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BMW R 18

In less than six months after its global launch, BMW Motorrad Malaysia has officially unveil the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B cruiser motorcycle for the Malaysian market.

The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B (Bagger) takes the R 18 range to new heights as a Grand American Tourer motorcycle.

Built based on the R 18 First Edition and Classic, the Transcontinental and Bagger are ideal for the long-distance ride thanks to the large batwing front fairing and taller windshield.

According to BMW Motorrad, while the Transcontinental offers the classic American motorcycle elements, the R 18 B, on the other hand, is designed as a “rider’s machine” delivering emotional riding pleasure and is ideal for cool touring and cruising.

Nonetheless, the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B continue to be powered by the Big Boxer 1,802 cc engine capable of producing 91hp @ 4,750rpm and 158Nm @ 3,000rpm.

Meanwhile, a double-loop tube steel frame sits at the heart of the chassis, designed to continue the legacy of the iconic R 5.

Other interesting features available on the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B includes:

  • 49mm telescopic fork with fork sleeves
  • cantilever suspension strut (damping and preload-adjustable)
  • light alloy cast wheels
  • BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS
  • twin disc at the front
  • single disc at the rear
  • 48L top case (Transcontinental)
  • 24L tank

While the R 18 First Edition and Classic missed out on the cruise control feature, the two new variants come equipped with Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) as standard.

However, customers can opt for the Active Cruise Control (ACC) as an ex-works option.

The ACC allows relaxed gliding with distance control – without the rider having to adjust the speed to the vehicle in front.

To increase comfort, the R 18 Transcontinental feature a ‘mid-mounted footpeg’ and a comfortable seat with seat heating functions as standard, while the R 18 B comes with a slimmer seat bench.

The cockpit features classically designed round instruments and a 10.25″ TFT colour display with map navigation for convenient route planning and extensive connectivity as standard.

Other electronic features include:

  • three riding modes: Rain/Roll/Rock
  • Automatic Stability Control
  • engine drag torque control (MSR)
  • Hill Start Control
  • Marshall 2-way speaker
  • Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 & 2 (optional)

The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is priced at  RM198, 500 and RM186,500 respectively.

BMW Motorrad has reached out to Shinya Kimura to bring his distinctive “Zero-style” to the new R 18.

Interestingly, Kimura took the stock R 18 for a ride to understand the character of the big-bore cruiser.

As a result, the custom R 18, dubbed as “The Wal”, gets a bigger fuel tank that was extended rearward and a new subframe that raises the seat height.

The bike also features a bucket-style seat by Japan’s Backdrop Leathers and a newly designed tail section.

Kimura also installed a metal bubble fairing with two asymmetrical headlights at the front, including a teeth-like design that mimics The Wal (German for whale) concept.

To further enhance the esthetics, Kimura also adds a bronze powder coat finish.

Fast facts about the custom R 18:

  • Handlebars: 8 inches narrower, 6 inches lower.
  • Fuel tank: Made longer to move the seating position rearward and gain additional fuel capacity of about 1 gallon for longer trips.
  • Seat pad designed by Kimura himself, handmade by BACKDROP Leathers in Japan in bucket style for more bottom support.
  • Seat is designed so that it creates a natural flow from the seat cushion and leads to the round rear light.
  • Semi-shell fairing for comfortable handling at high speed.
  • The side covers have been designed in such a way that they do not destroy the look of the original frame.
  • Special paint finish in the form of a bronze powder coating after the components have previously been hammered to give the surface texture.
  • After Kimura had completed all the bodywork, he decided to keep the classic symbolic shape of the standard exhaust system, but paint it black.

Months after a series of images of an upcoming R 18 leaked online, BMW Motorrad finally unveiled the finished product, meet the 2021 R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B.

The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B (Bagger) takes the R 18 range to new heights as a Grand American Tourer motorcycle.

Built based on the R 18 First Edition and Classic, the Transcontinental and Bagger are ideal for the long-distance ride thanks to the large batwing front fairing and taller windshield.

According to BMW Motorrad, while the Transcontinental offers the classic American motorcycle elements, the R 18 B, on the other hand, is designed as a “rider’s machine” delivering emotional riding pleasure and is ideal for cool touring and cruising.

 

Nonetheless, the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B continue to be powered by the Big Boxer 1,802 cc engine capable of producing 91hp @ 4,750rpm and 158Nm @ 3,000rpm.

Meanwhile, a double-loop tube steel frame sits at the heart of the chassis, designed to continue the legacy of the iconic R 5.

Other interesting features available on the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B includes:

  • 49mm telescopic fork with fork sleeves
  • cantilever suspension strut (damping and preload-adjustable)
  • light alloy cast wheels
  • BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS
  • twin disc at the front
  • single disc at the rear
  • 48L top case (Transcontinental)
  • 24L tank

While the R 18 First Edition and Classic missed out on the cruise control feature, the two new variants come equipped with Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) as standard.

However, customers can opt for the Active Cruise Control (ACC) as an ex-works option.

The ACC allows relaxed gliding with distance control – without the rider having to adjust the speed to the vehicle in front.

To increase comfort, the R 18 Transcontinental feature a ‘mid-mounted footpeg’ and a comfortable seat with seat heating functions as standard, while the R 18 B comes with a slimmer seat bench.

The cockpit features classically designed round instruments and a 10.25″ TFT colour display with map navigation for convenient route planning and extensive connectivity as standard.

Other electronic features include:

  • three riding modes: Rain/Roll/Rock
  • Automatic Stability Control
  • engine drag torque control (MSR)
  • Hill Start Control
  • Marshall 2-way speaker
  • Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 & 2 (optional)

The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is expected to make their way to a worldwide dealership soon.

BMW Motorrad is planning to expand the R 18 range after launching the R 18 First Edition and The R 18 Classic.

The latest patents filed by the German marquee revealed that the R 18 is getting a touring makeover. Thus, becoming the third variant for the motorcycle.

Like the R 18 First Edition and the R 18 Classic, the new model is expected to retain the “Big Boxer” 1,802cc engine; however, it will receive other major updates and redesigned.

The motorcycle seems to have a thicker dual seat based on the image file, a bigger teardrop-shaped fuel tank to increase fuel-range and the obvious bat-wing fairing.

Looking at the dash, the new R 18 might come with a large TFT screen located below the two (suspected) analogue meter while at right and left panel is expected to include a speaker.

There is also a more noticeable front fender (mudguards) than the one found on the standard R 18.

BMW Motorrad received huge applause when they launch the retro-styled muscle cruiser R 18 last year.

The R 18 is powered by the biggest boxer engine ever built and offers a wide range of features and accessories.

BMW Motorrad did not stop there, instead, they introduced two more variants; the first debuted in October last year with tall windscreen and saddlebags, while the second variant was spied with a batwing fairing and expected to launch in a few months.

However, French publication Le Repaire des Motards had a chat with BMW Motorrad’s head, Dr Markus Schramm, regarding its future plans.

While Schramm evaded some of the more in-depth questions, he did disclose that it is logical to follow up the R 18 with a smaller size cruiser.

We have yet to get our hands on the new R 18 due to the current pandemic. Nevertheless, we are excited at how BMW Motorrad is pushing for a classic-styled cruiser.

The BMW R 18 Frist Edition is currently available in Malaysia for RM149,500.

We’ve witnessed a number of beautifully crafted custom BMW R 18 in the recent past from the likes of Roland Sands and Blechmann. Now, there’s another one hailing from Germany and this is by far one of the most unique motorcycles the present has ever seen. (more…)

Malaysia just witnessed the official launch of the 2020 BMW R 18 First Edition but now, BMW Motorrad has unveiled the second version of this 1,800cc masterpiece, the 2021 BMW R 18 Classic Edition. It carries all the elements from the First Edition model with some additions to further elevate its touring capabilities. (more…)

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has officially introduced the 2020 BMW R 18 First Edition model for the Malaysian market. Online bookings were actually opened back in June where the first 18 units were booked within the span of hours, but the next batch of 15 more units will be brought in for those who are still interested to get one of your very own. (more…)

As most of you may already know, the 2020 BMW R 18 is a gorgeous looking machine in its original form. However, at the hands of some great customizers, you can get some jaw-dropping custom bikes. The latest one from Bernhard Naumann aka “Blechmann” is arguably one of the best examples of what the R 18 is capable of. (more…)

Only Roland Sands would have the skills, creativity, and cojones to turn the very elegant BMW R 18 into a dragstrip-eating machine. That’s right, you’re looking at the world’s first (and probably the only) BMW R 18 Dragster, brought to you exclusively by none other than Roland Sands. (more…)

BMW Motorrad memulakan langkah pertama dalam meneroka segmen cruiser menerusi BMW R 18.

Diinspirasikan, daripada BMW R 5, model baharu ini menawarkan ciri minimalis – tanpa sebarang teknologi canggih dengan enjin boxer menjadi tumpuan utama.

Menariknya, rekaan R 18 tampak kontemporari sekaligus menjadikan gaya keseluruhan sebuah cruiser sejati.

Enjin boxer 2-silinder – diberi jolokan Big Boxer – ini merupakan enjin boxer BMW paling berkuasa dengan sesaran 1800cc.

Enjin ini menghasilkan 91hp pada 4,750rpm dan 150Nm pada 2,000 hingga 4,000rpm!

Bagi menyerlahkan lagi rekaan klasik kontemporari R 18, sistem penyerap hentakan didatangkan dalam bentuk fork teleskopik dan central suspension strut boleh laras (preload) berbanding penyerap hentakan elektronik yang ditawarkan model BMW Motorrad lain.

Rekaan klasik dan unik turut dipertingkat dengan penggunaan drive-shaft terdedah.

Ergonomik tempat duduk juga diberi penekanan dengan BMW R 18 menawarkan tempat duduk yang santai termasuk bahagian footrest sekaligus menjamin tunggangan dan kawalan selesa bagi penunggang.

Antara ciri ditawarkan R 18:

  • tiga mod tunggangan (Rain/Roll/Rock)
  • Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
  • Engine Drag Control
  • Reverse Assist
  • Hill Start Control
  • Lampu LED dengan rekaan klasik
  • Keyless Ride

Pada masa sama, BMW menghasilkan R 18 dengan kebolehan untuk dikustom mengikut cita rasa pemilik.

Persoalannya, mampukah BMW R 18 mencabar segmen cruiser yang ketika ini didominasi oleh Harley-Davidson?

Jangan lupa ikuti kami di YouTube dan Instagram!

VIDEO HARI INI

It’s official, BMW Motorrad has entered the cruiser market with their latest offering, the all-new BMW R 18. Embedded deep with the brand’s heritage and traditions, the BMW R 18 embodies the true spirit of the brand, both old and new. A classic timeless design paired with their new and powerful boxer engine? What’s not to love? (more…)

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