At the exclusive Top Marques show in Monaco, BMW Motorrad showcased the new BMW R 18 custom project by Radikal Chopper. The development of the luxurious R 18 Magnifica commissioned by Officine Riunite Milanesi was done by Andrea Radaelli from Radikal Chopper with the support of BMW Motorrad Italia.
The handmade R 18 Magnifica was crafted using brass, aluminum and wood. The idea of building a custom bike based on the BMW R 18 was spearheaded by Raffaello Polchi, owner of Officine Riunite Milanesi and a lifelong motorbike enthusiast.
Andrea Radaelli of Radikal Chopper got inspired by the vintage motorbikes of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s and in particular the BMW R 37, when designing the custom motorcycle. The use of a particular material such as wood is a nod to the motorbikes of the past, an idea that also comes to mind when thinking of old BMW cars with wooden steering wheels. The use of this material also responds to the desire to put something ‘alive’ on the motorbike.
No CAD or renderings as a starting point were used for this bike, only a sketch of the bike. The R 18 was initially considered without all the elements necessary for series production and then rethought esteeming the proportions between the front and rear of the bike, to achieve a harmonious visual finish. Almost everything on the bike has been built by hand. The exceptions are the rims, machined from billet and machined with numerically controlled machines, but always to a design by Radikal Chopper. Even the innovative brake discs and callipers were specially created.
The tail and seat are one piece while the rear end includes mahogany with a polished stainless steel center section. The forks share the looks with vintage motorbikes, inside, however, they are completely modern built from billet parts. The electrical system has been retained. The dimensions, rims, and tires have remained true to the original as well.
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