I know that forums tend to be heavy on discussion about problems. Most people don't take the time to seek out and log in to a forum, to simply talk about the simple good parts of a product.
This is fair, I understand trying to get info to solve problems. It is perfectly OK - and I think people just need to realize that a discussion forum can give a negatively skewed viewpoint of a product.
So I wanted to share my positive opinion.
I have just passed my run-in period with my R18 TC, and I am enjoying quite a bit it thus far. I know I don't have enough miles to truly give any real long term assessment - but I do have a lot of experience to relate it too.
Currently in my stable I have three bikes, two which I ride regularly. The R18 TC and a Triumph Tiger 1200.
I have thoroughly loved my Tiger, in fact it is my second one! I had one for a few years, traded it on another bike, then missed it and went back and bought another Tiger 1200. So it's a great bike IMO. It could not be more different than the R18 if you wanted it to. And that works out OK.
I have decided that my Tiger is more fun.
My R18 is more enjoyable.
Comparatively - even though the Tiger 1200 is a big adventure bike - it feels like a sport bike. It is super nimble, quick revving, and super fun to just zoom around on. (And after riding the R18 for a while, seems like it is so smooth I almost thought it didn't start, as I was so used to the R18 thunderous startup). The Tiger is comfortable, and ergonomic - I have ridden it for more than 15 hour days many times. It has OK wind protection and is decent on most surfaces of road, only really being too big for serious off-roading. I have ridden it in as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit height and as warm as 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain, snow, and sun. So pretty good range of experience.
My R18 I have only so far ridden in the mid 40s to the mid50s Fahrenheit - so I don't know how it will be for me in the heat. I have had it in rain and dry weather. It is big and stable and kind of slowly meandering. It is very relaxing and enjoyable. Super comfortable (1 or two up) and just a nice sensation, with torque across the whole RPM range it requires very little thinking about which gear I am in. It just rolls on the power any time I need it. It is beautiful to look at as I walk away from it and back towards it. It sounds really nice - not too loud (I abhor super loud vehicles) but still really strong and throaty. It has great smooth air protection for me and passenger, and it just is an incredibly nice experience riding it.
Yes, the R18 TC is a big bike. It also has almost no lean angle, I scrape the floorboards just thinking about cornering. But it's not supposed to be sporty - it's supposed to be *nice* and *enjoyable* in my opinion. And it nails it.
I have lots of experience with big bikes, I have owned a Honda Valkyrie Interstate, a Triumph Rocket III Touring, and a DCT Honda Goldwing. I have owned lots of low slung cruisers, several V-twins, and a few sporty bikes too. None of them small. I have been riding for over 40 years, and seen technology change drastically over that time.
Yeah, the R18 TC has a few things that I am not the most fond of (I wish they would adopt CarPlay - that would make it way way better).
But I am so far very happy with it. Let's hope that stays true! Enjoy your ride!
This is fair, I understand trying to get info to solve problems. It is perfectly OK - and I think people just need to realize that a discussion forum can give a negatively skewed viewpoint of a product.
So I wanted to share my positive opinion.
I have just passed my run-in period with my R18 TC, and I am enjoying quite a bit it thus far. I know I don't have enough miles to truly give any real long term assessment - but I do have a lot of experience to relate it too.
Currently in my stable I have three bikes, two which I ride regularly. The R18 TC and a Triumph Tiger 1200.
I have thoroughly loved my Tiger, in fact it is my second one! I had one for a few years, traded it on another bike, then missed it and went back and bought another Tiger 1200. So it's a great bike IMO. It could not be more different than the R18 if you wanted it to. And that works out OK.
I have decided that my Tiger is more fun.
My R18 is more enjoyable.
Comparatively - even though the Tiger 1200 is a big adventure bike - it feels like a sport bike. It is super nimble, quick revving, and super fun to just zoom around on. (And after riding the R18 for a while, seems like it is so smooth I almost thought it didn't start, as I was so used to the R18 thunderous startup). The Tiger is comfortable, and ergonomic - I have ridden it for more than 15 hour days many times. It has OK wind protection and is decent on most surfaces of road, only really being too big for serious off-roading. I have ridden it in as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit height and as warm as 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain, snow, and sun. So pretty good range of experience.
My R18 I have only so far ridden in the mid 40s to the mid50s Fahrenheit - so I don't know how it will be for me in the heat. I have had it in rain and dry weather. It is big and stable and kind of slowly meandering. It is very relaxing and enjoyable. Super comfortable (1 or two up) and just a nice sensation, with torque across the whole RPM range it requires very little thinking about which gear I am in. It just rolls on the power any time I need it. It is beautiful to look at as I walk away from it and back towards it. It sounds really nice - not too loud (I abhor super loud vehicles) but still really strong and throaty. It has great smooth air protection for me and passenger, and it just is an incredibly nice experience riding it.
Yes, the R18 TC is a big bike. It also has almost no lean angle, I scrape the floorboards just thinking about cornering. But it's not supposed to be sporty - it's supposed to be *nice* and *enjoyable* in my opinion. And it nails it.
I have lots of experience with big bikes, I have owned a Honda Valkyrie Interstate, a Triumph Rocket III Touring, and a DCT Honda Goldwing. I have owned lots of low slung cruisers, several V-twins, and a few sporty bikes too. None of them small. I have been riding for over 40 years, and seen technology change drastically over that time.
Yeah, the R18 TC has a few things that I am not the most fond of (I wish they would adopt CarPlay - that would make it way way better).
But I am so far very happy with it. Let's hope that stays true! Enjoy your ride!