- BMW R18 to get two new variants soon
- Is likely to be globally unveiled by end of this year
- Could be launched in India sometime in 2022
BMW Motorrad is working on two variants based on its flagship cruiser- the R18. And one of them, called the Transcontinental, has now been spotted testing.
While the R18 Transcontinental will be powered by the 1802cc, boxer-twin engine as the standard R18, the motorcycle gets massive changes to its bodywork keeping long-distance touring in mind. It features a pair of hardcase saddlebags and a top-box that integrates into the large backrest for the pillion seat. Leaked documents had earlier revealed that the frame, although visibly similar to the one on the R18, is around 120mm longer.
However, it is the R18 Transcontinental’s large batwing fairing that is the most intriguing. It comes with a infotainment system and TFT screen fitted below the layout of possibly analogue dials. Besides this, the spy image shows the fuel-tank that looks slightly bigger than the R18. Now, all of the extra bodywork and equipment would definitely make the R18 Transcontinental a heavy motorcycle and the patent documents reveal that it would tip the scale at a whopping 430kg, making it 85kg heavier than the standard R18. The motorcycle, just like the R18 Bagger rides on alloy wheels for tubeless compatibility.
There is no word from BMW about the unveil of these models although we can expect the manufacturer to launch the R18 Transcontinental and Bagger by the end of this year. The models could be launched in India sometime in 2022.
Image Source: MCN
