Reviews

2022 BMW R 18 B Transcontinental MC Commute Review

Go for a ride on BMW’s R 18 B Transcontinental luxury-touring cruiser in this review.

August 31, 2021

BMW Motorrad expands its boxer twin-powered heavyweight cruiser lineup with the addition of a full-dresser luxury-touring variation in the R 18 B Transcontinental ($31,320 as tested). The Transcontinental goes up against motorcycles like the Bar & Shield brand’s Electra Glide and Indian Motorcycle’s Roadmaster. In this video review we describe what it’s like to operate.

Editor’s note: We’ve reported on BMW’s four-motorcycle cruiser platform in depth in the 2021 BMW R 18 Cruiser MC Commute Review, 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Look Preview, 2022 BMW R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental First Look, 2021 BMW R 18 Power Cruiser First Look Preview, BMW Concept R18 Cruiser First Look, and BMW R 1800 Big Boxer Twin Technical Details articles and videos. This content speaks on the capability of its top-of-the range luxury-touring variant.

Motorcycle Riding Gear Worn

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR

Jacket: Saint Unbreakable Denim Shearling Collar

Pant: Saint Unbreakable

Gloves: Racer Guide

Boots: TCX Rush 2 Air

2022 BMW R 18 Transcontinental Technical Specifications and Price

PRICE	$31,320 as tested
ENGINE	1,802cc, OHC, air/oil-cooled boxer twin; 4 valves/cyl.
BORE x STROKE	107.1 x 100.0mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	9.6:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Fuel injection
CLUTCH	1-disc dry clutch; hydraulically actuated
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/shaft
FRAME	Double-loop steel
FRONT SUSPENSION	49mm telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Cantilever shock; 4.7 in. travel
FRONT BRAKES	Axial-mount 4-piston calipers, 300mm discs w/ Integral ABS
REAR BRAKE	4-piston caliper, dual 300mm disc w/ Integral ABS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	Light alloy cast; 19 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 5.0 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	Bridgestone Battlax H50; 120/70-19 / 180/65-16
RAKE/TRAIL	62.7°/7.2 in.
WHEELBASE	66.7 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	29.1 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	6.3 gal.
CURB WEIGHT	941 lb.
WARRANTY	36 months
AVAILABLE	August 2021
CONTACT	bmwmotorcycles.com