PressClub South Africa · Article.
BMW Motorrad presents new R 18 custom bike.
Mon Jan 18 17:00:00 CET 2021 Press Release
“Spirit of Passion” by Kingston Custom.
Press Contact.
Hailey Philander
BMW Group
Tel: +27-71-666-2070
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Author.
Hailey Philander
BMW Group
Munich, 18 January 2021. Unmistakable design that is
distinct from all others – that is the new “Spirit of Passion” by
Kingston Custom. After Roland Sands, Dirk Oehlerking lends the BMW R
18 his inimitable signature with the second R18 gem in the “SoulFuel”
series, a collaboration between BMW Motorrad and selected customisers.
Previously, a sensation was also caused by an R 18 conversion created
by Bernhard Naumann – also known as “Blechmann”.
Oehlerking’s Kingston Custom is well-known for its extreme
customising. Anyone expecting a complete rebuild of the R 18 will be
in for a surprise, however. “The BMW R 18 is so perfect that I left
the technology as it is. The frame is 100 % original and so
sophisticated that nothing should be changed here,” says Oehlerking.
But the bike has still been transformed into an unmistakable Kingston
Custom conversion.
The “Spirit of Passion” in detail.
The biggest eye-catcher – and also the greatest challenge – 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 is based on classic
art deco style.
BMW R 18: the original.
Thanks to its extremely conversion-friendly architecture,
the BMW R 18 is predestined for customising. The R 18 features a
pronounced historical reference, technically and visually echoing
famous models such as the BMW R 5 and refocussing on motorbike
essentials: purist, no-frills technology – and of course the “big boxer”.
More about the maestro.
Motorbike racer, designer and craftsman Dirk Oehlerking
demonstrates once again in his “Spirit of Passion” that he not only
understands his craft, but has embraced it in his work for over
35 years. For him, 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!”
A native of Hanover, Oehlerking already has his own tradition of
customising BMW machines. Around 17 of the brand’s own creations are
his, including the “Black Phantom” and its sibling bike, the “White
Phantom”. The two models defined completely new standards in the
industry at the time. Yet redesigning the R 18 was a novel undertaking
for Oehlerking. “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.”
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 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles
and more than 169,000 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.
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