BMW’s return to the cruiser market with the R 18 looks like being a success story as the brand announces more models and Corbin adds an aftermarket fairing and seat.
It is usually a mark of the success of a new model when aftermarket companies of the calibre of Corbin of the US produce specific seats.
They say it will not only protect the rider with improved aerodynamics, but also help lower wind noise.
And to complement that quieter, calmer “bubble” they also have a Bluetooth audio kit for the fairing with 500 watts of power, a dash-mounted controller and JL Audio 5.25″ coaxial speakers.
Corbin audio for BMW R 18
Surely this means Corbin believe the model will be a huge sales success as do we after our road test last month.
It comes as BMW Australia has announced the arrival of the R 18 Classic.
A Touring model is expected later this year.
Spy image of an R 18 tourer (S. Baldauf/SB-Medien)
So the bike is now available in the following three models:
R18 Classic: $28,550 ($30,863 rideaway based on Sydney delivery)
Features:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
ABS
3 riding modes (Rock, Roll, Rain)
Keyless Ride
Spoke wheels
Twin front brakes
Preload adjustable rear
Telescopic forks with fork covers
LED headlight, tail-light, brake and indicators
LED auxiliary lights
12-volt socket
MSR (Dynamic engine brake control)
Adjustable hand levers
Saddle bags
Cruise control
Optional equipment:
Lockable Fuel Cap: $75
Hill Start Control: $155
Headlight Pro (inc. Adaptive Headlight and Daytime Riding Light): $605
Floorboards: $235
Heated Grips: $340
First Edition (Inc. Pinstripes and Chrome Package): $3300
Reverse Gear: $1500
Anti-theft alarm system: $365
Low Seat (690mm): No cost option Road testing the new R 18
R 18 Classic Custom: $30,090 ($32,448 rideaway)
Includes all specification from the R 18 Classic and adds the following as standard:
Lockable Fuel Cap
Hill Start Control
Headlight Pro (inc. Adaptive Headlight and Daytime Riding Light)
Heated Grips
Anti-theft Alarm System
R 18 Classic Deluxe: $35,090 ($37,598 rideaway)
Includes all specification from the R 18 Classic Custom and adds the following as standard:
Floorboards
First Edition (Inc. Pinstripes and Chrome Package)
The RoadOne controller replaces messy multiple switches to operate electrical accessories such as chargers, heated grips and seat, dash cams and auxiliary lights.
It allows riders to switch these devices on and off with the wave of a hand and a voice command.
Prices start at $A225 for the controller and phone charger or $A127 for funding supporters.
You can also buy packs that include their dashcam, lights and various warmers, or buy them separately.
However, it appears the RoadOne will only work with their proprietary accessories, not accessories from other suppliers.
Plug&Play plan to go into production in August and deliver from October.
Be aware there are risks to crowd-funding campaigns and you may not get a full refund if the project does not go ahead.
Plug&Ride has a flexible goal of $42,450 and has collected about a quarter so far with about 50 days to go.
How it works
RoadOne is basically a Bluetooth controller centre on your handlebars that uses their phone app to recognise voice commands, so you will require a helmet intercom to operate it.
You simply plug all the devices into a centralised box under your seat that is connection to the battery.
The device won’t drain your battery if you forget to switch the devices off when you park your bike as the app has a proximity feature that switches the unit off when you walk away.
It reactivates when you return to your bike.
Plug&Play also hope to raise up to $A170,000 capital to fund extra accessories such as a handlebar remote control instead of the app, a GPS, a radio and an anti-theft device that recognises when the bike has been moved and tracks its location.
They’re also researching an emergency SMS alert that sends a location text to a specified contact in the event of a crash.
(Contributed post on bike modifications for our North American readers)
Motorcycles are fun to own, and not just for the pure fun of going for a ride on a sunny day. There’s also the joy you get in personalizing it to make it really feel like its yours, and an expression of who you are. They may be machines, but they also help express your passion in steel and chrome customizations. But there’s more to modifying your motorcycle than just aesthetics, you do so in order to add value and to also protect your investment. But, just as some modifications can improve your motorbike, others affect the performance negatively or even make it unsafe to ride. It’s for this reason that you need to choose your modifications wisely. So, what modifications should you consider installing on your bike?
Frame Sliders
Frame sliders have the same function as bull bars in that they keep the frame of the bike away from the ground in the event of a crash. Frame sliders are inexpensive and they can save you a lot of money and heartache because they prevent, or at least minimize, damage to your motorcycle’s frame. As many motorcycle owners already know, frame repairs can be very costly.
Engine Guards
Much like frame sliders, engine guards are protective additions to your motorcycle. Many motorcycle owners would tell you that the engine is the single most expensive component of your bike. An engine is composed of thousands of tiny parts, to the point that you can wind up better off buying a new bike instead of a new engine if it gets damaged severely enough. And while it’s true that you can indeed craft your own parts by making use of bronze castings, doing so to replace engine components is a task that is far too complicated.
Suspension systems aren’t just meant to ensure a smooth ride, they are also meant to provide as much control as possible to the rider. An upgraded suspension also helps increase the longevity of your motorbike by protecting vital the internal parts from being shaken up due to bumps on the road.
Tires
Much like an upgraded suspension system, tires are going to help you maintain control as you go through sharp curves and corners. The best part is that since your motorcycle already comes with stock tires, you can often sell them to help offset the cost of buying upgraded tires. Aside from the extra traction and control, your bike’s going to look much better with thicker tires. Thickers tires also last longer than stock tires, so you get good value from the extra cost.
Improved Windshields
Windshields on motorcycles are more important than most people give them credit for. They direct airflow around the bike, while a poorly aligned windshield can increase drag. Consider changing your stock windshield into one that’s better angled, and maybe looks sportier too.
So, now that you have the essential modifications, you’re free to add more mods that enhance the look and experience of owning and riding your motorcycle. Just make sure to do your research and choose your modifications carefully, so you don’t wind up ruining the look or feel instead of improving it.
(Sponsored gear heads post for our North American readers)
If you’d rather ride on two wheels than step inside a car, then you should check out these must have motorcycle accessories.
In 2017, the number of registered on-road motorcycles in the United States totaled 8.4 million. That’s a 100% increase from the 4.2 million registered units back in 2002!
Granted, not all share the love for these two-wheelers. But they’re still pretty popular, with dealers having sold 470,000 new bikes in 2017.
Let’s not forget about motorcycle gear that makes these bikes even more worth riding. On a global scale, this market made a whopping $2.87 billion in 2017.
Which now brings us to the main topic of this post: The must have motorcycle accessories. There are a lot of bike tools, gears, and techies for motorheads out there, which can be pretty confusing.
Don’t worry though, as we’ve rounded them up for you so you don’t have to. Check out this list of the motorcycle essentials you can’t do without!
1. A Bluetooth, Aerodynamic Helmet
What better way to start this list than with every rider’s primary protection?
Only three states — Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire — don’t require a motorcycle helmet. The rest, plus D.C., are serious when it comes to their helmet laws. But even if you live in IL, IO, or NH, you should never go for a ride without a helmet.
Aside from helping keep your gray matter stay where it should, it also wards off bugs and other critters. Today’s helmets are no doubt smarter, even letting you connect Bluetooth devices! Plus, the right look and fit will make you look more badass than if you don’t wear one.
You’d want to invest in a helmet with an aerodynamic design though. This lets you ride with that needle on the right side, but with as little noise as possible.
One last thing: Go for a lightweight, yet sturdy and DoT-approved helmet. Be prepared, as you may have to spend a bit more for the best motorcycle protective gear. But it’ll be worth it, especially if you plan on riding for speed.
2. An Armored Leather Jacket
Only a few things scream kickass louder than a thick, and solid motorcycle jacket. But it’s more than a cool-looking piece of motorcycle riding gear. It also protects your precious skin, taking the brunt of skids and drags in case of an accident.
Look for armored features on the elbows and shoulders, which often sustain injuries. Also, consider the weather in your area — if it rains a lot, you’d want weatherproofing features. Airflow, thermal body warmers, and waterproof materials are what you’d want.
3. Palm Sliders
The body’s instinct is to put the hands out during slips, trips, and falls. In fact, if you think about it, it’s the hands that you use to shield your body from, well, almost anything, right?
To put things in perspective, consider this:
More than one million U.S. workers visit ERs due to hand injuries every year. 70% of them got these injuries because they weren’t wearing gloves.
In Australia, 93% of surveyed organizations reported experiencing hand injuries too. That makes them among the most common injuries in Oz workplaces.
So, imagine how much damage the hands can get when one gets catapulted from their bike. The hands will try to lessen the impact on the body, which may lead to the wrists snapping. The friction put against the palms by the asphalt is a scary enough thought.
A little too visual? Well, that’s the truth, and all beginner riders should be aware of that.
That’s why you’d want to slide your hands into palm sliders too, whenever you go out for a bike ride. With these, plus your helmet and jacket, you’re (almost) done protecting your upper body.
Low-friction, yet quality plastic gloves are good enough to protect your palms. For something longer-lasting (and better-looking), invest in leather sliders.
Better gloves out there have adequate cushioning and armor for the entire hands. With these, you’ll have better protection for your knuckles and wrists too.
Completing the list of upper body must have bike gear is a pair of high-quality earplugs. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t make it hard to stay focused and connected to the road.
The only thing they cut riders off from is the noise of the high-pitched wind. This then protects the sensitive inner workings of the ear. That actually makes you feel more relaxed and less tired after a long ride!
5. Riding Pants
You’ll rip those jeans sliding on pavement faster than you can say 0 to 60. Even if you think they’re the thickest, most durable pair you have, they’re not built for safe riding. What you want is road armor, and luckily, there are now jeans out there with Kevlar lining.
Their prices are a bit on the hefty side though, so your other option is Cordura textile. The best ones out there offer good abrasion resistance without being too bulky.
6. Tough Boots
Apart from your hands, your feet and legs are at most risk of damage in an accident. So, keep those encased in sturdy, protective riding boots! Don’t worry about losing style, since the best riding footwear out there still looks amazing.
Features like reinforced toe tips, soles, and padding protect the small bones on your feet. They have enough cushioning to make them comfortable and breathable. Although typical work boots have protective toe boxes, they lack feet protection features.
7. Tool Kit
Get a complete roadside toolkit with wrenches, Allen sockets, screwdrivers, and pliers. Get a few cable ties too, a multi-purpose tool, and microfiber towels for cleanup.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to take your ride out for long road trips, you’d want extra fuel storage. If you’ve got the budget, go for a self bunded fuel tank. This’ll help you reach point A to B with as few stops and top-ups as possible.
Start Shopping for these Must Have Motorcycle Accessories Now
This list of must have motorcycle accessories is far from being extensive. But they’re the best motorcycle gear you need, not to mention the most important. So, before you start shelling out money on bells and whistles, start with these seven first.
Want more two-wheeler riding/safety tips and travel advice? Then make sure you head over to our Tips and Training section! We’ve got more nuggets of wisdom to share with you there.
