R18 Transcontinental, BMW taking on the yanks.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- It's big, it's torquey and in terms of comfort it's like a lounge chair strapped to an engine. That's the massive BMW R18 Transcontinental. And then there is the sound system by Marshall. This is not a bike to ride if you want to blend in.
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Absolutely love the reverse gear, I wish I had that on my bike
The reverse is brilliant
Great review. I own a TC as a daily ride (no car). Main positives: iconic styling, handling, great gearbox. Main negatives: cramped luggage (especially when 2-up), infotainment feels 5-years out of date. I have added a Corbin seat and external luggage rack for the top-box.
I would probably change it for a Goldwing or HD Ultra. They just seem more practical.
Yes, agree, the styling of the TC is iconic. Does the Corbin seat make a big difference? I thought the standard was pretty comfortable already.
As a owner of a R18 Transcontinental she has blown me away especially coming from the sports touring side of touring. I’ve found the style/ type of bike / ride that suites myself. Also I think I’ve found a keeper and the quality of build is spectacular not often these days a bike manufacturers put this sort of effort into a product. BMW have put a lot of passion and heritage into this bike. Every where I take her she gets attention also of non cruiser rides and non riders. Definitely one of those special bikes in biking history.
I can certainly see myself on a Transcontinental long term when I ready to do some touring. Thanks for watching
I ditched my RT1200 and F800GT for mine. Gorgeous. Not a Harley. Loves the twisties.
@@Jeff034 lol, definitely not a Harley, so much more refined and much better handling
Loved, loved, loved the facial expression when showing us the tickets and revealing the show you were attending.
Lol, it was a real expression of dismay and dissatisfaction and the show totally live up to my very, very low expectations. At least the bike was great. Thanks for watching
Great review. And nowhere did you say “but it won’t sell because it’s not a Harley”. Thanks for that.
I should of said, it should sell because its not a Harley, lol. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.
Beautiful bike. Take on the CVO’s.
Absolutely
Looks like a fantastic bike Ross. I thought our R18 was a big bike, the TC is next level. The perfect balance makes them a joy to ride. BTW, I would ride to Newcastle to watch a George Michael show.
Thanks Mick, I know who to call next time AMber invites me to a George Michael Tribute show, the tickets all yours.
Great review. I’ve got an 18 GSA and absolutely love it; both because of the power and the comfort. The riding position of the R18 T/C and GSA keep me off my tailbone, which makes riding more pleasurable, and with the premium package, still way cheaper than H-D and Indian.
Thanks for sharing! Agree, ride position on both of those is great. Thanks for watching.
I sold my R1250GSA (my 2nd R--GSA) which I think is overrated, and top heavy (prefer my Super Tenere or KTM 1290SA), replaced it with R18TC. Couldn't be happier. Looked at R1250RT, K1600, Gold Wing, Harleys, just not for me. Decided on RT or R18TC. Was bit nervous - mainly the weight and size - but bought the R18TC. What an amazing bike. Weight not an issue with hill hold and reverse. Low CofG so you don't feel it. Riding position perfect for me. Screen perfect too.I always swop out screens, adjust them. This one - not needed. Handles like all BMWs - great. Overall brilliant, lots of BMW R character. Would buy it again tomorrow
It’s incredible how well it handles for such a big bike. Thanks for watching
I think the wheel castor has something to do with fly fishing or baking? Not sure.
Yes that might be it😂😂😂
Great vid mate, I like how you compared the Transcontinental directly to your 1st Edition R18. It’s a serious piece of kit and would be great on long distances.
Cheers 😎
It’s surprising how much better the handling is.
bloody great review on this Ross
Thanks Bolt, glad you liked it. Awesome bike.
What a great and well made video. I had one of the first R18 bikes out and loved it. I now have an R18 bagger on order which is due to arrive mid to the end of December. Very excited to get used to that lovely upgraded suspension. Kind regards.
Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the video. You are going to enjoy that Bagger, suspension upgrade and seat are excellent as is the new geometry of the steering head.
Yes Audioslave for me too mate!
One of the best gigs I’ve been to, Audioslave @ the Horden Pavilion. Off to see The Darkness this weekend, much better than George Michael covers being played by an orchestra 😂😂😂
That would have been amazing. Much better I agree.
I am in love with my TC. It eats up miles on the super slab and yet is relatively nimble on twisties. All kinds of comfort and the Marshall speakers are crystal clear…Sirius/XM never sounded so good. This is a cross-country machine with character. My only knock is the weight in the parking lot. Once rolling, it just wants to go.
Yes, it’s very surprising how nimble the bike is in the twisties. Agree it’s heavy in a carpark but I suppose if you are buying this bike you’d be very aware of this before parting with the cash. Thanks for watching.
Great video! After 37 years of owning ABH (Anything But a Harley) I took my pillion out to test drive dressed-up Harleys. Two weeks later I bought the R18 TC first edition. I was NOT "sure" after the first ride. Once I learned about the tech and ride modes, I was sold. It was easy to justify on quality and looks. I agree with you about the chrome. It polishes the bike off nicely. I am 6'3" and the legroom is ample. I have the highway footrests, which work fine. Overall, it's fun to ride, and the quality is unmatched. It's heavy but underway it's not an issue, and surprisingly nimble feeling. The reverse is perfect. Funny, I was thinking of buying an R18 without the bags as a second bike. Two things could make this bike a real Harley killer - larger detachable bags and top case, and an adjustable windshield. Ok, that's four things...
ABH, love it. I took my First Edition out yesterday for a short blast, still love it. Thanks for watching, let’s us know if you do get another R18😄😄😄
Not sure how I missed this video Ross. Great looking bike mate. Geez you looked excited about the gig mate 😂🤣 keep up the great work 👍🏼
Yep great bike, gig was appalling. But did see The Darkness last week, that was awesome. Thanks for watching
A very comprehensive review. I'm 60 and if I had to choose between this bike or the GS, I'd choose the Transcontinental. I would prefer the GS but getting off and on the GS is taxing after riding all day. It really is a tall bike. Great job as aways and I appreciate you pointing out the shortcomings as well.
Cheers, major issue is don’t let your pillion set the play list
Just found this, so here a few comments. I own the R18 Bagger. Have had it for nearly two years and absolutely love it. I came from a 2008 Triumph Rocket Touring. That bike had zero assist systems like ABS or traction control. I rode it for seven years and it still managed to scare me. The BMW doesn't scare me at all. It's a dream to ride and handles very easily. I have all the extras including that Marshall sound system, I personally never use it however. It's loud enough in town at low speeds, but I feel like a complete dick knowing the whole neighbourhood can hear it too. Anything over 80 kph and especially on the highways, you can forget it. Have crash bars fitted front and rear. A luggage rack and sissy bar too. I'm still looking for a workable solution for auxillary lights for the front crash bars.
Thanks for your input. The R18 platform is wonderful. I have also ridden the bagger, loved it. They handle so well for such a big bike.
Looks like a nice bit of kit!
Certainly is
When I saw you listening to George Michael I was all set to go full keyboard warrior on you! Explanation accepted.
😂😂😂
Great review, bike looks amazing , but do we need all that stuff on the tft or those speakers , that’s why I bought the Classic. Oh I think it will be around for a good while and out sell the R1200c , but I don’t care I have both my C & Classic. 👍happy new year , GL
Happy New Year to you also. I suppose we don’t really need any of the tech in these bikes, but it was fun having speakers, having said that I still prefer my First Edition. Thanks for watching, glad you liked the review
I love my R18 trans... such a smooth ride with enough power to eat up the miles. yes she is heavy and have i nearly dropped it due to my short legs yes but put some crash protection opn them cases and your good to go. looking forward to summer so i can do the NC500 round scotland on her.
Epic bike. That ride around Scotland sounds wonderful. Thanks for watching
They both are nice and some of the features are really cool 😎
Nice review Ross.
Not for me but pretty neat 🤘
Cheers Greg
Brilliant bike. The additional peg height over the classic give huge confidence. Nred to watch speed - no wind means 100km feels like 60 on other bikes.
I’d agree with that. At times 100kms per hour feels like walking pace on this bike
excellent review i am considering chopping my GSA for one, test ride tonight in Dundee Scotland
Let’s us know your thoughts after you ride one. It would be interesting to get a GS owner’s perspective on the R18 Transcontinental
@@BikerTorque oh man I dont know, it took a lot of getting used to, like looking through the fixed screen and wondering when a peg would scrape. it was deceptively fast, as it sounds like its ticking over at 90 mph but for some unknown reason my arse was hurting after 30 mins, plus how would I keep it clean? not sure yet
@@billsinclair6515 lol, yea it does take a while to get used to. I’m so scrape the pegs on my first edition occasionally, it is a bit of a shock when it happens.
I am a Harley Road Glide owner and my favorite riding is long distance touring. This TC looks amazing. Sounds like they put a lot of thought into it. One thing that might concern me is continuously having my feet behind the jugs. With the Harley engine design you just have loads of choices for foot position. I wonder, is there a way to put highway pegs on the TC? That would be awesome.
There are Hwy pegs options around, but honestly, the ride position is really comfortable with where the running boards are
What a big beautiful ride. Next time I see you I’ll explain caster.
Thanks Stef, it made my First Edition feel like a PeeWee50
@@BikerTorque you should ride my Sporty. It’ll make any other bike feel like a Lexus.
@@whatsstefon love to take the Sporty for a ride one day
@@BikerTorque maybe on a smooth road. Trust me, the suspension is like sitting on a bag of onions while riding a bag of walnut shells.
Great videos thanks .. may be a bit biased .. I ride a HD CVO Limited .. the comfort the luggage space , the torque , the long distance comfort .. have munched some miles on that .. extremely comfortable with forward control n highway pegs n back rest .. really not sure I could go do such miles on trans continental ..
it would be really good if u could test it out say from Sydney to Brisbane .
Having said that u bmw guys can ride any bmw anywhere .. one things is for sure it’s a technological marvel .. but not visceral as HD .. dare to say not as comfortable as HD with those 2 jugs in front on long distances as u can’t stand on the boards here as GS ..
Thanks for watching. Great to hear from a HD rider. I can honestly say the cylinders are absolutely no issue,. For me, I much prefer mid controls, not really a fan of forward controls., but end of the day, ride the bike you love. Wish I had time to ride from Sydney to Brisbane, last time I did that ride was 1999 on a Kwaka.
Thanks again .. u just hit the nail on the coffin .. ride the bike u enjoy .. as long as u ride .. thanks again for an amazing and methodical review of the transcontinental..
Very much appreciate the effort
Regards
I've owned several HD touring bikes and also own a HD Pan America. Having said that, I prefer my TC for long distance touring. Heavy bike, but the lower center of gravity and low seat height make it a better bike in the twisties than the HD. Much better stereo. Better fit and finish. TFT is awesome, albeit cumbersome in some respects. Heating controls should be at your fingertips, not four menus in. No built in GPS, have to use your phone. The low rpm vibration is part of the bike's character and disappears at 2500 rpm. Reverse gear comes in handy. Active cruise control is a gamechanger. Bags are smaller than the Harley's which I don't like. I added the Vance and Hines slip-ons and removed the baffles. It really rumbles now. Wish their were more BMW dealers in the USA.
Agree it’s a excellent long distance touring machine. Thanks for watching
deff love the newer version with the fairing better!
It’s surprising how much different they are in terms of handling, the fairing certainly keeps you protected
Personally after test riding one the only thing I thought could be an issue is the bags they need to be bigger if you're going to do longed trips two up
My first thought was they could be bigger but I was honestly surprised how much I could fit in them, but agree two-up there is just enough space
this bike is stunning
Indeed it is
Sometimes the little AI bots at TH-cam throw you a cherry. This channel is a gem, from the rider’s own series to reviews such as the R18. I can’t ever see myself on one but really appreciate the insight you give into pedalling one around. Beast of a thing.
Thanks for the great content.
Ps, what exhaust note would be the equivalent of Chris Cornell at full throttle?
Nothing compares to Chris Cornell at full throttle but I reckon my Laverda is close. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoy the content. We heading off for the next few days shooting some new rider stories which will kick off our new series next year, so plenty more coming up.
“Nothing compares…”
Reminds me of his Sinead cover.
Loved the Laverda video as well and yes, probably as close as it gets.
Look forward to next year’s stories. Cheers
@@TigersAndDucks pun intended. That song was actually written by another musical genius that went too soon.
@@TigersAndDucks will be doing a classic bike review on my Laverda also, just working out a name for our classic review series.
I hope they will do a R18 with the R18B geometry and hard bags but a nice clean look with no wind protection like the HD Road Kind or even better a R18M with R18B geometry but no bags and screen and same suspension travel for more ground clearance :)
That would be cool
How was the comfort for your passenger? Did she get too much wind in her head? thanks for your reply
No complaints. Said it was the most comfy bike she’d been on as a pilllion
Great review, we’ll done 👍
Cheers Len, glad you liked it. I think I was chatting to a mate if yours at the Millthorpe Motorcycle show on the weekend.
@@BikerTorque
Ah, that would be my old mate, Phil. We’ve been riding for almost 50 years. He’s always good for a chat… I must give him a call. Cheers
@@motostralia5563 yes I think it was Phil
Great review Ross, that is a seriously magnificent piece of machinery. Hmmm George Michael, like cheeses to a child.?
That’s what I thought the lyric was.😂😂😂
Do those Marshall speakers go to 11?
Not when there are George Michael tunes coming out of them.
@@BikerTorque 😂
@@BDHO73 it didn’t get past 3, mostly out of embarrassment
Now, if it was “Smell the glove” well different story.
only if the bands drummer spontaneously combusts
I can't find the info anywhere......Is the tour pack (top box) removable?
I’m actually not sure, but don’t think it is as the speakers are wired into it
Mine is not removeable. Also the brake lights on the trunk will throw codes if the wiring is disconnected. You could probably do some mods to make it work.
Good day sir, please can I know price of R 18 Transcontinental Heritage?
Best bet for current pricing is to look up BMWs website
Yes it is and I feel the same way R18 FE and R18TC😊
Thanks for watching
Nice review. If they increase the luggage capacity and put an electrically adjustable screen, I’d ride one.
The non adjustable screen was an odd choice. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the review
Could someone comment on why Gear Shift Assist was not included on this motorcycle? I always use clutch-less shifting ….up and down on my R1250RT. Phil
R18 TC is a great motorcycle
No arguments from me, agree it’s awesome.
What? Marshall sound system. Ok. Now I must try this bike. Damn. Can you plug a guitar into it?
The sound is epic
Big Stef could probably rig something up🤟🤟🤟
@@BikerTorque Inverter, amp, preamp drive. Yes. Let’s do it.
@@hachewie 😂😂😂 maybe a test ride first. Actually because of the taller seat, and change in geometry, I reckon at you height you’d be absolutely fine on a Transcontinental to Bagger
I think BMW are having problems selling R18s; I keep getting marketing emails from them with special offers on them! Personally I couldn't live with something that big and heavy, despite being a BMW Airhead fan for decades.
I think they are actually starting to sell quite a few based on the sales figures. Yes they are a big bike and you’d want to be doing some serious touring if you had one. Not a bike to duck down to the shops on.
Starting price with a huge catalogue full of customisation options, isn’t that what anti Harley people bitch about?
Having said that, I do acknowledge that there’s quite a difference between the price of this when compared to a CVO.
At the end of the day I can’t see the greater community shifting their allegiance when deciding on this type of bike?
Stranger things have happened
Peak HP at 4750rpm. Can anyone tolerate the vibrations at that engine speed? Seems 3k rpm is where the vibrations come on. I hated the R18 I rode.
Love my R18 First Edition and have absolutely no problem with the Transcontinental. To be honest felt way more vibrations on the last Harley I rode.
HD is a scam lol
@@Maximius38 no arguments from me
@@BikerTorque
I understand 🙂
But as my own opinion for everyone who's considering HD over the BMW. A real definition of a bagger is creating a piece of handmade art. And what not a single reviewer said (or know), that BMW respected this task, there is less than 5% of the plastic in this bike, so really is being made by a passionate designer.
HD/Indian products cost astronomical prices for nothing special, are less reliable, have more vibrations, are less maneuverable, have a shi.. devaluation, and have poor build quality.
There are many alternatives to the HD/Indians, and I'm sure that if they weren't American, they would have died a decade ago! the R18 transcontinental or the Goldwing, the Yamaha start-up venture, among others, are by far better alternatives than any HD.
I see HD as Apple, a monitor for 5999$, and its stand (A MONITOR STAND, A PIECE OF ALUMINIUM!!!) for 999$... WTF!!! Despite this, people keep buying this junk and supporting those companies while supporting genuine creatives who aren't asking for a kidney for their products.
What a salesman.
What a bike
I think it should do well against the other big road tourers. It is on my list (i am looking for a big tourer capable of two up riding in the next 12 months) as it is cheaper then its competitors and looks to have better equipment.
What's wrong with George Michael? 😉😉😂😂
Matt, I don’t think we can be friends based on your George Michael comment.😂😂😂. It certainly is a very capable tourer
Hard to park?...Guess you "Gotta have Faith" (George Michael pun intended)😉
Ok, you are now banned from commenting.😂😂😂
Hahahaha. George Michael. Hahahahahahahahaha
Not nice Chewie, I was in serious pain.
@@BikerTorque hahahahahaha. Did she wake you up before you go go’d?
@@hachewie 😂 thankfully not.
@@BikerTorque just gotta have faith mate.
@@hachewie please stop
The Vibration from this engine is ridiculous. No offense to owners but I love everything about this bike except the engine. The Harley 114 is a zillion times smoother and certainly more powerful. If the engine ran smoother I would have been a buyer. I can get used to the mid controls and heat on my feet (I live in hot Florida) but the engine was a deal killer.....
That’s interesting. I haven’t ridden the Harley 114 so can’t comment on that, but I do believe the boxer engine is either one you love or hate. For me it’s a winner but can understand that it is everyone’s cup of tea.
Strange. You must have kept in rock mode. In roll and rain, the shaking disappears
Ive seen these on the road
Its a ghastly looking lump
Ouch, harsh. Although I agree probably not everyone’s cup of tea.
40,000 for a bike before options
Yes, but very much on par with offerings from the competition, Honda Goldwing, Harley and Indian
Hardly Davidson.
🤟
A Hardly Davidson.
I think that’s a good thing
Too expensive, if I have the money I will rather get the Honda Goldwing.
I can’t agree that it’s too expensive, it’s a hell of a bike. The Goldwing is certainly a worthy competitor though. Thanks for watching.
Gold wing miles more expensive.
Gold wing is much more expensive. Almost 25% more than what these are selling at