These burly German cruisers are perfect for long-distance riding
BMW Motorrad Malaysia today expanded its model line-up with two new additions, namely the BMW R 18 Bagger and R 18 Transcontinental. Both are offered exclusively in the “First Edition” guise, which brings high-quality chrome components and a host of other styling elements.
Taking the shape of classic big cruisers built for touring, both the R 18 Bagger and R 18 Transcontinental come with a rigid double-loop frame, open-running and gloss nickel-plated universal shaft and classic housing for the rear-axle gearbox. Lockable fuel filler caps are also included.
In addition to chrome clasps on cases with “First Edition” lettering, chrome-plated handlebar fittings, chrome-plated cylinder head covers, hero chest and intake trims, the First Edition variants also include special surface finishes, high-quality embroidery on the seat and the inscription “First Edition” on the two cases.
BMW R 18 Bagger
The R 18 Bagger features a low fairing windshield, a short, narrow two-person seat and milled wheels in black, while the R 18 Transcontinental is distinguished by its high fairing windshield, wind deflectors, integrated top-case in body finish and silver grey wheels with chrome-plated brake callipers at the front. White double lining on fuel tank, fairing and trunks and cases, as well as pinstriping are also applied to both models.
Equipment-wise, the bikes come with Headlight Pro, which is a LED headlamp with daytime running lights and adaptive turning light with swivel module. There are also newly designed LED turn indicators at the front and rear function-integrated LED turn indicators with integrated rear light function mounted on the cases.
Powering both bikes is BMW’s 1,802 cc “Big Boxer” engine that makes 91 hp at 4,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 158 Nm at 3,000 rpm. There are three riding modes, Rain, Roll and Rock, all of which are accessible via a 10.25-inch TFT colour display.
BMW R 18 Transcontinental
Electronic riding aids readily equipped on both the R 18 Bagger and R 18 Transcontinental include:
- BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS
- Active Cruise Control (ACC)
- Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
- Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR)
- Reverse Assist
- Hill Start Control
Of course, big cruisers like these two won’t be complete without a powerful sound system. The R 18 Bagger is equipped with the Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 system that comprises four speakers plus a booster. Two Marshall 2-way loudspeakers with 25 watts of output each are integrated into the front fairing, complemented by a 90-watt subwoofer in the front upper section of the cases. The booster has an output of 180 watts.
Meanwhile, the R 18 Transcontinental comes with the Marshall Gold Series Stage 2 with six loudspeakers and a booster. Two Marshall 2-way loudspeakers with 25 watts of output each are integrated in the front of the fairing, each complemented by a 9- watt subwoofer in the upper front area of the cases. In addition, there is a 2-way loudspeaker with 25 watts of output in the front side section of the top case backrest. The booster also puts out 180 watts.
The retail price (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s All-New 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year Roadside Assistance Programmes) starts from RM186,500 for the R 18 Bagger and RM198,500 for the R 18 Transcontinental.
