New R18 Transcontinental

[REBGEN]

https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/mo...anscontinental

Surprised no mention of this in this forum. I don't have any connection to the current cruiser other than owning the first version from 1998. Doesn't fit where I'm at now but hope it is wildly successful.

[lkraus]

If the Transcontinental generates profits that lets BMW continue improving the R1200/R1250 line, I'm all for it. It might appeal to H-D riders, which I'm sure was their intent.

If I'm their target market (old, fat, balding) for the Transcontinental, they just shot themselves in the foot. I don't see a single attractive feature.

[Lee]

Selecting the purple paint or First Addition package with the Premium package put the price around $32,000.

R18 Transcontinental.png

R18 Transcontinental first edition.jpg

[bobs98]

I like the way it looks, nice features and very attractive.

Not for me, but I hope it does well for the target market and brings new riders to BMW.

[enzo500]

I wonder if the 1600 Bagger and Grand America's days are numbered with the Transcontinental crowding that segment space.

[Visian]

https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/mo...anscontinental

Surprised no mention of this in this forum.

My friend, you are no longer where it's at. The info is here on BMW Owners News dot com, "the information network for BMW Motorcycle enthusiasts."

There was a time when volunteers on this Forum were the first to post the news (and get the magazine editor royally pissed ), but things change, stuff happens.

[Lee]

For me that video was worthless for showing a new bike.
You only get a few glimpse and most of the shots were way too dark.

[k1200lt00]

Not for ever body, but I think they did a good job on it.

[Visian]

For me that video was worthless for showing a new bike.
You only get a few glimpse and most of the shots were way too dark.

I think that video's objective was to surround the bike with a sense of coolness. No doubt there are more informational videos available or coming soon.

[Lee]

I think that video's objective was to surround the bike with a sense of coolness. No doubt there are more information videos available or coming.

I think it's important on the first videos to have clear pictures and latter move on to the coolness factor.

[GTRider]

For me that video was worthless for showing a new bike.
You only get a few glimpse and most of the shots were way too dark.

Well, the website does a good job of laying out the details on the bike, and the video’s purpose is not so much to sell the bike as the lifestyle/emotional/attitudinal package. I’m just glad the riders were wearing gear, and not sure what could have been added or different, as BMW is kinda walking a line between disparate groups with this bike. The gear tilts toward the traditional BMW rider, the bike toward the intended conquest market. Maybe bringing back the leather duster from the R1200C era? More cowbell? Six-shooters?

I hope BMW sells a ton of them, that would be good for the dealers, the marque, and those who want to see continued development on other models in the lineup.

Best,
DeVern

[enzo500]

For me that video was worthless for showing a new bike.
You only get a few glimpse and most of the shots were way too dark.

The BMW Motorrad Press Release has some better info and videos.

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/a...anscontinental

[akbeemer]

I cannot be certain, but it looks like it has foot pegs rather than floor-boards. A true bagger must have floor-boards, or so I am told. If needed I imagine Touratech will fill the void.

[RIDERR1150GSADV]

I cannot be certain, but it looks like it has foot pegs rather than floor-boards. A true bagger must have floor-boards, or so I am told. If needed I imagine Touratech will fill the void.

They are on backorder already at TT....

On that note, I think these bikes look cool and hope BMW has a hit with them.
Not for me personally as I am a GS guy, but nevertheless a neat concept as that R18 engine was begging for more use than just the initial model.

[Lee]

I cannot be certain, but it looks like it has foot pegs rather than floor-boards. A true bagger must have floor-boards, or so I am told. If needed I imagine Touratech will fill the void.

When I look at the Bagger pictures I see foot pegs and floorboards.
When you configure a Bagger it shows floorboards on the base model.