Munich/Gelsenkirchen. When Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom takes on the BMW R 18 for customization, the result is always spectacular. Oehlerking recently impressed the scene with his creation, the R 18 Spirit of Passion, a breathtaking streamlined motorcycle.
The R 18 The Crown takes customization to the next level. Oehlerking describes it as the culmination of his work to date, reflecting his passion and creativity for unique and unconventional motorcycles. For the past 30 years, he has been dedicated to his craft in the Ruhr region, drawing inspiration from industrial culture, crafts, and his extensive network.
Featuring a self-designed aluminum sheet metal body and a front wheel suspension with a double-sided swinging arm and central suspension strut. To commemorate 100 years of BMW Motorrad, Oehlerking has created the R 18 The Crown, a powerful boxer motorcycle that stands out. He started with a new BMW R 18 and stripped it down, using hard foam and cardboard to shape the design. The goal was to achieve a powerful, elegant, and innovative look.
The design required significant technological adaptations. Oehlerking constructed a completely new front wheel suspension in the form of a double-sided swinging arm with a central suspension strut.
The 8-liter fuel tank and body parts were meticulously crafted from 2mm thick aluminum sheet metal, cut, bent, and shaped by hand.
While the engine and rear suspension remained unchanged, Oehlerking handcrafted the two stainless steel exhaust manifolds. He seamlessly integrated standard components such as the headlight, instrument, switch units, and footrest system into the remarkable 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 2mm thick aluminum sheet metal covered with genuine leather complement the overall design.
As a finishing touch, Oehlerking gave the R 18 The Crown a Champagne Platinum paint finish with mother-of-pearl accents, adorned with the BMW brand emblem featuring a small crown.
The unveiling of the BMW R 18 The Crown is scheduled from July 7 to 9, 2023, in Berlin as part of the BMW Motorrad Days, celebrating 100 years of BMW Motorrad.
Disclaimer. The vehicles shown may have been modified and equipped with third-party accessories or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed, or tested by BMW. BMW assumes no liability for these modifications, including the fitting, characteristics, and use of the accessories. Please note that modifying factory production vehicles, including the use of third-party and self-made parts, may affect riding characteristics and is done at your own risk.
You can find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.
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Telephone: +49-151-601-50181, Dominik.Schaidnagel@bmw.de
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