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Greetings from Kentucky

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I purchased my brand new 23 TC (7 miles on odometer) in late October 25 with BMW rebates of over $10k. Sticker price was $29k and I paid less than $19k with full 3 yr BMW warranty. Less than most used ones I was looking at. Love the bike can wait for better weather so I can put miles on her. Only have about 200 miles so far
 
need2lose20lbs said:
Congrats. Can you please share your thoughts on the TC. Prices keep falling on these bikes and at some point I am thinking of adding a TC for long distance touring. Thanks in advance.
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Been thinking about the same thing but an R18B instead ... several members have 2 R18's in the garage.
 
Thanks! After a year on the R18, adding the Transcontinental really does feel like stepping into a different category of comfort. The TC takes everything I liked about the R18 and adds true long‑distance capability, so the two bikes complement each other instead of overlapping.

The wind protection is the biggest difference — that big fairing and taller screen make both highway and backroad miles effortless. The extra weight is noticeable at parking‑lot speeds, but once you’re moving it’s incredibly stable and planted. For its size, the bike feels surprisingly balanced.

With prices dropping the way they have been, adding a TC strictly for touring is absolutely worth considering. It’s a completely different experience from the standard R18, and having both really does make “two is better than one” feel true.

For reference, I bought my 2023 standard R18 brand new with a $9,500 discount — an absolute steal. The 2022 TC I picked up has 12,000 miles; new it was around $32,000 plus some RSD parts. I got it from a dealer for less than $12k, and at that price it was a no‑brainer.

Happy to answer anything more specific if it helps your decision.
 
RaMiKY said:
Thanks! After a year on the R18, adding the Transcontinental really does feel like stepping into a different category of comfort. The TC takes everything I liked about the R18 and adds true long‑distance capability, so the two bikes complement each other instead of overlapping.

The wind protection is the biggest difference — that big fairing and taller screen make both highway and backroad miles effortless. The extra weight is noticeable at parking‑lot speeds, but once you’re moving it’s incredibly stable and planted. For its size, the bike feels surprisingly balanced.

With prices dropping the way they have been, adding a TC strictly for touring is absolutely worth considering. It’s a completely different experience from the standard R18, and having both really does make “two is better than one” feel true.

For reference, I bought my 2023 standard R18 brand new with a $9,500 discount — an absolute steal. The 2022 TC I picked up has 12,000 miles; new it was around $32,000 plus some RSD parts. I got it from a dealer for less than $12k, and at that price it was a no‑brainer.

Happy to answer anything more specific if it helps your decision.
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How many miles can you do at one stretch? Does the mid control position bother you? Is the stereo better than in helmet audio? Thanks.
 
need2lose20lbs said:
How many miles can you do at one stretch? Does the mid control position bother you? Is the stereo better than in helmet audio? Thanks.
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For me, the TC is an easy 200+ miles in one stretch without even thinking about it. With the wind protection and the seat, you can just settle in and let the miles roll. If I really want to push it, 250+ is doable before I feel like taking a break. On my standard R18 I feel like I need a break after 100-150 miles, doing 200 to 250 miles a day and I'm done on the standard R18.

The mid‑control position hasn’t bothered me at all. Coming from the R18, it actually feels more natural on the TC because of the floorboards and the overall riding posture. It’s upright, relaxed, and you’ve got plenty of room to move your feet around on longer rides.

As for the stereo — yes, it’s noticeably better than helmet audio. At highway speeds the TC’s speakers stay clear and strong, and you don’t get that “compressed” feeling you get with in‑helmet systems. You can still use helmet audio for phone calls, but for music the bike’s stereo wins.

If you’re thinking about a TC for long‑distance touring, these three things really do make a big difference.
 
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