Slotheadslim
Active member
I've had the R18 Classic since 2021. I love the looks of the bike and it always brings a smile to my face but I'm considering upgrading to a Transcontinental. BMW has some great incentives now and I am tempted to take advantage of them. I have some long standing back problems and I'd like a little more seat height for my comfort and better accomodations so that my significant other comes riding with me. I have the Mustang Weekender seat on the Classic and it's way better than the stock seat but I'm hoping the TC gives me more of what we want for comfort. Because of my back I find 1-2 hours on the Classic is about what I can take before I get some leg/back cramping as it feels like I sit too low, at least for me. I'm only 5' 9" so I don't need to stretch out a long way but I think more height would help me site more at a 90 degree angle which I think would be better. I'm not actually looking to do long distand touring, only have more comfort. The extra accessories, stereo, GPS etc. won't hurt either.
I've looked through most of the R18 TC comments here, including many from people who upgraded. It seems like most are positive. I know the bike isn't perfect (phone integration has its issues, saddlebags are smaller than other tourers etc.) but I think it will do what I want and with either .9% interest (2023 model year) or 0% interest (2022 model year) and cash back, it was a significant savings over a Harley Ultra (a separate candidate I was exploring). I haven't ridden a TC yet but I plan to contact my dealer tomorrow or sometime soon this week. I do plan to trade in the R18 Classic (yes I know the value is going to stink) but I already know the expected value.
If anyone wants to share what they think about the TC I'd love to hear it. Also I've looked for differences online between the 2022 and 2023 TC and I've been unsuccessful at finding anything definite. I'm guessing the colors changed? If anyone knows of anything significant please tell me. Two options which I think are new for 2023 are "Intelligent emergency call" and "Tele services". I think BMW may have also moved the TPM tire pressure monitor option to be part of the Premium package. There is a new 2022 and a new 2023 within reasonable distance from me and the price is working out to be almost the same even though the 2022 lists for $3,000 more (It has the Galaxy Dust Metallic color and the optional 719 seat and the 2023 is black) but there is a $3,000 discount now for new 2022 TCs. Other than being a model year newer, it's unclear to me what advantage buing a newer year bike offers me other than a different paint job? If there were there any significant design changes or fixes for 2023 it isn't obvious.
Thanks,
Tom
I've looked through most of the R18 TC comments here, including many from people who upgraded. It seems like most are positive. I know the bike isn't perfect (phone integration has its issues, saddlebags are smaller than other tourers etc.) but I think it will do what I want and with either .9% interest (2023 model year) or 0% interest (2022 model year) and cash back, it was a significant savings over a Harley Ultra (a separate candidate I was exploring). I haven't ridden a TC yet but I plan to contact my dealer tomorrow or sometime soon this week. I do plan to trade in the R18 Classic (yes I know the value is going to stink) but I already know the expected value.
If anyone wants to share what they think about the TC I'd love to hear it. Also I've looked for differences online between the 2022 and 2023 TC and I've been unsuccessful at finding anything definite. I'm guessing the colors changed? If anyone knows of anything significant please tell me. Two options which I think are new for 2023 are "Intelligent emergency call" and "Tele services". I think BMW may have also moved the TPM tire pressure monitor option to be part of the Premium package. There is a new 2022 and a new 2023 within reasonable distance from me and the price is working out to be almost the same even though the 2022 lists for $3,000 more (It has the Galaxy Dust Metallic color and the optional 719 seat and the 2023 is black) but there is a $3,000 discount now for new 2022 TCs. Other than being a model year newer, it's unclear to me what advantage buing a newer year bike offers me other than a different paint job? If there were there any significant design changes or fixes for 2023 it isn't obvious.
Thanks,
Tom