Massive! That's the only way to describe the two giant cylinders that hang out each side of BMW's R 18 Classic. They sure make a visual impact. There's a tactile impact too, as you fire the whopping great 1800cc twin-cylinder bike into existence and give the throttle bodies their first sips of fuel. There's a definite kick to the side as you rev the big cruiser - it's throbbing and alive. Now, this is by no means to say that the mighty boxer in the Classic is unrefined - it's incredibly refined. There's very little in the way of vibration once you're rolling, and indeed, despite the huge slugs slamming around in those barrels, it likes to rev - and revs clean and smooth.

I am nothing if not in awe of this engine, but there's just one catch for me - and that is that this size and configuration in a cruiser does pose some challenges for the typical cruiser layout. You see, where there is ample airspace above the foot controls on your stereotypical V-twin cruiser, on the Classic there are two huge cylinders. This makes accessing the rear brake a challenge and upshifts near impossible for riders like me with large feet. The Classic is fitted with a heel-and-toe shifter, which, unless I wore extremely svelte footwear, I was forced to use.

The upside of the engine configuration, on the flipside, is that the Classic carries its weight low, which makes slow-speed maneuvers a far less perilous experience than on other heavyweights.

The engine layout and the Classic's chassis package also combine to make the Classic one of the best-handling cruisers I've ever ridden. It is stable - as you would expect - yet is happy to be chucked about and played with if you're feeling saucy. Ground clearance is on the excellent end of the spectrum for a cruiser of this ilk, so yeah, playtime on the Classic is a fun time.

The brakes are up to the job without being extraordinary, and Indian still owns bragging rights to the best brakes in the cruiser scene, in my opinion.

The quality of the finish is beyond reproach. The gloss black on satin black cases on the R 18 Classic you see here look amazing - as does the black chrome exhaust system. The paint is deep and rich, and the whole thing is finished to a level that is arguably the best in the segment.

Comfort is excellent, with the riot-shield-sized screen offering plenty of protection. Passenger accommodation looks pretty good, and of course, there's plenty of room for knick-knacks in the 15.5-litre saddlebags.

Despite its old-school looks, the Classic sports a fair bit of technical wizardry - from ABS and switchable traction control to a full complement of LED lighting and various riding modes. There's also cruise control and a 12-volt socket for charging your goodies, and the Blacked Out version gets the addition of Hill Start Control and heated grips.

Maybe you're looking for something other than the same old American V-twin cruiser, or maybe you don't like what the Japanese have to offer in the segment - whatever the reason, the R 18 Classic is worth your consideration. It's as good at what it does as its American competition and, certainly in the fit-and-finish stakes, it's arguably better.