Spectacular R 18 Custom Bike Marks 100 Years of BMW Motorrad

The unveiling of the BMW R 18 The Crown took place on the occasion of 100 years of BMW Motorrad as part of the 2023 BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin.

When Dirk Oehlerking dedicates himself to the BMW R 18 with his Kingston Custom customizing forge, a spectacular result is guaranteed. The well-known customizer recently caused a stir in the scene with the R 18 Spirit of Passion – a breath-taking creation in streamlined style. The R 18 The Crown goes a big step further.

BMW Motorrad has unveiled a truly remarkable custom bike, the R 18 The Crown, to celebrate 100 years of BMW Motorrad. This exceptional creation is the brainchild of renowned customizer Dirk Oehlerking and was showcased at the 2023 BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin.

When Oehlerking and his Kingston Custom customizing forge team up with the BMW R 18, you know something extraordinary is in the making. Their previous collaboration, the R 18 Spirit of Passion, turned heads with its sleek and streamlined design.

However, the R 18 The Crown takes things to the next level. Oehlerking describes it as the epitome of his work to date, a testament to his three decades of passion and creativity in the custom motorcycle industry. His love for industrial culture and the influence of the Ruhr region, with its rich heritage of industry and craftsmanship, shine through in his creations.

To commemorate the centenary of BMW Motorrad, Oehlerking set out to craft a bold and powerful big boxer motorcycle that embodies innovation and elegance.

Starting with a new BMW R 18, he stripped it down and meticulously sculpted the shape, lines, and design using hard foam and cardboard.

The unique design required significant adaptations to the technology. Oehlerking developed a completely new front wheel suspension in the form of a double-sided swinging arm with a central suspension strut, adding both functionality and visual appeal.

The 8-liter fuel tank and body parts were meticulously crafted from 2 mm thick aluminum sheet metal, expertly cut, bent, and shaped by hand. Meanwhile, the engine and rear suspension remain unchanged from the original, but Oehlerking personally fabricated the two stainless steel exhaust manifolds.

In integrating various standard components into the extraordinary concept of the R 18 The Crown, Oehlerking achieved a harmonious balance. The headlight, instrument cluster, switch units, and footrest system seamlessly blend into the bike’s overall aesthetic. Oehlerking also incorporated clutch and handbrake fittings from Magura, a rear mudguard and brackets from Wunderkind, and a saddle made from 2 mm thick aluminum sheet metal, covered with genuine leather.

As a finishing touch, Oehlerking bestowed the R 18 The Crown with a Champagne Platinum paint finish, accentuated with mother-of-pearl elements. To signify its royal status, the BMW brand emblem proudly displays a small crown.

The R 18 The Crown is a true masterpiece that celebrates the rich heritage of BMW Motorrad while pushing the boundaries of custom motorcycle design. Dirk Oehlerking’s artistic vision and meticulous craftsmanship have resulted in a truly exceptional bike that captivates with its power, elegance, and innovation.