"Spirit of Passion" - BMW Motorrad shows R 18 conversion!

Unmistakable design and different from all others - that is the new "Spirit of Passion" from Kingston Custom. Dirk Oehlerking gives the BMW R 18 its incomparable signature and creates the second R 18 gem in the “SoulFuel” series after Roland Sands - a collaboration between BMW Motorrad and selected customizers. An R 18 conversion by Bernhard Naumann - aka "Blechmann" - had already caused a sensation. Oehlerkings Kingston Custom is known for extreme customizing. However, anyone expecting a complete rebuild of the R 18 will be surprised. “The BMW R 18 is so perfect that I left the technology. The frame is 100% original and so well engineered that nothing should be changed here, ”says Oehlerking. Nevertheless, the bike has become unmistakably a Kingston custom conversion.

"Spirit of Passion" from Kingston Custom

The "Spirit of Passion" in detail. The Kingston fairing is the greatest eye-catcher and challenge at the same time. The body is handcrafted Kingston design, as are the handlebars and fenders. The exhaust of the BMW R 18 was modified by Oehlerking in the Kingston Roadster Style, for the saddle he used universal accessories. The indicators have been replaced by Kellermann indicators and the LED headlight is now in the fairing. The original paintwork and the lines were taken over in the fairing and in the fender and some details were added in Kingston style. The suspension and tank are original. The whole design is based on a classic ArtDeco style.

BMW R 18: the original.

Thanks to its extremely easy-to-convert architecture, the BMW R 18 is predestined for customizing. With its pronounced historical reference, the R 18 borrows both technically and optically from famous models such as the BMW R 5 and focuses on the essentials of the motorcycle: puristic, no-frills technology and of course the "Big Boxer".

More about the Maestro.

Motorcycle racer, designer and craftsman Dirk Oehlerking shows with the "Spirit of Passion" once again that he not only understands his craft, but has lived it for over 35 years. For him, the design process begins long before the first screwing or sketching: “I think a lot in advance. My motorcycles always have a soul, charm and character. They are special features and accordingly need attention. Images are constantly running in front of my inner eye, which style I want to focus on. When I know that, I'll start with a sketch in pencil and tippex. Until my heart opens and I know: That's exactly it! "

17 own creations already built

The Hanover-born customizing of BMW machines is already a tradition. Around 17 of the brand's own creations are on his cap, including the “Black Phantom” and the sister bike “White Phantom”. At the time, both models defined completely new standards in the industry. And yet: The redesign of the R 18 was a novelty for Oehlerking. “This project is arguably the most impressive of my career. It means a lot to me, if not everything, right now. For me, the trust that BMW Motorrad has once again placed in me is of great importance. I am very grateful for that."

Photos: BMW

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"Spirit of Passion" - BMW Motorrad shows R 18 conversion!

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