Anyone gone from a K1200LT to an R18 Transcontinental?

[Bulletproof]

Hey folks, my first post.

I'm looking for anyone with experience on these two machines.

For reference I'm 6'4" 260lbs and accomstomed to larger motorcycles.

Over the years I've had BMW K1200LT's, K1600 GT's, GTL's and R1200/1250 GSA's.

I own an small auto business that gives me the opportunity to buy and sell bikes frequently without the usual financial penalty.

Now that I'm in my 60's I'm considering retirement and I want to do some serious cross country riding. I'll be mostly solo but sometimes with my better half.

In my experience the most comfortable long distance motorcycle I've ever owned was a 2005-2009 K1200LT with a larger windscreen. My wife agrees as well.

I'm considering another LT but I've come across an excellent deal on a 2023 TC with low mileage that is out of State.

I am considering purchasing it and flying to pick it up and riding home.

I LOVE the looks of the bike, I do like boxer motors and I like the idea of adaptive cruise.

Has anyone made the transition from an LT to the Transcontinental ?

I realize the engines are completely different with the LT needed to be reved for power and the R18 being torquier with less high end power. I do like the mechanical character of a boxer twin.

I'm more concerned about riding position and wind protection. I liked the seating position on the LT with my feet under my hips. I also liked the LT's wind protection with the adjustable screen.

Is the Transcontinental seating position cramped for larger riders? Is the wind protection decent?

Appreciate any input.

 

[BER18 100]

Test drive a TC before you buy. It is true the TC is a gorgeous bike and has great tech on board. Once you learn how to operate the wonder wheel you can navigate quickly on that giant screen. I have owned a TC and a base model.

My opinion only but the R18 seems to me to be a great cruiser. Probably my favorite cruiser ever. Can't say that about the R18 as a touring bike.
But if you decide to pull the trigger on the TC, consider this beauty. I saw it at a dealership a couple weeks ago.

 

[Bulletproof]

Wow that's gorgeous !

 

[FVallely]

I had the K1600B and traded in for the newer R18. The 1600B has floorboards forward of the controls which allow you to stretch your legs, turn your hips easily. Adjustable windscreen gave plenty of protection. Very comfortable.
The R18 has a lower seat, with an engine guard as highway pegs you can stretch your legs out but it is a bit of an awkward position. Plenty comfortable with just the stock mids.
Both bikes will cruise along at 80 mph+ happily, just the K1600 will also do 110+ just as easy. Both are great for 1k or longer road trips.
I felt that the K was more maneuverable and definitely better leaning in angles, doing stupid shit with the quick shifter, different types of bikes.
The K1600 is probably one of the best bikes ever made in my opinion. Rode mine across the country a few times and loved it.
The R18 eats long miles on the highway differently but very well, and looks spectacular doing it.
Your height may be a factor with the mids on the R18. Keep in mind, there are options for highway pegs just to get a stretch when you're doing longer rides. Can't go wrong either way. Good luck.

 

[LBV]

Definitely at least sit on 1 at a dealership first, if you haven't already.

 

[KAus]

I went from K1300 GT SE to an R18 Trancontinental. The K1300 was an amazing bike: agile, fast, comfortable, carried a ton of gear easily, advanced tech for its day, and surprising dry to ride in the rain. The TC is easy to sit on and just chews through the miles, and looks like art while it does it. The R18 is a heavy bike (but so is a K1600 B), but the weight on the R18 is lower down and it handles amazingly well. Surprisingly nimble too (but below 10 km/h its a handful). If its an emotional tug-o-war between a K1600 B and a TC my money would be on the TC. I reckon these bikes will last for donkeys years - they're built like tanks and rev very low - the Ks rev much higher - and the R18s are simple, and cheaper, to work on - threy have only two cylinders to maintain (compared to 6). Just my opinion though, as its each to their own ...

 

[Bulletproof]

I went from K1300 GT SE to an R18 Trancontinental. The K1300 was an amazing bike: agile, fast, comfortable, carried a ton of gear easily, advanced tech for its day, and surprising dry to ride in the rain. The TC is easy to sit on and just chews through the miles, and looks like art while it does it. The R18 is a heavy bike (but so is a K1600 B), but the weight on the R18 is lower down and it handles amazingly well. Surprisingly nimble too (but below 10 km/h its a handful). If its an emotional tug-o-war between a K1600 B and a TC my money would be on the TC. I reckon these bikes will last for donkeys years - they're built like tanks and rev very low - the Ks rev much higher - and the R18s are simple, and cheaper, to work on - threy have only two cylinders to maintain (compared to 6). Just my opinion though, as its each to their own ...

Thanks

I've had a K1600 both GT and GTL. They are great bikes. Unbelievably smooth and fast.

I'm actually looking for anyone who's had a K1200LT (BMW's Goldwing). They were discontinued in 2009. They were a heavy bike (850lbs) but I found the seating position super comfortable and could do 500 mile days no problem on it.

I'm wondering if the R18 TC has a similar riding position or is lot more feet forward than the LT. I rode a Moto Guzzi California 1400 for a couple of days and I didn't like the cruiser position.

I tried looking on a website that compares bikes ergonomics, https://cycle-ergo.com/ but they don't list the R18 Transcontinental.

I agree with the comments about me sitting on one at the dealership, but as we all know spending 8 hrs in the saddle is a different experience.

 

[esmurrell]

Over the years, my motorcycle journey has taken me from a K1200LT to my current R18TC, with a K1600GTL and an R1200RT in between. What I missed most about my original K1200LT was its incredibly plush, non-fatiguing ride. While the two middle bikes were comfortable enough for all-day trips, they still left me feeling drained by the evening. The K1200LT never took a toll on me; I could just ride and relax.

I’ve finally found that special feeling again with the R18TC. Even though it’s a big bike, it doesn't wear me out after a full day in the saddle. Plus, it encourages a laid-back, purely enjoyable ride without ever tempting me to get aggressive.

 

[Bulletproof]

Over the years, my motorcycle journey has taken me from a K1200LT to my current R18TC, with a K1600GTL and an R1200RT in between. What I missed most about my original K1200LT was its incredibly plush, non-fatiguing ride. While the two middle bikes were comfortable enough for all-day trips, they still left me feeling drained by the evening. The K1200LT never took a toll on me; I could just ride and relax.

I’ve finally found that special feeling again with the R18TC. Even though it’s a big bike, it doesn't wear me out after a full day in the saddle. Plus, it encourages a laid-back, purely enjoyable ride without ever tempting me to get aggressive.

Thanks that’s helpful. Is the R18 a more feet forward seating position vs the LT?

 

[esmurrell]

Thanks that’s helpful. Is the R18 a more feet forward seating position vs the LT?

It's been a while since my K1200LT days but as I recall, no. I have an R18TC with footboards. Because of the cylinders, your feet are somewhat locked into position straight down. The K1200LT wasn't confining in any way regarding your feet. I'm not a really tall guy (only 5' 9") and for me it is quite comfortable.

 

[Bulletproof]

Thanks