Which year?

[Jcfarm]

I am considering a 2021 First Wdition and a 2023 Base. Both about the same price.

Any recommendations on which version might be the better choice?

Thanks,

John

 

[Rufus]

Just pick the one you like the best, as far as I know there’s next to no difference mechanically and seating position will be pretty similar. If you are buying from a BMW dealer then they can (and should) run the VIN to check for any recalls on that specific bike before you collect. Probably the 2023 would be slightly better in that regard because it’s a later bike so any production line tweaks will have been adopted and of course it will still be under warranty. Bear in mind these bikes are not mainstream so can be sitting around a while before they find a buyer and actually get registered.

Read the forum and get a ‘feel’ for what you are getting into. There are many very happy owners on here but make sure the bike is going to work out for you. These are niche bikes in a niche market segment. Unless you have already done so I would recommend a test ride, the R18 is a wonderful bike but it needs a bit of time to warm to, to find out how it likes to be ridden, to get the best from it. It’s quirky.

Big news has really been a recall on the reverse function, some never need it, some bikes don’t have it, and it’s caused a lot of discussion over the last few months, but, the fix is here and slowly being rolled out. My bike is going in this Wednesday and as far as I know it’s still on . Good luck with your decision, there are some very helpful and clever people on the forum and most topics have been covered by now.

 

[Anibal]

Welcome aboard John and good luck on your search. What Rufus said is spot on.
If the Base/Pure/Classic you are looking to buy is new, the rear suspension may have not been adjusted for road use yet and could be on the shipping position, which mean it would be on the firm side. If this is the case, do mention this to the dealer so that they adjust it for you as otherwise it will give you the impression that the bike rides on the harsh side.
The B and TC have the rear suspension adjusted electronically.

Let us know how you get on and enjoy the test drive. All R18 shake a bit due to the gorgeous boxer engine and this is one of the quirks some people love or hate, like Marmite. As the bike breaks in and parts starts to mate, she will get smoother.

 

[Jcfarm]

Thanks gents - hopefully the weather will allow a test ride soon.

I’ve been a BMW rider for over 3 decades and had a Harley at one point - so the R18 is really intriguing as a different type of bike in the garage. I hope I like riding it!