BMW adds two high-tech tourers to R 18 line-up for 2022
The new BMW R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are fitted with a number of new featuresThe BMW cruiser range is set to expand, with the Munich firm unveiling the new highly-equipped BMW R 18 Transcontinental grand tourer and R 18 B bagger.
Utilising BMW’s ‘Big Boxer’ engine, the pair of highway haulers join the base R 18 and the R 18 Classic in the brand’s cruiser line-up.
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The R 18 Transcontinental is BMW’s take on the ‘grand American tourers’ made popular by the likes of Harley-Davidson and Indian, while the R 18 B is a bagger-style cruiser. Both machines features a large front fairing as well as saddlebags, while the Transcontinental adds a higher windshield, bigger seat and a top case.
Notably, both machines feature the impressive 10.25-inch TFT display that debuted on the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT. The screen is complimented by four round analogue instruments – a stark contrast to the base R 18’s single round analogue dash.
Also featured is a new Marshall sound system. The guitar amplifier company recently teamed up with BMW and the new R 18 pair are the first BMW models to benefit. The speakers feature black cover grilles and Marshall lettering, giving the system a classic look. Owners can also upgrade to the Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and Stage 2 to get even better sound quality.
The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B feature cruise control as standard, but BMW’s radar-driven Active Cruise Control (ACC) can also be added as an option. ACC allows riders to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle in front.
Elsewhere, the pair also features the Rock, Roll and Rain ride modes, as well as stability control, engine drag torque control and ABS as standard. Reverse assist and hill-hold control can be purchased as options.
In keeping with the touring theme, the bikes also feature a number of components in the name of comfort, including heated grips, heated seat (Transcontinental only), running boards (Transcontinental) and wide footrests (B).
Of course, the new R 18 models include all the benefits of the standard model, and also come with a long list of options and packages, including a ‘First Edition’ variant for the Transcontinental.
Pricing and availability are yet to be revealed, but the Australian BMW Motorrad site lists both models as ‘Coming Soon’.
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