PressClub South Africa · Article.
BMW Motorrad presents new custom bike: The Blechmann R 18.
Fri Aug 21 19:00:00 CEST 2020 Press Release
Bernhard Naumann, also known as Blechmann in the customising scene, presents his version of the BMW R 18.
Press Contact.
Hailey Philander
BMW Group
Tel: +27-71-666-2070
send an e-mail
Author.
Hailey Philander
BMW Group
Salzburg, 21 August 2020. A strong character needs a
strong name. “Blechmann” is a name as strong as metal. It is also the
nickname of Bernhard Naumann, a renowned customiser from Austria.
Together with BMW Motorrad he presents his latest creation: The
Blechmann R 18.
With the new BMW R 18, BMW Motorrad presented the brand’s first
series production bike for the cruiser segment in April 2020. Like no
other BMW motorcycle before it, this model stands entirely in the
tradition of historical BMW motorcycles – both technically and with
regard to its design. It is based on illustrious models such as the
BMW R 5 and shifts the focus back to the motorcycle essentials. Reason
enough for Bernhard Naumann to change as little as possible on the
frame and the technology and to use only the original mounting points
for the creation of the Blechmann R 18.
The Blechmann R 18 in detail.
When starting off
with a new creation, Bernhard Naumann never uses sketches in advance.
He gathers his inspiration while working on the bike itself. "I
draw my design directly on the object using the final material. This
allows me to directly respond to the requirements and to keep an eye
on the proportions at all times", explains the designer.
For the Belchmann R 18, he initially "put the cart before
the horse" in order to be able to correctly assess the
proportions for the front fairing. The sporty single-seater is based
on the original supporting structure of the rear fender, seat and
pillion. The rear light is from Kellermann. The fuel tank has been
extensively modified: for one thing, it is narrower making it sportier
and exposes the engine even more. On the other hand, it features knee
cut-outs, which further support the athletic line. The original
steering tube was used as the basis for the stub handlebar.
Next, Blechmann customised the headlights. As with his last BMW
custom bike "Giggerl", a conversion of the BMW R nineT, the
headlights were to have a subtle kidney-shaped design this time.
Analogous to the classic boxer engine, Blechmann placed a filament
lamp prominently in the center. Here, too, the steering angle and the
forward-tilted headlamp determine the basic layout of the custom bike.
Bernhard Neumann perfected his personalisation efforts with discreet
black paint and classic white BMW Motorrad pin-stripes. In total, the
team around Blechmann worked 450 hours on his version of the BMW R 18.
Defining customising.
Blechmann does not
perceive his work to be that of a classic customiser. "My work
begins by removing parts of the original version until a white canvas
remains. As the construction progresses, the design develops. I call
this 'rapid-prototyping-Blechmann-style' ", says the customiser.
This is what makes his workshop unique.
Mostly, Blechmann works alone on his craftsmanship and designs.
If necessary, he gets support from hand-picked professionals.
"You can't do anything in this world on your own. I am more than
glad to have a reliable personnel infrastructure".
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW
Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and
motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services.
The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly
facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.
In 2019, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles
and more than 175,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in
the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to €
104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce
of 126,016 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established
ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain,
comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWMotorradSA
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bmwmotorradsa
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWMotorradSA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwmotorradsa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmwsouthafrica