BMW R 18 One Eight »C«: A masterpiece by Paul Yaffe!

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Paul Yaffe, a visionary in the field of custom bikes, has unveiled his latest work, a conversion of the BMW R18 Transcontinental, standards set. The project is a fusion of classic hot rod looks and the characteristic BMW essence, which underlines Yaffe's talent as a designer. A central concern was to have as many as possible original BMW components to maintain the authenticity of the bike. A key aspect of the remodel was the creation of a 26×5,5 inch front wheel made from a block of solid aluminum to fit a hand-made 180mm wide front tire. The frame of the bike had to be stretched and tilted to accommodate the new wheel. Special brackets have been developed to adjust track width and optimize handling.

BMW R 18 One Eight »C«

Based on the style of a legendary Mercury Lead Sled of the 50s, several unique components were manufactured and existing elements of the R 18 were modified. The front one Steel fenders has been redesigned and the original R 18 fairing is redesigned to adjust the headlight position and provide a seamless transition to the new front wheel. A tailor-made one Spoilers in front was designed to elegantly hide the cooler. In addition, Yaffe designed a set of Yaffe Monkey handlebarsto complete the overall picture. And the changes to the suitcases are also interesting. A new set of “fairings” were designed to give the cases a stretched profile while retaining the functionality of the BMW design.

another R 18 rear fender

The Rear fender was expanded by a second R 18 rear fender was integrated to ensure a seamless fit with the new cases. And Yaffe remained in relation to that too Lighting true to the R 18 and integrated the original taillights into the hand-made panels, complemented by a recess for the license plate in classic hot rod style. The Side covers have also been expanded to maintain the original shape and emphasize the lines of the cases. They were further Smart Air suspension and Side pipes central elements to achieve the classic lead sled look. A new Air tank and distribution system was designed, including a special frame under the cases to accommodate important components such as air storage tanks, an air compressor and the controls.

the boxer manifolds are still there

During the renovation, Yaffe attached great importance to the classic ones Boxer manifold retained and replaced the Catalysts through a customized high-flow system. A 3-stage silencer system and a Megaphone rear silencer were also installed to create the characteristic hot rod sound. Yaffe's design concept focused on simplicity and elegance, deliberately avoiding distracting graphics. The aim was to create a perfect, glass-like surface, which is characterized by a deep black Painting was achieved. For contrast, Yaffe chose an ocher, blood-red bench. Guys Upholstery designed the modern saddle and matching dash console, and Hector Martinez provided the paint, including front brake calipers.

BMW R 18 One Eight “C” by Paul Yaffe

• Base vehicle: BMW R18 Transcontinental
• front wheel: 26in x 5,5in made from a 400-pound block of aluminum, with a hand-crafted 180mm wide tire
• Frame adjustment: Extension and inclination for the new front wheel; Special mounts for track width correction and handling optimization
• components:
  • New front steel fender
  • Redesigned original R 18 fairing for adjusted headlight position
  • Unique chin spoiler to conceal the radiator
  • Custom made Yaffe Monkey handlebars
• Suitcase: New, stretched profile while retaining the original functionality; Extended rear fender for seamless fit
• Lighting: Original R 18 taillights in hand-made panels; classic hot rod design for license plate recess in the fender
• Side covers: Extended to maintain original shape and direct eye movement to cases
• Air suspension and side pipes:
  • Sophisticated air tank and distribution system
  • Special frame under the cases for air storage tanks, large air compressors, controls, valves and solenoid valves
  • Retaining classic boxer headers; customized high flow system
  • 3-stage silencer system and megaphone rear silencer for hot rod sound
• painting: Deep gloss black; High-contrast, ocher blood-red interior
• Saddle and dashboard: Modern design by Guys Upholstery; adapted color for front brake calipers

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A masterpiece by Paul Yaffe – the BMW R 18 One Eight “C”
Photo credit/source: BMW

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