- Two new additions for celebrated BMW R 18 line-up
- R 18 Transcontinental delivers grand touring capability for luxurious point-to-point cruising
- R 18 B brings riding pleasure and distinct sense of style and character
- Handlebar-mounted fairing for superior wind and weather protection
- Elaborately manufactured double-loop tube steel frame with backbone of sheet metal
- Famed big boxer engine with classic chassis concept and exclusive equipment features
- Cockpit integrates four analogue instruments and high definition 10.25-inch TFT colour display
- Integration of Marshall Gold Series sound systems as part of new brand collaboration
- Arrival in August and pricing from $39,310* for R 18 B and $41,675* for R 18 Transcontinental
BMW Motorrad Australia will introduce the all-new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B to the local market next month following their world premiere overnight.
The new models bring unique style, features, character and new levels of capability to the line-up of the R 18, BMW's first-ever cruiser, which launched last year.
The R 18 Transcontinental is designed for travelling and long-distance rides – whether riding solo or with a pillion and luggage – while the R 18 B was created to both deliver riding pleasure and showcase its own distinctive character.
Special features of the new R 18 Transcontinental include:
- Front fairing with high wind shield, wind deflector and flaps
- Cockpit with four analogue round instruments and 10.25 inch TFT colour display
- Additional headlamp
- Marshall Gold Series 2 sound system
- Engine protection bars
- Top case
- Seat heating
- Chrome trim an engine finished in silver metallic
The new R 18 B does without a top case and, in the tradition of a bagger style motorcycle, offers a low windshield, slimmer seat and a matt black metallic engine among other elements. It also includes seat heating and the Marshall Gold Series 1 sound system as standard.
Most powerful BMW boxer engine of all time with full torque
The heart of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is BMW's renowned two-cylinder boxer engine – the big boxer – which was developed for the R 18.
Aside from its impressive appearance, the engine also links back to the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have provided inspiring experiences since BMW Motorrad began manufacturing motorcycles in 1923.
The most powerful two-cylinder flat twin engine ever built for motorcycle series production boasts an engine capacity of 1,802cc and generates an output of 67kW (91hp) at 4,750rpm. In the 2,000 to 4,000rpm range it delivers 158Nm of torque at all times as well as formidable pulling power and sonorous sound.
High quality double-loop steel tube enhances riding pleasure and street appeal
The foundations of the chassis of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is a double-loop tube steel frame made of steel with a backbone of sheet metal formed parts.
High manufacturing standards and attention to detail are evident in barely perceptible details such as the welded joints between steel tubes and cast or forged parts. The rear swinging arm, as with the legendary BMW R 5 model, encloses the rear axle drive using bolted connections.
Telescopic fork and travel dependent damping
The suspension elements of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B deliberately dispense with any adjustment options.
Instead, a telescopic fork and a directly swinging-arm mounted cantilever suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and automatically adjustable spring preload ensure superior light-alloy cast wheel control and responsive suspension comfort.
The rear suspension strut features travel-dependent damping and automatic load compensation in order to achieve the best possible ride response even when riding with a pillion and a full load.
The tubes of the telescopic fork are encased in fork sleeves, an element that also evokes the BMW R 5.
The fork tube diameter is 49mm and suspension travel is 120mm at the front and rear.
The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B feature 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.
Active Cruise Control standard for Australian models
Active Cruise Control (ACC), which is fitted as standard on both the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B for the local market, enables relaxed gliding with distance control without need for the rider to adjust their speed to the vehicle in front.
With the aid of radar sensors integrated in the front fairing, the motorcycle is either accelerated automatically or speed adjusted depending on the situation on the road.
ACC also ensures particularly safe cornering. Where necessary, the cornering control system automatically reduces the speed, providing the rider the appropriate speed for a comfortable and safe banking angle.
Coherent ergonomics for optimal control
The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B feature a mid-mounted footpeg position for the footrests.
This position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW; it also allows a relaxed and active riding position for the best possible control.
The R 18 Transcontinental is equipped with a seat designed for long journey comfort with heating as standard to ensure riding comfort even with two people aboard.
The R 18 B includes a slimmer two-person seat bench that befits the model's style and riding intention. It also features a heating function.
The new R 18 Transcontinental is fitted as standard with running boards, while the new R 18 B features wider footrests than the regular R 18.
Cockpit: classically designed round instruments and 10.25" TFT colour screen with map navigation
The cockpit, which was specially designed for the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B, features four analogue round instruments and a 10.25-inch TFT colour display.
Featuring the iconic "BERLIN BUILT" badging, the instrument layout blends a sense of historic style with cutting-edge technology and high levels of functionality.
Three riding modes, ASC, MSR, reverse gear and Hill Start Control all fitted as standard
The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B offer three modes –
Rain, Roll and Rock – to provide a range of riding characteristics for different situations.
The standard equipment roster also includes ASC (Automatic Stability Control), which ensures a high level of riding safety, and engine drag torque control (MSR).
All Australian models will include both reverse gear and Hill Start Control as standard to make manoeuvring and starting off uphill more convenient.
Iconic streamlining combined with rigid frame look and modern technology
The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B make a prominent statement with characteristic streamlining that integrates the front fairing, cases and, in the case of the R 18 Transcontinental, the top case.
They transfer the iconic style of the great tourers and cruisers of yesteryear to the present day.
The purist design, which has been shaped by numerous BMW Motorrad classics, lives on in many details.
Functional and style-defining elements such as the double-loop tube frame, 24-litre pear-drop fuel tank, open universal shaft drive and double-line paintwork are reminiscent of legendary BMW boxer motorcycles.
Audio system by Marshall: A new digital sound dimension
The Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and 2 sound systems, which are offered as part of a new collaboration between Marshall and BMW and fitted as standard on the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B for Australia, deliver crisp and powerful audio performance.
The systems feature speakers with black cover grilles and white Marshall lettering to provide a classic look while offering up to 280 watts of total output to deliver incomparable sound quality.
Marshall, originally from Hanwell, London, and now based in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, has produced legendary guitar amplifiers used by the world's best musicians across six decades. In 2012 it expanded its audio offering to award winning headphones and active speakers designed for music lovers.
First Edition provides exclusive look in paint and chrome
The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are available in exclusive
First Edition variants from launch.
They combine the R 18 look with exclusive features in classic black paintwork with white double-lining.
Additional highlights include specially designed surfaces (Chrome Package), high-grade stitching on the seat and "First Edition" badging.
Wide range of customisation options
The Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range offers numerous individualisation options for tailoring the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B to personal tastes and preferences.
BMW Motorrad additionally offers a range of high-quality and exclusive optional extras such as Option 719 Galaxy Dust metallic paint finish and other Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
Local pricing and specification
The BMW R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are fitted with a high level of standard specification for Australian customers.
Details are listed below:
R 18 B Deluxe: $39,310*
Standard specification:
- 1,802cc 2-cylinder boxer engine, air/oil cooled, 9.6:1 compression, EU5, 67kW (91 hp) @ 4,750 rpm, 158Nm at 3,000rpm
- Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
- ABS
- 3 riding modes (Rock, Roll, Rain)
- Keyless Ride
- Spoke wheels
- Twin disc front brake
- Spring Strut Auto Load Levelling Dampers
- Telescopic forks with covers
- LED headlight, taillight, brake light and indicator lights
- 12V socket
- MSR (Dynamic engine brake control)
- Adjustable hand levers
- 4 Analogue instruments with 10.25" colour TFT Display
- Active Cruise Control
- 24 litre fuel tank
- Lockable fuel cap
- Hill Start Control
- Headlight Pro (inc. Adaptive Headlight and Daytime Riding Light)
- Floorboards
- Tyre Pressure Monitor
- Central Locking
- Heated seat
- Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 sound system
- Heated Grips
- Reverse Gear
- Active Cruise Control
- Anti-theft alarm system
- Seat height: Standard 720mm (Comfort Seat High 740mm, Option 719 Seat Bench 720mm)
Options
- First Edition package (inc. Black Storm Metallic with Design Option Chrome and pinstriping, contrast cut wheels, First Edition badging and First Edition key): $3,750
- Comfort seat high: $590
- Design option chrome: $2,260
- Option 719 Design Package Aero: $1,550
Colour options
- Manhattan Metallic: No cost option
- Black Storm Metallic: No cost option
- Option 719 Galaxy Dust metallic/Titan Silver 2 metallic and Option 719 seat bench: $4,170
R 18 Transcontinental Deluxe: $41,675*
Includes all standard specification from the R 18 B and adds the following:
- Top case
- Straight exhaust pipes
- Highway bars
- Wind deflectors
- Marshall Gold Series Stage 2 sound system
Options
- First Edition package (inc. Black Storm Metallic with Design Option Chrome and pinstriping, contrast cut wheels, First Edition badging and First Edition key): $3,750
- Comfort seat high: $590
- Design option chrome: $2,260
- Option 719 Design Package Aero: $1,550
- Manhattan Metallic: No cost option
- Black Storm Metallic: No cost option
- Option 719 Galaxy Dust metallic/Titan Silver 2 metallic and Option 719 seat bench: $4,170
Colour options
- Manhattan Metallic: No cost option
- Black Storm Metallic: No cost option
- Option 719 Galaxy Dust metallic/Titan Silver 2 metallic and Option 719 seat bench: $4,170
*Recommended Retail Pricing is shown and includes GST, but excludes on-road costs. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW Motorrad dealer for all pricing enquiries.
…ends
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world's leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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