJ]

I agree...that is one way cool Guzzi!  Well done! 




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[cliffrod]

Aw, thanks Guzzler.





It's definitely Marmite but I get more positive comments than negative. Either way there's usually a story of Guzzi adventures +/- advice about "maybe adding a front fender, huh?"  I enjoy it (the advice/conversations I mean) thoroughly.

 



Nate

That's an absolutely gorgeous bike.  I've got a spare untouched v700 frame patiently waiting, in case I'm too old & crippled to enjoy it as a cafe bike.  Doing a bike like yours with it is more likely than doing a stock/resto build.