The 2022 BMW R 18 B (shown above) and R 18 Transcontinental are new hard bagger touring models powered by the 1,802cc “Big Boxer.” (Photo by Kevin Wing)

Last year, amid a global pandemic, BMW Motorrad introduced a motorcycle that is a very big deal for the company. With the introduction of the R 18, BMW entered the traditional cruiser segment, a distinctly American category that has long been dominated by Harley-Davidson.

Just as Harley-Davidson is known for V-Twins, BMW is known for horizontally opposed Twins called ?boxers.? To compete in the world of heavyweight cruisers, there?s no replacement for displacement. BMW created what it calls the ?Big Boxer? that displaces 1,802cc, or 110 cubic inches ? much larger than the 1,254cc boxer in most of BMW?s R-series models like the R 1250 RT.
Left to right: R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B, and R 18 Transcontinental (Photo courtesy of BMW Motorrad)

Soon after the standard R 18 came the R 18 Classic, which is equipped with a windshield and semi-soft saddlebags. For 2022, BMW has further expanded the lineup with two touring models, the R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental. Both are equipped with a fork-mounted fairing, a full infotainment system, hard saddlebags, and other amenities. The Transcontinental also has a top trunk with an integrated passenger backrest.

A fleet of BMW R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental test bikes in Denver, Colorado, ready for a first ride. (Photo by the author)

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