Bikes

2022 BMW R 18 Transcontinental Video First Look

An up-close look at BMW’s new grand American touring machine.

August 12, 2021

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.

For more information, check out our First Look here, or bmwmotorcycles.com.

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

2022 BMW R 18 Transcontinental Specs

MSRP(base/as pictured):	$24,995/$31,965
Engine:	Air/oil-cooled, horizontally opposed twin; 2 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	1,802cc
Bore x Stroke:	107.1 x 100.0mm
Compression Ratio:	9.6:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	In-unit 6-speed/exposed shaft
Claimed Measured Horsepower:	91 hp @ 4,750 rpm
Claimed Measured Torque:	116 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm
Fuel System:	Electronic fuel injection w/ 48mm throttle bodies
Clutch:	Dry, single disc
Engine Management/Ignition:	BMS-K+ electronic engine management w/ overrun cutoff and twin-spark ignition
Frame:	Double-cradle tubular steel
Front Suspension:	49mm telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Steel swingarm w/ central shock strut; automatic preload adjustment with load and ride-height sensors; 4.7 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston fixed calipers, twin 300mm discs w/ linked ABS
Rear Brake:	4-piston fixed caliper, 300mm disc w/ linked ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum; 19 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 5.0 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	120/70R-19 / 180/65B-16
Rake:	27.3°
Wheelbase:	66.7 in.
Seat Height:	29.1 in. (at curb weight)
Fuel Capacity:	6.3 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	942 lb.
Availability:	2022
Contact:	bmwmotorcycles.com