BMW R18 Transcontinental Launched in India; Design, Specs & Features Explained

BMW Motorrad India has finally introduced the new R18 cruiser in the country. The motorcycle costs Rs 31.50 lakh ex-showroom. Interested customers can book the new R18 Transcontinental through the network of BMW Motorrad dealers. It has arrived in our market as a completely built-up unit (CBU). According to BMW Motorrad India, the freshly unveiled BMW R 18 Transcontinental brings back luxury touring from a bygone era. In terms of features, the motorcycle comes standard with Traction Control, Automatic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, Dynamic Engine Brake Control, Keyless Ride, and others. In the cruiser segment, the firm now offers a total of three R18 motorcycles in India: the R 18, the R 18 Classic, and the R 18 Transcontinental. Let's know in detail about the recently introduced model in the R18 Indian lineup. 

2023 BMW R18 Transcontinental: Design & Colours

The new R18 Transcontinental gives an increased cruiser feel, according to BMW Motorrad India. It has a large handlebar-mounted fairing with a windscreen, wind deflectors, body-colored panniers, and a top box. Additionally, it comes equipped with alloy wheels and a pillion seat. According to the firm, the motorcycle is produced for leisurely riding and opulent touring. Black Storm Metallic, Gravity Blue Metallic, Manhattan Metallic Matte, Option 719 Mineral White Metallic, and Option 719 Galaxy Dust Metallic/Titan Silver 2 Metallic are the five colours available for the BMW R 18 Transcontinental.

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2023 BMW R18 Transcontinental: Engine Details 

Powering the new R18 Transcontinental is the same 1,802cc, air- and oil-cooled boxer engine, available with the standard R18 version. The engine produces 91bhp of the highest power at 4,750rpm and 158Nm of maximum torque at 3,000rpm, with more than 150Nm available between 2,000rpm and 4,000rpm. It comes paired with a six-speed gearbox. The new bike has a shaft drive system, according to BMW, and has a top speed of 189km/h. 

2023 BMW R18 Transcontinental: Features 

Updated instrumentation with four circular analogue gauges and a 10.25-inch TFT screen is a significant feature update. A Marshall Gold Series Stage 2 audio system with six speakers and a subwoofer is also included with the R18 Transcontinental.
BMW has also offered a variety of features to the motorcycle, including dynamic engine braking, reverse gear, hill start assist,  steering stabilizer, cruise control, ABS, automatic stability control, and riding modes.

The new motorcycle also features LED lighting throughout, smartphone connectivity, heated seats, LED fog lamps, heated grips, an antitheft alarm, a central locking system, and adaptive headlights. It can be further customised by buyers using the range of BMW Motorrad Accessories.

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2023 BMW R18 Transcontinental: Hardware

BMW has mounted the boxer powertrain inside a double-cradle frame, supported by monoshocks and telescopic front forks. The new model has twin 300mm front discs and a single 300mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. It rides on 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels with 120/70 and 180/65 tyre sizes, respectively. A 24-litre fuel tank with four litres of extra space is provided for the R 18 Transcontinental. The bicycle weighs 427kg in total. 

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2023 BMW R18 Transcontinental: Price

As stated, the BMW R18 Transcontinental has finally been launched at Rs 31.50 lakh (ex-showroom) in the country. It is the most costly R18 in the firm's range for India.