Regarding the noise, they sound like a sewing machine stock, so I'm not sure what that's about. Maybe the bike in the video has an aftermarket exhaust.
I've had mine for two years now and love it for what it is..which is a striking looking (odd looking if we're honest) large cruiser-ish bike that handles well (in my opinion) for a bike of this size and type. I have to actually try to drag the pegs for what that's worth. If you're more of a sporty type, you won't be overly impressed (I think I recall Mr. P. calling it a pig after he rode one), so it depends on expectations.
I have the "Classic", which has extra lighting in the front, a windscreen and saddle bags. It also has straight tailpipes as opposed to the large fish-tail ones. I got the classic because personally, I don't like the looks of the fishtails on the standard R18. The windscreen stinks and causes buffeting at any speed and at any height, and the bags don't look superduper to me. Both are sitting on a shelf in my garage.
I don't travel with it though, and my typical long commute on it is less than an hour. Typical mission is a weekend or after work cruise, so I can't say how it'd feel after hours in the saddle... speaking of which, I find perfect for the bike. I seem to be the only person on the planet who does though...
I haven't ridden the bagger or transcontinental though. While they have the same engine,they are significantly different bikes.
but I honestly don't know where your feet are supposed to go on that R18?
