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As part of the Top Marques Show in Monaco on June 8, 2022, Officine Riunite Milanesi and customizer Radikal Chopper presented the R 18 Magnifica, which was created with the support of BMW Motorrad Italia - another unique customization project based on the R 18.
extreme interpretation of the R 18
The R 18 Magnifica represents an extreme interpretation of the cruiser powered by the "Big Boxer" in which luxury, craftsmanship and the finest materials come together in a unique and fascinating way. The development of this project, commissioned by Officine Riunite Milanesi, was entrusted to the well-known customizer Andrea Radaelli from Radikal Chopper - handmade from noble materials such as brass, aluminum and wood and formally packaged in an extraordinary design. The idea of building a custom bike based on the BMW R 18 came from Raffaello Polchi, owner of Officine Riunite Milanesi and enthusiastic motorcycle enthusiast. Andrea Radaelli from Radikal Chopper is responsible for the implementation. Radaelli is a well-known name in the industry and has already won the MBE Award 2020 with its Ad Maiora - a special edition based on the BMW R 1100 S.
The approach to the production of Radikal chopper motorcycles is indeed radical, which is also reflected in the design of the R 18 Magnifica. Andrea Radaelli on his approach: “The bike has to be my own creation. I have no interest in modifying a concept that has already been created and done very well by others.” Radaelli drew inspiration for the design of the BMW R 18 Magnifica from vintage motorcycles of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, and in particular from BMW R 37. "These are objects that have an incredible charm that many modern motorcycles cannot exude today," Radaelli continues.
The use of a material such as wood for certain details such as the handlebar grips is strongly reminiscent of motorcycles from the past and, of course, of the steering wheels of historic BMW automobiles. Wood also corresponds to Radaelli's wish to give the motorcycle something lively and fits harmoniously into the design of the R 18 Magnifica. It gives it a noble appearance that looks retro and modern at the same time.
Handcrafted from precious materials.
In his work, Radaelli does not use CAD drawings or renderings as a starting point. There is at most a sketch of the bike - everything else is left to Radaelli's imagination and creativity. The R 18 was initially considered as a starting point without all the elements required for the production motorcycle and then rethought taking into account the proportions between the front and rear sections - with the aim of achieving a harmonious visual logic. Nothing about the R 18 Magnifica has been bought, but almost everything has been thought up and built by hand. The exception are the rims milled from the solid according to the design specifications of Radikal Chopper. The innovative brake discs and calipers were also specially developed for this project.
The rear and seat are suspended in one piece and give the impression of floating in the air. The rear is made of mahogany with a polished stainless steel center section, giving the bike a jewel-like appearance. The fork is visually reminiscent of vintage motorcycles, but has a completely modern interior. The electrical system, however, remained unchanged. It still offers all the functions of the R 18. The dimensions and the tires have also remained true to the original and ensure impeccable functionality. However, the retro aesthetic hides a motorcycle that is around 100 kg lighter.
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BMW Motorrad presents the R 18 Magnifica.
Photo credit: BMW
