High-Speed Cruising Made Revolutionarily Easy! BMW R18 Transcontinental [Webike Owner's Bike Pickup]

This feature highlights a motorcycle that caught our attention from the MY BIKES posted on Webike Community. This time, we're featuring the BMW R18 Transcontinental, owned by "abazuRed".

R18 Transcontinental (1800cc) Owner: abazuRed

BMW's R18 series are cruiser models equipped with the company's traditional horizontally opposed engine, the "Big Boxer." Its classic appearance, reminiscent of models from the 1930s, combined with modern technology, has attracted the attention of many riders. The Transcontinental, featured here, is a grand tourer specification with a large fairing, side cases, and a top case as standard equipment, designed to maximize comfort on long-distance rides.

abazuRed decided to purchase this motorcycle with the belief that "one should ride a cruiser at least once in their life," after comparing it with the Triumph Rocket 3 GT. They seem to be greatly attracted to the equipment that makes highway travel comfortable and the stability unique to the horizontally opposed engine.

MY BIKE COMMENTS

Reason for Purchase / Usage / Comparison Models

Decided to consider purchasing a cruiser, thinking one should ride one at least once in their life. Narrowed down to two models based on depreciation rate relative to features and purchased after comparing with the Rocket 3 GT.

Pros

The Active Cruise Control is revolutionary for making highway cruising incredibly easy. The stability during cornering is superb thanks to the horizontally opposed engine. It surprisingly turns sharply. The rear suspension is much better than the standard R18.

Cons

I bought it based on the information that two helmets would fit in the rear box, but because my head is too large, there isn't enough height, and neither helmet fits. It's a characteristic of air-cooled engines, but in summer traffic jams where you can't move, it quickly displays an overheating warning. Although it's a big twin engine, it's smooth, so the character is a bit subdued.

Advice for Potential Buyers

If you've never ridden a big cruiser, you might be intimidated by the weight when you first try to lift it off the stand at the dealership. However, once you get used to it, you can lift it with your body, so it becomes less of a concern.

Future Customization Plans

None in particular.

Check Out Other R18 Transcontinental User Reviews

If you're interested in hearing other owners' voices and reviews about the R18 Transcontinental, please check out the posts published on Webike Community.

It seems abazuRed is very happy with this motorcycle!