2021 BMW R 18 Transcontinental And R 18 B: Photo Gallery

Here’s a detailed look at BMW’s latest cruisers to take on the flagship Harley-Davidsons

Not long ago, leaked patent images hinted that new variants of the BMW R 18 were coming. Now, putting all speculations to rest, the Bavarian bikemaker has unveiled the R 18 Transcontinental and the R 18 B, both primarily aimed to take on the premium Harley-Davidson cruisers. Here’s a closer look at them:

Without a doubt, the biggest difference between the standard R 18 and the two new variants is the addition of a handlebar-mounted fairing up front. This is aimed at providing protection from the wind and the weather.

However, the LED circular headlamp looks more or less the same as before.

In addition to the fairing, you also get two rear-mounted cases, offering 26 litres of storage space.

While these bits are common to both variants, the R 18 Transcontinental, being a more touring oriented variant, gets a taller visor, wind deflector, additional headlamps, an extra top case (that also acts as a pillion backrest), and engine protection bars.

The humongous fairing also hides behind it a new instrument cluster. Compared to the R 18’s single-pod unit, here you get four circular analogue dials coupled to a massive 10.25-inch TFT display.

The TFT screen helps toggle through extensive electronics like cruise control, riding modes, BMW’s full integral ABS, heated grips, heated seats (Transcontinental only), phone connectivity features with turn-by-turn navigation, and reverse assist.

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Both bikes also get Marshall speakers as standard, if blasting some music while blasting down the road is your thing.

If all this isn’t enough, BMW is offering optional extras like radar-guided active cruise control, adaptive headlights, and hill hold control.

The R 18 twins are powered by a shaft-driven 1,802cc Boxer engine (claimed to be the biggest in the world), putting out 92PS and 158Nm. BMW claims over 150Nm of torque kicks in as low as 2000rpm, which can propel the R 18 B and the Transcontinental from zero to 100kmph in just 5.5 seconds and 6 seconds, respectively.

The motor is housed in an updated double-loop tube frame, sprung on a 49mm sleeved telescopic fork and swing-arm mounted cantilever suspension strut.

Rolling on 19-inch front and 16-inch rear cast alloy wheels, the R 18 is anchored by 300m double discs up front and a 300mm single disc at the rear. . 

Unsurprisingly, all of this comes at the cost of their weight as the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B tip the scale at a massive 427kg and 398kg, respectively. 

However, what will make life a little bit easier are their low seat heights of 740mm and 720mm, respectively.

Given the R 18 costs Rs 19.90 lakh (ex-showroom) in India, expect the new variants to start from at least Rs 22 lakh. Both new variants could arrive in India by the end of 2021.