Monday, February 19, 2024
Menu

BMW R 18 Transcontinental and the new R 18 B!

Reading time 9 Min.

BMW R 18 Transcontinental and the new R 18 B!

The new BMW R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B: The "Big Boxer" as a Grand American Tourer for luxurious travel and as an excavator for cool American Highway Cruising. With the new R 18 Transcontinental, BMW Motorrad is expanding the R 18 family to include a Grand American Tourer and, with the new R 18 B, a “Bagger”, which is particularly popular in the USA. As with the previous R 18 models, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B combine the exciting appearance of the “Big Boxer” with a classic chassis concept based on historical models, exclusive equipment and a stylish design.

BMW R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B!

This makes the R 18 Transcontinental ideal for motorcycle trips and long-distance journeys 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 “driver's machine” for emotional driving fun and cool touring and cruising. Special features of the new R 18 Transcontinental include: front paneling with high windshield, wind deflector and flaps, cockpit with four analog round instruments and 10,25-inch TFT color display, additional headlights, Marshall sound system, engine protection bar, case, topcase, seat heating, Chrome and an engine in metallic silver.

In contrast to this, the new R 18 B dispenses with a topcase and offers, in the style of an “bagger”, a low windshield, a slimmer seat and an engine in black metallic matt.

The largest-capacity BMW boxer engine of all time with plenty of torque.

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 in technical terms, it ties in with the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have provided an exciting driving experience for more than seven decades since BMW Motorrad production began in 1923.

The two-cylinder boxer engine with the largest displacement ever to be used in series production of motorcycles measures 1 cm3 Displacement. The output is 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 rpm-1. From 2 to 000 min-1 over 150 Nm of torque can be called up at any time and original pulling power goes hand in hand with a rich sound.

Double-loop tubular frame made of steel with a backbone made of formed sheet metal parts and a rear wheel swing arm with an enclosed axle drive in a rigid frame look.

The heart of the chassis of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is a double-loop tubular frame made of steel with a backbone made of formed sheet metal parts. With its construction, it ties in with the long BMW Motorrad tradition of this type of frame. The particularly high manufacturing quality and attention to detail are also evident in barely noticeable details such as the welded joints between steel pipes and cast or forged parts. Like the legendary BMW R 5, the rear-wheel swing arm, manufactured according to a similar pattern, surrounds the rear axle drive in the right style using screw connections.

Telescopic fork with fork sleeves, cantilever strut, light alloy cast wheels and disc brakes in conjunction with the BMW Motorrad fully integral ABS.

The spring elements of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B deliberately forego any adjustment options that the driver can make. Rather, a telescopic fork and a central spring strut directly linked by the swing arm with travel-dependent damping and automatically adjustable spring preload ensure that the cast light-alloy wheels are controlled with confidence and that the suspension is comfortable.

For the best possible driving behavior even in two-person operation and with a full load, the rear shock absorber with travel-dependent damping is equipped with automatic load compensation. As with the legendary BMW R 5, the stanchions of the telescopic fork are clad in fork sleeves. The stanchion diameter is 49 mm, the front and rear suspension travel 120 mm. 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 the BMW Motorrad fully integral ABS.

Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) as standard. Active Cruise Control (ACC) - speed control with integrated distance control for relaxed touring as an ex-works option.

The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B already have the electronic cruise control 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 equipment Active Cruise Control ACC enables relaxed gliding with distance control without having to automatically adjust the speed to the vehicle in front.

With the help of the radar sensors integrated in the front paneling, depending on the driving situation, the vehicle is automatically accelerated to adapt the speed or the new, standard integral braking system is activated to decelerate. ACC also ensures a particularly safe journey when cornering. If necessary, the curve control automatically reduces the speed and provides the driver with the speed for a comfortable, safe lean angle.

Consistent ergonomics for the best possible vehicle control.

The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B rely on a casual, so-called “mid-mounted footpeg” position of the footpegs, in keeping with BMW Motorrad. This classic position behind the cylinders is not only typical for BMW, but also enables a relaxed and active driving posture for the best possible vehicle control.

The R 18 Transcontinental is equipped with a particularly comfortable bench seat and heated seats as standard, with the aim of achieving high long-distance comfort, even in two-person operation. The R 18 B has a slightly slimmer two-person bench. As standard, the new R 18 Transcontinental is equipped with running boards 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 color 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 color display fits harmoniously into the classic appearance. Equipped with the iconic “BERLIN BUILT” lettering, it follows the classic requirements of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B in a stylish manner on the one hand, and on the other hand offers a maximum of functionality and information via the perfectly readable TFT color display.

Three driving modes as well as ASC and MSR for a high level of driving pleasure and safety as standard. Reversing aid and Hillstart Control as optional equipment ex works.

To adapt to the individual wishes of the driver, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B already offer the three driving modes "Rain", "Roll" and "Rock", which are exceptional in this segment. The standard equipment also includes the Automatic Stability Control (ASC), which ensures a high level of driving safety. In addition, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are equipped with an engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard. In addition to other options, a reversing aid enables comfortable maneuvering and the Hill Start Control function enables easy hill start.

BMW R 18 Transcontinental and the new R 18 B!

The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B: Iconic streamlining combined with a rigid frame look 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", the front paneling, case and, in the case of the R 18 Transcontinental, the top case perfectly integrated. They skilfully transfer the iconic style of the great tourers and cruisers of bygone days into the present day and in many details a puristic design lives on, which was shaped by numerous BMW motorcycle classics.

BMW R 18 Transcontinental and the new R 18 B!

Functional and style-defining elements such as the double loop frame, the 24-liter drop tank, the open-running cardan shaft or the paintwork with double lining (optional equipment ex works) are not by chance reminiscent of legendary boxer motorcycles from BMW. The chassis is an equally splendid reminiscence of the old days. Together with the two-arm swing arm and a suspension strut in a cantilever arrangement, it was possible to transfer the rigid frame concept of the R 5 optically perfectly into the modern era.

Audio system with Marshall sound system: A new digital sound dimension as standard from the factory.

With the Marshall sound system, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B offer a particularly intense sound experience. The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B already come as standard with a sound system developed with the British manufacturer Marshall with two 2-way loudspeakers integrated into the front panel. Black grilles with white Marshall lettering round off the classic look. The Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and Stage 2 sound systems are available as optional equipment ex works for even more intense listening pleasure.

BMW R 18 Transcontinental and the new R 18 B!

Up to 4 loudspeakers 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 paintwork and chrome.

At the time of the market launch, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B will be offered worldwide as the 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 paintwork with double white lining. In addition, specially designed surfaces (chrome package), high-quality embroidery on the seat and the “First Edition” lettering are among the highlights.

BMW R 18 Transcontinental and the new R 18 B!

Large variety of parts for perfect customizing and optimal individualization. Exclusive option 719 scopes.

The Original BMW Motorrad Accessories program offers a high degree of customization options so that the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B can be designed according to your personal taste. For the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B, the design collections of milled aluminum parts that are known from the R 18 and R 18 Classic and created together with Roland Sands Design are largely available. In the area of ​​the audio system, BMW Motorrad is cooperating 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 special equipment items under the “Option 719”, such as the Option 719 paintwork Galaxy Dust metallic and original BMW Motorrad accessories.

Highlights of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B:

  • Handlebar-mounted cover for excellent wind and weather protection.
  • High windshield (R 18 Transcontinental).
  • Low windshield (R 18 B).
  • Cases painted in the vehicle color (27 liters, with audio 26,5 liters).
  • Vibration-decoupled top case painted in the vehicle color
    (48 liters, with audio 47 liters, only R 18 Transcontinental).
  • Wind deflectors painted in vehicle color
    (only R 18 Transcontinental).
  • 24 liter tank.
  • Cockpit with four analog round instruments and a 10,25 inch size
    TFT color display.
  • Largest BMW boxer engine of all time with 1 802 cm3 displacement.
  • Output 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 min-1, max.
    Torque 158 Nm at 3 rpm.
  • Available at any time from 2 to 000 rpm over 4 Nm.
  • Open-running, shiny nickel-plated cardan drive based on the classic model.
  • Elaborately manufactured double-loop tubular frame made of steel with a backbone made of formed sheet metal parts for an optimal package.
  • Rear swing arm with enclosed axle drive in rigid frame look.
  • Telescopic fork with fork sleeves and cantilever strut with travel-dependent damping and automatic load compensation for an optimal driving position at all times.
  • Comfortable ergonomics for relaxed cruising and touring with the best possible vehicle control.
  • Disc brakes at the front and rear and cast light alloy wheels.
  • BMW Motorrad fully 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 ex-works option.
  • The latest LED lighting technology interpreted in a classic way.
  • Adaptive cornering light with swivel module for even better road illumination when cornering as an ex-works option.
  • Engine protection bar (only R 18 Transcontinental).
  • Seat heating as standard (only R 18 Transcontinental).
  • Heated grips as standard.
  • Infinitely adjustable rocker switch (in connection with running boards;
    standard on the R 18 Transcontinental).
  • Keyless Ride for convenient function activation.
  • Three driving modes as well as ASC and MSR as standard.
  • Reversing aid for comfortable maneuvering and Hill Start Control for easy hill start as optional equipment ex works.
  • Three attractive colors: In addition to the black variant Black storm 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 lacquer and chrome.
  • Extensive range of special equipment and original BMW Motorrad accessories as well as a casual one
    Ride & Style collection.
  • “Option 719” items as particularly high-quality and exclusive special equipment as well as original BMW Motorrad accessories

Of course, that wasn't the end of it. Our tuning magazine has countless other tuning reports in stock. And we also deal regularly with the subject of motorcycles and motorcycle tuning. Do you want to see all the articles about motorcycles and motorcycle tuning? Just click HERE and look around. Or is a small extract enough? Then take a look at the following 3 posts.

Crazy custom bike based on the BMW G 310 R from K-Speed ​​Customs.

BMW R 18 Transcontinental and the new R 18 B!

»FLOWJETs« for BMW model series "Edition 40 Years GS"

BMW R 18 Transcontinental and the new R 18 B!

Urban freedom: the new fully electric BMW CE 04!

BMW R 18 Transcontinental and the new R 18 B!

The new BMW R 18 Transcontinental and the new BMW R 18 B.
Photo credit: BMW

BMW R18 Transcontinental

BMW R18B

 

tuningblog.eu - We keep you up to date on the subject of car and motorcycle tuning and car and motorcycle styling with our magazine and present you with new tuned vehicles and motorcycles from all over the world every day. It's best to subscribe to ours Feed and you will be automatically informed as soon as there is something new for this post and of course also to all other contributions.

About Thomas Wachsmuth

Thomas Wachsmuth - He has been an integral part of tuningblog.eu since 2013. His passion for cars is so intense that he invests every available penny in them. While he dreams of a BMW E31 850CSI and a Hennessey 6x6 Ford F-150, he currently drives a rather inconspicuous BMW 540i (G31/LCI). His collection of books, magazines and brochures on the subject of car tuning has now reached such proportions that he himself has become a walking reference work for the tuning scene.  More about Thomas

Leave a Comment

Your e-mail address will not be published. Required fields are marked with * marked