Motorcycle specifications BMW1800 R 18 Transcontinental 2023 BMW brings out the Electra Glide queen

With the new BMW R 18 Transcontinental, BMW Motorrad adds a "Grand American Tourer" to the R 18 family. Like the other R 18 models, the Transcontinental combines the power of the "Big Boxer" with a classic chassis concept based on the propeller brand's traditional models, exclusive equipment and elegant design.

This makes the R 18 Transcontinental ideal for long-distance travel and American-style driving - whether solo or with a passenger and luggage. It boasts a host of special features, including a front fairing with high windscreen, air deflectors and flaps. But also a cockpit with four round analog dials and a 10.25-inch color TFT screen, additional headlamps, a Marshall audio system, engine protection bars, hard cases, a top-case, a heated seat, chrome finishes and an engine painted in silver metallic.

bMW's most "powerful" boxer engine ever, with plenty of torque.

The heart of the R 18 Transcontinental is undoubtedly the flat-twin engine designed specifically for the R 18 family. As impressive in size as it is in technology, the flat-twin, dubbed the "Big Boxer", continues the tradition of air-cooled boxer engines which, since BMW Motorrad began producing motorcycles in 1923, have been characterized by a unique riding experience. With the largest displacement ever achieved on a motorcycle in the BMW range (1,802 ^cm3), the twin-cylinder boxer develops 91 hp (67 kW) at 4,750 rpm, and can instantly deliver torque in excess of 150 Nm in the 2,000-4,000 rpm range.

double-cradle tubular steel frame and rear swingarm create the visual impression of a rigid frame.

The main feature of the R 18 Transcontinental's chassis is a double-cradle tubular steel frame. With this design, BMW continues a long-standing BMW tradition. Particular attention has been paid to every detail, as evidenced by the welds between the steel tubes and the cast or forged parts. As on the legendary BMW R 5, the swingarm encloses the secondary transmission with bolt-on fasteners, in perfectly authentic style.

streamlined telescopic fork, cantilever suspension strut, cast light-alloy wheels and disc brakes with Full Integral ABS.

BMW Transcontinental' s suspension components deliberately dispense with any possibility of rider adjustment. Instead, the telescopic fork and cantilever strut mounted directly on the swingarm, with travel-dependent damping and automatically adjustable preload, ensure extremely precise wheel guidance and enhanced comfort. The rear strut also features automatic load compensation for the healthiest possible handling, even when travelling with luggage. As on the legendary BMW R 5, the telescopic fork tubes are enclosed. These tubes have a diameter of 49 mm, and the front travel, identical to the rear, is 120 mm. Braking is provided by a double-disc brake at the front and a single-disc brake at the rear with fixed four-piston calipers, coupled to BMW Motorrad's Full Integral ABS.

dynamic Cruise Control (DDC) as standard and Active Cruise Control (ACC) with integrated distance control available as an option.

The BMW R 18 Transcontinental comes with Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) as standard. This automatically regulates the driving speed set by the driver. "Dynamic" means that the pre-selected speed is kept constant, even when driving downhill. The optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) offers maximum comfort by automatically regulating the speed set by the driver and the distance to the vehicle in front. Thanks to radar sensors integrated into the front fairing, the motorcycle automatically accelerates or decelerates, thanks to the new standard Full Integral ABS system, to adapt its speed to the riding situation. ACC also ensures particularly safe cornering. If necessary, the cornering control system automatically reduces speed, giving the driver the right gear for a comfortable, safe angle of inclination.

well-thought-out ergonomics for optimum motorcycle control.

In true BMW Motorrad style, the Transcontinental features mid-mounted footpegs for relaxed riding. This classic BMW footpeg position behind the cylinders provides comfortable seating, while allowing the rider to maintain optimum control of the bike at all times.

The R 18 Transcontinental is fitted as standard with a particularly welcoming heated seat, which ensures comfortable riding over long distances, even with a passenger, and is equipped as standard with running boards.

the cockpit features classically designed round dials and a 10.25" color TFT display with map-based navigation for convenient route planning and extensive connectivity as standard.

The cockpit, specially designed for the newa R 18 Transcontinental, with four round analog dials and a 10.25" color TFT screen, blends harmoniously into the classic styling. Stamped with the emblematic "BERLIN BUILT" lettering, it picks up on the Transcontinental's classic styling on the one hand, and on the other features a perfectly legible color TFT screen offering maximum functionality and information.

three driving modes plus standard ASC and MSR for enhanced driving pleasure and safety. Reverse assist as standard and Hill Start Control available as an option.

The R 18 Transcontinental comes as standard with three driving modes, Rain, Roll and Rock, to adapt the ride to the rider's preferences - a rarity in this segment. Standard equipment also includes the Automatic Stability Control (ASC) traction control system, which ensures a high level of safety when driving, engine brake torque regulation (MSR) technology and a reverse gear (standard from model year 2023). In addition to other options, the Hill Start Control function facilitates hill starts.

iconic styling, with a chassis that echoes the styling cues of rigid-frame models, and modern technology.

This Transcontinental is positioned as a luxurious Tourer, with its distinctive profile perfectly integrating the front fairing, luggage and top case. It skilfully transposes the iconic styling of the Tourers and Cruisers of yesteryear to the present day. The sleek design, shaped by the brand's greatest classics, is expressed in numerous details. Many of the styling and functional elements that characterize both models, such as the double-cradle frame, the teardrop-shaped 24-liter fuel tank, the exposed driveshaft and the double-edged white paintwork (on "First Edition" or available as an option) are reminiscent of BMW's legendary boxer motorcycles. The chassis, too, is a splendid return to its roots. With a two-spoke swingarm and cantilever shock absorber, the rigid frame concept of the BMW R 5 has been perfectly transposed to modern times.

audio systems developed in collaboration with Marshall for a unique sound experience (standard and optional).

Equipped with Marshall audio systems, the R 18 Transcontinental offers an intense sound experience. As standard, it is already equipped with an audio system developed in collaboration with the British manufacturer, featuring two speakers integrated into the cockpit. Black protective grilles with white Marshall lettering complete the classic look. Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and Stage 2 audio systems are available as options for even greater listening pleasure. Up to 4 loudspeakers and 2 subwoofers with a total output of 280 watts deliver incomparable sound quality and "good vibrations". For 60 years, Marshall, originally from Hanwell, London, and now based in Bletchley, Milton Keynes (UK), has been producing legendary guitar amplifiers used by the world's finest musicians. Since 2012, they have extended their audio quality to award-winning headphones and active speakers designed for music lovers.

bMW R 18 Transcontinental: paint and chrome for exclusive style.

Upon its market launch, the new R 18 Transcontinental will be available worldwide in a First Edition version. This version combines R 18 styling with exclusive elements painted in a classic black hue with double white piping. The design also features numerous chrome-plated surfaces (Design Chromé), a seat with elegant stitching and "First Edition" lettering on the panniers.

a wide choice of parts for unprecedented customization latitude. Option 719 parts range available for an unrivalled range of customization possibilities.

The range of genuine BMW Motorrad accessories offers a multitude of customization possibilities to adapt the R 18 Transcontinental to any style. The collections of milled aluminum parts familiar to R 18 and R 18 Classic owners, created in collaboration with Roland Sands Design, are also available for the new R 18 Transcontinental. However, for the last two models in the Heritage range, BMW Motorrad is offering a series of exclusive, high-quality parts, under the code name "Option 719", such as the Galaxy Dust metallic paint with its countless reflections.

Photo credits: BMW