BMW Motorrad Canada Rolls Out Three R 18 Customs

BMW Motorrad Canada’s first-ever customization challenge resulted in these three various R 18 builds. (BMW Motorrad/)

Even earlier than its official debut in 2020, BMW’s R 18 cruiser had already made its technique to a slew of customizers from the US in addition to from world wide, with the marque itself commissioning a prototype and several other idea variations of the Massive Boxer–engined, custom-styled machine nicely earlier than the general public ever noticed it on a supplier’s ground. Plainly the BMW’s Motorrad offshoot in Canada wished 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 yr are nonetheless price a more in-depth look.

For its first-ever motorbike customization challenge, BMW Motorrad Canada partnered with three proficient builders—all working in numerous kinds—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 will additionally assume BMW wished to current the R 18′s customizing potential in its finest mild, and it’s a protected wager this trio was chosen for his or her craftsmanship and a focus to element.

Associated: A Timeline Of The 2021 BMW R 18 Launch

It took some slick metalwork, however Jay Donovan was capable of downplay the R 18’s huge exhaust pipe and create this construct he calls “Future Cafe.” (BMW Motorrad/)

Along with his so-called “R 18 Future Cafe” bike, Jay Donovan from British Columbia approached the construct with one major aim: 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 best way. Though BMW likes to tout the cruiser’s 1,802cc, twin-cylinder Massive Boxer engine, Donovan’s imaginative and prescient sought as an alternative to attenuate its profile, which meant a great deal of metallic shaping would make its method into the construct.

With Donovan’s spectacular metallic fabrication expertise on full show, the Future Cafe additionally includes 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, glossy, and sure, futuristic, look.

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Professional Avenue? Bobber? Rob Thiessen at Konquer Bikes calls his bronze-coated R 18 construct dubbed “Diamond Customized” a “manufacturing unit {custom} dragster.” (BMW Motorrad/)

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 unit {custom} dragster” vibe. The bike’s standout Bronze Metallic paintwork and pinstriping immediately set it other than 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 unit {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’ Customized by Radikal Chopper

It’s formally often called the “Tattooed Chopper,” however Nick Acosta from Increase Motorworks calls his {custom} construct “El Boxeador”—for apparent causes. (BMW Motorrad/)

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 basic American chopper fashion 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 facet panels, giving this R 18 an immediately basic ‘70s fashion.

BMW Motorrad Challenge Chief Roland Stocker got here out to see the brand new builds at their reveal in Canada. (BMW Motorrad/)

Additionally available to examine the brand new creations was Roland Stocker, BMW Motorrad challenge chief for the Heritage fashions and one of many guiding minds within the growth of the R 18. Stocker mentioned he was impressed not solely with the finished bikes, but in addition by the builders themselves. “The imaginative and prescient, craftsmanship, and high quality of labor may be very spectacular, particularly contemplating how younger a few of the builders are,” he mentioned.

So yeah, it’s been two years because the R 18 was formally launched, but it surely appears like the massive cruiser’s {custom} potential continues to be being realized.

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Jay Donovan along with his Future Cafe R 18 construct. (BMW Motorrad/)