PressClub Global · Article.
BMW Motorrad presents new R 18 custom bike.
Mon Jan 18 17:00:00 CET 2021 Press Release
“Spirit of Passion” by Kingston Custom.
Press Contact.
Dominik Schaidnagel
BMW Group
Tel: +49-89-382-50181
Fax: +49-89-382-28567
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Munich, 18 January 2021. Unmistakable design that is
distinct from all others – that is the new “Spirit of Passion” by
Kingston Custom. After Roland Sands, Dirk Oehlerking lends the BMW R
18 his inimitable signature with the second R18 gem in the “SoulFuel”
series, a collaboration between BMW Motorrad and selected customisers.
Previously, a sensation was also caused by an R 18 conversion created
by Bernhard Naumann – also known as “Blechmann”.
Oehlerking’s Kingston Custom is well-known for its extreme
customising. Anyone expecting a complete rebuild of the R 18 will be
in for a surprise, however. “The BMW R 18 is so perfect that I left
the technology as it is. The frame is 100 % original and so
sophisticated that nothing should be changed here,” says Oehlerking.
But the bike has still been transformed into an unmistakable Kingston
Custom conversion.
The “Spirit of Passion” in detail.
The biggest eye-catcher – and also the greatest challenge – is
the Kingston fairing. The bodywork is finished in handmade Kingston
design, as are the handlebars and mudguard. The BMW R 18 exhaust has
been modified by Oehlerking in Kingston Roadster style, while his
saddle is drawn from the range of universal accessories. The turn
indicators have been replaced with Kellermann indicators and the LED
front headlight is now integrated in the fairing. The original
paintwork and lines have been adopted for the fairing and wing, with
the addition of some details in Kingston style. The wheel suspension
and fuel tank are original. The design as a whole is based on classic
art deco style.
BMW R 18: the original.
Thanks to its extremely conversion-friendly architecture,
the BMW R 18 is predestined for customising. The R 18 features a
pronounced historical reference, technically and visually echoing
famous models such as the BMW R 5 and refocussing on motorbike
essentials: purist, no-frills technology – and of course the “big boxer”.
More about the maestro.
Motorbike racer, designer and craftsman Dirk Oehlerking
demonstrates once again in his “Spirit of Passion” that he not only
understands his craft but has embraced it in his work for over
35 years. For him, the design process begins long before the
first screws are applied or sketches are made: “I put a lot of thought
into it beforehand. My motorbikes always convey soul, charm and
character. They’re outstanding specimens, so they require great care
and attention. I have a constant stream of images running past my
mind’s eye when it comes to deciding what style I want to focus on.
Once I’ve made that choice, I start with a sketch in pencil and
Tipp-Ex. Then I keep going until I know in my heart of hearts: that’s
precisely it!”
A native of Hanover, Oehlerking already has his own tradition of
customising BMW machines. Around 17 of the brand’s own creations are
his, including the “Black Phantom” and its sibling bike, the “White
Phantom”. The two models defined completely new standards in the
industry at the time. Yet redesigning the R 18 was a novel undertaking
for Oehlerking. “This project is probably the most impressive of my
entire career. It means a lot to me – if not everything at this
moment. The trust that BMW Motorrad has placed in me once again is
hugely important to me. I’m very grateful for that.”
Disclaimer:
The vehicles shown here may be modified and equipped with third party custom parts and/or self-made components that are neither manufactured nor distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for such modifications (including installation, characteristics and use of the shown custom parts/components). ATTENTION: Modification of series vehicles (including installation and use of third-party custom parts and/or self-made components) may impair riding characteristics! Riding modified BMW vehicles is at your own risk.
You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.
In case of queries please contact:
Dominik Schaidnagel, Communications BMW Motorrad
Telephone: +49
89 382 50181, dominik.schaidnagel@bmw.de
Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW
Motorrad
Telephone: +49 89 382 57505, tim.diehl-thiele@bmw.de
Jennifer Treiber-Ruckenbrod, Head of Communications
MINI and BMW Motorrad
Telephone: +49 89 382 35108, jennifer.ruckenbrod@bmwgroup.com
Internet: www.press.bmw.de
E-mail: presse@bmw.de
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