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:
ridermagazine....
Got questions? Drop ’em below. And thanks for subscribing!
Follow us!
/ ridermagazine
/ ridermag
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
Contents copyright © by EPG Media LLC.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part
is prohibited unless expressly authorized by publisher.
www.ridermagazine.com

[@reconphil]

I just bought the R18 TC loaded in Galaxy Dust metallic a couple of days ago & put two hundred miles on it. I've ridden it in Roll, but now plan to try Rock. It's been cold so the heated seat & grips came in handy. Coming off a 2015 Harley-Davidson FLHTK on which I put 57,750 miles, I find the handling excellent, though the standing & parking lot manoeuvring takes some getting used to due to the different weight distribution. The HD bags & trunk are larger & the TC does not have a rack on the trunk & BMW doesn't offer one as an accessory, which comes standard on the HD so, packing will be a challenge. The cell phone compartment will barely accommodate a Samsung S10+ & certainly not a Note. The optional charging cable for the compartment is over $30.00! There are three power ports I have found; one on the faring, one in the trunk & one on the frame. They require a European adapter with USB ports, which costs more than $20.00 each. If your phone doesn't fit in the gas tank compartment you will need an adapter to keep the phone charged for the navigation system & if you listen to your own music or stream an internet radio station. There is also a power plug that will accommodate a battery tender. The command screen takes some getting used to, downloading the navigation system is a bit obtuse & so far I have not found the volume control for the navigation directions, if there is one; the voice is very soft. I put a driver back rest on the HD for about $100.00, as I remember & installed it myself. To put one on the TC, according to the dealer, you have to purchase a seat for near $1000.00, then the back rest.

[@nelsonphilip4520]

Now that's a real world review. It's noteworthy that BMW is said to be targeting the Motor Company's home market yet many of the issues you described seem to be related more to power ports being more suited to the European market?

[@reconphil]

@@nelsonphilip4520 The power port issue appears to be the same as the automobile, but I am not sure as, this is my first BMW. I do like the style & handling of the BMW, but low speed, parking lot maneuvering is difficult, likely due to the wheelbase. The packing issue may be the difference in the cultures of travel in Europe vs the US. I can live with the smaller trunk space, but hope they come out with a rack for the trunk. I have since bought Cardo Bluetooth headsets for the helmets. They paired virtually automatically. BMW has features that won't work with the Cardo; the dealer suggested that it is because BMW has a BMW branded headset that is full featured. I also paired the Cardo with the phone. If I pair it with the bike, the navigation system doesn't work with full features. Never-the-less, this is a comfortable bike for long trips. It handles extremely well & has a lot of features I am still learning. Since it is a "First Edition", BMW & aftermarket manufacturers may come out with accessories to respond to the shortcomings in the future.

[@nelsonphilip4520]

@@reconphil Apreciate your real world feedback. I found myself smitten with the R-18 and have watch numerous KZbin reviews which describe it built like a Swiss watch & jewel like. Which seems like an app description from what I've read & seen. I feel that BMW has done a marvelous job with the R-18 (especially the TC & B models!) and deserves applause. I hope that touring riders take to it and it becomes a successful entry for BMW and that they continue to develop the line up. Enjoy your ride!

[@nelsonphilip4520]

Sure enough that BMW has targeted H-D. But from my prospectus it's seem s that they are picking up where Honda left off with the first generation Valkyrie. And kudos to BMW, they have my attention!

[@sesquashtwo]

This bike should have an height adjustable windshield such as is offered on the Yamaha Star Venture Transcontinental. For the cost as is, it should have been a standard feature. Once you own a model offering electric motor height adjustment for the windshield, you can not go back to a set-level bolt on, as on this bike. I hope they change that for 2023.

[@ericamerica2597]

speaking volume fluctuations are driving me crazy. can't keep watching. every time you turn your head to the left where your lapel mic is... volume spike. too quiet, too quiet, VOLUME SPIKE. too quiet, VOLUME SPIKE. too quiet, too quiet, too quiet... ... ... too quiet, VOLUME SPIKE

[@creigmacc]

I've yet to see a Trans Continental for under $32K. There must be quite the list of options if it has a starting MSRP under $25K.

[@JUFFAIR101]

Electric wind screen is a must !

[@Rambler358]

How tall are you, and how often did you scape parts?

[@arvindsingh4685]

How would you compare the R18B to the K1600B??

[@byronruhter1480]

I look forward to my first ride. I’m particularly interested in the foot positioning. Hopefully the lower leg is at least vertical if not slightly forward. I’m 5’7”

[@RealSuperRando]

No, just no for so many reasons. I'm sorry, but this bike is laughable. Don't get me wrong, I have and love BMW's. I would just get the K1600GTL and be respected for my different path decision than ride this "wannabe accepted" in the Harley world bike. They aren't going to sell and everyone told them this when they started R18 development. Boxer motors don't make good cruiser bikes. They have the K1600B. Let it go, BMW.

[@ljones4022]

Wish Moto Guzzo had an engine this big.

[@orangecrush1976]

It looks like a Moto Guzzi California 1400 tourer. I imagine it doesn't perform as well.

[@christophesallin2052]

Tellement plus belle en violet

[@thestcroixkid]

If only it had the k1600 motor...

[@grumpyoldretiredcop8382]

Good review in that you covered all the important points and give the viewer the feel of the bike. Bad review in that the audio quality was terrible and disruptive to the flow of the review. I'm sorry to say that hearing you say, "uh, uh" repeatedly didn't make it any easier to listen to. I want to enjoy your reviews and look forward to seeing better quality reviews in the future!

[@toddtonis]

Terrible audio on this video. Nice bike from what I could hear.

[@bobdumbell]

Best review I've watched on this beast

[@rb9998]

Straight forward review. 👍

[@morrisdennis]

Goodbye hd back 2 bmw.

[@morrisdennis]

I luv that engine 😍

[@morrisdennis]

I luv it ❤️ 😍 💖

[@Supernaut2000]

Very amateur review. Poor voice quality with sudden bursts. Felt like he was reading a script and was forgetting it. No mention if the bike has a centre stand? Engine cooling? All I got was a BMW rehash. 2/10.

[@tabuleirocmd]

Compared to HD this BMW loses on aspects as suspension comfort, breaking capacity and leaning angle... These points don´t seem so difficult to correct imo. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGmln6OedtZneck )

[@morrisdennis]

I'm mainly concerned about lean angle. I have a road king and have nvr drug in curves.

[@morrisdennis]

I nvr buy 1st year model ..

[@brianmurdock6296]

you are not going to put on miles when you can not put highway pegs on it

[@kirkkw]

I rode 850 miles last Saturday without highway pegs but was on a Triumph Trophy SE.

[@northerniltree]

The modes are really: Rock, Roll, & Scrape.

[@cosef4491]

The audio was terrible. This is supposed to be professional journalism? The review was good enough but the audio was such a turn off I couldn’t pay attention. I’m sure if this was a review for Honda or Yamaha the audio would’ve been much better 😉

[@elithegreat6463]

This bike is literally 10 yrs too late. This style has jumped the shark. It looks like an old style Fat-Boy with a fairing hence, why it’s so late. This bike is one of BMW biggest Flops. 👎

[@carlosd.2335]

Not so. You're missing the point if you think it's "10 yrs too late." It's retro styling! It's supposed to look like an old-timey bike! Geez, wake up. You must have absolutely no aesthetic sense. This is an absolutely beautiful bike. Not for everybody; no bike is, but my prediction is that it will find its niche market and be a great addition to the BMW line. Personally, I love my R18!

[@elithegreat6463]

@@carlosd.2335 This turd is not selling, how much more proof do you need. The fucking thing is not even a full year in production and BMW can’t give these whales away. $2000 incentives to entice the suckers to even look at it. 👎

[@carlosd.2335]

No need for obscenities and such hateful language. We might like or not like a bike, but we should be decent to one another. Shame on you.

[@elithegreat6463]

@@carlosd.2335 I’m from Jersey, it’s how we talk here 😏

[@carlosd.2335]

Got it!🥴