BMW R 18 transforms into art deco roadster

Since the long-awaited arrival of the BMW R 18, bike-builders around the world have been using it as a platform for weird, wacky, and incredible custom creations. The latest is an art deco roadster from Kingston Custom’s Dirk Oehlerking.

Following notable builds by Roland Sands and Bernard Naumann (aka Blechmann), Oehlerking has put his own unique signature on the BMW R 18, with his ‘Spirit of Passion’ build. Hailing from Hanover, Oehlerking and his company Kingston Custom are known for extreme custom builds.

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The most eye-catching feature of the ‘Spirit of Passion’ R 18 is the striking and handmade fairing, which has maintained the original pinstripe paint scheme. The handlebar and mudguards are also handmade, but Oehlerking has also adopted many available accessories including Kellerman indicators and optional saddle.

While the bike does look radically different to its standard trim, Oehlerking maintains that the bike uses much of its original technology. “The frame is 100% original,” said Oehlerking. “It’s so sophisticated that nothing should be changed here.” Also original is the wheels, suspension, fuel tank, and of course the 1800cc Big Boxer engine.

BMW designed the R 18 with customisation in mind, and it has deliberate conversion-friendly architecture. The Munich firm already has a vast catalogue of genuine accessories and optional extras, but it is also encouraging custom builds like this one.

Oehlerking is no stranger to customising BMW machines, with around 17 previous creations, including the ‘Black Phantom’ and ‘White Phantom’. However he believes the R 18 build is one of his finest yet. “This project is probably the most impressive of my entire career,” he said. “It means a lot to me – if not everything at this moment.”