By BMW Motorcycle division is giving a chance to some lucky customers to make it R18 their own. After collaborating with Roland Sands and Dirk Oehlerking, it left to Japanese builder Shinya Kimura to give the car a new look that borders on steampunk territory.
Kimura explains that he spent several hundred miles driving the R18 in California to get a feel for it before starting the project. He usually works on older motorcycle, although he has recently turned his attention to newer models and his approach to customization is unusual as he does not use sketches, drawings or blueprints – he He knows exactly what he wants to build and how to achieve it.
One of his first modifications was a change in riding posture, which he achieved by making the handlebars 8 inches narrower and fitting them 6 inches lower. He also moved the seat back, designed a new pad for it, and repositioned the legroom. In a way, this project is easier than the others he’s working on: he builds the bike for himself so he doesn’t have to depend on the size and riding style of the client. row.
With a different design, Kimura redesigned the body panels and used a hammer to give them texture. He has fitted the front end with asymmetrical headlights and a grille with vertical slats inspired by whales. His R18 was named The Wal, which means “whale” in German. The builder explained: “Thanks to the powerful engine, this car is wild and has almost endless power, but on the other hand, it is completely kind. Like a whale.” Bronze paint with lighter accents adds a finishing touch to the design.
Frames, wheels, tires, suspension components and brake system not modified. It doesn’t appear that the Kimura has made significant mechanical changes either, meaning power comes from BMW’s massive 1.8-litre, air-cooled twin flat engine. Appropriately called Great martial artist, it develops 91 horsepower and 116 pound-feet of torque when left alone and spins the rear wheels through an external drive shaft. Moving the seat back allows Kimura to fit a larger gas tank, so he’ll get an extra gallon of gas (a lot for a bike) for a long time. road trips.
“Draftly changing the seating position and adding my own style and taste was a major challenge in my interpretation of the BMW Heritage. In addition, all the computer systems and systems. these wires are all quite new to me and I have learned a lot,” Kimura summed up.
Sands and Oehlerking took the R18 in a completely different direction; the previous one reshape it into a dragster while the latter gives it a 1930s vibe is characterized by a full front bumper with a pair of kidney grilles. Some customisers don’t wait for BMW to knock on the door with an offer of cooperation. Russia-based Zillers Garage launched the R18 full makeup and an air suspension, among other changes.
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