BMW is expanding its R18 model family, which is only ten months old, with the huge air / oil-cooled boxer engine: the basic R18 as a cruiser and the classically designed tourer R18 Classic will be joined in September by the clearly Americanized models R18 B as an excavator and R 18 Transcontinental as a long -Distance luxury travel version.
At prices starting at around 32,000 and around 33,000 euros, both versions offer plenty of technology and convenience. In spite of the extensive standard equipment, BMW only supplies further refinements as special equipment; For example, the chrome-plated lower leg support, so that the stressed driver’s thigh can be laid casually above the huge cylinders.
The distinguishing features of the 427 kilogram Transcontinental are the front fairing with a high windshield, wind deflectors and flaps, a cockpit with four analogue round instruments and a 10.25-inch TFT color display, additional headlights, Marshall sound system, case (27 liters volume), vibration-decoupled top case (48 Liters), automatic load compensation for always optimal driving position, heated seats, engine protection bars and all kinds of chrome. In this model, the 91 hp engine, which always delivers over 150 Nm, is made of metallic silver.
The R18 B weighs 398 kilograms and has a clearly sloping silhouette to the rear without a topcase or seat heating. The windshield is lower, the seat is slimmer and the engine is painted in black metallic matt. The rest of the standard equipment is identical. Both versions have a fully integral ABS; it is sufficient to operate either the hand or the foot brake for maximum deceleration. Both are equipped with cruise control, but can also be ordered with Active Cruise Control (ACC) with integrated distance control based on radar. The top speed of both models is limited to 180 km / h; when fully loaded in two-person operation, a maximum of 160 km / h applies.
The sound system of the R18 B and R18 Continental comes from the still young collaboration between BMW Motorrad and the British company Marshall. Two two-way loudspeakers integrated into the cladding at the front are standard equipment; Four loudspeakers and two subwoofers with a total output of up to 280 watts are also available as special equipment. When the two new R18 models are launched, they will also be available as an opulently equipped “First Edition”. The white double lining on classic black lacquer and a chrome package are supplied as standard. The range of accessories also includes numerous parts of the Option 719 customization program.
Ulf Boehringer / SPX