In January 2021, Kingston Custom revealed its first BMW R 18 custom, the Spirit of Passion. Designed by Dirk Oehlerking, this unique bike showcased the potential for limitless design possibilities within the R 18 line.
Fast-forward to July 2023, where BMW Motorrad is celebrating its 100th anniversary. As part of the celebration, BMW asked Oehlerking to create another custom R 18 that embodies the brand’s past, present, and future.
The result is The Crown, a stunning creation by Kingston Custom. Made with meticulously handcrafted aluminum sheet metal and finished in a regal Champagne Platinum, The Crown represents the essence of Oehlerking’s previous creations.
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Oehlerking started with a new BMW R 18 and stripped it down to create The Crown. Using hard foam and cardboard, he meticulously shaped the bike to have a powerful, elegant, and innovative look.
Unlike the Spirit of Passion, The Crown required significant alterations to the R 18 structure. Oehlerking replaced the standard front end with a double-sided swingarm setup and a central suspension strut.
While the fuel tank, body panels, and exhaust manifolds were handcrafted, components such as the headlight, instrument cluster, switchgear, footrests, and engine were retained from the BMW factory and seamlessly incorporated into The Crown’s overall design.
The Crown premiered at BMW Motorrad Days 2023 and will likely make appearances at future shows. What are your thoughts on this magnificent custom creation?