2022 BMW R 18 B / R 18 Transcontinental Review

We test the all-new 2022 BMW R 18 B “Bagger” and R 18 Transcontinental, two heavyweight touring cruisers powered by the 1,802cc Big Boxer that cranks out 116 lb-ft of torque at 3,000rpm. Based on the R 18 platform, they have traditional styling inspired by the 1930s-era R 5.

The R18B and R18 Transcontinental (TC) have a handlebar-mounted batwing-style fairing, a Marshall audio system, an infotainment system with a 10.25-inch TFT display, hard saddlebags, and a passenger seat. With its low windshield and slim seat, the R 18 B is suited for solo touring and boulevard cruising with the occasional passenger. Designed for two-up touring, the R 18 TC is equipped with a tall windshield, a wide seat, wind deflectors, driving lights, heated seats, highway bars, a large trunk, and a wrap-around passenger backrest.

The R 18s have three ride modes – Rock, Roll, and Rain – that alter throttle response and engine character. In Rock mode, they feel lumpy and shake a lot at idle to add some visceral theater, and throttle response is direct. But in Roll and Rain mode, the response feels duller and slow to respond. They have a 6-speed transmission with a heel-toe shifter. Both are equipped with small rider footboards, but because the Big Boxer’s cylinders jut far out to the sides, the rider’s legs are hemmed in place.

The R 18 B/TC steer with stability and confidence, though some effort is required. The massive brakes with BMW’s linked Full Integral ABS slow down the heavy bikes with authority, and the large brake and clutch levers are adjustable for reach. They roll on cast wheels with tubeless tires.

Traditional cruisers are as much about style as they are about substance, and it’s tricky to strike the ideal balance. The R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental are good-looking, fully featured touring cruisers. BMW’s Big Boxer is a rumbling air-cooled Twin that makes plenty of low-end torque, but its configuration is very different from a traditional V-Twin.

We rode both bikes at the press launch in Denver, Colorado, and then we rode 1,500 miles through five states on a R 18 Transcontinental fully loaded with a passenger and gear.

Read our full review here:
https://ridermagazine.com/2021/09/04/2022-bmw-r-18-b-and-r-18-transcontinental-top-10-review/

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2022 BMW R 18 B / R 18 Transcontinental Specs
Base Price: $21,945 / $24,995
Price as Tested: $29,065 / $31,695
Website: bmwmotorcycles.com
Engine Type: Air/oil-cooled, longitudinal opposed flat Twin, OHV w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 1,802cc (110ci)
Bore x Stroke: 107.1 x 100.0mm
Horsepower: 91 hp @ 4,750 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
Torque: 116 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated single-plate dry slipper clutch
Final Drive: Shaft
Wheelbase: 66.7 in.
Rake/Trail: 27.3 degrees/7.2 in.
Seat Height: 28.3 in. / 29.1 in.
Wet Weight: 877 lbs. / 941 lbs. (base models)
Fuel Capacity: 6.3 gals.
Fuel Consumption: 42.5 mpg (R 18 Transcontinental, as tested)
Estimated Range: 268 miles (R 18 Transcontinental, as tested) Rider is a registered trademark of EPG Media LLC
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