BMW R 18 Transcontinental 2023 vs. BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022

Smooth engine

great engine response

motorbike accessible and easy to use overall despite imposing appearance

outstanding headlight technology

Great display - always easy to read

Comprehensive integration of mobile phone into the vehicle

Full map navigation via BMW Connected App

Good balance between stability and handling

Neutral ride

Good brakes and stable ride when braking

Harmonious handling gives a lot of confidence

Topcase causes wind turbulence in the neck at motorway speeds

connection between mobile phone and vehicle works well in most cases - but when things go wrong it becomes annoying

buttons and switches in the cockpit are not backlit

wind protection not perfectly solved - draughty feeling in the saddle again and again

no adaptive cruise control - you would expect this from a touring motorbike in this league

mobile phone compartment snagged from time to time during the test - be careful when stuffing in mobile phones that are too large.