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R18 pure to classic conversion?

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lazarus

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Jul 26, 2026
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KY
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R18
Hi all! Newer owner of an R18 and excited to be here. I am looking to add a windshield and some saddlebags (ideally hard or semi-hard). It's my first time modifying a bike cosmetically/functionally, and honestly, I don't know where to start. I've looked around the forum and haven't found anything quite like what I'm wanting, so I'm hoping someone else has been down the road of doing it.

I love the triple headlights on the classic and the way the windshield sits with them. Can I just buy this OEM somewhere? Does anyone know if they retrofit nicely or is there a special kit for it?

For bags, the leather ones look great but I'm ideally wanting some more solid bags. Does anyone have any experience with any manufacturers that can be put on with a fairly no-fuss process?

Are there any other great creature comfort mods I should look into?
 
Good thinking ... but ... the headlight will be no problem ... but I do recommend you get a hexcode-911 to enable the light function ... you don't neccessary need a new switch block, mine is the original R18 FE and the switch works ... it just doesn't have the light symbol printed on it ( it is the bottom of the 'Mode' switch)
Screen Shot 2022-10-07 at 7.02.57 AM.webp
This said ... saddle bags are going to be a whole different thing ... the 'Classic' saddle bags will not work with your 'Fishtail' OEM exhausts ... IMO great engineering blunder by BMW ... so you will either have to get 'slipons' from a 'Classic' or some aftermarket bits (I went aftermarket).
... and a different seat and front fender and you end up looking something like this :
Ushi01_7-26.jpg

Ushi02_7-26.jpg.jpg
... well and some RSD bling ;)
 
Hey Lazarus,
I bought a 2023 anniversary edition but had the dealer mount a classic windshield mounting bracket. This bracket bolts on to the base model with ease.
These brackets do have turn signal stalks but that didn't slow me down. I carefully hacksawed the the stalks off, then went to ACE hardware and bought two tapered black plugs (like a truncated cone) and gently pressed them into the holes. Looks perfect. Last step was adding the Jurok windshield.
 
If BMW would make a model B in that fire red along with chrome forks like the TC, I could not help myself.

On the plus side, I commute 28 miles one-way to work on my R18 and really enjoy that. The “weekender” seat, 18” Jurok, R1200c handlebars, and fork deflectors give me a touring bike feel. The wind management of my current setup is superior.
 
Ulrich said:
Good thinking...
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info! I'll look into the hexacode. I've been looking into some Viking bags, or something similar that won't cost an arm and a leg. Sorry for the late reply, it's been a super busy month and I haven't had too much time to mess with all of it yet. Is that a corbin seat? I've heard good things, but also keeping an eye out for a mustang seat.
HUNTS said:
I have the BMW 16 L bags..
Click to expand...
I've seen a set on eBay with all the mounting hardware for an okay price too. I'll probably end up going with them, they look nice when mounted up.
 
Last edited:
lazarus said:
Thanks for the info! I'll look into the hexacode. I've been looking into some Viking bags, or something similar that won't cost an arm and a leg. Sorry for the late reply, it's been a super busy month and I haven't had too much time to mess with all of it yet. Is that a corbin seat? I've heard good things, but also keeping an eye out for a mustang seat.

I've seen a set on eBay with all the mounting hardware for an okay price too. I'll probably end up going with them, they look nice when mounted up.
Click to expand...
Yes it is a Corbin seat ... I like the feel, fit and the looks ... but they used low grade leather and it is peeling the top layer after 2 1/2 years and they won't warranty it ... I am well disappointed in how they stand behind their product ...
 
Ulrich said:
Yes it is a Corbin seat ... I like the feel, fit and the looks ... but they used low grade leather and it is peeling the top layer after 2 1/2 years and they won't warranty it ... I am well disappointed in how they stand behind their product ...
Click to expand...
Answer: Start the ‘Corbin Seats and Warranty Crap’ chat with lots of photos. Advise people to not buy them and wait and see what happens.
 
HUNTS said:
Answer: Start the ‘Corbin Seats and Warranty Crap’ chat with lots of photos. Advise people to not buy them and wait and see what happens.
Click to expand...
Here is the thing .. I know many people (well at least a few) that have / had great experiences with Corbin ... and I don't want to be one of these front row 'Karens' that is always right ... and I know as a matter of fact that I am wrong quite often ... here is what is happening to mine:
Seat Peel 01.jpg

Maybe they just had a bad batch of leather .. IDK ... and I did talk to them and their resolution offer was:
Send it to them (my cost) ... have them re-do it (also my cost) ... and pay for the shipping back ... by that time I can buy a new seat! ... but this time from Russel Daylong, they are in Shasta, just over the mountain for me. I found out about that right AFTER I had ordered the Corbin ...

EDIT: .. the peeling is much more by now ... maybe if I wait long enough it will be all gone and then it will be nice and flat black!
 
HUNTS said:
That’s crap and Corbin know it. It’s not when everything is ok does a company show its true colours, it’s when it’s not that it does… 👎🏽 Corbin. They should know and do better.
Click to expand...
I agree ... and for myself ... I will not buy from them again ... but, I don't want to influence other folks that might have a great experience with them ... maybe, maybe not :LOL: ... and yes I try to stay optimistic ;)
 
I have found a Mustang fastback saddle in brown on clearance for $150, so I went that route instead. It's hard to find good info on it but I think it'll be great. Now I just gotta find one of those adjustable sissy bars to get a backrest. Does anyone have any recommendations or something that color matches with the brown mustang saddles? Just worried about the clearance on it once it's folded down, and the luggage rack would be a plus.

Kinda like this:
1788260979305.png
 
Same bolts for the bag mount and the rack. Just longer. might be, I don't remember.
The rack is from Holan.
 
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Ulrich said:
Yes it is a Corbin seat ... I like the feel, fit and the looks ... but they used low grade leather and it is peeling the top layer after 2 1/2 years and they won't warranty it ... I am well disappointed in how they stand behind their product ...
Click to expand...
Ulrich, I also have a Corbin seat I bought second-hand here on the forum. While the seat isn't immaculate, I've been able to keep any significant leather wear at bay with a leather conditioner recipe I found somewhere online. This is what I use:

DIY Leather Conditioner Ingredients:
- Solid Beeswax (protects the leather)
- Coconut butter or Shea butter (conditions the leather)
- Sweet almond oil (softens & moisturizes the leather) - substitute grapeseed oil if you have a nut allergy
- Castor oil (shines the leather)

How to Make DIY Leather Conditioner:
1. Measure ingredients using a ratio of [ 1/2 part butter: 1/2 part beeswax: 2 parts oil] to start. For example:
-2 Tbsp coconut/shea butter
-2 Tbsp beeswax
-¼ cup sweet almond oil
-¼ cup castor oil
2. Melt butter and beeswax in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning or boiling.
3. Keep stirring, and add the sweet almond oil
4. After almond oil is fully blended, add castor oil. Stir until castor oil is well blended, and continue to heat for 4-5 minutes, but do not allow to boil.
5. Pour mixture into empty tins, filling to about ⅛” from the top, and allow to cool.
You can adjust the ratio of your leather conditioner recipe depending on how firm you want your conditioner. More beeswax/butter will result in a firmer, more paste-like conditioner; more almond oil and/or castor oil will make it softer. Most importantly, remember to always spot test any products - homemade or otherwise - in an inconspicuous area of your leather bag.

I used an old pot I found at Goodwill to mix everything together in, and the quantity in this recipe fully fills a Danish butter cookie tin (from Lidl).

View attachment DIY leather conditioner.jpg

Mike
 
Keehn said:
Ulrich, I also have a Corbin seat I bought second-hand here on the forum. While the seat isn't immaculate, I've been able to keep any significant leather wear at bay with a leather conditioner recipe I found somewhere online. This is what I use:

DIY Leather Conditioner Ingredients:
- Solid Beeswax (protects the leather)
- Coconut butter or Shea butter (conditions the leather)
- Sweet almond oil (softens & moisturizes the leather) - substitute grapeseed oil if you have a nut allergy
- Castor oil (shines the leather)

How to Make DIY Leather Conditioner:
1. Measure ingredients using a ratio of [ 1/2 part butter: 1/2 part beeswax: 2 parts oil] to start. For example:
-2 Tbsp coconut/shea butter
-2 Tbsp beeswax
-¼ cup sweet almond oil
-¼ cup castor oil
2. Melt butter and beeswax in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning or boiling.
3. Keep stirring, and add the sweet almond oil
4. After almond oil is fully blended, add castor oil. Stir until castor oil is well blended, and continue to heat for 4-5 minutes, but do not allow to boil.
5. Pour mixture into empty tins, filling to about ⅛” from the top, and allow to cool.
You can adjust the ratio of your leather conditioner recipe depending on how firm you want your conditioner. More beeswax/butter will result in a firmer, more paste-like conditioner; more almond oil and/or castor oil will make it softer. Most importantly, remember to always spot test any products - homemade or otherwise - in an inconspicuous area of your leather bag.

I used an old pot I found at Goodwill to mix everything together in, and the quantity in this recipe fully fills a Danish butter cookie tin (from Lidl).

View attachment 22382

Mike
Click to expand...
Holy smokes!! now that is a formula!! I always just have used one ingredient and that is Fiebings Neatsfoot Oil for all my leathers and leather accessories of the bike ... I will give your concoction a serious thinking ... thanks!
 
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