At any time when Dirk Oehlerking builds one other {custom} BMW boxer, it seems like his signature artwork deco fashion has reached its zenith. However then the subsequent challenge rolls into the Kingston Customized workshop, and the German artisan flips the script once more. Flitting between classic boxers and the newer BMW R18, Dirk continually pushes himself, and his creativeness, to new and thrilling heights.
Dirk hasn’t solely labored on BMWs in his profession, however he’s actually turn out to be referred to as a boxer specialist. The Bavarian marque is near his coronary heart—so he constructed this tradition BMW R18 to have fun its one hundredth anniversary. Nicknamed ‘The Crown,’ it’s at present bending necks on the BMW Motorrad Days occasion in Berlin.
It’s an interesting machine, laced with retro-futuristic, artwork deco, and aeronautical parts. All the things is inch-perfect—from the elegant hand-formed bodywork to the finishes. As typical, we’re scratching our heads making an attempt to determine how he constructed it.
In a world the place digital design is ubiquitous, Dirk’s course of is refreshingly conventional. He began by stripping the R18 all the way down to its body, then he used shaping foam and sheets of cardboard to determine the design. His objective was to create a machine that represents velocity and energy, however in an unorthodox approach—and he nailed it.
With the R18’s silhouette outlined, Dirk began fabricating the {custom} fuselage out of two mm thick aluminum sheeting. And the extra you study it, the extra spectacular it turns into.
The decrease half reaches ahead to hug the entrance wheel, whereas the higher half ends in a shroud that wraps across the headlight. The physique tapers gracefully from entrance to again, ending in a curved cutout that follows the rear wheel, and places the R18’s looped swingarm and uncovered shaft drive on full show. Included into the design is an 8 liter [2.1 gal] gasoline tank, accessible through a basic Monza-style fuel cap simply in entrance of the rider.
A lot of the R18’s chassis has gone untouched, however the bike’s new physique known as for a redesign of the entrance finish. To verify the bike would nonetheless drive—and switch—Dirk engineered a entrance swingarm and a cable-operated steering system. It’s operated through a set of custom-made handlebars, and there’s a Wilbers shock so as to add some cushioning.
Dirk stored the R18’s unique wheels, brakes, and rear shocks, and re-fitted its switches to the brand new handlebars. However the hydraulic brake and clutch controls are upgraded Magura elements.
Dirk’s fabrication expertise are spectacular, however so is his judgment. He’s re-purposed lots of the R18’s inventory elements, integrating them into his {custom} work in a approach that elevates the general design.
Out entrance, the BMW’s LED headlight provides the bike an virtually robotic visage. On the perimeters, neat cutouts within the aluminum accommodate the R18’s gargantuan cylinder heads and intakes, and its foot controls. The left facet even options the bike’s unique chromed reverse gear lever and an influence socket.
The inventory chroming pops in opposition to the brand new bodywork, whereas a pair of slash-cut stainless-steel exhausts provide a tighter match than the unique ‘fishtail’ models. The best way they hug the bike and finish completely according to the bodywork is a testomony to how a lot Dirk obsesses over his work.
Greater up, the highest panel flows right into a sculpted housing for the inventory speedo. An aluminum seat pan kinds the bottom for the luxurious suede seat, with a {custom} loop on the again to maintain the rider from sliding off the again. It’s in all probability not notably snug, however it does look spectacular.
The rear fender and its struts are among the few off-the-shelf elements on this tradition BMW R18. They’re from Wunderkind in Germany, and have LED taillights discreetly embedded within the struts the place they meet the fender. Teeny tiny Kellerman LED flip indicators sit up entrance.
The bike appears larger and heavier than a inventory R18, however it’s not. It now weighs 305 kilos [672 lbs]—40 kg [88 lbs] lower than earlier than. It’s solely 2 inches longer than earlier than, and, with the mirrors off, it’s truly narrower.
Ending issues off is a classy livery that when once more proves how good Dirk’s style is. Champagne and mother-of-pearl tones play off in opposition to uncooked aluminum and chromed elements masterfully. The pin-striped sections on the perimeters of the bike recall classic BMW gasoline tank designs—however they proceed all the best way to the rear, tracing a line that continues into the swingarm.
Refined Kingston Customized and BMW logos, and tiny brass fasteners all through the bodywork, add further accents. And for those who pay shut consideration to the stainless-steel exhausts, you’ll discover how their pure discoloration ties collectively the varied hues that adorn the R18.
At this level we’re undecided if these design choices are intentional, or if Dirk’s instincts are so good that they simply come to him naturally. We’re undecided how he’s going to stage up from this construct—however realizing him, he’ll discover a approach.
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