BMW Motorrad has launched a new addition to its cruiser motorcycle lineup, the R 18 Transcontinental in India. This bike is priced at Rs. 31.50 Lakhs Ex-showroom. Enthusiasts can now place orders for the completely built-up unit (CBU) of this motorcycle through the BMW Motorrad dealerships across the country. With this launch, the R 18 Transcontinental has joined the iconic BMW cruiser family. It provides the riders with a touch of nostalgia and a luxurious touring experience.
Design of BMW R 18 Transcontinental
The brand-new BMW R 18 Transcontinental is a luxurious cruiser motorcycle that perfectly captures the timeless style of bygone eras. This motorcycle features a large handlebar-mounted fairing with a windshield and wind deflectors, as well as a pillion seat, cases finished in body color, and light alloy cast wheels. These classic American touring bike design elements create a relaxed cruising and luxurious touring experience.
The motorcycle’s design boasts a variety of functional and stylish elements, including a double cradle frame, a teardrop tank, and an exposed gloss nickel-plated driveshaft. The paintwork on the motorcycle is adorned with finely drawn double pinstripes reminiscent of the legendary boxer from 1936. The rearward curving side covers are classically designed and blend harmoniously with the elongated lines. Additionally, the handlebar-mounted front trim adds a distinctive touch, and the two circular mirrors live up to classic styling aspirations.
Exterior features of BMW R 18 Transcontinental
The cockpit of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental is a perfect blend of classic and modern design. It features four analog circular instruments and a 10.25-inch TFT color display that seamlessly integrates with the classic appearance of the motorcycle. The ‘BERLIN BUILT’ inscription on the face further emphasizes the motorcycle’s origin.
The state-of-the-art LED headlights provide superior visibility on all roads, while the sickle-shaped graphical LED daytime running light enhances the hallmark BMW Motorrad heritage face. The central frame tube, starting from the steering head, and the swingarm top frame tubes create a continuous line that serves as a central design feature. The combination of these tubes with the swingarm down tubes, aligned with the frame down tubes, gives the BMW R 18 Transcontinental a distinctively flat, elongated, and muscular appearance.
Safety and Tech Features of BMW R 18 Transcontinental
The BMW R 18 Transcontinental offers a partially integrated ABS braking system. This braking system adapts brake force distribution between the front and rear brakes to the dynamic wheel load distribution and load state. Apart from this, the BMW R 18 Transcontinental gets 3 driving modes- ‘Rain’, ‘Roll’, and ‘Rock’. The Rain mode offers less throttle but more grip. The bike has an optimum throttle response and sorted dynamics in Roll mode. But in order to churn the maximum potential with phenomenal dynamics, then ride it in Rock Mode. The new BMW R 18 Transcontinental also features Active Cruise Control, Dynamic engine braking, hill assist, keyless ignition, adaptive LED lights, and a 6-speaker audio system with impressive sound quality.
About the Suspension and Brakes
The all-new BMW R 18 Transcontinental features a double loop steel tube frame and rear swinging arm with enclosed axel drive in a rigid frame design. The rear swing arm embraces the rear axle transmission in an authentic style. This bike is equipped with a telescopic fork and a directly mounted cantilever suspension strut that offers travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload. This design provides exceptional wheel control and improved suspension comfort. Additionally, the braking system is comprised of twin disc brakes at the front and a single disc brake at the rear, which work together with four-piston fixed calipers to deliver precise stopping power.
Powertrain and Prices of BMW R 18 Transcontinental
Mechanically, the BMW R 18 Transcontinental is powered by the most powerful engine of the BMW Motorrad. It’s a 1.8L twin-cylinder flat petrol engine. This engine belts out 91hp of power at 4750rpm and 150Nm of torque. The claimed torque band ranges from 2000 to 4000rpm. To transmit the torque to the transmission, a single-disc dry clutch is employed in the gearbox. The gearbox, housed in a dual-section aluminum casing, is a constant mesh 6-speed unit. It is designed as a 4-shaft transmission with helical gear pairs. The price range of this bike is Rs. 31.50 Lakhs Ex-Showroom.
Official Statement
Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, of BMW Group India said, “BMW Motorrad heralds a new era of luxurious touring with the launch of the all-new BMW R 18 Transcontinental. As a member of the R 18 family, it represents BMW Motorrad’s deeply rooted tradition with its unmistakable design, the mighty Big Boxer engine, state-of-the-art technology, and riding dynamics. The eye-catching styling of the R 18 Transcontinental adds to the riding experience and evokes the emotions of a bygone era. It offers the most authentic, unparalleled experience one can enjoy on two wheels promising a comfortable, powerful ride for miles. This motorcycle will have an enormous appeal for motorcyclists who live for unforgettable cruising moments.”