BMW Motorrad Canada has revealed the results of their first motorcycle customization project. The company has partnered with three talented builders from across Canada and provided them with a BMW R 18″ like their fabric.
The selected builders were Jay Donovan from Victoria, British Columbia, Konquer Motorcycles from Kelowna, British Columbia, and Augment Motorworks from Toronto, Ontario.
Read our BMW R 18 Road Test Review
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The builders revealed their bikes to BMW Motorrad Canada as well as Roland Stocker, BMW Motorrad Project Manager for Heritage models. “These projects show how important it is to create bikes that inspire creativity and act as a good base for owners and builders alike,” said Roland Stocker.
Stocker, who was essentially involved in the development of the R 18, went to Canada to see the reveal. He was not only impressed by the finished bikes but also by the builders themselves. “Vision, craftsmanship and quality of work are impressive, especially considering the youth of some of the builders,” says Stocker. “I am very pleased with the results.”
Due to its classic design and splendid proportions, the R 18 serves as an ideal base for custom work. At the heart of the R 18 is the 1,802cc, 2-cylinder “Big Boxer” engine – the most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever used in a production motorcycle.
“We wanted to demonstrate the potential of the R 18 and designed a project to do so,” said Johann von Balluseck, Director, BMW Motorrad Canada. “We chose builders who would approach this project in different ways in the hope that they would give us three very different styles – and that is exactly what we got.”
The only requirements for the builds are that the custom bike is still functional and that it is road legal. This summer, the three motorcycles will be included on a tour of the nation’s retailers, visiting locations across Canada.
Jay Donovan – R 18 Future Café
R 18 Future Café is a metal fabrication project by motorcycle artist Jay Donovan. Donovan’s design started with the desire to re-adjust the exhaust up through the cylinder head and straight back, ending under the saddle. The fuel tank and top have been completely redesigned in polished aluminum, and the ceiling and front and rear fenders are trimmed in contrasting black for a long and sleek look.
Augment Motorworks – R 18 Tattooed Chopper
Nick Acosta from Augment Motorworks applied the classic American chopper style to the massive German boxer, which he nicknamed “El Boxeador”. Sophisticated tattoo-themed paintwork combined with a black bar, hand-carved headlight mount, mini monkey handlebars, cocktail exhaust and custom saddle turn the bike into a classic. instantly with gentle strokes.
Konquer Motorcycles – R 18 Diamond Custom
Rob Thiessen and his team at Konquer Motorcycles owned the R 18 and built a custom dragster at the factory. Bronze metal paint and trim, revised front and rear fenders, custom saddle and diamond pattern throughout create a custom low and long factory look. In addition, gold-painted BMW rims and electronically adjustable exhaust help tie the new look together.
