The new “Spirit of Passion” by Kingston Custom has an unmistakable design that is separate from all others. It’s the second BMW R18 jewel in the “SoulFuel” series, a partnership between BMW Motorrad and chosen customizers, that Dirk Oehlerking contributes his trademark. In the past, Bernhard Naumann, commonly known as “Blechmann,” made an 2021 R18 Spirit of Passion BMW Heritage Motorcycle conversion that generated quite a stir.
An Oehlerking custom is renowned for its extensive customization. The R 18 won’t get a complete overhaul, as some have speculated. It’s so flawless that I decided to keep the 2021 R18 Spirit of Passion BMW Heritage Motorcycle’s technology as it is. Oehlerking thinks the frame is unique and so advanced that “nothing should be modified here.” As a result of the transformation, it is now a Kingston Custom.
2021 R18 Spirit of Passion BMW Heritage Motorcycle – Features and Specs
The “Spirit of Passion” in Detail
Its distinctive Kingston fairing is also the most challenging part of the project. Handmade Kingston design may be seen on the bodywork, handlebars, and mudguards. Oehlerking has reworked the 2021 R18 Spirit of Passion BMW Heritage Motorcycle exhaust system in the Kingston Roadster style, while his saddle is from the universal accessory catalog.
Also Read: BMW 2021 R18 Classic Heritage Motorcycle Review
The bike now has Kellermann turn signals and an LED headlamp part of the fairing. The original painting and lines have been used for the fairing and wing, with a few additions in the Kingston style. The originals include the wheel suspension and the fuel tank. As a whole, the design is influenced by the art deco style.
BMW R 18: the Original
The 2021 R18 Spirit of Passion BMW Heritage Motorcycle is ripe for personalization because of its conversion-friendly design. As with the BMW R 5, the R 18 pays homage to classic motorcycles while refocusing attention on the essentials: pure, no-frills technology and, of course, the traditional “big boxer” look.
More about the Maestro
Dirk Oehlerking, a motorcycle racer, designer, and artisan, proves once again in “Spirit of Passion” that he knows and embraces his profession. Before he applies the first screw or creates a drawing, he starts the design process by thinking about it. My motorcycles are always full of character, charm, and personality.
To preserve these specimens, you’ll have to be careful. When I’m trying to decide on a certain aesthetic, I’m constantly bombarded with pictures in my head. My first step is drawing a rough sketch using a pencil and Tipp-Ex. That is precisely it! Then, and only then, will I stop?
Oehlerking, a Hanover native, has a long customizing BMW automobile. The “Black Phantom” and its brother bike, the “White Phantom,” are among 17 of the brand’s original designs that are his. At the time, both models set entirely new benchmarks for the industry. Although Oehlerking had never done this before, redesigning the 2021 R18 Spirit of Passion BMW Heritage Motorcycle was a new challenge.
As far as I can remember, this is the most remarkable job I have ever worked. For the time being, it means a great deal, if not everything. It means a great deal to me that BMW Motorrad has put their faith in me once again. For that, I’m eternally thankful.”
2021 R18 Spirit of Passion BMW Heritage Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
| Design | Air/oil-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with two chain-driven camshafts above the driveshaft. |
| Bore x stroke | 107.1 mm x 100 mm |
| Capacity | 1,802 cc |
| Nominal Capacity | 91 hp at 4,750 rpm |
| Max. Torque | 116 lbs-ft at 3,000 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel preparation | Electronic intake pipe fuel injection, BMS-K+ electronic engine management with overrun cut-off, and twin-spark ignition. |
| Emission control | A regulated three-way catalytic converter |
Mileage / consumption
| Maximum speed | Over 111 mph |
| Fuel type | Super plus lead-free (max. 15% ethanol, E15) Gasoline (min. 90 AKI Octane Rating, max. 15% ethanol content) |
Electrical system
| Alternator | Permanent magnet generator 600 W (nominal capacity) |
| Battery | 12 V / 26 Ah, maintenance-free |
Power transmission
| Clutch | Single-disc dry clutch |
| Gears | 6-speed transmission |
| Secondary drive | Shaft drive |
Suspension / brakes
| Frame | Double-cradle steel frame |
| Front suspension / spring elements | Telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension / spring elements | Steel swingarm with central shock strut |
| Spring travel, front/rear | 4.7” / 3.5” |
| Wheelbase | 68.1” |
| Castor | 5.9” |
| Steering head angle | 57.3° |
| Wheels | Spoke wheel |
| Rim dimensions, front | 3.5″ x 19″ |
| Rim dimensions, rear | 5.0″ x 16″ |
| Tire, front | 120/70 R 19 |
| Tire, rear | 180/65 B16 |
| Brake, front | Twin disc brake, diameter 300 mm, four-piston fixed calipers |
| Brake, rear | Single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, four-piston fixed caliper |
| ABS | BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partially integral) |
Dimensions / weights
| Seat height, unladen | 27.2” |
| Rider step length, unladen | 64.2” |
| Usable tank capacity | approx. 4.23 gal |
| of which reserve | One gal |
| Length | 96.1″ |
| Height (excluding mirrors) | 44.3″ |
| Height (above the mirror, at DIN empty weight) | 48.5″ |
| Width (with mirror) | 38.0″ |
| Unladen weight, fully fuelled/road-ready | 761 lbs |
| Max. permitted weight | 1,234.6 lbs |
| Max. load (with standard equipment) | 474 lbs |
