MOBILITY/MOTORBIKES: Big and commanding: the BMW R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B
The BMW R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B: The „big boxer“ as a Grand American Tourer for luxurious touring and as a bagger for cool American highway cruising.
With the R 18 Transcontinental, BMW Motorrad is expanding the R 18 family to include a Grand American Tourer and, with the R 18 B, a „bagger“ of the kind that is particularly popular in the USA. As with the previous R 18 models, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B combine the thrilling acceleration of the „big boxer“ with a classic chassis concept based on historical models, exclusive equipment and a stylish design.
This makes the R 18 Transcontinental perfect for motorbike trips and long-distance rides in the style of the American Way of Ride – both solo and in pairs and with luggage. The R 18 B, on the other hand, is designed as a „rider’s machine“ for emotional riding fun and cool touring and cruising.
Special features of the new R 18 Transcontinental include: Front fairing with high windshield, wind deflector and flaps, cockpit with four analogue round instruments and 10.25-inch TFT colour display, auxiliary headlights, Marshall sound system, engine guard, panniers, top case, heated seats, chrome surrounds and an engine finished in silver metallic.
In contrast, the new R 18 B does without a top case and offers, among other things, a low windshield, a slimmer seat and a matt black metallic engine in the style of a „bagger“.
The most powerful BMW boxer engine of all time, with a rich torque.
At the heart of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is a two-cylinder boxer engine, the „Big Boxer“, which has been completely redeveloped for the R 18 models. Not only with its impressive appearance, but also from a technical point of view, it is a continuation of the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have provided an exhilarating riding experience for more than seven decades since the start of BMW Motorrad production in 1923. The largest two-cylinder boxer engine ever used in motorbike series production has a displacement of 1 802 cm3. Power output is 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 min-1. From 2 000 to 4 000 min-1, more than 150 Nm of torque can be called up at any time, and earthy pulling power goes hand in hand with a rich sound.
Double-loop tubular steel frame with backbone of formed sheet metal parts and rear swingarm with enclosed axle drive in rigid frame look.
At the heart of the chassis of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is a double-loop tubular steel frame with a backbone made of formed sheet metal parts. With its design, it continues the long BMW Motorrad tradition of this type of frame construction.
The particularly high manufacturing quality and attention to detail are also evident in barely noticeable details such as the welded joints between steel tubes and cast or forged parts. Like the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swingarm, which is manufactured according to a similar pattern, encloses the rear axle gearbox in true style using screw connections.
Telescopic fork with fork tubes, cantilever suspension strut, light alloy cast wheels and disc brakes in conjunction with BMW Motorrad full integral ABS.
The suspension elements of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B deliberately dispense with adjustment options to be made by the rider. Instead, a telescopic fork and a central shock absorber with travel-dependent damping and automatically adjustable spring preload, which is directly linked to the swingarm, ensure superior control of the cast alloy wheels and responsive suspension comfort. For the best possible handling even in two-person operation and when fully loaded, the rear shock absorber with travel-dependent damping is equipped with automatic load compensation. As on the legendary BMW R 5, the standpipes of the telescopic fork are clad in fork sleeves. The stanchion tube diameter is 49 mm, and the suspension travel is 120 mm front and rear. The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are decelerated by a double disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed calipers and BMW Motorrad full integral ABS.
Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) as standard. Active Cruise Control (ACC) – speed control with integrated distance control for relaxed touring as an optional extra ex works.
The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B come with DCC (Dynamic Cruise Control) as standard. DCC automatically regulates the driving speed set by the driver. Dynamic means that the preselected speed is kept constant even when driving downhill. The optional Active Cruise Control ACC enables relaxed cruising with distance control without having to automatically adjust the speed to the vehicle in front. With the help of radar sensors integrated into the front fascia, depending on the driving situation, ACC automatically accelerates to adjust the speed or activates the new, standard Integral Braking System to decelerate. ACC also ensures a particularly safe ride when cornering. If necessary, the cornering control system automatically reduces speed to give the driver the pace for a comfortable, safe lean.
Harmonious ergonomics for the best possible vehicle control.
In keeping with BMW Motorrad’s philosophy, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B rely on a casual, so-called „mid-mounted footpeg“ position for the footrests. This classic position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW, but also enables a relaxed and rider-friendly riding position for the best possible vehicle control.
Aiming for high long-distance comfort even in two-person operation, the R 18 Transcontinental is equipped with a particularly comfortable seat bench and seat heating as standard. The R 18 B has a somewhat slimmer two-person bench seat. As standard, the new R 18 Transcontinental is equipped with footrests and the new R 18 B with wider and more comfortable footrests than the R 18.
Cockpit with classically designed round instruments and 10.25-inch TFT colour display with map navigation for convenient route planning and extensive connectivity as standard.
The cockpit, specially designed for the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B, with four analogue round instruments and a 10.25-inch TFT colour display, fits in harmoniously with the classic appearance. Featuring the iconic „BERLIN BUILT“ lettering, on the one hand it stylishly follows the classic claim of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B, on the other hand it offers a maximum of functionality and information via the perfectly readable TFT colour display.
Three driving modes as well as ASC and MSR for a high degree of driving pleasure and safety are standard. Reversing aid and Hillstart Control are factory-fitted as optional extras.
To adapt to the individual wishes of the driver, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B also offer the three driving modes „Rain“, „Roll“ and „Rock“ as standard, which is unusual in this segment. Another standard feature is the ASC (Automatic Stability Control), which ensures a high level of driving safety. In addition, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are equipped with engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard. Among other options, a reversing aid enables comfortable manoeuvring and the Hill Start Control function makes hill starts easy.
The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B: Iconic streamlining combined with rigid frame looks and modern technology.
In the style of the „American Way of Ride“, the new R 18 Transcontinental inspires as a luxurious tourer and the new R 18 B as a stylish „bagger“ with characteristic „streamlining“, which perfectly integrates the front fairing, panniers and, in the case of the R 18 Transcontinental, the top case in terms of shape. They skilfully transfer the iconic style of the grand tourers and cruisers of days gone by into the present day, and in many details a purist design lives on that has been shaped by numerous BMW Motorrad classics. Functional and style-defining elements such as the double-loop frame, the 24-litre drop tank, the open-running propshaft or the paint finish with double liner (optional ex-works) are reminiscent of legendary boxer motorbikes from BMW. The chassis is an equally apt reminiscence of the old days. Together with the twin-sided swing arm and a suspension strut in cantilever arrangement, the rigid frame concept of the R 5 has been transferred perfectly into the modern era.
Audio system with Marshall sound system: A new digital sound dimension as standard ex works.
With the Marshall sound system, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B offer a particularly intense sound experience. Already as standard, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B feature a sound system developed with the British manufacturer Marshall with two 2-way loudspeakers integrated into the front of the fairing. Black cover grilles with white Marshall lettering complete the classic look. For even more intense listening pleasure, the Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and Stage 2 sound systems are available as factory options.
Up to 4 speakers and 2 subwoofers with a total of 280 watts of system power ensure incomparable sound quality and „good vibrations“. For 60 years, Marshall – originally from Hanwell London, now based in Bletchley, Milton Keynes (UK) – has stood for the legendary guitar amplifiers used by the world’s best musicians. Since 2012, Marshall has also expanded its range to include award-winning headphones and active speaker systems of the highest quality.
The R 18 Transcontinental First Edition and R 18 B First Edition:
Exclusive look in paint and chrome.
Already at market launch, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B will be offered worldwide as exclusive R 18 Transcontinental First Edition and R 18 B First Edition in addition to the standard models. They combine the R 18 look with exclusive equipment features in classic black lacquer with white double lamination.
Other highlights include specially finished surfaces (chrome package), high-quality embroidery on the seat and the „First Edition“ lettering.
Wide range of parts for perfect customising and optimum individualisation. Exclusive Option 719 peripherals.
The Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range offers a maximum of customisation options for designing the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B to suit your personal taste. Also available for the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are, for the most part, the design collections of aluminium machined parts known from the R 18 and R 18 Classic, designed together with Roland Sands Design. In the field of audio systems, BMW Motorrad cooperates with the British manufacturer Marshall. For the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B, BMW Motorrad offers a range of particularly high-quality and exclusive optional extras under the „Option 719“, such as the Option 719 paint finish Galaxy Dust metallic, as well as Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
Highlights of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B:
Handlebar-mounted fairing for excellent wind and weather protection.
High windshield (R 18 Transcontinental).
Low windshield (R 18 B).
Panniers painted in vehicle colour (27 litres, with audio 26.5 litres).
Vibration-decoupled top case painted in vehicle colour.
(48 litres, with audio 47 litres, R 18 Transcontinental only).
Wind deflectors painted in vehicle colour
(R 18 Transcontinental only).
24-litre fuel tank.
Cockpit with four analogue round instruments and 10.25-inch
TFT colour display.
Largest BMW boxer engine ever with 1 802 cm3 displacement.
Power 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 min-1, max.
Torque 158 Nm at 3 000 min-1.
Over 150 Nm available at any time from 2 000 to 4 000 min-1.
Open-running, bright nickel-plated cardan drive based on a classic model.
Elaborately manufactured double-loop tubular steel frame with backbone of sheet metal formed parts for optimum package.
Rear swingarm with enclosed axle drive in rigid frame look.
Telescopic fork with fork tubes and cantilever shock absorber with travel-dependent damping as well as automatic load compensation for optimum riding position at all times.
Comfortable ergonomics for relaxed cruising and touring with the best possible vehicle control.
Front and rear disc brakes and cast alloy wheels.
BMW Motorrad full integral ABS.
Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) – cruise control as standard.
Active Cruise Control (ACC) – speed control with integrated distance control for relaxed touring as an optional extra ex works.
State-of-the-art LED lighting technology interpreted in a classic way.
Adaptive bend lighting with swivel module for even better road illumination when cornering as an optional extra ex works.
Engine guard (R 18 Transcontinental only).
Heated seats as standard (R 18 Transcontinental only).
Heated grips as standard.
Infinitely adjustable gearshift (in conjunction with running boards;
standard on R 18 Transcontinental).
Keyless Ride for convenient function activation.
Three driving modes plus ASC and MSR as standard.
Reverse assist for comfortable manoeuvring and Hill Start Control for easy hill starts as factory options.
Three attractive colours: In addition to the black variant Blackstorm metallic and the option 719 paint finish Galaxy Dust metallic, the new R 18 B and R 18 Trancontinental are also available in Manhattan metallic matt.
The R 18 Transcontinental „First Edition“ and R 18 B „First Edition“:
Exclusive look in paint and chrome.
Extensive range of optional extras and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories as well as a casual
Ride & Style collection.
„Option 719“ features as particularly high-quality and exclusive optional extras as well as Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
Photoset 1 to the article:
BRAND: BMW
virtualdesignmagazine Michael Hiller
