Last week BMW unveiled two new touring machines, the new R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental, based on the 1,802cc horizontally opposed Big Boxer twin that we’ve previously seen in the R 18 and R 18 Classic. Berlin-built for grand American touring, the R 18 Transcontinental makes no attempt to hide the fact that it’s after Harley-Davidson territory, right down to its customer-facing launch at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The Transcontinental and B models see a steeper rake and shortened wheelbase compared to the R 18 and R 18 classic, as well as a larger gas tank and automatically adjusting rear suspension. Active Cruise Control is now available as an option for these models, not previously seen in other heavyweight American-style touring motorcycles.
Seeing this bike in person was a great way to inspect some of the finer details, but unfortunately we won’t be able to ride the new machines until the press launch later this month. Stay tuned for our first ride review and video, which will be released in accordance with BMW’s embargo on August 30.
Passenger floorboards come standard on R 18 Transcontinental models.Morgan Gales
When the passenger floorboard is folded up, the side R 18 badge is covered.Morgan Gales
With a starting MSRP of $24,995, the Transcontinental pictured will retail for $31,965.Morgan Gales
The view from the R 18 Transcontinental’s cockpit is a juxtaposition of technology and tradition—but it works.Morgan Gales
Adaptive Cruise Control is included in the Trancontinental’s Premium Package, which adds $3,225 to the base price.Morgan Gales
The Transcontinental comes with a taller windshield than the R 18 B.Morgan Gales
LED fog lights mount below the R 18 Transcontinental’s main headlight.Morgan Gales
The Transcontinental comes equipped with a 120mm-wide 19-inch front tire and dual disc brakes.Morgan Gales
The BMW R 18 Transcontinental adopts a unique floorboard shape to work with the Big Boxer’s cylinder heads.Morgan Gales
With a claimed wet weight of 942 pounds, the Transcontinental is among the heaviest bikes we’ve ever tested.Morgan Gales
Located behind the gas cap is a phone storage compartment with wireless charging.Morgan Gales
Inside the 2022 BMW R 18 Transcontinental’s top case storage compartment.Morgan Gales
With the new R 18 B and Transcontinental, we see a departure from the R 18’s large fishtail exhaust pipes to work around the new hard saddlebags.Morgan Gales
Although many changes have occurred, the powerplant for the R 18 Transcontinental is identical to that used in earlier applications.Morgan Gales
The First Edition, seen here, will only be available for the bike’s first production year.Morgan Gales
Menus displayed on the large screen are navigated through controls at the rider’s left hand.Morgan Gales
Like we’ve seen on previous BMW models, a roller and buttons on the left side of the handlebar allow navigation of the menus on the 10.25-inch screen.Morgan Gales
A large, wide two-up seat with rider and passenger heating comes standard on the Transcontinental.Morgan Gales
The Premium Package installed on this motorcycle includes upgraded Marshall Series II speakers.Morgan Gales