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.
New British motorcycle company Langen will launch its inaugural model, the Two Stroke, next week at Salon Privé. Built around a two-stroke 250cc V-twin engine produced by Maranello-based Vins, this will be the first time the two-stroke, road legal motorcycle has been seen in public Born from an extra-curricular passion project from members of theContinue Reading
It’s been a decade since Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman last set out on an epic road trip, but now the duo are back in the saddle for an all-new global adventure. The first three episodes of Long Way Up will premiere globally on Apple TV+, September 18, and new episodes will then roll outContinue Reading
A remarkable fusion of art and science, Honda’s CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP superbike has been inducted into the Red Dot Design Museum, world recognised home of contemporary design. The latest two-wheeled racer to carry the Fireblade handle, we’re told the vehicle was put through its paces over several days to test its performance, in addition toContinue Reading
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.
New British motorcycle marque Langen previews Two Stroke road racer at Salon Privé
New British motorcycle company Langen will launch its inaugural model, the Two Stroke, next week at Salon Privé. Built around a two-stroke 250cc V-twin engine produced by Maranello-based Vins, this will be the first time the two-stroke, road legal motorcycle has been seen in public Born from an extra-curricular passion project from members of theContinue Reading
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman ride Harley-Davidsons for new Long Way Up TV adventure
It’s been a decade since Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman last set out on an epic road trip, but now the duo are back in the saddle for an all-new global adventure. The first three episodes of Long Way Up will premiere globally on Apple TV+, September 18, and new episodes will then roll outContinue Reading
Stunning Honda Fireblade superbike races into Red Dot Design Museum
A remarkable fusion of art and science, Honda’s CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP superbike has been inducted into the Red Dot Design Museum, world recognised home of contemporary design. The latest two-wheeled racer to carry the Fireblade handle, we’re told the vehicle was put through its paces over several days to test its performance, in addition toContinue Reading
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