2024 R18 Roctane Touring Build

[brownbandit]

Hi Everyone,

Just picked up a 24 R18 Roctane (I think this bike a piece of jewelry on wheels) and have a bunch of plans to build this out to be a long distance touring machine.

Went with the Roctane over something like the bagger mainly for looks but also due to less weight.

So far I've only rolled back the handlebar bars to try and get a better reach to not much avail.

What I have on my list for the immediate future:
-Windscreen from BMW, same one from the Classic. Going to start here and look for other options if needed
-handlebar riders from Wunderlich (on the way, going to have the dealership install due to having to extend the brake and clutch lines)
-Top case mount from a transcontinental (got an Amazon special on the way I'm going to try and fit)

Long term I'm going to look into crash protection and a seat.

The one thing I'm looking for the groups opinion is if anyone has tried to fit the R18B gas tank onto a classic/Roctane? They look like they'll fit so I'm seriously researching and looking for a doner tank to mock up and confirm this as 4 gallon is not enough on a long trip.

I'll keep the group posted as I modify my bike with photos.

 

[emgarciax]

For what it’s worth. I get 42 mpg @ 85 mph and 50 mpg @ 70 mph. Both with no passenger.
I plan my stops at 160 mile intervals, usually turns out to be just before the fuel warning comes up.
So far no scares.
Always in Rock mode.

 

[Majunior]

Congrats on your Roctane! Two bits on info for you :

• Windscreen - I have a Classic and like many other Classic riders have noticed the stock windscreen blasts air directly at your helmet causing buffeting/vibration. The intensity varies depending open your height. It was unbearable for me and I immediately added an additional windscreen extension on top until I get a taller windscreen permanently. I'm looking into Clearview windscreens as they are taller, wider, and bolt right onto the OEM windscreen hardware.
• Gas Tank - Another member here, R18Nolan, has already swapped gas tanks for extra fuel capacity. You can find his install details here. I definitely want to go this route in the future as I ramp up my touring.

 

[brownbandit]

Update, I ordered a top case kit from Amazon from a brand called TCMT. There a Chinese knockoff brand that I've had good experience with in the past on Harley so I gave them a shot. For $120 I cannot complain at all.

Gave me the top case mount and from there I mounted up my universal aluminum top case that I'll be switching back and forth from my other bike.

Overall it's not as high quality as the other brands (powder coated iron) but will more than hold me out for when I can budget a top case mount from the transcontinental.

Here's a link for those interested. Does not come with instructions at all so took a bit to figure out but basically the mounting brackets go on the inside of the stock saddle bag mounts and then the rest bolts on to that bracket. Can confirm it will fit the bagger and Roctane models.

TCMT Luggage Rack https://a.co/d/ffkadsB

 

[brownbandit]

Congrats on your Roctane! Two bits on info for you :

• Windscreen - I have a Classic and like many other Classic riders have noticed the stock windscreen blasts air directly at your helmet causing buffeting/vibration. The intensity varies depending open your height. It was unbearable for me and I immediately added an additional windscreen extension on top until I get a taller windscreen permanently. I'm looking into Clearview windscreens as they are taller, wider, and bolt right onto the OEM windscreen hardware.
• Gas Tank - Another member here, R18Nolan, has already swapped gas tanks for extra fuel capacity. You can find his install details here. I definitely want to go this route in the future as I ramp up my touring.

Holy cow thanks for the details on the gas tank!! Completely confirms my thoughts on getting it done!

 

[brownbandit]

Got my windshield in today; pretty easy install. The bracket comes mostly preassembled and what you need to install is the lower mount under the lower tree, replace the fork top cap with the taller one provided and the windshield on the bracket. Going to try this out to see if I need a taller aftermarket one.

 

[brownbandit]

Scored a sweet set of front crash bars from Wunderlich from a fellow member. They fit up well, hoping they don't get used and are just there as a foot rest.

Looking to get the risers done next as this bike has me too hunched over. Went to my local dealership and sat on a R18 Classic that had the stock R18 Classic riser and the bars from a Roctane; was exactly what I was looking for so that's the route I'm taking.

 

[laennecr]

Very nice. Was looking at getting a Roctane over a Road King but the lack of windshield put me off. Can you see the headlight mounted speedo with the Classic windshield?

 

[brownbandit]

Very nice. Was looking at getting a Roctane over a Road King but the lack of windshield put me off. Can you see the headlight mounted speedo with the Classic windshield?

Yes you can, that's ultimately why I ended up pulling the trigger on the Roctane. Also wish it came with a 6 gallon tank like the Road King but found out you can fit an R18B gas tank on to this with a bit of mods. So working on that.

 

[laennecr]

Was looking to upgrade the tank on my Classic but without my own fab shop it’s a lot of work and money for essentially a 50-80 more miles. I’ll upgrade the suspension i stead. Thx for the reply and let me know how the tank upgrade goes. Very curious.

 

[Star-Lord]

Probably would have been cheaper and more appealing looking to have selected a TC or Model B, instead of the ROCTANE; which in my opinion, is a great looking bike stock off the showroom floor...

A ROCTANE with a windshield and rear case, I'm not so sure ...

I obviously favor the Model B, I enjoy the wind protection, navigation and sound system - I'm getting up in age and seek the comfort features offered on bikes of today..

 

[brownbandit]

I just liked the looks of the Roctane so much better than the other models; also went with it compared to a bagger due to the less weight with no fairing.

 

[Star-Lord]

I just liked the looks of the Roctane so much better than the other models; also went with it compared to a bagger due to the less weight with no fairing.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

 

[laennecr]

I just liked the looks of the Roctane so much better than the other models; also went with it compared to a bagger due to the less weight with no fairing.

I agree; while the B and TC are nice, I'm not a fan of the fairings. I think the Classic or Roc with a windshield is the way to go. Same for me as far as the Road King over the Street and Road Glides. I like the hard bags on the Roc and no speakers, which IMO is a waste since Bluetooth helmet sound is much better anyway. To each his own.

 

[Cheerios]

Hi Everyone,

Just picked up a 24 R18 Roctane (I think this bike a piece of jewelry on wheels) and have a bunch of plans to build this out to be a long distance touring machine.

Went with the Roctane over something like the bagger mainly for looks but also due to less weight.

So far I've only rolled back the handlebar bars to try and get a better reach to not much avail.

What I have on my list for the immediate future:
-Windscreen from BMW, same one from the Classic. Going to start here and look for other options if needed
-handlebar riders from Wunderlich (on the way, going to have the dealership install due to having to extend the brake and clutch lines)
-Top case mount from a transcontinental (got an Amazon special on the way I'm going to try and fit)

Long term I'm going to look into crash protection and a seat.

The one thing I'm looking for the groups opinion is if anyone has tried to fit the R18B gas tank onto a classic/Roctane? They look like they'll fit so I'm seriously researching and looking for a doner tank to mock up and confirm this as 4 gallon is not enough on a long trip.

I'll keep the group posted as I modify my bike with photos.

Congrats on the purchase. For my preferences for long, cross country rides the TC top case is a must. I added a HD touring pack rack on top of it where I usually strap a heavier, bulky coat for super cold days, added leather grip wraps to increase the size to reduce hand fatigue, and a custom Corbin seat. I am 6’2” but I do not experience air buffeting from the windscreen around the helmet like others complain about…maybe I have longer legs and shorter torso. All simple additions as the stock bike is quite ok for me in Rock mode except in heavy rain, Rain mode helps at higher speeds without getting loose on the backend.

 

[BigJimSlim]

I agree; while the B and TC are nice, I'm not a fan of the fairings. I think the Classic or Roc with a windshield is the way to go. Same for me as far as the Road King over the Street and Road Glides. I like the hard bags on the Roc and no speakers, which IMO is a waste since Bluetooth helmet sound is much better anyway. To each his own.

I might have considered the roctane over my B, as I prefer the more stripped look. However, the dealer nearly threw the B at me for a price I couldn’t turn down.

 

[JRD]

Update, I ordered a top case kit from Amazon from a brand called TCMT. There a Chinese knockoff brand that I've had good experience with in the past on Harley so I gave them a shot. For $120 I cannot complain at all.

Gave me the top case mount and from there I mounted up my universal aluminum top case that I'll be switching back and forth from my other bike.

Overall it's not as high quality as the other brands (powder coated iron) but will more than hold me out for when I can budget a top case mount from the transcontinental.

Here's a link for those interested. Does not come with instructions at all so took a bit to figure out but basically the mounting brackets go on the inside of the stock saddle bag mounts and then the rest bolts on to that bracket. Can confirm it will fit the bagger and Roctane models.

TCMT Luggage Rack https://a.co/d/ffkadsB

Like it...does this top case kit from Amazon require drilling to mount?

 

[brownbandit]

I threw on a discounted pair of risers off a classic with the stock ape hangers. Was a complete PITA because of his much thread lock was in from the factory on the riser bolts (almost snapped the bolts trying to get them out)

After reading about it here, I followed the clutch and brake bleeding method as per BMW and to my suprise I got the front break bled. Still working on the clutch. Any recommendations from the group on how to get the clutch done?

 

[Star-Lord]

I installed the Beach style handlebars on my R18; I had the same issue, Brake reservoir bled out perfectly and the clutch reservoir struggled.

I finally turned the handlebars, in order to create a steeper rise angle for the air bubbles to travel. That worked perfectly..

 

[brownbandit]

I installed the Beach style handlebars on my R18; I had the same issue, Brake reservoir bled out perfectly and the clutch reservoir struggled.

I finally turned the handlebars, in order to create a steeper rise angle for the air bubbles to travel. That worked perfectly..

Thanks for this tip! I rotated the bars and found a position where I was finally able to get the air out and get it bled! Amazing, if only you could bleed all bikes like this.