The legendary Junkers Ju 52, affectionately known as “Aunt Ju,” was a tri-engine commercial and transport aircraft from the 1930s. One particular model, bearing the registration D-AQUI in the 1936 Lufthansa grey-black livery, gained international fame. During its tenure in the USA from 1970 to 1984, under the registration N52JU, it was dubbed “IRON ANNIE” by its then-owner, Martin Caidin.
This aircraft inspired a unique customized 2024 BMW R 18 Iron Annie Concept Motorcycle version. A client of BMW partner VTR Motorrad AG & VTR Customs in Schmerikon, Switzerland, envisioned a motorcycle that echoed aviation design elements. Years prior, this architect had commissioned a bespoke R nineT from VTR Customs, emphasizing aviation aesthetics. For this project, he sought to incorporate features reminiscent of aircraft construction.
2024 BMW R 18 Iron Annie Concept Motorcycle – Features and Benefits
The design includes a speedometer integrated into the tank, reminiscent of vintage cockpit instruments, and access panels with quick-release fasteners akin to those found on aircraft. A defining feature is the corrugated aluminum planking, a hallmark of the Ju 52. The seat is designed to resemble a riding saddle, and the paintwork adheres strictly to the “IRON ANNIE” grey and black color scheme.
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The customization began with a BMW R 18 First Edition. The engine was removed and painted black, and all chrome parts received a black finish. The fork stanchions were treated with a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating to achieve a sleek black appearance.
The cockpit trim was designed to be as narrow and flat as possible, emphasizing a streamlined silhouette. A 7 cm shorter fork and a height-adjustable Wilbers shock absorber contribute to the motorcycle’s crouched stance. To enhance the bike’s proportions and lend it a more delicate appearance between the wheels, custom 18—and 21-inch wheels were commissioned from Kineo.
Magura HC3 pumps replaced the standard R 18 brake and clutch fittings in a nod to racing aesthetics. The customized speedometer features a hand specially crafted by watchmaker Zeitzone Zurich, adding a touch of horological precision.
One of the significant challenges in creating the 2024 BMW R 18 Iron Annie Concept Motorcycle was replicating the cooling fins near the rear silencers. Achieving parallel and graceful radii while ensuring harmonious fastening required multiple attempts. The fuel tank, tail section with a suggested tail fin, side panels, and cockpit were all meticulously hand-formed from aluminum sheet metal. The numerous lens-head rivets further evoke traditional metal aircraft construction.
The bright, handcrafted aluminum sheets shimmered beautifully, making it almost painful to paint over them. However, the final result was immensely satisfying, as the 2024 BMW R 18 Iron Annie Concept Motorcycle stands apart from previous aviation-themed designs, such as the SPITFIRE.
2024 BMW R 18 Iron Annie Concept Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
| Design | The air/oil-cooled two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine has two chain-driven camshafts above the drive shaft. |
| Bore x stroke | 4.2” x 3.9” |
| Capacity | 1,802 cc |
| Nominal capacity | 91 hp at 4,750 pm |
| Max. torque | 116 lbs-ft at 3,000 pm |
| 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 | 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 |
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″” |
| Caster | 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 | 1 gal |
| Length | 96.1″ |
| Height (excluding mirrors) | 44.3″ |
| Height (above 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 |
