Munich. On September 3, 2025, during a ceremonial event at the Vatican, a specially customized BMW R 18 Transcontinental was presented to Pope Leo XIV. for blessing and signing on the motorcycle.

This uniquely customized R 18 Transcontinental, donated by BMW Motorrad and bearing the signature of the Pontiff, was successfully auctioned by Missio Austria through Sotheby's at Motorworld in Munich on October 18, 2025. The proceeds from this auction, amounting to 130,000 euros, will go to children's aid projects in Madagascar.

Markus Flasch, CEO BMW Motorrad: "The fantastic result of the auction of our R 18 Transcontinental signed by Pope Leo XIV. is a wonderful final highlight of this charity campaign. Like everyone involved, I am also delighted that we can make a significant contribution with the auction proceeds of 130,000 euros to support aid projects for children in Madagascar together with Missio Austria. And of course, I wish the new owner lots of fun with this unique BMW R 18 Transcontinental.

A evolução da família R 18 tem sido marcada por lançamentos estratégicos: a BMW R 18 Classic em 2020, seguida pela BMW R 18 Transcontinental e a BMW R 18 B em 2021, e, mais recentemente, a BMW R 18 Roctane, em 2023. Cada modelo representa um capítulo único na narrativa da BMW Motorrad de reinventar a experiência de condução cruiser.

Para o ano de 2025, a marca apresenta uma série de atualizações que elevam o padrão de performance, conforto e estética dos modelos R 18, respondendo às expetativas de um mercado cada vez mais exigente e apaixonado por motos de alto calibre.

Principais atualizações técnicas:

Motor Big Boxer atualizado: O motor de 1.802cc oferece agora um torque máximo de 163 Nm às 3.000 rpm, garantindo uma performance mais robusta entre as 2.000 e as 4.000 rpm. Todos os modelos estão em conformidade com a norma ambiental Euro 5+, que inclui maior durabilidade dos sistemas de emissões.

Design renovado: Este novo modelo apresenta um visual mais dinâmico com jantes   de 18 polegadas (anteriormente 16”), guarda-lamas redesenhados e um banco individual mais confortável, com espuma adicional e contornos ajustados.

Novidades tecnológicas: Luzes diurnas (dependendo do mercado), tomada USB-C e amortecedores com novas molas/dumping para maior conforto.

Destaques por modelo:

A BMW R 18 apresenta-se como uma cruiser moderna, disponível na variante Blacked Out, que combina elementos em preto brilhante, Dark Chrome e também na elegante versão Option 719 Olivine em Velvet Green Metallic, enquanto a BMW R 18 Classic reforça o seu caráter nostálgico com a  jante de raios, com 19 polegadas e guarda-lamas redesenhados. Já o acabamento Option 719 Aquamarine tem tons de azul metálico, oferecendo aos entusiastas das motos uma experiência que equilibra perfeitamente design clássico e contemporâneo.

Novos acessórios e equipamentos opcionais:

A BMW Motorrad introduziu uma vasta gama de acessórios originais, incluindo guiadores Dragbar cromados ou pretos, barras de proteção do motor e escapes redesenhados. Além disso, os pacotes Comfort incluem funcionalidades como Cruise Control, Hill Start Control e aquecimento dos punhos.

Gama Expandida: BMW R 18 Roctane, B e Transcontinental

Os modelos Roctane, B e Transcontinental foram também atualizados com novas opções de pintura, como o Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic, além do pacote Comfort que inclui funcionalidades avançadas como monitorização da pressão dos pneus (RDC) e sistema de fecho centralizado.

Com estas novidades, a BMW Motorrad reforça a sua posição no segmento cruiser, oferecendo uma combinação única de tradição, inovação tecnológica e personalização para os entusiastas das duas rodas. 

“Even more riding fun – that was our goal when revising the BMW R 18 and
R 18 Classic. We have refined the design style, added numerous improvements in terms of detail and comfort and made the R 18 even more fun to ride with the
18-inch rear wheel. In addition to new finishes and equipment, the
BMW R 18 Roctane, R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental have also undergone a technical revision to bring the entire BMW R 18 range into line with the EU 5+ standard.”
Markus Lederer, Head of Boxer Series

Munich. BMW Motorrad entered the cruiser segment in 2020 with the BMW R 18, followed in the same year by the R 18 Classic, a nostalgic touring bike. Finally, in 2021, the R 18 Transcontinental and the R 18 B were added to the Big Boxer Heritage series – a Grand American touring motorcycle for luxurious travel and a bagger for cool highway cruising. In 2023, the BMW R 18 Roctane became the fifth member of the fascinating
R 18 family, offering superior cruising and touring in custom bagger style ever since. For the 2025 model year, the R 18 models feature updates in terms of design, comfort and technology.

Offering increased torque, the Big Boxer now complies with Euro 5+ in all
BMW R 18 models.
A revision of the engine control now ensures compliance with the Euro 5+ standard. The maximum torque of the 67 kW (91 hp) 1,802 cc Big Boxer has been increased by 5 Nm to 163 Nm at 3,000 rpm. From 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, more than 150 Nm of torque is available at any time – an absolutely superior source of riding pleasure.

BMW R 18: custom cruiser staged in modern, dynamic style.
As a cruiser, the revised BMW R 18 is now purist but also more contemporary. Featuring newly crafted designs for the front and rear wheel covers along with an 18-inch rear wheel (previously 16-inch) and a new wheel design featuring seven double spokes, the R 18 has a more dynamic appearance that goes even further in emphasising its authentic cruiser character. The wheels are also optionally available as Contrast Cut Wheels. Here, the cast aluminum wheels are given a glossy polish and then sealed with clear finish. The familiar 19”/16” spoked wheel combination is still available as an option.

Extending over the entire length of the tank on the top, the sculpture of the iconic fuel tank is seamlessly continued at the rear fender and ends at the level of the BMW emblem. Having previously stylised the classic round arch, the front fender now has a much more modern and dynamic appearance due to a sculptural surface elevation. All three body components now look as if they have been cast from a single piece. The side cover perfectly matches this design style with its more marked side contour. The more modern styling is also reflected in the “rough look” of the fork section, the fork tubes now free and without classic fork sleeves.

Other features that harmonise with the more dynamic design style are the new silencers with a circular cross-section and the newly designed individual seat with foam that is 10 mm thicker and with modified design contours. The significantly more comfortable seat is removable and can be conveniently unlocked using a push button concealed under the cover.

In order to ensure a more comfortable ride, the spring strut has a new set-up in terms of its spring/damping rates. This was applied together with the new 18-inch rear wheel, with the new tyre dimension 180/55 B 18 to match. Other new features include the now standard daytime running lights (depending on the market) and a USB-C charging socket.

The basic version of the BMW R 18 features a silver powertrain, a chrome-plated exhaust system and black cast aluminum wheels. The body colour is Blackstorm Metallic.

In the Option 719 Olivine variant available ex works as optional equipment, the R 18 has a black powertrain, the Aero design package, surface-enhanced Option 719 Icon cast wheels (19”/16”), a chrome-plated exhaust system and the Option 719 seat. The body finish is Velvet Green Metallic.

The BMW R 18 Blacked Out equipment variant is new and features black elements almost throughout.

BMW R 18 Classic: even more classic and authentic.
The BMW R 18 Classic likewise benefits from a refined design style to further hone its character as a nostalgic touring bike. The most striking new feature is the front mudguard adopted from the R 18 B in conjunction with a 19-inch spoke front wheel (previously 16-inch). The front fender now incorporates the mudguard extension, which has been significantly lowered for a stylish effect. The new fender not only harmonises with the fork sleeves still available for the R 18 Classic but also confidently underlines its affiliation to the nostalgic touring segment. Together with newly designed side covers and rear silencers featuring a circular cross-section, the R 18 Classic now has an even more classic and authentic appearance. Other new features include daytime running lights as standard (depending on the market) and a USB-C charging socket.

The basic version of the BMW R 18 Classic has a powertrain finished in silver, a chrome-plated exhaust system, spoked wheels (19”/16”) and fork tube trim elements. The body finishes are Blackstorm Metallic and Mineral Grey Metallic Matt.

In the Option 719 Aquamarine variant available ex works as optional equipment, the
R 18 Classic features a silver powertrain, the Aero design package, surface-enhanced Option 719 Icon cast wheels (19”/16”), the front mudguard of the R 18 Transcontinental, fork tube trim elements, a chrome-plated exhaust system and the Option 719 seat. The body colour is a two-tone paint finish in Blue Planet Metallic/Oriental Blue Metallic.

The BMW R 18 Classic Blacked Out equipment variant is new and features black elements almost throughout.

BMW R 18 und R 18 Classic Blacked Out: black, elegant and powerfully expressive.
In the Blacked Out variant available ex works as optional equipment, the BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic look particularly elegant and powerfully expressive with a range of equipment features in Black High Gloss and Dark Chrome.

The Blacked Out optional equipment includes the black powertrain, the Design Option Black, the exhaust system in Dark Chrome and other components in Black High Gloss or Dark Chrome

The BMW R 18 Blacked Out is available in the colours Blackstorm Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic Matt and Two-Tone Brooklyn Grey. The R 18 Classic Blacked Out is finished in Two-Tone Brooklyn Grey Metallic.

New optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories for the new
BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic.

Optional equipment.

· Comfort package with Cruise Control (BMW R 18 only), heated grips, Hill Start Control and lockable fuel filler cap.

· Spoked wheels 19”/16” (BMW R 18 only).

· Contrast Cut wheels, black (BMW R 18 only).

Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

· Cockpit trim Blackstorm Metallic.

· Dragbar handlebars, black.

· Dragbar handlebars, chrome-plated.

· Leg rest, black.

· Exhaust manifold, black.

· Engine protection bar, black.

· Mudguards incl. spoked wheels 3.5 x 16” at the front and 5.0 x 16” at the rear.

BMW R 18 Roctane, R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental.
The BMW R 18 Roctane had its market launch in mid-2023, so its design already includes features such as the cast aluminium wheels and the Blacked Out optional equipment. Nonetheless, the R 18 Roctane, the R 18 B and the R 18 Transcontinental have now received fresh input in terms of product properties, surfaces and paintwork.

The BMW R 18 Roctane is now also available in the new colour scheme
Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic. Also new as optional equipment is the Filler Panel in body colour, which visually makes the gap between the side case and the rear fender disappear, and the Dark Chrome elements on the push rods, intake silencer and headlight inner ring. One new addition is the Comfort package, which includes Hill Start Control, lockable fuel filler cap, tyre pressure monitor (RDC) and heated grips.

The BMW R 18 B already features the favourites button in the basic version and in the new Blacked Out optional equipment version. Here, a button on the right-hand handlebar instrument panel provides quick access to functions such as direct activation of the grip heating – without having to go through the instrument console menu using the Multicontroller. A switch for the central locking system used to be located here. This has been replaced by the favourites button. The central locking system can still be conveniently controlled using the remote control key.

The items included in the optional equipment Blacked Out are the black powertrain, the Design Option Black, the exhaust system in Dark Chrome and further components in Black High Gloss or Dark Chrome. The optional equipment variant Option 719 Black Pearl now also includes the push rods and the intake silencer in Dark Chrome. Also new here is the optional equipment Filler Panel in body color and the Comfort package with the previously available features Hill Start Control, lockable fuel cap, RDC, central locking and seat heating.

The basic variant of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental is available in the new additional colour scheme Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic and now comes with the favourites button as standard. The new body finish is supplemented exclusively with a black powertrain as well as push rods and intake silencer in Dark Chrome. The new optional equipment item Comfort package includes Hill Start Control, RDC, central locking and lockable fuel cap.

New optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories for the
BMW R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental.

Optional equipment.

· Comfort package R 18 Roctane: Hill Start Control, tyre pressure monitor (RDC), lockable fuel cap and heated grips.

· Comfort package R 18 B: Hill Start Control, RDC, central locking, lockable fuel cap and heated seat.

· Comfort package R 18 Transcontinental: Hill Start Control, RDC, central locking and lockable fuel filler cap.

 · Filler Panel in body colour (BMW R 18 Roctane and R 18 B only).

Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

· Leg rest, black.

· Engine protection bar, black.

Overview of the new features in the new BMW R 18 models.

All BMW R 18 models.

· Euro 5+ standard.

· Maximum torque increased by 5 Nm to 163 Nm, available at 3 000 rpm as before.

· New optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

BMW R18.

· New front and rear mudguards.

· 18-inch rear wheel (previously 16-inch).

· New wheel design with seven double spokes.

· Side cover with more marked side contour.

· “Rough look” of the fork section without classic fork sleeves.

· New rear silencer with circular cross-section.

· Single seat with thicker padding and modified design contour.

· Seat is removable, released via push button (hidden under the cover).

· Spring strut with new spring/damping rates for increased comfort.

· Daytime running light (depending on market) and USB-C charging socket as standard.

· New Blacked Out equipment variant.

BMW R 18 Classic.

· New front mudguard in conjunction with a 19-inch spoke front wheel (previously 16-inch).

· Side cover with more marked side contour.

· Daytime running light (depending on market) and USB-C charging socket as standard.

· New Blacked Out equipment variant.

BMW R 18 Roctane.

· New colour scheme Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic.

· New optional equipment Filler Panel in body colour.

· Push rods, intake silencer and inner ring of the headlamp in Dark Chrome.

BMW R 18 B.

· Favourites button for quick access.

· New Blacked Out equipment variant.

· New optional equipment Filler Panel in body colour.

· Optional equipment variant Option 719 Black Pearl now with push rods and intake silencer in Dark Chrome.

BMW R 18 Transcontinental.

· Favourites button for quick access.

· Basic version now available in a new, additional colour scheme: Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic.

· Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic exclusively with push rods and intake silencer in Dark Chrome.

Munich/Phoenix/Verona. Custom motorcycle visionary Paul Yaffe has raised the bar once again with the revelation of his latest masterpiece, a one-of-a-kind customization of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental. Melding classic hot rod aesthetics with the distinctive BMW essence, this project is a testament to Yaffe’s excellence as a designer.

A legend of the US customizing scene:
Since 1991, the custom motorcycle world has known Paul Yaffe as one of the elite creators of motorized masterpieces. That’s because Paul is more than a builder or fabricator, he is truly a designer. Beginning with the establishment of American Legend Motorcycle Company, which later evolved into Paul Yaffe’s Bagger Nation, he has earned accolades such as three "World's Most Beautiful Motorcycle" awards from the Oakland Roadster Show, two “Builder of Year” and three “Trendsetter of the Year” awards from Easyriders Magazine, as well as becoming an inductee into the Sturgis Hall of Fame in 2015. His custom bikes have been featured in over 300 magazine articles worldwide as well as on the Discovery channel, the History channel, and other television shows. His products, distributed through a network of partners in six countries, continue to inspire a generation of customizers.

Now, Paul Yaffe reveals his latest masterpiece — a one-of-a-kind customization of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental, which will debut at the MBE Show in Verona, Italy.

Preserving BMW Essence and Hot Rod Inspiration.
Before getting started, Paul spent time getting to know the BMW R18 Transcontinental, riding 3800 miles across the USA, and additional 2600 miles to Sturgis and back.

Once the customization process began, Paul knew he wanted to create a big wheel bagger like no one had ever seen. Crucial to the project was retaining as many original BMW components as possible. Paul wanted his custom creation to remain authentically BMW and knew that it should not be made from or look anything like parts from his existing product line.

He commissioned a 26” x 5.5” front wheel cut from a 400lb block of solid aluminium, which holds a handmade 180mm wide front tire. The frame had to be stretched and raked to accommodate the new front wheel and special triple trees had to be engineered to correct the trail measurement and optimize handling.

Embracing the look of an iconic 50’s Mercury Lead Sled the team crafted several
one-of-a-kind components and modified existing R 18 elements. The steel front fender was made from scratch. The original R 18 fairing was cut into several pieces and restructured to correct headlight position and flow into the new front wheel. To address the gap between the fairing and the fuel tank a unique chin spoiler was developed, strategically concealing the radiator. Additionally, an exclusive set of Yaffe Monkey Bars was crafted to complement the overall design.

“The team wanted to retain the saddlebag lids, latches and speakers so a new set of ‘skins’ was created to give the bags a completely new and unique stretched profile while retaining the excellent engineering and functionality that BMW had created for them.” Paul’s team extended the original rear fender by crafting a second R 18 rear fender, ensuring it seamlessly matched the profile of the new saddlebags.

As the build began to take shape, Yaffe rearranged the original R 18 taillights into the handmade filler panels and worked an area for the license plate into the fender in classic hot rod styling. He also stretched the original R 18 side covers to retain their original shape and cover more area to help the eye flow into the bags.

Classic Lead Sled Look.
Staying true to the classic Lead Sled aesthetic, Yaffe prioritized two crucial components: air suspension and side pipes.

Paul and his team designed a sophisticated air tank and distribution system as well as a dedicated frame beneath each side of the saddlebags to accommodate essential components, including the necessary air storage tanks, a sizable air compressor and all the controls, valving and solenoids necessary for the effective support and operation of the system.

Turning their focus to the side pipe design the fabrication team aimed to preserve the distinctive "BMW feel" that sets this build apart. Retaining the classic Boxer head pipes was non-negotiable in Paul's vision. The catalytic converters were removed from the head pipes making way for a bespoke perforated high-flow baffle system. This innovation not only replaced the restrictive emissions system but also retained essential back pressure for optimal performance. To further enhance the auditory experience a precision-crafted
3-step muffler system was introduced for reversion. The final touch was a wide-open megaphone, delivering that quintessential classic hot rod sound.

It all comes down to cosmetics.
Shifting focus to cosmetics Paul wanted a classic hot rod feel without any distracting graphics, highlighting the bike’s elegant new stance and profile. The emphasis was on simplicity and allure. “We went to work perfecting all the fabricated body panels and smoothing everything to a glass-like finish.” After settling on a timeless deep gloss black finish, the team’s attention turned to achieving perfection for the body. Paul tasked his dedicated painter Hector Martinez, with applying the flawless gloss black paint. Recognizing the need for contrast, Paul decided on a classic ochs blood red interior. The art is in finding the perfect balance. “The trick is not to overdo it!” Guys Upholstery created the contemporary-style saddle and dash console and Hector mixed up a colour for the front callipers to match. “We think it came out spectacular!”

Disclaimer.
The vehicles shown may be modified and fitted with third-party accessories and/or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for the modifications (including the fitting, characteristics and use of the accessories shown). NOTE: Modification of series production vehicles (including the fitting and use of third-party and self-made parts) can impair riding characteristics! Riding our vehicles in modified condition is at your own risk.

You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en.


In case of queries please contact:

Dominic Thönnes, Spokesperson BMW Motorrad
Telephone: +49-151-601-12378,
Dominic.Thoennes@bmwgroup.com

Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad
Telephone: +49-151-601-57505, Tim.Diehl-Thiele@bmw.de

Jens Lemon, Head of Communications MINI and BMW Motorrad
Telephone: +49-151-601-23635, Jens.Lemon@bmw.de

Internet: www.press.bmw.de
E-mail: presse@bmw.de


The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Esta versão da BMW R 18 ficou entre as seis (mais um) versões eleitas pela BMW Motorrad na semi-final da competição internacional.

Francisco Correia, proprietário da Rusty Wrench Motorcycles, inspirou-se no jato de Maverick do filme Top Gun, como forma de homenagear as origens da BMW e de transpor a sua paixão por motos de velocidade.

Em conjunto com a Suiça, a Ucrânia, a Alemanha, os Estados Unidos da América, a China e Itália, a versão portuguesa e as restantes foram avaliadas pela equipa de jurados especializados de acordo com a forma como incorporam o espírito da BMW Motorrad, com a harmonia da imagem, com a complexidade do trabalho e dos detalhes, os acabamentos e, ainda, a viabilidade da condução. Resumindo, garantem que o vencedor incorpora verdadeiramente a essência do BMW Motorrad R18 Customizing Championship 2023.

Para além destas seis motos escolhidas pelo júri, o alinhamento final contará também com uma sétima moto. Esta inclusão especial foi determinada através de uma votação pública, refletindo o entusiasmo e o envolvimento da comunidade motociclista.

Os resultados finais e os vencedores vão ser anunciados em Berlim, no dia 29 de setembro de 2023.

Mais informações sobre o projeto no canal Youtube da BMW Motorrad.

Munich.For years, the BMW R 18 has been inspiring motorcycle fans all over the world to create fascinating customizing creations. The upcoming BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship is now intended to give due recognition to outstanding creativity and artistic craft relating to the BMW R 18.

Initiative by 150 BMW Motorrad dealers from 18 countries.
Four R 18 models as a starting point.
The BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship will take place from 11 April to 29 September 2023. This exciting competition is an initiative of the BMW Motorrad global dealer network, with 150 dealers from 18 countries having already confirmed participation. They will bring together motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world to showcase creativity and skill in customizing BMW R 18 motorcycles.

Four models of the BMW Motorrad R 18 series can be used by customizers – the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B, and R 18 Transcontinental. The BMW R 18 showcases clear, contemporary technology and a sleek, streamlined design that is sure to turn heads. Striking a perfect balance between form and function, the BMW R 18 is a true masterpiece of engineering and design. All the R 18 family members offer a very conversion-friendly architecture for easy customizing and optimal individualization: this was the focus when the basic design of the R 18 series was originally conceived.

“We are thrilled to launch the first-ever BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship,” says Stephan Reiff, Head of Customer, Brand, Sales BMW Motorrad. “This competition is a celebration of the passion and creativity of the BMW Motorrad dealer network and motorcycle enthusiasts, and we can’t wait to see what new members of the R 18 family the participants will come up with.” The winners of the BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship 2023 will receive a range of exciting prizes, including the opportunity to showcase their custom motorcycles at major motorcycle events around the world.

Grand world finale at the opening of BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.
The Customizing Championship is a way for dealers and enthusiasts to show creativity in a freestyle format. Participants will have the opportunity to customise their motorcycles using their own unique designs and ideas, as well as the extensive range of high-quality parts and accessories offered by BMW Motorrad. The two best custom motorcycles from each participating country will be selected at the National Contests, which will be eligible to participate in the international semi-finals. In this semi-final, six motorcycles will finally be selected by the jury of experts and one by means of a public vote for the grand world final. This will take place on the occasion of the opening of BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin on 29 September 2023.

BMW Motorrad dealers from the following countries are confirmed for the Customizing Championship 2023: Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the USA.

Registration for the Customizing Championship has already closed, and participants have signed up on the official BMW Motorrad website.

The main details of the Customizing Championship:

• National Championships: 15 May – 16 July 2023
  
  
• International semi-final and vote for the best bikes:
  31 July – 14 August 2023
  
  
• World final in Berlin: 29 September 2023

Jury of international experts.
The competition will be judged by a panel of experts, including renowned customizers who are highly regarded within the motorcycle community such as Thor Drake, Michael Lichter and Roland Sands. The jury members are as follows:

Thor Drake is a motorcycle builder and entrepreneur. He is the founder of See See Motorcycles, a custom motorcycle shop and coffeehouse based in Portland, Oregon. Drake was born in Montana in 1977 and grew up with a passion for motorcycles, eventually turning his hobby into a career.

Michael Lichter is a photographer and curator who is best known for his work in the motorcycle industry. He was born in 1951 in Boulder, Colorado, and began his career as a photographer in the 1970s. Lichter has since become one of the best-known and respected photographers in the motorcycle community.

Roland Sands is a motorcycle racer and designer. He was born in Long Beach, California, in 1974 and grew up in the motorcycle industry, with his father being a champion racer and aftermarket parts manufacturer. Sands began his own racing career in the 1990s, competing in events such as the AMA 250GP and the MotoGP World Championship.

J. Shia is an internationally recognised and award-winning motorcycle builder and designer. She is the founder of Madhouse Motors, a custom motorcycle shop based in Boston, Massachusetts. Shia was born in California in 1977 and grew up with a passion for motorcycles, eventually turning her hobby into a career.

Giuseppe Roncen, editor and author of Italy’s car culture and motorcycle magazine Lowride. He was born in 1964. His passion for motorcycles began in Italy where he made his first custom bike after working as in the filming industry before. Since 1994 he has been working as a journalist and ever since writes about café racers, cruisers and many more motorcycle topics, besides others.

Yuichi Yoshizawa is a well-known custom builder from Japan who is creating bikes in multiple styles. He is one of the owners of the Custom Works Zon, a famous workshop that has won many international awards and created the “Departed” among others.

For more information about the BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship 2023, including rules and registration details, please visit the official website at https://www.bmw-motorrad.com/en/experience/stories/heritage/customizing-Championship.html

Disclaimer.
The vehicles shown may be modified and fitted with third-party accessories and/or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for the modifications (including the fitting, characteristics and use of the accessories shown). NOTE: Modification of series production vehicles (including the fitting and use of third-party and self-made parts) can impair riding characteristics! Riding our vehicles in modified condition is at your own risk.

You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en.

In case of queries please contact:

Dominik Schaidnagel, Spokesperson BMW Motorrad
Telephone: +49-151-601-50181, Dominik.Schaidnagel@bmw.de

Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad
Telephone: +49-151-601-57505, Tim.Diehl-Thiele@bmw.de

Internet: www.press.bmw.de
E-mail: presse@bmw.de


The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Munich/Gelsenkirchen. When Dirk Oehlerking dedicates himself to the BMW R 18 with his Kingston Custom customizing forge, a spectacular result is guaranteed. The well-known customizer recently caused a stir in the scene with the R 18 Spirit of Passion - a breath-taking creation in streamlined style.

The R 18 The Crown goes a big step further. "It is the essence of my creations to date," says Oehlerking, whose passion and creativity has always been for individual and unusual motorcycles. This is exactly what he has been doing with total commitment in the Ruhr region for 30 years now. He loves industrial culture and the proximity to industry and crafts, has a great network and stunning photo backdrops for his motorcycles and himself.

Self-designed body made of aluminium sheet metal and front wheel suspension with double-sided swinging arm with central suspension strut.
To mark 100 years of BMW Motorrad, he has now created the R 18 The Crown, a big boxer motorcycles that has it all. "I started with a new BMW R18 which I then stripped down. As always, I worked with hard foam and cardboard to create the shape, the lines and the design. The aim was for it to look powerful, elegant and fast combined with an innovative look," is how Oehlerking describes his design approach.

The design made it necessary to adapt the technology considerably. A completely new front wheel suspension had to be constructed in the form of a double-sided swinging arm with central suspension strut.

The 8-litre fuel tank and the body parts were made of 2 mm thick aluminium sheet metal, which was cut, bent and driven by hand.

While the engine and rear suspension are the same as in the original, the two stainless steel exhaust manifolds are completely made by hand.

Numerous standard components such as the headlight, instrument, switch units and footrest system have been integrated perfectly into the spectacular concept of the R 18 The Crown. The clutch and handbrake fittings from Magura, the rear mudguard and brackets from Wunderkind and the saddle made from 2 mm thick aluminium sheet metal and covered with genuine leather are all harmonious additions.

As the icing on the cake, Oehlerking gave the R 18 The Crown a Champagne Platinum paint finish with mother-of-pearl, complemented by the BMW brand emblem adorned with a small crown.

The unveiling of the BMW R 18 The Crown will take place from 7 to 9 July 2023 on the occasion of 100 years of BMW Motorrad as part of the BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin.

Disclaimer.
The vehicles shown may be modified and fitted with third-party accessories and/or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for the modifications (including the fitting, characteristics and use of the accessories shown). NOTE: Modification of series production vehicles (including the fitting and use of third-party and self-made parts) can impair riding characteristics! Riding our vehicles in modified condition is at your own risk.


You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en.


In case of queries please contact:

Dominik Schaidnagel, Spokesperson BMW Motorrad
Telephone: +49-151-601-50181, Dominik.Schaidnagel@bmw.de

Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad
Telephone: +49-151-601-57505, Tim.Diehl-Thiele@bmw.de


Internet: www.press.bmw.de
E-mail: presse@bmw.de


The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees.

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Additional pictures of the new BMW R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental.