BMW 1800 R 18 The Crown 2023 — Specifications

The R 18 has been the subject of customization even before its commercialization. BMW is particularly working on the communication for its large custom, declined in multiple realizations. With “The Crown,” the exercise goes far in singularity.

When Dirk Oehlerking dedicates himself to the R 18 with his Kingston Custom customization forge, a spectacular result is guaranteed. The customizer recently made a sensation with the R 18 Spirit of Passion, a stunning creation with a streamlined style.

The R 18 The Crown goes even further. "It's the very essence of my creations to date," says Mr. Oehlerking, whose passion and creativity have always been to create individual and unusual motorcycles.

Bodywork of his own design in aluminum sheet and front wheel suspension by double-sided swingarm with central shock absorber leg.

To mark the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad, he created the R 18 The Crown, a large boxer motorcycle that has everything to please. "I started with an R18 that I then stripped down. As always, I worked with hard foam and cardboard to create the shape, lines and design. The goal was to obtain a powerful, elegant and fast motorcycle, combined with an innovative look," explains Mr. Oehlerking to describe his design approach.

The design required considerable adaptation of the technology. A completely new front wheel suspension had to be built in the form of a double-sided swingarm with a central shock absorber leg.

The 8-liter fuel tank and bodywork elements were made of 2 mm thick aluminum sheet, cut, bent and drawn by hand.

If the engine and rear suspension are identical to those of the original, the two stainless steel exhaust manifolds were entirely handmade.

Many standard elements such as the headlights, instruments, switches and footrest system were perfectly integrated into the spectacular concept of the R 18 The Crown. The Magura clutch and hand brake, the Wunderkind rear fender and supports, and the 2 mm thick aluminum sheet saddle covered in genuine leather are as many harmonious additions.

Cherry on top, Oehlerking equipped the R 18 The Crown with a Platinum Champagne paint with mother-of-pearl, complemented by the BMW brand emblem adorned with a small crown.

The unveiling of the BMW R 18 The Crown took place in early July 2023 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad as part of the BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin.

M.B - Photos constructeur