2022 BMW R 18 B & R 18 Transcontinental unveiled - 1,802cc, 91hp

By sep, 30 July 2021

The 2022 BMW R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental is definitely knocking of H-D's territory

BMW Motorrad is focusing its latest products for the North American market with the launch of not one, but two grand tourer models, the 2022 BMW R 18 B (which stands for Bagger) and the BMW R 18 Transcontinental (meaning ride far, high, and free according to our lovely minds).

The latest 'Big Boxer' variants have taken the base BMW R 18 model and souped them up with a bunch of features for better long-distance travelling capabilities, which also include one hell of a fine-looking facade. According to BMW Motorrad, the R 18 Transcontinental is more of a distance-eater, while the 'Bagger' is more of a 'rider's machine' also suited for touring and cruising.

Starting with the 2022 BMW R 18 Transcontinental, some of its special features include:

  • Front fairing with high windshield, deflector, and flaps
  • Additional headlamp
  • Engine protection bars
  • Cases for your travelling needs
  • Marshall sound system (upgradable to Marshall Gold Stage 1 & Stage 2)
  • 10-25-inch TFT colour display with four analoque round instruments
  • Heated seats + more

For those who prefer the 'Bagger' variant, the 2022 BMW R 18 B also comes with all the things above apart from a low windshield, slimmer seat, no top case, and a matte black metallic engine compared to the Transcontinental with its Silver metallic finish. Both models are also equipped with the Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) fitted as standard (Active Cruise Control available as an option).

2022 bmw r 18 b
2022 bmw r 18 b

As for firepower, BMW Motorrad's most powerful 1,802cc flat-twin engine can be found in both variants, which is able to produce 91hp at 4,750rpm and 150Nm of torque as low as 2,000rpm. Paired with the bikes' mid-mounted footpeg position, the new R 18 duo offers a more 'relaxed and active riding position for the best possible motorcycle control'.

Just like when the first R 18 was launched, the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B will first be offered as the 'First Edition' models, which comes with the standard classic black paintwork with white stripes. But these purple ones? Yeah, that's the optional Option 719 Galaxy Dust, available as part of the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories. Looks like purple is in for 2022, eh?