BMW presents custom Blechmann R 18 cruiser
Blechmann isn't a typical bike builder, and his custom BMW R 18 isn't your typical cruiserThe latest custom BMW R 18 blends futuristic elements with vintage charm. Created by renowned Austrian customizer, Bernhard Naumann, the Blechmann R 18 was built without sketches or plans, with Naumann opting to gather inspiration while working on the bike.
For the German speakers in the room, you might notice that Blechmann, which is also Naumann’s alias, translates to ‘sheet metal man’ or ‘tin man’. This moniker reflects some of the design choices for his custom R 18, including chrome accents.
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While Naumann has changed little of the frame and technology, the Blechmann R 18 is highlighted by its striking front fairing, which blends old with new. Front and center is a kidney-shaped headlight, which offers a nice contrast to the classic lines of the bike.
The bike also features a redesigned fuel tank, which is narrower and has knee-cut-outs. This adds a sporty, athletic look to the bike, and shows more of the brilliant boxer engine.
Topping off the impressive design is a black paint scheme with the classic white BMW Motorrad pinstripes, and a classic-looking brown leather seat.
Naumann put 450 hours into the custom Blechmann R 18, but he doesn’t consider his methods to be that of a classic customizer. “My work begins by removing parts of the original version until a white canvas remains,” he says. “As the construction progresses, the design develops – I call this rapid-prototyping-Blechmann-style.”
The Blechmann R 18 follows on from the custom dragster-style R 18 created by Californian builder, Roland Sands. The Sands R 18 featured more performance-based alterations.
BMW designed the R 18 with customization in mind, with a wide range of options and accessories, much like is common for Harley-Davidson. It is expected there will be many more radical custom R 18's in the future.
The all new BMW R 18 was unveiled in April and is set to arrive in Australia later this year. It features BMW’s most powerful boxer engine ever, with an 1802cc boxer powering the classic-looking cruiser.
Starting at $26,890, the BMW R 18 is the German marques return to the cruiser market. It hopes to compete with the likes of Harley-Davidson by blending cruiser-like muscle with classic German styling. A limited-run ‘First Edition’ model will arrive first with a price tag of $30,190.
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