Ever since the R 18 cruiser was introduced by BMW Motorrad three years ago, we’ve been treated with several different customized versions of the boxer-twin motorcycle. However, none of them are as radical as this bespoke creation which has been handcrafted by celebrated custom motorcycle builder Dirk Oehlerking. He’s the same guy who was responsible for building the R 18 Spirit of Passion Custom back in 2021. Just like his previous BMW-based custom builds, this latest creation is simply jaw-dropping. Called The Crown, the incredible two-wheeled artwork was created to celebrate 100 years of BMW Motorrad. The streamlined design of The Crown is extreme that it’s hard to believe that the bespoke motorcycle is based on the R 18 cruiser.
Describing the design approach for his latest custom motorcycle, Oehlerking said: “I started with a new BMW R18 which I then stripped down. As always, I worked with hard foam and cardboard to create the shape, the lines, and the design. The aim was for it to look powerful, elegant and fast combined with an innovative look.” The Crown features a retro design with a full body fairing handcrafted out of aluminum sheet metal. Even the 8-liter fuel tank and the other body parts were made from 2 mm thick aluminum sheet metal, which were cut, bent, and driven by hand. Thanks to its low-slung design, a completely new front wheel suspension had to be constructed.
The engine and rear suspension have not been changed or modified; however, the two stainless steel exhaust manifolds were custom-made by hand. You’ll be surprised to know that The Crown features a number of standard components borrowed from the R 18, such as the headlight, instrument, switch units, and footrests. The motorcycle is fitted with a leather-covered aluminum seat that sits flush with the bodywork to reduce aerodynamic drag.
The Champagne Platinum bodywork is decorated with gold-colored pinstriping along with a modified version of the BMW logo that features a crown on top of it. The stunning custom motorcycle was unveiled last month in Berlin on the occasion of 100 years of BMW Motorrad celebrations.
