Spectacular BMW R 18 custom bikes from all over the world battle it out for victory.
For years, the BMW R 18 has been inspiring motorcycle fans all over the world to create fascinating customizing creations. The upcoming BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship is now intended to give due recognition to outstanding creativity and artistic craft relating to the BMW R 18.
Initiative by 150 BMW Motorrad dealers from 18 countries.
Four R 18 models as a starting point. The BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship will take place from 11 April to 29 September 2023. This exciting competition is an initiative of the BMW Motorrad global dealer network, with 150 dealers from 18 countries having already confirmed participation. They will bring together motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world to showcase creativity and skill in customizing BMW R 18 motorcycles.
Four models of the BMW Motorrad R 18 series can be used by customizers – the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B, and R 18 Transcontinental. The BMW R 18 showcases clear, contemporary technology and a sleek, streamlined design that is sure to turn heads. Striking a perfect balance between form and function, the BMW R 18 is a true masterpiece of engineering and design. All the R 18 family members offer a very conversion-friendly architecture for easy customizing and optimal individualization: this was the focus when the basic design of the R 18 series was originally conceived.
“We are thrilled to launch the first-ever BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship,” says Stephan Reiff, Head of Customer, Brand, Sales BMW Motorrad. “This competition is a celebration of the passion and creativity of the BMW Motorrad dealer network and motorcycle enthusiasts, and we can’t wait to see what new members of the R 18 family the participants will come up with.” The winners of the BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship 2023 will receive a range of exciting prizes, including the opportunity to showcase their custom motorcycles at major motorcycle events around the world.
Grand world finale at the opening of BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin. The Customizing Championship is a way for dealers and enthusiasts to show creativity in a freestyle format. Participants will have the opportunity to customise their motorcycles using their own unique designs and ideas, as well as the extensive range of high-quality parts and accessories offered by BMW Motorrad. The two best custom motorcycles from each participating country will be selected at the National Contests, which will be eligible to participate in the international semi-finals. In this semi-final, six motorcycles will finally be selected by the jury of experts and one by means of a public vote for the grand world final. This will take place on the occasion of the opening of BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin on 29 September 2023.
BMW Motorrad dealers from the following countries are confirmed for the Customizing Championship 2023: Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the USA.
Registration for the Customizing Championship has already closed, and participants have signed up on the official BMW Motorrad website.
The main details of the Customizing Championship:
National Championships: 15 May – 16 July 2023
International semi-final and vote for the best bikes:
31 July – 14 August 2023
World final in Berlin: 29 September 2023
Jury of international experts. The competition will be judged by a panel of experts, including renowned customizers who are highly regarded within the motorcycle community such as Thor Drake, Michael Lichter and Roland Sands. The jury members are as follows:
Thor Drake is a motorcycle builder and entrepreneur. He is the founder of See See Motorcycles, a custom motorcycle shop and coffeehouse based in Portland, Oregon. Drake was born in Montana in 1977 and grew up with a passion for motorcycles, eventually turning his hobby into a career.
Michael Lichter is a photographer and curator who is best known for his work in the motorcycle industry. He was born in 1951 in Boulder, Colorado, and began his career as a photographer in the 1970s. Lichter has since become one of the best-known and respected photographers in the motorcycle community.
Roland Sands is a motorcycle racer and designer. He was born in Long Beach, California, in 1974 and grew up in the motorcycle industry, with his father being a champion racer and aftermarket parts manufacturer. Sands began his own racing career in the 1990s, competing in events such as the AMA 250GP and the MotoGP World Championship.
J. Shia is an internationally recognised and award-winning motorcycle builder and designer. She is the founder of Madhouse Motors, a custom motorcycle shop based in Boston, Massachusetts. Shia was born in California in 1977 and grew up with a passion for motorcycles, eventually turning her hobby into a career.
Giuseppe Roncen, editor and author of Italy’s car culture and motorcycle magazine Lowride. He was born in 1964. His passion for motorcycles began in Italy where he made his first custom bike after working as in the filming industry before. Since 1994 he has been working as a journalist and ever since writes about café racers, cruisers and many more motorcycle topics, besides others.
Yuichi Yoshizawa is a well-known custom builder from Japan who is creating bikes in multiple styles. He is one of the owners of the Custom Works Zon, a famous workshop that has won many international awards and created the “Departed” among others.
Disclaimer. The vehicles shown may be modified and fitted with third-party accessories and/or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for the modifications (including the fitting, characteristics and use of the accessories shown). NOTE: Modification of series production vehicles (including the fitting and use of third-party and self-made parts) can impair riding characteristics! Riding our vehicles in modified condition is at your own risk.
Spectacular R 18 custom bike by customizer Dirk Oehlerking to mark 100 years of BMW Motorrad.
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. “It is the essence of my creations to date,” says Oehlerking, whose passion and creativity has always been for individual and unusual motorcycles. This is exactly what he has been doing with total commitment in the Ruhr region for 30 years now. He loves industrial culture and the proximity to industry and crafts, has a great network and stunning photo backdrops for his motorcycles and himself.
Self-designed body made of aluminium sheet metal and front wheel suspension with double-sided swinging arm with central suspension strut.
To mark 100 years of BMW Motorrad, he has now created the R 18 The Crown, a big boxer motorcycles that has it all. “I started with a new BMW R18 which I then stripped down. As always, I worked with hard foam and cardboard to create the shape, the lines and the design. The aim was for it to look powerful, elegant and fast combined with an innovative look,” is how Oehlerking describes his design approach.
The design made it necessary to adapt the technology considerably. A completely new front wheel suspension had to be constructed in the form of a double-sided swinging arm with central suspension strut.
The 8-litre fuel tank and the body parts were made of 2 mm thick aluminium sheet metal, which was cut, bent and driven by hand.
While the engine and rear suspension are the same as in the original, the two stainless steel exhaust manifolds are completely made by hand.
Numerous standard components such as the headlight, instrument, switch units and footrest system have been integrated perfectly into the spectacular concept of the R 18 The Crown. The clutch and handbrake fittings from Magura, the rear mudguard and brackets from Wunderkind and the saddle made from 2 mm thick aluminium sheet metal and covered with genuine leather are all harmonious additions.
As the icing on the cake, Oehlerking gave the R 18 The Crown a Champagne Platinum paint finish with mother-of-pearl, complemented by the BMW brand emblem adorned with a small crown.
The unveiling of the BMW R 18 The Crown will take place from 7 to 9 July 2023 on the occasion of 100 years of BMW Motorrad as part of the BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin.
Disclaimer.
The vehicles shown may be modified and fitted with third-party accessories and/or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for the modifications (including the fitting, characteristics and use of the accessories shown). NOTE: Modification of series production vehicles (including the fitting and use of third-party and self-made parts) can impair riding characteristics! Riding our vehicles in modified condition is at your own risk.
The new BMW R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B: “The Big Boxer” as the Grand American Tourer for luxurious travelling and as Bagger for cool American highway cruising.
With the new R 18 Transcontinental, BMW Motorrad is adding a Grand American Tourer to the R 18 family as well as the R 18 B “Bagger”, which is particularly popular in the USA. As with the previous R 18 models, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B combine the thrilling power of the “Big Boxer” with a classic chassis concept based on historical models, exclusive equipment and a stylish design.
This makes the R 18 Transcontinental ideal for travelling and long-distance rides in American riding style – both for riding solo and with a pillion and luggage. The R 18 B, on the other hand, is designed as a “rider’s machine” delivering emotional driving pleasure and ideal for cool touring and cruising.
R 18 Transcontinental
Special features of the new R 18 Transcontinental include:
Front fairing with high wind shield, wind deflector and flaps. Cockpit with four analogue round instruments and 10.25 inch TFT colour display, additional headlamp, Marshall sound system, engine protection bars, cases, top case, seat heating, chrome trim and an engine in Silver metallic.
In contrast, the new R 18 B does without a top case and, in the style of a “bagger”, offers a low windshield, a slimmer seat and a matt black metallic engine among other things.
R 18 B
The most powerful BMW boxer engine of all time with full torque.
The heart of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is a 2-cylinder boxer engine, the “Big Boxer”, which is a completely newly development for the R 18 models. Not only its impressive appearance, but also its technical specifications show its ties to the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have provided inspiring riding experiences for more than seven decades since BMW Motorrad began manufacturing motorcycles in 1923. The most powerful 2-cylinder flat twin engine ever built in motorbike series production boasts an engine capacity of 1,802 cc. It generates an output of 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 rpm. In the 2,000 to 4,000 rpm range, it delivers more than 150 Nm of torque at all times as well as elemental pulling power and sonorous sound.
Double-loop tube frame made of steel and a backbone made of sheet metal formed parts and rear swinging arm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame design.
The heart of the chassis of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is a double-loop tube steel frame made of steel with a backbone of sheet metal formed parts. Its design perpetuates the longstanding BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame type. The particularly high manufacturing quality and attention to detail are also evident in barely perceptible details such as the welded joints between steel tubes and cast or forged parts. Like the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swinging arm, which is manufactured in a similar design, encloses the rear axle drive in the same style using bolted connections.
Telescopic fork with fork sleeves, cantilever suspension strut, light alloy cast wheels and disc brakes in combination with BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS.
The suspension elements of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B deliberately dispense with any adjustment options that the rider has to make. Instead, a telescopic fork and a directly swinging-arm mounted cantilever suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and automatically adjustable spring preload ensure superior light-alloy cast wheel control and responsive suspension comfort.
In order to achieve the best possible ride response even when riding with a pillion and fully loaded, the rear suspension strut features travel-dependent damping and automatic load compensation. As in the legendary BMW R 5, the tubes of the telescopic fork are encased in fork sleeves. The fork tube diameter is 49 mm, suspension travel is 120 mm at the front and rear. The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are decelerated by a double disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed callipers and BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS.
Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) as standard. Active Cruise Control (ACC) – cruise control with integrated distance control for relaxed touring as an ex works option.
The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are already equipped as standard with DCC electronic cruise control (Dynamic Cruise Control). DCC automatically regulates the riding speed set by the rider. Dynamic means that the pre-selected speed is kept constant even when riding downhill. Active Cruise Control (ACC) allows relaxed gliding with distance control – without the rider having to adjust the speed to the vehicle in front. With the aid of radar sensors integrated in the front fairing, the motorcycle is either accelerated automatically to adjust the speed or the new, standard full integral braking system is applied for deceleration purposes, depending on the situation on the road. ACC also ensures particularly safe cornering. Where necessary, the cornering control system automatically reduces the speed, giving the rider the right speed for a comfortable and safe banking angle.
Coherent ergonomics for best possible motorcycle control.
The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B feature a casual, so-called “mid-mounted footpeg” position of the footrests, entirely in keeping with the BMW Motorrad philosophy. This classic position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW, it also allows a relaxed and active riding position for the best possible motorcycle control. The R 18 Transcontinental is equipped with an especially comfortable seat and seat heating as standard to ensure long-distance riding comfort even in two-person operation. The R 18 B has a somewhat slimmer two-person seat bench. The new R 18 Transcontinental is fitted as standard with running boards and the new R 18 B with wider and more comfortable footrests than the R 18.
Cockpit featuring classically designed round instruments and 10.25” TFT colour screen with map navigation for convenient route planning and extensive connectivity as standard. The cockpit, specially designed for the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B, with four analogue round instruments and a 10.25 inch TFT colour display, blends into the classic appearance harmoniously. Featuring the iconic “BERLIN BUILT” lettering, it follows the classic style of the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B on the one hand, and on the other hand offers a perfectly readable TFT colour display providing a maximum of functionality and information.
Three riding modes as well as ASC and MSR as standard for a high degree of riding fun and safety. Reversing aid and Hill Start Control as an ex works option.
In order to meet individual customer needs, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B also feature the three riding modes “Rain”, “Roll” and “Rock” as standard, which is unusual in this segment. The standard equipment also includes ASC (Automatic Stability Control), which ensures a high level of riding safety. In addition, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B are equipped with an engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard. In addition to other options, a reversing aid makes manoeuvring a comfortable affair and the Hill Start Control function makes starting off uphill easy.
The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B: Iconic streamlining combined with rigid frame look and modern technology.
The new R 18 Transcontinental stands out as a luxurious tourer and the new R 18 B as a stylish “Bagger” with its characteristic “streamlining”, which perfectly integrates the front fairing, cases and, in the case of the R 18 Transcontinental, the top case. They transfer the iconic style of the great tourers and cruisers of yesteryear to the present day. The purist design, which has been shaped by numerous BMW Motorrad classics, lives on in many details. Functional and style-defining elements such as the double-loop tube frame, the 24 litre pear-drop fuel tank, the open universal shaft drive or the double-line paintwork (ex works option) are reminiscent of legendary BMW boxer motorcycles. The suspension also harks back splendidly to the old days. Together with the double-sided swinging arm and a cantilever suspension strut, the rigid frame layout of the R 5 has been perfectly transferred to modern times.
Audio system with Marshall sound system: A new digital sound dimension as standard ex works.
With the Marshall sound system, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B offer an intense sound experience. Already as standard the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B feature a sound system developed in collaboration with the British manufacturer Marshall, featuring 2-way speakers integrated into the front of the fairing. Black cover grilles with white Marshall lettering round off the classic look. The Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 and Stage 2 sound systems are optionally ex works to provide even more intensive listening pleasure. Up to 4 loudspeakers and 2 subwoofers with 280 watts of total output provide incomparable sound quality and “good vibrations”. For 60 years, Marshall, originally from Hanwell, London, now based in Bletchley, Milton Keynes (UK), have produced legendary guitar amplifiers used by the world’s best musicians. Since 2012 they have expanded their audio quality into award winning headphones and active speakers designed for music lovers.
The R 18 Transcontinental First Edition and R 18 B First Edition: Exclusive look in paint and chrome.
Right from the time of market launch, the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B will be available worldwide as exclusive R 18 Transcontinental First Edition and R 18 B First Edition versions. They combine the R 18 look with exclusive features in classic black paintwork with white double-lining. Further highlights are the specially designed surfaces (Chrome Package), high-grade stitching on the seat and the “First Edition” lettering.
Large variety of parts allow for perfect customizing and optimum individualisation. Exclusive Option 719 equipment.
The Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range offers a maximum of individualisation options for tailoring the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B to your personal taste. The design collections of milled aluminium parts familiar from the R 18 and R 18 Classic, which were created together with Roland Sands Design, are also available for the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B. With regard to audio systems, BMW Motorrad cooperates with the British manufacturer Marshall. For the new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B, BMW Motorrad offers a range of particularly high-quality and exclusive optional extras as “Option 719”, such as Option 719 Galaxy Dust metallic paint finish and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
The new R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B highlights:
Handlebar-mounted fairing for excellent wind and weather protection.
High wind shield (R 18 Transcontinental).
Low wind shield (R 18 B).
Cases in body colour paint finish (27 litres, with audio 26.5 litres).
Vibration-decoupled top case in body colour paint finish
(48 litres, with audio 47 litres, R 18 Transcontinental only).
Wind deflectors in body colour finish (R 18 Transcontinental only).
24 litre fuel tank.
Cockpit with four analogue round instruments and 10.25 inch TFT colour display.
Biggest ever BMW boxer engine with a capacity of 1 802 cc.
Output 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 rpm, maximum torque 158 Nm at 3 000 rpm.
More than 150 Nm available at all times from 2 000 to 4 000 rpm
Open-running, gloss nickel-plated universal-shaft drive based on
the classic role model.
Elaborately manufactured double-loop tube steel frame with backbone of sheet metal formed parts provide the optimal package.
Rear swinging arm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame design.
Telescopic fork with fork sleeves and cantilever spring strut with travel-dependent damping as well as automatic load compensation ensure optimum riding under all conditions.
Comfortable ergonomics for relaxed cruising and touring with the best possible motorcycle control.
Disc brakes at the front and rear and cast light alloy wheels.
BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS.
Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) as standard.
Active Cruise Control (ACC) – cruise control with integrated distance control for relaxed touring as an ex works option.
State-of-the-art LED lighting technology, classically interpreted.
Adaptive turning light with swivel module for even better illumination of the road when cornering as an ex works option.
Engine guard (R18 Transcontinental only)
Seat heating as standard (R 18 Transcontinental only).
Heated grips as standard.
Continuously adjustable rocker switch (in connection with running boards;
standard for R 18 Transcontinental).
Keyless Ride for convenient activation of functions.
Three riding modes as well as ASC and MSR as standard.
Reverse assist for convenient manoeuvring and Hill Start Control for easy hill starts as ex works option.
Three attractive colours: In addition to black and the 719 Galaxy Dust metallic option, the new R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental are also available in
Manhattan metallic matt.
The R 18 Transcontinental “First Edition” and R 18 B “First Edition”: Exclusive look in paint and chrome.
Extensive range of optional extras and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories as well as a cool Ride & Style Collection.
“Option 719” equipment available as particularly high-quality and exclusive optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
Conjuring a bobber out of the R 18 was the goal for the Wunderlich engineers and the designer Nicolas Petit from the start. Meet the RockBob.
The inspiration came from the BMW R5, which undoubtedly contributed to the creation of the R 18, and is expressed in Nicolas Petit‘s design: portraying the essentials to the extreme. In doing so, he has emphasised the sheer importance of details from start to finish. One example is the brilliant tail end. The fender nestles like a second skin with minimal distance around the 200 size rear wheel, allowing the numberplate holder to be elegantly placed on the left side. The miniaturised 3in1 taillights are so cleverly concealed that one must thoroughly investigate the bike to spot them.
Everything at a Glance
RockBob Individual Customizing Paint and Surface Treatment
High quality matte black painted and finished engine
Numerous chrome parts finished to a high standard and painted matte black
Series manifold and exhaust system from the BMW R 18 Classic with black heat-resistant ceramic coating
Tank finished in high-quality matte black and tone-on-tone, with gloss double-lining of parallel wide and narrow pin stripes
Custom Wunderlich front and rear fenders made of high grade aluminum, matte black finish with gloss double lining, matching the tank design and finish
Wunderlich‘s custom numberplate holder relocates it to the left side and allows space for the clean tail end. The RockBob perfectly integrates with the rear fender and the miniaturised, low-profile 3in1 tail lights.
Custom riser for the handlebar (Ø 32 mm)
Wunderlich engine plate with raised Wunderlich lettering
Upholstery
Classic upholstery: sprung saddle covered with selected cognac-colored leather – partially diamond stitched; the tanning allows the emergence of a dual patina
Leather-covered handlebar grips, designed and coloured to match the sprung saddle
Suspension and Wheels
Wheelset: rims, hubs, and spokes finished in black
Rear-wheel spoked to 6.00×16 with 200/60-16 tyre (standard 180 rear wheel), front 3.50×16 with 130/90-16 tyre
Wunderlich Components
Numerous components from the Wunderlich range are integrated into the RockBob: this includes the fenders, lateral license plate ho
lder, turn signals, handlebar end mirrors, adjustable clutch and brake levers, and much more. Wunderlich will soon add the sprung saddle to inventory for the R 18 series and supplement it with a black variant made of imitation leather.
Street legal
Wunderlich‘s conversion of the RockBob concept bike has been carried out – as always – to be street legal. This means that if the installed components are not already exempt from registration, they have German Type approval or can be registered through further assessment.
Wunderlich accessories for the BMW R 18 are available from their exclusive UK partner www.nippynormans.com
We review the long awaited BMW R18 cruiser motorbike.
As a genuine cruiser rider, the Ol’ Man knows what he’s talking about! We love cruisers and compare this BMW to the Harleys. Is it as good? Is it better? Should you consider this bike when you are making your short list?
We give it a thorough testride before giving you the review, as always.
We look at the speed, handling, acceleration, brakes, suspension, styling engine and everything you need to know!
This motorcycle is hugely torquey and that is what you need from a cruiser. It has a long wheelbase – longer than the Harley-Davidson’s and that is great for us bigger people. We talk about the Street Bob, Breakout, Heritage-Classic, Fat Boy and take you through the thought process.
What about the mid-controls – does it need forward controls? We find out. Please contact our chosen BMW Motorrad dealership Wollaston BMW Northampton UK at https://www.wbikes.com they are brilliant!
The renowned custom bike designer Roland Sands stripped down the BMW R 18 to create a straight line dragster featuring the iconic and massive boxer powerplant. The result: the R 18 Dragster. He and his team have created a unique masterpiece built around the impressive 2-cylinder Big Boxer, giving their creativity free reign in the process.
Roland Sands’ personal story served as a source of inspiration for his work on this bike. “With an engine that’s so visibly the center piece, I immediately thought of muscle cars. My family has always been into going fast and my dad was a drag racer, so I thought it made sense to strip the bike down to the essentials and shape it to go fast on a straight track,” the designer explains.
The new BMW R 18: a cruiser rooted in history. With the new R 18, BMW Motorrad presented the brand’s first series production bike for the cruiser segment in April 2020. Like no other
BMW motorcycle before it, this model stands entirely in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles – both technically and with regard to its design. It is based on illustrious models such as the BMW R 5 and shifts the focus back to the motorcycle essentials: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the center of riding pleasure. The “Big Boxer” continues the line of traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have offered inspiring riding since BMW Motorrad first began production in 1923.
The technical design process used by Roland Sands. Roland Sands always starts by sketching his ideas on paper. This allows him to figure out the basics of the shape and what the stance and the geometry of the bike could look like. “In the end, the real magic happens when we bring the sketch to life”, Roland explains.
More than any other motorcycle, the new R 18 offers a highly customizable design. It features an easily removable rear frame and a simple-to-dismantle painted parts set. This gives the customer a high degree of freedom for easily converting the rear end of the new R 18 to suit personal preferences. In addition you can also change the paint finish to suit your personal taste. “The electronics were definitely the most difficult task we had to deal with as we put in nitrous oxide, stripped out the stock exhaust and changed the intake drastically. It was a bit of an experiment, but we dialed it in! The final product is impressive and characterised by a high level of craftsmanship, as can be expected from BMW Motorrad. Right from the beginning, I couldn’t wait to get customizing!” Roland points out.
For the the R 18 Dragster, the team around Roland Sands retained the stock neck geometry of the R 18, removed the bike’s rear end and turned it into a drag racer. Moreover, they chose to modify the front and rear fender to fit the modified frame. The whole customizing process took about three and a half months. The bike then headed to the workshop for final assembly and a day at a drag strip.
“Every bike needs different sources depending on the build, special materials or parts. Every new bike concept is a bit of a learning process even after having built over 200 bikes. We always want to understand the genre of the bike we are building in, it’s the key to keeping it authentic and functional,” explains Roland Sands.
Aside from the R 18 Dragster custom bike, Roland Sands also created two different design collections of milled aluminium parts for the launch of the R 18 Cruiser: “Machined” and “2-Tone-Black”. The “Machined” and “2-Tone-
Black” ranges include front and rear wheels available in different dimensions than the standard sizes. In addition, the range of these exclusive milled parts includes speedometer housings, handlebar clamps, risers, handlebar grips, hand levers and mirrors as well as engine housing trim elements, filler caps, intake silencer covers and much more.
For the R 18 Dragster, Roland Sands used the milled parts design collection “2-Tone-Black” to customize levers, wheels, valve covers, breast plate, headlight and gauges. The front end was taken from the BMW R nineT. The seat as well as the exhaust were created from scratch. The R 18 Dragster custom bike in detail
1. The frame has been modified completely removing the rear suspension for drag racing.
2. Front and rear fenders have been slightly modified utilizing the stock sheet metal parts in order to keep the classic R 18 silhouette.
3. The headlight has been taken from the original R 18 and is highlighted with the headlight bezel from the design collection of milled aluminium parts.
4. The standard exhaust has been replaced with a hand fabricated Stainless Steel twin megaphone system utilizing the exhaust tips from the milled aluminium parts.
5. The hydraulic front brake and clutch master cylinders are from Roland Sands Design.
6. The tank has been taken over from the original R 18.
7. The paint finish is a two tone metallic blue with classic white BMW pinstripes by Roland’s long time painter Chris Wood.
8. The fork has been taken from the BMW R nineT.
9. The front braking system has been taken from the S 1000 RR superbike.
10. The seat has been built from scratch and is a RSD custom seat by Saddlemen.
Roland Sands: The man behind the designs
By his own account, Roland Sands basically grew up on a motorcycle and motorcycling is in his blood. His dad was a drag racer who built custom bikes and parts. As a result, Roland was brought up surrounded by cool bikes. It
wasn’t long before he, too, was riding dirt bikes, taking them apart and rebuilding them. He had a racing career of his own that spanned ten years.
Today Roland is a world famous designer of custom bikes and motorcycle apparel with customers in all corners of the world. The designer is best known for combining styles and creating new genres in the process. “Combining a racing aesthetic and function with a custom style – this is what we are probably best known for. We like to make stock machines
perform better,” says Roland.
For Roland Sands, motorcycling is not simply a job. “It’s really hard to describe in a few sentences. Riding a motorcycle to me is like becoming one with the machine. My motorcycle is my life, it’s everything, it’s what I do.”
http://motorcycleindustry.co.uk/synetiq-bmw-reveal-hutchinsons-return-to-tas-racing-in-full-gas/
Model year 2021 will see a number of model revision measures included in the BMW Motorrad program. The models can be ordered from all BMW Motorrad partners in the new configurations from August 2020.
BMW R 1250 RS.
Style Sport in Austin Yellow metallic now with new frame colour in matt black, Option 719 Stardust metallic is dropped.
Disengageable capability ABS is dropped.
Changeover to EU-5.
New optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro option now includes engine drag torque control.
Extended optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro now includes Core Screen Sport.
New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow with engine housing cover front & cylinder head covers anodized in black/silver.
New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow II with hand levers, rider footrests and foot lever as well as expansion tank covers anodized in Black/Silver.
New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts packages Storm/Storm II with the same parts as in Option 719 milled parts packages Shadow/Shadow II.
Option 719 HP milled parts package, HP milled parts package II and Option 719 seat are dropped.
Sports silencer replaces previous HP rear silencer.
BMW R 1250 R.
Style Exclusive with new paint finish Mineral Grey metallic. Pollux metallic matt, Style Exclusive and Option 719 Stardust metallic are dropped.
Style HP renamed Style Sport.
Disengageable capability ABS is dropped.
Changeover to EU-5.
New optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro option now includes engine drag torque control.
Extended optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro now includes Core Screen Sport.
New optional equipment: M Lightweight battery replaces previous HP battery.
New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow with engine housing cover front & cylinder head covers anodized in black/silver.
New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow II with mirrors, hand levers, rider footrests and foot lever as well as expansion tank covers anodized in Black/Silver.
New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts packages Storm/Storm II with the same parts as in option 719 milled parts packages Shadow/Shadow II.
Option 719 HP milled parts package, HP milled parts package II and option 719 seat are dropped.
Sports silencer replaces previous HP rear silencer.
BMW K 1600 GT.
New paint finish Option 719 Mineral White metallic. Option 719 Stardust metallic and Option 719 Blueplanet metallic/Ivory are dropped.
Frame and engine in black for all colour versions.
Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard.
Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard.
New optional equipment: Engine protection bars.
New optional equipment: Changes to tour package content. Expanded to include LED auxiliary headlights and engine protection bars, reversing aid is dropped.
Safety package is dropped.
BMW K 1600 GTL.
New paint finishes Manhattan metallic, Style Elegance and Option 719 Mineral White metallic. Pollux metallic, Style Elegance and Option 719 Stardust metallic as well as Option 719 Blueplanet metallic/ivory are dropped.
Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard.
Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard.
New optional equipment: Engine protection bars.
New optional equipment: Changes to comfort package content. Expanded to include engine protection bars.
Safety package is dropped.
BMW K 1600 B.
New paint finish Mars Red metallic. Imperial Blue metallic is dropped.
Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard.
Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard.
New optional equipment: Engine protection bars and LED auxiliary headlights. .
New optional equipment: Changes to touring package content. LED auxiliary headlights, audio system, engine protection bars, running board (optional lockable storage compartment instead of running board).
New optional equipment: Changes to comfort package content. Shift Assistant Pro, keyless ride, central locking, alarm system. Additional LED headlight dropped.
Safety package is dropped.
BMW K 1600 Grand America.
New paint finish Mars Red metallic. Imperial Blue metallic is dropped.
Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard.
Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard.
New optional equipment: Changes to comfort package content. Shift Assistant Pro, KR, central locking, alarm system. Additional LED headlight dropped.
Safety package is dropped.
BMW S 1000 RR.
New paint finish Black storm metallic. Racing Red non-metallic is dropped.
Changeover to EU-5.
New optional equipment: Sports silencer*.
New optional equipment: M titanium exhaust system*.
New optional equipment: M milled parts package**, M clutch lever protector, M brake lever protector, M folding brake lever, M folding clutch lever, M engine protectors, M rider footrest system left/right.
New optional equipment: Sports package***. M Endurance chain, USB charging port and M GPS lap trigger.
New optional equipment: USB charging port.
New optional equipment: M Endurance chain.
New optional equipment: M GPS Laptrigger***. Activation code to enable a GPS sensor to send the signal to the instrument cluster. This allows the data-logger to trigger the lap timer/lap counter via GPS instead of manually.
BMW S 1000 XR.
New: Style Sport with Lightwhite non-metallic/Racingblue met./Racingred non-metallic, titanium sports silencer, M Endurance chain, Windshield Sport, additional Core Screen with Laptimer.
Tank cover and card pocket in motorcycle colour.
New optional equipment: Titanium sports silencer.
New optional equipment: Tour package with expanded content. USB charging port, new luggage rack with integrated holder for 30 l and 49 l topcase.
Revised optional equipment: Luggage rack with integrated holder for 30 l and 49 l topcase.
New optional equipment: M milled parts package*. M folding brake lever, M folding clutch lever, M engine protector left, M rider footrests right/left and M pillion passenger footrests right/left.
New optional equipment: USB charging port.
New optional equipment: M Endurance chain.
BMW R 18.
New optional equipment: Cruise control including steering damper.
BMW F 900 R and F 900 XR.
LED turn indicators standard for US type key.
New optional equipment: New activation concept for driving modes Pro. Coding plug is dropped.
* available from October 2020
** available from September 2020
*** available from December 2020
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