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R 18

Customizer Dirk Oehlerking has marked the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad with a stunning creation- the R 18 The Crown.

  • He stripped down a new BMW R18 to create this unique and elegant motorcycle.
  • Oehlerking passion for individuality is evident in the self-designed aluminum sheet metal body. 

The design was centered around an innovative look while maintaining a powerful, elegant, and fast appeal.

The heavy customization made it necessary to introduce a new front wheel suspension – a double-sided swinging arm with central suspension strut. Furthermore, the 8-litre fuel tank and different body parts were made of 2mm thick handmade aluminum sheet metal, making it one of a kind. 

While the engine and rear suspension maintained the originality, the clutch and handbrake fittings from Magura, rear mudguard and brackets from Wunderkind, and the saddle covered in authentic leather, all added to the harmonious design.

The R 18 The Crown has a Champagne Platinum paint finish with mother-of-pearl. The BMW brand emblem is adorned with a small crown, adding to its uniqueness. The BMW R 18 The Crown will be unveiled during the BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin, from 7 to 9 July 2023.

Dirk Oehlerking’s craftsmanship has delivered a breathtaking, innovative, and majestic BMW Motorrad that will captivate the public’s attention for years to come.

BMW has announced the release of its newest member to the Heritage R 18 family, the R 18 Roctane. 

  • The Roctane is a contemporary cruiser style bike, featuring bagger trim without the front fairing. 
  • BMW describes the bike as “a cruiser, a bagger, and everything in between.”

The Roctane is equipped with mid-rise bars, a painted hard side case, integrated turn signals, blacked-out engine, dark chrome exhaust, and a 21/18-inch wheelset.

The motorcycle design takes inspiration from BMW’s air/oil cooled boxers from the past, with the large boxer engine as the focal point of the bike. 

Metal body panels cover the motorcycle’s exterior, with the standard color being Black Storm Metallic. However, BMW offers options for those who prefer Mineral Grey Metallic Matte or Manhattan Metallic Matte.

With 27-liter bags on each side, the R 18 Roctane is ideal for long-distance rides.

 

Similar to the base model, the R 18 Roctane is powered by a 1,802cc boxer engine, generating 91 hp and 157Nm of torque. 

Despite its classic bodywork, the motorcycle is equipped with modern electronics inlcuding automatic stability control, dynamic brake control, cruise control, torque control assist, dynamic engine brake control, and riding modes, among other electronics features. However, adaptive headlights, hill start control, and reverse assist are optional features for the bike.

The headlight houses an integrated instrument cluster inspired by the 1936 BMW R 5, displaying all relevant information expected of a modern bike. The matte paintwork contrasts with the high-gloss black chassis, adding sophistication to the motorcycle’s look.

Recently filed trademark registration indicates a new BMW R 12 is on the way, likely a ‘baby’ version of the R 18 cruiser.

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