Adrian R
Well-known member
IMO, some people act too quickly in making decisions of this nature. I have owned many bikes in my time, and looking back there was always something I liked about them. In short, like pizza, I like *most* if not all motorcycles, I just like some more then others for different reasons. Average owning time is probably 6-8years...for each bike. Currently I own two bikes. The R18C and a 2014 Honda Valkyrie. Both bikes are FANTASTIC machines...and once again for different reasons. Both machines too grew on me. I liked them initially in the showroom and on paper, but then after the first 6 mos or so of ownership I would begin to feel some remorse, but then as the miles accumulated that remorse quickly vanished as the bike broke in and I got to know it better.
The R18C is no different in that regard to me. I've come to really appreciate the machine from multiple viewpoints. First of all, like the Valkyrie 1800, it is incredibly UNIQUE. There's NOTHING on the road that comes close in sheer numbers of bikes out there (mostly HD) then that R18. People TAKE NOTICE wherever I go. Like the early days of the band Rush, some people LOVE it passionately, and others hate it.... but most people don't know what to think. I love this about it! The bike is beautiful man, period. The quality of all the components, the sleek engineering...the fit and finish...is all superb. Unlike the Valkyrie, there's no plastic anywhere...it's all steel...built like a Panzer tank, and exudes a feel of quality. You can just tell that the bike will last for a very long time.... Then there's the quality of the drive train, the performance of the engine, again VERY unique. I had the Brentune done, and upgraded the airbox/filter with the DNA stage 2 unit. This made quite a difference in how the engine responds, sounds and performs. Lastly you HAVE TO BREAK IT IN!! No excuses here man. With the upgrades and nearly 6K miles this thing rips....It starts perfectly every time now with authority...It idles nicely, even in rock mode...nice and evenly... Wtih the added miles it produces a nice 'pop' in it's exhaust note indicating good compression...with the sound emanating in cadence from either pipe (left-right-left-right..etc.) Such character! NO it is NOT a sport bike, but it has PLENTY of power to have a ton of fun. The gearing is PERFECT. With it's 6 speed gearbox, along with the engine's torque/power curve, I can cruise comfortably at 40 mph or at 110mph...The bike is firggin' SOLID.... and the cruise control works perfectly. You HAVE to break it in. The difference between 600 mi and 6000mi is in some ways NIGHT and DAY....especially with the upgrades previously mentioned. Even the Michelin tires need a good 3K to scuff up properly. I plan on keeping my R18C for a very long time.
I guess in short, (sorry for the ramblings of a madman)...I would say GIVE THE BIKE SOME TIME!
AR
The R18C is no different in that regard to me. I've come to really appreciate the machine from multiple viewpoints. First of all, like the Valkyrie 1800, it is incredibly UNIQUE. There's NOTHING on the road that comes close in sheer numbers of bikes out there (mostly HD) then that R18. People TAKE NOTICE wherever I go. Like the early days of the band Rush, some people LOVE it passionately, and others hate it.... but most people don't know what to think. I love this about it! The bike is beautiful man, period. The quality of all the components, the sleek engineering...the fit and finish...is all superb. Unlike the Valkyrie, there's no plastic anywhere...it's all steel...built like a Panzer tank, and exudes a feel of quality. You can just tell that the bike will last for a very long time.... Then there's the quality of the drive train, the performance of the engine, again VERY unique. I had the Brentune done, and upgraded the airbox/filter with the DNA stage 2 unit. This made quite a difference in how the engine responds, sounds and performs. Lastly you HAVE TO BREAK IT IN!! No excuses here man. With the upgrades and nearly 6K miles this thing rips....It starts perfectly every time now with authority...It idles nicely, even in rock mode...nice and evenly... Wtih the added miles it produces a nice 'pop' in it's exhaust note indicating good compression...with the sound emanating in cadence from either pipe (left-right-left-right..etc.) Such character! NO it is NOT a sport bike, but it has PLENTY of power to have a ton of fun. The gearing is PERFECT. With it's 6 speed gearbox, along with the engine's torque/power curve, I can cruise comfortably at 40 mph or at 110mph...The bike is firggin' SOLID.... and the cruise control works perfectly. You HAVE to break it in. The difference between 600 mi and 6000mi is in some ways NIGHT and DAY....especially with the upgrades previously mentioned. Even the Michelin tires need a good 3K to scuff up properly. I plan on keeping my R18C for a very long time.
I guess in short, (sorry for the ramblings of a madman)...I would say GIVE THE BIKE SOME TIME!
AR
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