The Verona Motorcycle Show was the perfect stage for the presentation of two exclusive custom proposals based on the iconic BMW R 18, which attracted the interest of Italian and European customizing enthusiasts. They are the result of a collaboration between BMW Motorrad Italy and its dealer network with some iconic names. The R 18 M is a project developed by the Italian magazine LowRide and realized by American Dreams. The R 18 Aurora, created by Garage 221 in collaboration with BMW Motorrad Roma.
BMW R 18 M
The letter 'M' now represents not only the sporty versions of BMW cars but also the brand's two-wheeled models. When developing the BMW R 18 M, the LowRide editorial team's main objective was the following: to give the BMW cruiser motorcycle a more aerodynamic and sporty appearance, to avoid excesses and, most importantly, to remain true to the retro lines of the BMW R 18.
"The stability, long wheelbase and readiness of the big boxer's 1800cc ensure lightning-fast starts and deserve, in my opinion, a sporty and retro look. In the design of the R 18 M, we see traditional BMW Motorrad elements and ideas from the brand's cars: The M is the symbol of Motorsport," commented Giuseppe Roncen, LowRide's director and an excellent connoisseur of special models, describing the BMW R 18 M project.
Work focused on the chassis, suspension tuning, plastics and accessories, while the mechanical parts and electronics were retained as the natural strengths of the R 18. Lighter and with a different driving position, the BMW R 18 M promises even greater driving pleasure: "We are curious to see its potential. In addition to being noticeably lighter, the bike will also be easier to ride thanks to a more compact and sporty riding position, but without excess."
'By hand' of many designers and experienced craftsmen
The R 18 M is a project that was created by BMW Italy based on the emotions it can evoke: an enjoyable cruiser motorcycle, dynamic and lively, with a big heart and unlimited torque. LowRide recruited some of the best Italian craftsmen and established companies in the field. Designer Oberdan Bezzi, who had worked with LowRide in the past, was commissioned to create the designs. He managed to transform it into an exciting dynamic cruiser without compromising the essence of the BMW R 18. American Dreams handled the assembly and coordination work. Elaboratorio, which specializes in prototyping and modeling, created the new fiberglass components such as the tail and gelcoat from scratch. Carbon Italy took on the carbon fibre components, such as cylinder head covers and air intakes. The short exhaust, designed with a more compact line in mind and to allow for greater lean angles, bears the ER Exhaust Revolution signature. The short exhausts also highlight the chrome transmission shaft, a striking detail worth highlighting. The saddle is upholstered in leather (L.R. Leather), while the paint job was handled by Dox Art Factory. Rizoma provided the mirrors, grills, and turn signals in terms of accessories, in perfect harmony with the character of the bike.
BMW R 18 Aurora
The idea and the desire of Garage 221 to create a custom motorcycle based on the BMW R 18 was born some time ago, when it was presented at the EICMA 2019. The lines of the new BMW cruiser, innovative yet traditional, deserved some "complementary elements, true to the philosophy of the BMW Motorrad Heritage models, starting from the soft lines of the tank to the characteristic shapes of the boxer", as Pier Francesco Marchio of Garage 221 said.
The project initially focused on the study of different parts of the motorcycle, and it was clear that the new elements had to be linked together in a unique harmony of lines inspired by the 1970s cruisers that have always attracted Pier Francesco's interest because of their 'striking aesthetic flow'. Particular features of Garage 221's BMW R 18 Aurora are the extended fenders that sit very close to the wheels with 'batwing' type mounts, leaving room for the motorcycle's central body to emerge.
A custom and deep traditional motorcycle BMW
The modifications adopted by Garage 221 to create the R 18 Aurora were based on their experience of the BMW world and everything that has been used comes from other BMW Motorrad models. The saddle is borrowed from a 2005 BMW 1200 C, the Batwing-style fairing mounts were made from 1982 BMW R 100 flash mounts and a section of the rear frame from a 1991 BMW K 75. Even for the bike's color scheme, the code of a 1983 BMW RT 100 was used as a reference, with personalization of the shades and intensity of the graphics. The front and rear fender mounts, as well as the license plate mounting brackets, are entirely handmade.
The exhausts were built in collaboration with Leo Vince, while special attention was paid to the sound to make it even fuller and more attractive. Their design has been specially thought out to give a more personal and muscular look to the R 18's centre section. The R 18 Aurora's oil cooler guard gives the R 18 Aurora a classy natural touch, inspired by the grille of 1960s BMW cars. "We had to work hard," said Pier Francesco, "but the result is really impressive. The embossed paint on the cylinder head covers, the intake flutes, the front centre section and the mask on the oil cooler blend harmoniously with the cylinder block and final drive gears."
