BMW R18 ‘Spirit of Passion’: A unique & tantalising custom build unlike anything you’ve seen

BMW R18 is one exquisite motorcycle and the only proper cruiser in the Bavarian manufacturer's lineup. In fact, it has a whole different personality to it thanks to that giant boxer engine. BMW Motorrad has had a number custom job carried out on the R18 and some of them have been really wild. The one from Kingston Custom is the latest one and to say the least Dirk Oehlerking has done one commendable job. We rode the R18 just recently, find the link to the review towards the end of the photo gallery. (Source: Bikeexif)

The BMW R18 has been designed with customisation in mind, following the trail blazed by the R nineT. The showroom bike is something of a rolling homage, with visual (and technical) details echoing the R5 of the late 1930s. It also has a focus on modern-but-no-frills tech—such as the 1,802cc pushrod engine. (Source: Bikeexif)

“I left the technology as it is,” Dirk tells Bikeexif. “The frame is 100% original.” Clever original design touches like the exposed drive shaft and rear wheel hub are still present and correct. (Source: Bikeexif)

Called ‘Spirit of Passion,’ it retains the Art Deco vibe that Dirk has refined over the past few years. And although it looks like it belongs on the manicured lawns of Pebble Beach, or the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este in Italy, it’s actually a fully functional, rideable motorcycle. (Source: Bikeexif)

Dirk carved the shape of the bodywork out of rigid foam to create molds, and the final shell is fiberglass. It bolts to the standard R18 mounting points, and the matching rear wheel enclosure is attached to the swingarm—so that it follows the movement of the wheel. (Source: Bikeexif) BMW R18 First Ride Review

The tiny windshield is custom-made using Makrolon polycarbonate, a lightweight glass substitute, but the leather seat is adapted from BMW’s own accessory catalog. “This project is probably the most impressive of my entire career,” says Dirk. “It means a lot to me.” (Source: Bikeexif)