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What did you do to your R18 today?

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1768230793#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter TodkaVonic
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I have been trying to post this for weeks!!
See my trailer garage and R18 mods!
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That's a nice setup I'm jealous. How do you like that pro race exhaust? I've been communicating with them about what it takes to put it on my R18B and they say it's doable with some special brackets that they told me about but they're also trying to work with the local BMW dealer to get a unit so they can produce an actual transcontinental and bagger exhaust.
 
I took out the cell phone charging platform on top of the gas tank and now trying to figure out what I can utilize that space for I'm thinking I might be able to use that to hold the key if I can find something suitable to hold it in place. Plan on using that 12 volt power supply for my cell phone charger.1000007708.jpg1000007709.jpg
 
I installed a Kraus Raptor pull back plate made for Harley. Gave me the inch and a half I needed if pull back. The short is it's straight forward once you find the right sized bolts.

I'll post more details on my build thread
 

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Bought a Utopia backrest and was loving it. What I haven’t “loved” for the last 11,000 miles has been the factory tall comfort seat. I was able to pick up a used Bagger seat which I thought was a standard height seat (now I am unsure). Two main things I was hoping to eliminate: 1. Most important thing was the feeling of the seat angle always pushing me forward and 2. Eliminate unnecessary width especially in the front part of the seat which is the primary path for my thighs to the floor boards and thighs to the ground. Yes I know there is a significant difference in the amount of padding in the seat. Time will tell and I will post an update if necessary but I prefer firm over soft for support. I am of the mind set that although some seats are better comfort wise than others, positioning and shape are equally if not more important and that conditioning of your own arse will come with miles. As you can see from the photos the Bagger seat is roughly 2” shorter than the tall comfort seat. I need to put some more miles on it but initial impressions of width and height are good for me. Please note the Utopia backrest is positioned in it highest setting in these photos. Likely where it will stay as I find it to be comfortable.
 
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I was looking for a decent, affordable exhaust system for my 2023 Roctane but could only find black or bright chrome and didn't want to lose the beautiful dark chrome of the stock system. Companies like Freedom, Akrapovic, Vance & Hines, Shark Road etc are all very nice looking systems but there are no black chrome options in any of them.
Then I heard a sound clip on YouTube from a guy who simply drilled out his stock silencers,


As a result, I decided to get my trusty Dewalt drill out today - a 29mm hole saw did the trick - nice subtle increase in tone & volume (not too loud) I can recommend it to anyone who wants a little more volume without offending the neighbours.
 
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I took out the cell phone charging platform on top of the gas tank and now trying to figure out what I can utilize that space for I'm thinking I might be able to use that to hold the key if I can find something suitable to hold it in place. Plan on using that 12 volt power supply for my cell phone charger.View attachment 17984View attachment 17985
A little bit closer now I made a template and then cut it out of 16 gauge steel platform that I will clean up paint and put some anti-skid material on it. Having this center section off the bike it makes a great place to be able to run wiring for lights or anything else that needs to go to the battery because there's plenty of room underneath here. Not perfect but for a first prototype came out pretty good only took me about an hour and a half to do everything including removing the center trim.
 

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Bought a Utopia backrest and was loving it. What I haven’t “loved” for the last 11,000 miles has been the factory tall comfort seat. I was able to pick up a used Bagger seat which I thought was a standard height seat (now I am unsure). Two main things I was hoping to eliminate: 1. Most important thing was the feeling of the seat angle always pushing me forward and 2. Eliminate unnecessary width especially in the front part of the seat which is the primary path for my thighs to the floor boards and thighs to the ground. Yes I know there is a significant difference in the amount of padding in the seat. Time will tell and I will post an update if necessary but I prefer firm over soft for support. I am of the mind set that although some seats are better comfort wise than others, positioning and shape are equally if not more important and that conditioning of your own arse will come with miles. As you can see from the photos the Bagger seat is roughly 2” shorter than the tall comfort seat. I need to put some more miles on it but initial impressions of width and height are good for me. Please note the Utopia backrest is positioned in it highest setting in these photos. Likely where it will stay as I find it to be comfortable.
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Update: Got a chance to go out for a quick 90 mile ride with the stock bagger seat. I am extremely satisfied with the result. The reduced width takes the pressure off my inner thighs as I was hoping for. The contour of the seat keeps me from sliding forward as I did with the tall comfort seat. I know it was only about two hours of seat time but I did not find the lack of extra padding to cause any comfort issues. Again I attribute that to the shape of the seat being a better fit for me. There were four other things that I noticed that were a welcome improvement that I hadn’t even considered when deciding to give the bagger seat a try. 1. By being approximately 2” lower it reduced what little wind buffeting I was getting before. Windshield is now just below nose height. 2. Shifting and braking awkwardness from leg/foot position has been eliminated due to change in leg and foot position. 3. It essentially raised my handlebars two inches and I find it more comfortable that way. 4. Feeling more in the bike instead of on the bike effectively lowering the center of gravity has given me the feeling of better low speed maneuverability. I am extremely happy with this improvement. For reference I am 6’3” tall with a 33” inseam. 19” 7Jurock windshield and Tour Commander HeliBars.
 
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When I bought my B, the dealer offered me the Comfort seat which I believe is the one that comes in the TC. I opted for the B standard seat given the shape and the fact that it is comfortable enough. I bought another standard seat to reupholster it and have medical gel grade as opposed to foam. It is a tad better, I won’t deny that, but the standard seat is very comfortable as well. Give it a bit of time and the seat will break in a bit and gets better.
 
I added a Puig top screen extender and two fork winglets (really meant for a Honda VTX1300) to improve buffeting/wind noise on my 2023 Classic. As a relatively new rider coming from a Kawasaki Vulcan S, (aside from the other monumental differences in the rider experience) I’m amazed at the silence in my helmet now. I did over an hour at highway speeds (120Kph/75Mph) and had my visor open for parts of it. I could hear myself whistling 😙. Very happy with this mod.
 
I added a Puig top screen extender and two fork winglets (really meant for a Honda VTX1300) to improve buffeting/wind noise on my 2023 Classic. As a relatively new rider coming from a Kawasaki Vulcan S, (aside from the other monumental differences in the rider experience) I’m amazed at the silence in my helmet now. I did over an hour at highway speeds (120Kph/75Mph) and had my visor open for parts of it. I could hear myself whistling 😙. Very happy with this mod.
We like pictures please
 
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