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Even earlier than its official debut in 2020, BMW’s R 18 cruiser had already made its method to a slew of customizers from the US in addition to from all over the world, with the marque itself commissioning a prototype and several other concept variations of the Large Boxer–engined, custom-styled machine properly earlier than the general public ever noticed it on a seller’s ground. Evidently the BMW’s Motorrad offshoot in Canada needed in on the motion too, and though they’re a bit late to the sport, this trio of slick R 18–based mostly customs launched earlier this 12 months are nonetheless value a better look.
For its first-ever bike customization mission, BMW Motorrad Canada partnered with three proficient builders—all working in numerous types—from throughout the nation, giving every of the customizers a brand new inventory BMW R 18 to switch as they happy. However this being a company-commissioned deal, we are able to additionally assume BMW needed to current the R 18′s customizing potential in its finest gentle, and it’s a secure wager this trio was chosen for his or her craftsmanship and a spotlight to element.
Associated: A Timeline Of The 2021 BMW R 18 Launch
Together with his so-called “R 18 Future Cafe” bike, Jay Donovan from British Columbia approached the construct with one predominant objective: to reroute the R 18′s chunky exhaust up and over the cylinder head and straight again to an exit below the seat, lessening its visible bulk alongside the way in which. Though BMW likes to tout the cruiser’s 1,802cc, twin-cylinder Big Boxer engine, Donovan’s imaginative and prescient sought as an alternative to reduce its profile, which meant a great deal of metallic shaping would make its approach into the construct.
With Donovan’s spectacular metallic fabrication abilities on full show, the Future Cafe additionally contains a absolutely redesigned tank, saddle, and the bike’s higher part in naked, polished aluminum, with severely chopped entrance and rear fenders in contrasting black to emphasise the lengthy, modern, and sure, futuristic, look.
Associated: BMW Unveils Latest R 18 Custom in Soulfuel Series
In the meantime, Rob Thiessen and his staff at Konquer Bikes (additionally based mostly in British Columbia) took a totally totally different strategy to the R 18, going for what he calls a “manufacturing facility {custom} dragster” vibe. The bike’s standout Bronze Metallic paintwork and pinstriping immediately set it aside from the remainder of the {custom} crowd, with shapely, modified entrance and rear fenders, a low {custom} seat, and a entrance chin fairing additional magnifying the low-and-long, manufacturing facility {custom} look. Up on the tank, old-painted BMW roundels and {custom} graphics add an air of sophistication, whereas a subtly coloured and electronically adjustable exhaust assist tie the brand new look of the “Diamond Customized” collectively.
Associated: BMW R 18-based ‘Magnifica’ Custom by Radikal Chopper
Naturally there was going to be a chopper model of the R 18, and the individual doing the hacking on this case was Nick Acosta from Increase Motorworks, based mostly in Toronto. Acosta went for the traditional American chopper model on the massive German boxer, which he has nicknamed “El Boxeador.” Together with the requisite mini apehanger bars, {custom} solo seat, hand-carved headlight mount, and cocktail shaker exhaust, we additionally get an old-school sissy bar, and a punchy tattoo-themed paint job on the tank and aspect panels, giving this R 18 an immediately traditional ‘70s model.
Additionally readily available to examine the brand new creations was Roland Stocker, BMW Motorrad mission chief for the Heritage fashions and one of many guiding minds within the improvement of the R 18. Stocker stated he was impressed not solely with the finished bikes, but additionally by the builders themselves. “The imaginative and prescient, craftsmanship, and high quality of labor may be very spectacular, particularly contemplating how younger a number of the builders are,” he stated.
So yeah, it’s been two years for the reason that R 18 was formally launched, nevertheless it seems to be like the massive cruiser’s {custom} potential remains to be being realized.
Associated: A Voluptuous BMW R 18 Custom From Kingston Custom
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