Kingston Custom has unveiled a customised BMW R 18, in collaboration with BMW Motorrad, and we’re already clearing a space for it in our Batcave. Spirit of Passion by Kingston Custom is the creation of Dirk Oehlerking.
The obvious eye-catcher is the Kingston fairing. The bodywork is finished in handmade Kingston design, as are the handlebars and mudguard. The BMW R 18 exhaust has been modified by Oehlerking in Kingston Roadster style, while his saddle is drawn from the range of universal accessories. The turn indicators have been replaced with Kellermann indicators and the LED front headlight is now integrated in the fairing. The original paintwork and lines have been adopted for the fairing and wing, with the addition of some details in Kingston style. The wheel suspension and fuel tank are original. The design as a whole embraces classic art deco style to dramatic effect.
Thanks to its extremely conversion-friendly architecture, the BMW R 18 is lends itself to extreme customising, but Oehlerking refrained from a complete rebuild of the R 18. “The BMW R 18 is so perfect that I left the technology as it is. The frame is 100 per cent original and so sophisticated that nothing should be changed here,” says Oehlerking.
The bodywork is finished in handmade Kingston design, as are the handlebars and mudguard…
Motorbike racer and designer Dirk Oehlerking says the design process begins long before the first screws are applied or sketches are made. “I put a lot of thought into it beforehand. My motorbikes always convey soul, charm and character. They’re outstanding specimens, so they require great care and attention. I have a constant stream of images running past my mind’s eye when it comes to deciding what style I want to focus on. Once I’ve made that choice, I start with a sketch in pencil and Tipp-Ex. Then I keep going until I know in my heart of hearts: that’s precisely it!”
Oehlerking has customised more than a dozen BMW machines, but says redesigning the R 18 was a novel undertaking. “This project is probably the most impressive of my entire career. It means a lot to me – if not everything at this moment. The trust that BMW Motorrad has placed in me once again is hugely important to me. I’m very grateful for that.”
BMW Motorrad is a sister brand to BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce.
British motorcycle brand Triumph and the guitar experts at Gibson have partnered to produce one off editions of their most iconic models, in support of the global motorcycle charity The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Inspired by their shared 1959 history, and the enduring connection between music and motorcycle culture, Triumph has created a one-of-a-kind custom editionContinue Reading
Two British icons partner up to bring this limited edition (just 250 units) of a two-wheel classic, inspired by the Tiger 900 Rally Pro. This special edition Triumph features in the stunt sequences of the 25th James Bond adventure, No Time To Die. Lee Morrison, No Time To Die stunt coordinator: declared: “The Tiger 900Continue Reading
There were no shortage of dazzling debuts and timeless classics at Salon Privé Week 2021. Britain’s favourite supercar show was back on glorious form for 2021. Team TLR were there for Ladies’ Day, and enjoyed a feast of fascinators and fabulous machinery. EVs were definitely in vogue this year, and highlights were numerous. Eagerly anticipated,Continue Reading
The Luxe Review 
Kingston Custom has unveiled a customised BMW R 18, in collaboration with BMW Motorrad, and we’re already clearing a space for it in our Batcave. Spirit of Passion by Kingston Custom is the creation of Dirk Oehlerking.
The obvious eye-catcher is the Kingston fairing. The bodywork is finished in handmade Kingston design, as are the handlebars and mudguard. The BMW R 18 exhaust has been modified by Oehlerking in Kingston Roadster style, while his saddle is drawn from the range of universal accessories. The turn indicators have been replaced with Kellermann indicators and the LED front headlight is now integrated in the fairing. The original paintwork and lines have been adopted for the fairing and wing, with the addition of some details in Kingston style. The wheel suspension and fuel tank are original. The design as a whole embraces classic art deco style to dramatic effect.
Thanks to its extremely conversion-friendly architecture, the BMW R 18 is lends itself to extreme customising, but Oehlerking refrained from a complete rebuild of the R 18. “The BMW R 18 is so perfect that I left the technology as it is. The frame is 100 per cent original and so sophisticated that nothing should be changed here,” says Oehlerking.
Motorbike racer and designer Dirk Oehlerking says the design process begins long before the first screws are applied or sketches are made. “I put a lot of thought into it beforehand. My motorbikes always convey soul, charm and character. They’re outstanding specimens, so they require great care and attention. I have a constant stream of images running past my mind’s eye when it comes to deciding what style I want to focus on. Once I’ve made that choice, I start with a sketch in pencil and Tipp-Ex. Then I keep going until I know in my heart of hearts: that’s precisely it!”
Oehlerking has customised more than a dozen BMW machines, but says redesigning the R 18 was a novel undertaking. “This project is probably the most impressive of my entire career. It means a lot to me – if not everything at this moment. The trust that BMW Motorrad has placed in me once again is hugely important to me. I’m very grateful for that.”
BMW Motorrad is a sister brand to BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce.
Triumph x Gibson unveil stunning one-off editions of 1959 Bonneville T120 and Les Paul Standard
British motorcycle brand Triumph and the guitar experts at Gibson have partnered to produce one off editions of their most iconic models, in support of the global motorcycle charity The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Inspired by their shared 1959 history, and the enduring connection between music and motorcycle culture, Triumph has created a one-of-a-kind custom editionContinue Reading
From Triumph with love: Limited edition James Bond Tiger 900 will leave you shaken and stirred
Two British icons partner up to bring this limited edition (just 250 units) of a two-wheel classic, inspired by the Tiger 900 Rally Pro. This special edition Triumph features in the stunt sequences of the 25th James Bond adventure, No Time To Die. Lee Morrison, No Time To Die stunt coordinator: declared: “The Tiger 900Continue Reading
Hot rods and hypercars: Fast and fabulous Salon Privé 2021 goes back to the future
There were no shortage of dazzling debuts and timeless classics at Salon Privé Week 2021. Britain’s favourite supercar show was back on glorious form for 2021. Team TLR were there for Ladies’ Day, and enjoyed a feast of fascinators and fabulous machinery. EVs were definitely in vogue this year, and highlights were numerous. Eagerly anticipated,Continue Reading
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