These American-style cruisers come with a Marshall sound system for the ultimate riding experience
The BMW R 18 line-up, which currently includes the base R 18 and R 18 Classic models, has been further expanded with the introduction of not just one, but two new models – the R 18 Transcontinental and the R 18 B.
Dubbed the “Grand American Tourer”, the R 18 Transcontinental is developed specifically for long-distance rides, either solo or with a pillion and luggage. Meanwhile, the R 18 B, with its slimmer seat and lower windshield, is a “bagger” designed for cruising.
Unique features of the former include a front fairing with a tall windshield, wind deflector and flaps, additional headlamps, engine protection bars, cases, top case, seat heating, chrome trim and an engine in Silver metallic. Apart from the slimmer seat and lower windshield, the latter does without a top case, while its engine is finished in matte black.
R 18 Transcontinental
Both bikes are powered by BMW’s 1,802 cc, two-cylinder flat twin “Big Boxer” engine that generates 91 hp at 4 750 rpm and 158 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. The automaker says the engine demonstrates elemental pulling power with peak torque of 150 Nm available at all times in the 2,000 to 4,000 rpm range.
In true BMW Motorrad fashion, both the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are built around a double-loop tube steel frame, which is paired with a rear swingarm that encloses the axle drive. The suspension system comprises 49-mm telescopic front forks and a rear strut with travel-dependent damping and automatic load compensation.
R 18 B
Braking is taken care of by a double disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed callipers and BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS.
As for electronics, equipped as standard on both models are three riding modes (Rain, Roll and Rock), ASC (Automatic Stability Control) and engine drag torque control (MSR). A reversing aid and Hill Start Control are available optionally.
The cockpit is fitted with four analogue round instruments and a 10.25 inch TFT colour display. In addition, both models also come with a Marshall sound system featuring two-way speakers integrated into the front of the fairing. This can be upgraded to Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and Stage 2 sound systems, which offer up to four loudspeakers and two subwoofers with 280 watts of total output.
Needless to say, both the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B can be customised with the original BMW Motorrad accessories range and milled aluminium parts from Roland Sands Design.
