As custom branch of an official BMW motorcycle dealer, VTR Customs very well versed in the art of BMW modification. But that doesn’t mean the Swiss outfit gets there easily. Their builds aren’t always gentle and when they’re wild, they Actually wild.
That’s mainly because VTR boss Dani Weidmann is not one to shy away from challenges. So when a client asked him to customize his BMW R18 in the style of a 1930s airplane, he said ja.
The commission came from an existing VTR customer (who had previously customized his R nineT) who was enamored with the German-made Junkers Ju 52. The project is named ‘Iron Annie’, after a famous Ju 52 that has been restored and owned by the American author, Martin Caidin.
This isn’t the first time VTR has built a custom BMW with an aviation theme. They coated aluminum, sprayed fire BMWR1200R lit up Europe’s Sultans of Sprint series a few years ago. But Iron Annie has to do more than just go fast in a straight line; she must also be completely street legal.
VTR starts with a stock BMW R18, which they removed to get rid of all of its chrome. The engine has been refinished in black with custom ‘Iron Annie’ badging, and even the fork bars are treated with a diamond-like black carbon coating.
The rear fork is also shortened with new Wilbers shock absorbers fitted behind. VTR wanted to adjust the R18’s stance to make it feel like a bigger boxer, so they swapped out the wheels for a larger set of wheels. Measuring 21” at the front and 18” at the back, they were built specifically for the project by Kineo.
All of that is relatively straightforward compared to VTR’s next mission; R18’s new aircraft-style aluminum bodywork. From a distance, the fuel tank looks quite traditional, but the bodywork gradually becomes more detailed when it is reduced.
Several aluminum panels on the side of the bike, connected by domed head-mount pins, look like studs from a distance. Details include mesh-lined vents and side grooves to accommodate the air intakes. The entire arrangement tapers to the rear, with a slender tail piece that mimics the tail fin of an aircraft.
The closer you look, the more interesting little additions you’ll find. See the dent on the left that looks like an airplane door handle? That’s actually the R18’s electric reverse gear-mounted lever.
“One of the big challenges was the replica heatsink in the rear silencer area,” says Dani. “Shaping these parts into beautiful and parallel radii, while still fastening them harmoniously, took a lot of effort.”
Moving to the front, VTR built a small cover plate to house the LED Highsider headlights, completing it with a small cockpit-like window instead of a traditional windshield. A stout front fender sits directly below it, with a handcrafted belly spoiler mounted deeper.
R18’s travel bars have been replaced with ABM clamps, equipped with Magura HC3 brake and clutch control. Clip-ons may seem like an odd choice for a bike of this size and stance, but there’s a method to the VTR’s madness; The idea is to tighten the configuration of R18 as much as possible. Besides, it is unlikely that its owner will tour with it.
The speedometer has been moved to a case in front of the fuel tank and customized with a new swingarm by watchmaker Zeitzone Zürich. Further up is a handcrafted leather saddle, upholstered by frequent VTR Customs collaborator Yves Knobel.
Included with VTR’s custom work are some top-notch parts from other custom workshops. WalzWerk provided the exhaust silencer, while Berham Customs took care of the license plate holder. Avon Cobra tires, turn signals and taillights from Kellermann, complete the specifications of the parts.
For the final paint color of the R18, VTR dug deep into the annals of Junkers history. With help from Freuler AG, they painted the car the same color as the Ju 52 that Lufthansa flew in the mid-30s. It looked great—but it could have turned out very differently.
“What breaks our hearts a little bit when we see all those bright, handcrafted aluminum panels sparkling and shining is that they will have to be painted,” says Dani. “However, we are extremely pleased with the result—because Iron Annie is even more markedly different from our famous ‘Spitfire’.”
Aviation themed motorcycles can easily become clichés. But VTR Customs has proven once again that they know how to execute this style with supreme elegance.
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