Motorcycle specifications BMW1800 R 18 The Crown 2023 Cigar and champagne

The R 18 was customized even before it went on sale. BMW puts a great deal of effort into the marketing of its large custom motorcycle, which is available in a wide range of models. With "The Crown", the exercise goes far in singularity.

when Dirk Oehlerking devotes himself to the R 18 with his Kingston Custom forge, spectacular results are guaranteed. The customizer recently caused a sensation with the R 18 Spirit of Passion, a breathtaking creation with sleek styling.

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

Own-design bodywork in sheet aluminum and front-wheel suspension by double-sided swingarm with central strut.

To mark BMW Motorrad's 100th anniversary, he created the R 18 The Crown, a big boxer bike that has everything going for it. "I started with an R18 and stripped it down. As always, I worked with hard foam and cardboard to create the shape, lines and design. The aim was to achieve a powerful, elegant and fast bike, combined with an innovative look," explains Oehlerking to describe his approach to design.

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

The 8-liter fuel tank and body components were made from 2mm-thick aluminum sheet, cut, bent and driven by hand.

While the engine and rear suspension are identical to those of the original, the two stainless steel exhaust manifolds are entirely hand-built.

Numerous standard features such as the headlights, instruments, switches and footrest system have been perfectly integrated into the spectacular design of the R 18 The Crown. The Magura clutch and handbrake, the Wunderkind rear mudguard and brackets, and the 2 mm thick aluminum saddle covered in genuine leather are all harmonious additions.

As the icing on the cake, Oehlerking has given the R 18 The Crown a Champagne Platine paint job 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 BMW Motorrad's 100th anniversary at BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos