Whenever Dirk Oehlerking building another custom BMW boxer, it looks like his signature art deco style has reached its peak. But then the next project started Kingston’s Customization workshop, and the German artist flipped the script. Flying between classic boxcars and the newer BMW R18, Dirk is constantly pushing himself and his imagination to new and exciting heights.
During his career, Dirk not only worked with BMWs but also became known as a boxing expert. The Bavarian brand is close to his heart so he built this custom BMW R18 to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Nicknamed the ‘Crown’, it’s currently flexing its neck at the BMW Motorrad Days event in Berlin.
It’s a fascinating machine, juxtaposed with futuristic, art deco and aviation elements. Everything is perfect down to every inch—from the elegantly crafted bodywork to the finishing touches. As usual, we scratched our heads trying to figure out how he built it.
In a world where digital design is ubiquitous, Dirk’s process is a fresh take on tradition. He started by removing the R18 from its frame, then he used forming foam and cardboard sheets to create the design. His goal was to create a machine that represented speed and power, but in an unorthodox way—and he accomplished it.
Once the R18’s silhouette was determined, Dirk began building a custom fuselage from 2mm thick aluminum sheet. And the more you test it, the more impressive it becomes.
The bottom half reaches forward to hug the front wheel, while the top half ends with a cloth covering around the headlights. The bodywork is gracefully tapered from front to back, ending with a curved cutout that follows the rear wheel, while fully showing the R18’s ring-shaped swingarm and exposed shaft drive. Incorporated into the design is an 8 liter [2.1 gal] fuel tank, accessible via the classic Monza-style gas cap directly in front of the driver.
Most of the R18’s chassis remained intact, but the new bodywork required a redesign of the front end. To ensure that the bike could still steer—and turn—Dirk built a front swingarm and cable-operated steering. It is operated via a custom set of handlebars and has Wilbers shock absorbers to add some cushioning.
Dirk kept the R18’s original wheels, brakes and rear shock absorbers, and refitted its switches for a new handlebar. But hydraulic brakes and clutch control are the upgraded Magura parts.
Dirk’s crafting skills are impressive, but so is his judgment. He reused many of the R18’s existing parts, integrating them into his custom piece in a way that elevates the overall design.
Up front, BMW’s LED headlights give the car an almost robotic look. On the sides, neat cuts in aluminum match the R18’s massive cylinder heads and intakes, and its foot controls. The left side even has the car’s original chrome reverse gear lever and power socket.
The original color stands out on the new bodywork, while the pair of cross-cut stainless steel exhaust pipes give it a more snug fit than the original ‘fishtail’. The way they embrace the bike and finish it off perfectly with the bodywork is testament to how obsessed Dirk is with his job.
Going higher, the top panel flows into a sculpted case for the original tachometer. An aluminum seatback forms the base for the plush suede seats, with a custom loop at the back to keep the rider from sliding off his back. It may not be particularly comfortable, but it looks spectacular.
The rear fender and its struts are one of the few parts available on this custom BMW R18. They come from Wunderkind in Germany and have LED taillights discreetly fitted into the struts where they make contact with the fenders. Tiny Kellerman LED turn signals up front.
The car looks bigger and heavier than an original R18, but it’s not. Now it weighs 305 kg [672 lbs]—40 kg [88 lbs] less than before. It’s only 2 inches longer than before, and with the mirrors off, it’s actually narrower.
Finishing things off with an elaborate paint once again proves how good Dirk’s palate is. The champagne and mother-of-pearl tones contrast masterfully with the raw aluminum and chromed parts. The pin-striped sections on the sides of the car are reminiscent of classic BMW tank designs — but they continue to extend to the rear, forming a continuation into the swingarm.
Subtle Kingston Custom and BMW logos, along with small brass pins all over the body, add a touch of flair. And if you take a close look at the stainless steel exhaust pipes, you’ll notice how their natural colors come together with the different colors adorning the R18.
At this point, we’re not sure if these design decisions were intentional or if Dirk’s instincts were so good that they came naturally to him. We’re not sure how he’ll level up from this build—but knowing him, he’ll find a way.
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