just melt away . In these conditions they really are a joy to ride .
+ Looks ; finish ; technology – Size and weight
SMOOTH OPERATOR So , what is Transcontinental like to ride ? On the motorway and open roads , it is a very smooth operator that requires little rider input to waft away the miles . It is planted and solid and relaxing , just as it should . The engine basically idles along at motorway speed with plenty of responsive torque on tap . High revs are not the BMW ’ s friend and short-shifting is the best way forwards . For all low-speed manoeuvring it is definitely in the “ respect the machine category .” Just the 427kg curb weight alone should indicate that , but also the luggage plays havoc with the centre of gravity ... And , it is such a thing of beauty , who would ever want to risk dropping it ? Stopping the R18 are three 300mm discs , all with BMW-branded four-piston calipers with dual channel ABS and linked braking . They do a decent job . To stop briskly they require a solid squeeze and the linked system helps . I found the ergonomics okay , but not great , mainly because I ’ m too tall for it . My knees are quite bent and the gear and brake pedals seem oddly positioned for ease of use . A taller seat , which is an option , would solve these issues . Happily , normal height and shorter riders will be very much at home . The suspension does a great job of keeping the R18 safely on the road and the rider nice and comfy . The action is compliant , progressive and controlled particularly for such a big machine . There ’ s 120mm of wheel travel at each end .
MILLION BUCKS Overall , the BMW R18 Transcontinental is a fabulous machine . The looks and build quality are epic . For the rider who understands and accepts its dynamic challenges and rides it where and how it was designed to be ridden , the Transcontinental is perhaps without rival . Certainly , you will look a million bucks on it .
KIWI RIDER 59