Review: BMW R 18 Transcontinental vs. Indian Roadmaster 2021 Shootout
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- A really big touring bike is a thing of its own. Anyone who swings on an "iron pile" weighing over 400 kilograms clearly has a different philosophy than someone who haggles over every gram on the machine. BMW with the R 18 Transcontinental and Indian with the Roadmaster want to prove that such big ships can still be ridden really well and pleasantly!
Conclusion BMW R 18 Transcontinental:
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BMW is logically expanding the range of the R 18 series. After the naked, lightly disguised and excavator version, the R 18 Transcontinental is the true travel steamer. And as is so often the case with such heavy lumps, the pure weight figure of 441 kilograms with a full tank is shocking. Once the Transconti is underway, everything suddenly becomes comparatively easy. Of course, quick changes of direction are taboo and the brake needs manual force, but the comfort on long distances is wonderful thanks to the cozy ergonomics and smooth chassis.
The largest series boxer engine also cuts a good figure: noticeable vibrations, but not too much. The fairing is also okay, even if some competitors even have an electrically adjustable windshield. The rest of the bling-bling is absolutely state-of-the-art, with a Marshall music system, 10.25-inch color TFT and much more. Positive: powerful engine; independent style; high-quality, easy-to-read gauges; very good wind protection; full electronics package; extremely comfortable seating position. Negative: very heavy; high price; integral brake needs getting used to.
Conclusion Indian Roadmaster:
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If you're not put off by the 412 kilos ready to ride, you'll be rewarded by the Indian Roadmaster's amazingly easy handling. The engine, which revs up confidently from the very bottom, and the transparent chassis make it easy for every rider to control the heavy vehicle. The braking system needs manual force, but can be dosed well and the seating position is, as expected, designed not to squeeze anywhere even on hundreds of kilometers.
Apart from the lack of reverse gear (but many don't need/want it anyway), the Roadmaster is fully equipped - there's nothing missing. You don't even have to do without an electric windshield! Positive: sovereign V2 engine with top sound; comfortable, stable chassis; neutral handling; good brakes; full comfort equipment; electrically adjustable windscreen. Negative: high weight; decent price
Great presentation and very fair, I have ridden both and own a Chieftain, it all comes down to personal preference, it would be a boring world if we all liked the same things!
Well done and fair presentation. I applaud both Indian and BMW for designing, engineering & building luxury touring motorcycles in the classic American style. As a owner and operator of a Honda Valkyrie Tour this shows the viability and resurgence of this market segment.
Love those Indian motorcycles!
They just keep getting better and better 👍
Love your comments!
You use them over and over!
BMW the KING
American engineering for the win!! 🇺🇸
Lol
I wish the Roadmaster cam with a reverse gear. Does anyone know of an aftermarket solution for this?
No doubt at all I stand with the Amazing German Beast BMW R18 Transcontinental!!!, Because I believe it's a better motorcycle in all The aspects than the Indian Roadmaster!!, Great explanation and video as well, Thanks for sharing!!!
The BMW are such a beautiful bikes. That horizontally opposed jugs are a no go for me. Too limiting in seating pisitions and i do not care for the heat shield set up to allow the rider to move their legs foward. I really wish they put a V-Twin and it would be a perfect motorcycle. I have an Indian-my second- and i will stay with them.
Not sure why, but you overlooked one really big flaw with the bmw. Engine on the R18 is a boxer, having pistons exactly where your feet should rest. Eventually, you'd get all sorts of cramps and pains in your knees on the longer rides, and there's nothing to make up for that.
They make crash bars with foot rests for the R18.
I originally thought that as well; but, I was wrong. I actually find the BMW much more comfortable than either indian or harley.
Want to see a comparison between a roadmaster and the yamaha starventure tc2021! Let's go!
I like this video😊👍💪
I would have no problem with either of these beasts!
Merci pour le test. J'hésite en effet entre les deux. Un peu plus ee maniabilité sur l'indien mais une chauffe moteur plus forte et désagréable.
Thanks bro... very useful..
Jolies les deux. Beautifull the both but I ve a Goldwing DCT ! It's hard : change my bike..
Indian it s very very good!!!
Geiler Intro💯👍
And thheee winner is the goldwing :P
Here's to hoping that Honda gets back into with a thoroughly updated for the 21st century GL1500CT Valkyrie Touring reboot!
Finaly I keep Goldwing DCT and I bougth Indian Roadmaster ;)
La unica moto que me gusta 1800 R mas altoxxxxxxxxx
Lo unico cc nohay B W W 1800 cc R.xxxxxx
Harley road glide limited. Indian persuit .
Love the BMW, currently a Harley rider but my next bike will be a BMW R18 TC
Indians do not have linked brakes
Whoever is in the BMW design team, they don't have sense of what looks good and symmetrical.
Bmw bikes are aimed towards a cult which will buy them just because they are bmw.
If you can’t appreciate the R18 and it’s sheer superb engineering and detail then you have no taste and even less knowledge
@@kellyco4139 superb engineering 😂😂😂😂 . Also just because something might be good engineering doesn't mean you have to appreciate the shitty design.
To each his own
@@kellyco4139how is having cramped legroom considered ‘sheer superb engineering’?
Seems like a biased comparison with a predisposition for the BMW.
It looks like it's a german channel, but anyway, both the bikes are good bikes!!
Jesus if that's the case we have about 1 million American channels with a Constant bias for harley. Let's be honest !!!
@@theonlyredspecial If you want honesty you won't find it in the german vehicle industry
@@ΑναστάσιοςΠαπαζαχαρίου I’m not looking for it in the German industry. I watch and read content from all over the world. And while I get what people are saying about this video I’ve seen a massive bias for Harley on American channels as they are loyal to their own brands. Same applies in Germany it’s no different. Except You have only a few channels in Germany and literally thousands in America.
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Ohh there is the next govaneur xD LG schwarzeNegger