“I started with a new BMW R18 which I then stripped down,” Oehlerking stated, describing the design process for his most recent custom motorbike. As usual, I drew the shape, the lines, and the pattern using cardboard and hard foam. The goal was for it to have an inventive appearance while still appearing strong, graceful, and quick. With a handcrafted full body fairing made of aluminum sheet metal, the Crown has a retro style. Hand cuts, bends, and drives were used to create the 8-liter fuel tank and other body elements from 2 mm thick aluminum sheet metal. Its low-slung design required the construction of an entirely new front wheel suspension.
The two handcrafted stainless steel exhaust manifolds were custom fabricated; the engine and rear suspension have not been altered or modified. It may surprise you to learn that The Crown has some standard parts, like the footrests, instrument panel, switch units, and headlamp, that are carried over from the R 18. The motorcycle’s metal seat, which is upholstered with leather and rests flat with the bodywork, lowers aerodynamic drag.
In addition to gold pinstriping, the Champagne Platinum bodywork is adorned with an altered BMW logo that has a crown on top of it. The gorgeous bespoke motorcycle was presented in Berlin last month to commemorate BMW Motorrad’s 100th anniversary.
