When Dirk Oehlerking, the renowned customizer and founder of Kingston Custom customizing forge, sets his sights on the BMW R 18, the result is nothing short of spectacular. His recent creation, the R 18 Spirit of Passion, captivated the custom motorcycle scene with its breathtaking streamlined design. Now, Oehlerking takes a giant leap forward with his latest masterpiece, the R 18 The Crown. This motorcycle represents the culmination of his passion, creativity, and 30 years of dedication to crafting individual and extraordinary bikes.
Oehlerking’s deep-rooted love for industrial culture and proximity to industry and crafts in the Ruhr region have fueled his drive to create unique motorcycles. The R 18 The Crown showcases his commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. To begin the transformation, Oehlerking stripped down a new BMW R 18, employing his signature method of using hard foam and cardboard to shape the body and design lines. The goal was to achieve a powerful, elegant, and innovative look.
The design concept of the R 18 The Crown necessitated significant adaptations to the motorcycle’s technology. Oehlerking constructed a completely new front wheel suspension, employing a double-sided swinging arm with a central suspension strut. The body parts, including the striking 8-litre fuel tank, were meticulously crafted from hand-cut and bent 2 mm thick aluminum sheet metal. The exhaust manifolds, made from stainless steel, were meticulously formed by hand.
While maintaining the original engine and rear suspension, Oehlerking flawlessly integrated numerous standard components into the R 18 The Crown’s extraordinary concept. The headlight, instrument panel, switch units, and footrest system seamlessly blend with the bike’s overall design. Enhancing the harmony of the motorcycle are Magura clutch and handbrake fittings, Wunderkind rear mudguard and brackets, and a saddle made of 2 mm thick aluminum sheet metal, covered with genuine leather.
As a final touch, Oehlerking bestowed the R 18 The Crown with a Champagne Platinum paint finish featuring a delicate mother-of-pearl effect. Accentuating the motorcycle’s regal aura is the BMW brand emblem adorned with a small crown. These details elevate the R 18 The Crown to a level of luxury and sophistication befitting its name.
Motorcycle enthusiasts and aficionados alike can witness the unveiling of the BMW R 18 The Crown from July 7th to 9th, 2023. This extraordinary event takes place during the BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin, which celebrates 100 years of BMW Motorrad. The unveiling marks a significant milestone in both the history of BMW Motorrad and Oehlerking’s illustrious career as a customizer.
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