BMW Motorrad launches R18 Transcontinental in India

BMW Motorrad has launched the R18 Transcontinental at Rs 31.5 lakh (ex-showroom) in the country. The supersized tourer was already available in international markets and if you were in the market for a bike to do intercontinental tours while also undercutting the Honda Goldwing (in terms of cost), you can check out the R18 Transcontinental. Keep in mind that the BMW comes with two cylinders less and makes less power compared to the Honda.

While much of the bike is already known, lets talk some aspects of the bike that is of interest. If you are a fan of analogue dials, then you will love the instrument cluster of the R18 Transcontinental as it features analogue dials for the speedometer, tacho, the fuel indicator and a power reserve indicator that tells how stressed the engine is at any point of time in your ride. Reminds you of Rolls Royce cars, doesn’t it? Below the analogue dials is a big 10.25-inch TFT display for various ride information and navigation.

You also get Marshall Gold Series Stage 2 sound system that consists of six loudspeakers and a woofer to immerse in the music on the go. Other electronics include cruise control, stability control, hill start control, reverse gear, dynamic engine brake control, ABS, and adaptive LED headlight to name a few.

Another thing you notice is the rider triangle – the foot pegs are positioned in the mid and the high set handlebars give you an upright riding stance. The saddle height is 740mm which is very approachable for a bike this size. The bike tips the scales at 427kg and the fuel tank capacity of 24L and a reserve of 4L.

Powering the super tourer is a 1802cc boxer engine that churns out 89bhp and 158Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed helical gearbox and turns the rear wheel via a shaft drive system. It gets three ride modes and in true American fashion, two of them are named Rock and Roll, while the third one is Rain mode. Rock mode allows the rider to use the full power of the engine while Roll is like the ‘Road’ or ‘City’ mode.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “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.” We concur.

What are your thoughts on the R18 Transcontinental?