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59Bagger

New member
Joined
Jan 29, 2026
Messages
6
Location
Minnesota
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Bike
2018 Honda Goldwing Tour, 2015 Suzuki DR650, 1976 Suzuki GT750 , 1974 Suzuki TS250
Hello all. As the title says I’m just currently lurking. I have a few vintage bikes (70s) a newer dual sport a Goldwing Tour. I’m really fascinated with the R18 lineup.
I’m currently looking at a used R18B to add to my collection because it is such a beautiful machine. The price is right although I don’t like the fact that a modern bike like this doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. I’ve gotten spoiled with the convenience of CarPlay on my Goldwing and my vehicles. To those that are used to CarPlay and AA do you miss not having it on your long rides? I have noticed an aftermarket unit available that could mount on the fairing but it doesn’t look to integrate with the BMW controls well. Thoughts on my concerns are appreciated.
Dave
 
Welcome to forum. The R18 is a great bike. I have the R18TC. I wished it had Android Auto, but so far the BMW app has worked well enough. I have not done anything but short local rides and commutes due to weather since I got the bike a couple of months ago.
 
I have had both the Bagger and the TC model. I know that some have reported problems with the BMW navigation. I have never had a problem, disconnect, or glitch. I am using a Google Pixel 8 Pro if that matters to you.

I came from a Goldwing and frankly love my R18 more. In fact, I love the lineup so much, a added a R18 Classic to the garage.

When on the Classic, I have a phone holder and use Google Maps for navigation. Yes, the screen is smaller and yes, there is no connection to the bike's native controls, but it does the job.

For the cost of admission, I do not think there is a better choice or value in motorcycling than the R18.
 
I use a kitchen written ´roadbook´ on a strip of 7 cm wide masking tape which I stick on the tank (y)
Also take a good paper map along which I used to write above ´road book´. That paper map gives me só much more information than any electronic ´navigation´ tool.
Mind you, this is traveling the twisty secondary roads in Andalucía.
 
Isn't there an aftermarket add-on offered that supports Android Auto? Seems I read on here about some folks doing this... well, I'm off to the search function!

A few minutes later....
Mmmm, okay, I found this thread:
R

Thread 'New Android Auto/Carplay unit'

https://www.motorradaudio.com/produ...droid-auto-device?_pos=2&_sid=167d22929&_ss=r

wish I could replace the tft instead of this but seems like a pretty good solution.


*** Update***

Just ordered the package with the front and rear cameras. I will post some pictures and thoughts after i get it installed. With tax it was $430.50


***Update 2****

Installed the device. Super easy. Took maybe thirty minutes. Did not install the cameras yet because that will probably take me a few hours and I wanted watch the NFL draft. Pictures...

I don't know if this helps the OP or not, but it's something anyway. 🙂
 
Cu Dubh said:
Isn't there an aftermarket add-on offered that supports Android Auto? Seems I read on here about some folks doing this... well, I'm off to the search function!

A few minutes later....
Mmmm, okay, I found this thread:
R

Thread 'New Android Auto/Carplay unit'

https://www.motorradaudio.com/produ...droid-auto-device?_pos=2&_sid=167d22929&_ss=r

wish I could replace the tft instead of this but seems like a pretty good solution.


*** Update***

Just ordered the package with the front and rear cameras. I will post some pictures and thoughts after i get it installed. With tax it was $430.50


***Update 2****

Installed the device. Super easy. Took maybe thirty minutes. Did not install the cameras yet because that will probably take me a few hours and I wanted watch the NFL draft. Pictures...

I don't know if this helps the OP or not, but it's something anyway. 🙂
Click to expand...
Thanks for looking this up Cu Dubh. It looks like a viable alternative to using the factory screen.
 
Reedman71 said:
I have had both the Bagger and the TC model. I know that some have reported problems with the BMW navigation. I have never had a problem, disconnect, or glitch. I am using a Google Pixel 8 Pro if that matters to you.

I came from a Goldwing and frankly love my R18 more. In fact, I love the lineup so much, a added a R18 Classic to the garage.

When on the Classic, I have a phone holder and use Google Maps for navigation. Yes, the screen is smaller and yes, there is no connection to the bike's native controls, but it does the job.

For the cost of admission, I do not think there is a better choice or value in motorcycling than the R18.
Click to expand...
Thanks Reedman71. Good to hear a previous Goldwing owner’s opinion on the two bikes.
 
59Bagger said:
Hello all. As the title says I’m just currently lurking. I have a few vintage bikes (70s) a newer dual sport a Goldwing Tour. I’m really fascinated with the R18 lineup.
I’m currently looking at a used R18B to add to my collection because it is such a beautiful machine. The price is right although I don’t like the fact that a modern bike like this doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. I’ve gotten spoiled with the convenience of CarPlay on my Goldwing and my vehicles. To those that are used to CarPlay and AA do you miss not having it on your long rides? I have noticed an aftermarket unit available that could mount on the fairing but it doesn’t look to integrate with the BMW controls well. Thoughts on my concerns are appreciated.
Dave
Click to expand...
The navigation system is the worst. I have it on two bikes, both with the latest software upgrades. My main issue is the time it takes to connect to WiFi. It’s really frustrating when you want to use it, and your standing there with your thumb up you know where with the screen saying connecting to map mode. It’s also not helpful that no matter how far you zoom in, the street names don’t get any bigger. Forget about trying to read them. I don’t like the look of a NAVI on the handle bars or anywhere else for the matter, but if I was using the bike for more than just weekend cruising, I would install something else and live with the looks. I did a little walk around video the other day (no Navi content).
 
Last edited:
fleabag said:
The navigation system is the worst. I have it on two bikes, both with the latest software upgrades. My main issue is the time it takes to connect to WiFi. It’s really frustrating when you want to use it, and your standing there with your thumb up you know where with the screen saying connecting to map mode. It’s also not helpful that no matter how far you zoom in, the street names don’t get any bigger. Forget about trying to read them. I don’t like the look of a NAVI on the handle bars or anywhere else for the matter, but if I was using the bike for more than just weekend cruising, I would install something else and live with the looks. I did a little walk around video the other day (no Navi content).
Click to expand...
Thanks for the honest feedback fleabag. I enjoyed the YouTube video and like what you’ve done to your bike. Very sharp! That’s the same paint scheme as the one I’m looking at.
 
Welcome. Navigation is the only issue I have had on the R18 range as any addition to the bars etc is going to alter the design. These are definitely not the usual adventure bikes where another box on the scaffold is not noticed. At the end of the day the quality and uniqueness more than make up for this shortfall. Besides riding the torque means you have more time to enjoy the journey rather than listening to the device shouting ‘turn left now’.
 
Mac said:
you have more time to enjoy the journey rather than listening to the device shouting ‘turn left now’.
Click to expand...
more like ´third to the right´ when you need to go left on the next roundabout.
Also the directions are often too late here and stupid as in ´turn right onto Calle Alonso Diaz´ with NO WAY to see any street name.
Apart from that I can do without a thing telling me what to do: Wasn´t a motorbike sold to us with the idea of ´freedom´??!!
 
Petrus said:
more like ´third to the right´ when you need to go left on the next roundabout.
Also the directions are often too late here and stupid as in ´turn right onto Calle Alonso Diaz´ with NO WAY to see any street name.
Apart from that I can do without a thing telling me what to do: Wasn´t a motorbike sold to us with the idea of ´freedom´??!!
Click to expand...
So true. I actually like getting lost and finding my way out.
 
Mac said:
Welcome. Navigation is the only issue I have had on the R18 range as any addition to the bars etc is going to alter the design. These are definitely not the usual adventure bikes where another box on the scaffold is not noticed. At the end of the day the quality and uniqueness more than make up for this shortfall. Besides riding the torque means you have more time to enjoy the journey rather than listening to the device shouting ‘turn left now’.
Click to expand...
Your comment makes me realize I really am putting too much weight on the info’s system functionality. I can’t tell you how many times I did veer off course on my Goldwing because a road looked like fun. I have even caught myself going down minimum maintenance (rustic) roads. Sometimes where a 900lb motorcycle should never venture but I never regretted my choice. Thanks for the insight.
 
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