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.