BMW Motorrad has joined forces with Bernhard Naumann (aka Blechmann), a renowned customizer from Austria, to create the Blechmann R 18 custom bike.
BMW Motorrad’s new BMW R 18, the first series-production bike for the cruiser segment, was unveiled in April. The model is based on famous bikes such as the BMW R 5 and shifts the focus back to the motorcycle essentials. For the Blechmann R 18 bike, Bernhard Naumann decided to make minor changes on the frame and the technology and to use only the original mounting points.
Starting off with a new creation, Bernhard Naumann never uses sketches in advance. He accumulates his inspiration while working on the bike itself. “I draw my design directly on the object using the final material. This allows me to directly respond to the requirements and to keep an eye on the proportions at all times”, explains the designer.
For the Belchmann R 18, he initially “put the cart before the horse” in order to be able to correctly evaluate the proportions for the front fairing. The single-seater is based on the original supporting structure of the rear fender, seat, and pillion. The rear light is from Kellermann. The fuel tank has been extensively modified: For one thing, it is narrower making it sportier and exposes the engine even more. On the other hand, it features knee cut-outs. The original steering tube was used as the basis for the stub handlebar.
Blechmann has also customized the headlights. Similar to the classic boxer engine, the designer placed a filament lamp prominently in the center. The steering angle and the forward-tilted headlamp determine the basic layout of the custom bike. The bike is refined with black paint and classic white BMW Motorrad pin-stripes. In total, the team around Blechmann worked 450 hours on his version of the BMW R 18.
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