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Bye bye, BMW

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JohnShane said:
Toasted transmission at 3800 miles......certainly not wanted to hear after buying an R18 just three weeks ago. :confused:
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John, think of it this way. All of the R18 riders out there that just had another great day riding aren't sitting down and coming on this site to let us all know what we already know; that the R18 is a ton of fun to ride. Personally I like it's transmission better than any BMW I've owned or have ridden. I have owned three R18s. My first R18 was totaled when hit by a hit and run driver ( never caught) and by a strange twist the insurance bought me an R18C and then a good part of an R18TC to which I added a Hannigan sidecar. I think Big Slim's transmission was the exception not the rule.
 
St.moritz92 said:
John, think of it this way. All of the R18 riders out there that just had another great day riding aren't sitting down and coming on this site to let us all know what we already know; that the R18 is a ton of fun to ride. Personally I like it's transmission better than any BMW I've owned or have ridden. I have owned three R18s. My first R18 was totaled when hit by a hit and run driver ( never caught) and by a strange twist the insurance bought me an R18C and then a good part of an R18TC to which I added a Hannigan sidecar. I think Big Slim's transmission was the exception not the rule.
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I hear you. My first 400 miles have been a blast, and am hoping for a long, reliable relationship with the R18. My last BMW stayed with me for 17 years (R1100R), if I get half that time out of this bike I will be happy.

Now I just need to get comfortable with the extra 300lbs and reduced ground clearance of the R18. Once I get it up to speed, this bike is stable and confidence inspiring. But I am still doing slow speed U-turns like a cautious 90-year-old grandma.
 
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I have a 2021 TC with 17,976 miles on it & no issues with it,
it is having the reverse fix done & new tyres fitted at the
dealers where I bought it.
I'm also lucky in that one of the service managers lives
close to me & will drop the bike back to me when it's finished.
 
BigJimSlim said:
Well gents and ladies, it’s been a wondrous 19 months of BMW R18B ownership. Alas, the bike and I have come to decide upon a conscious uncoupling.

I enjoyed most all of the mere ~3800 miles I rode it and really had envisioned many more. However, the transmission toasted up, and with it my confidence in continued ownership of the bike. The bike is now sold and I wish all the luck to the next owner.

Thanks to all who’ve read and posted here. It’s been helpful, enlightening, and strangely entertaining. Safe travels, mates. May the road embrace you.
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Yours is the first I've heard of the tranny going deep south. I truly think it was a fluke.
 
Sold my 2008 GS Adventure, just shy of 97,000 miles in order to help fund the purchase of my 2022 R18 B; the reliability experienced with the GSA, is what kept me with the brand and not jump to a HD Street Glide...

Zero regrets...

Screenshot_20250531-074619.png
 
Add the foot shifter accessory to the wind tour dtc, I loved it though sold the bike (maybe bad idea) to get a used 2024 r1250gs low with very low miles on her
 
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