When Dirk Oehlerking, the renowned customizer behind Kingston Custom, turns his attention to the BMW R 18, the outcome is invariably spectacular. His recent creation, the R 18 Spirit of Passion, made waves in the custom motorcycle scene with its breathtaking streamlined design. Taking a significant leap forward, Oehlerking introduces the 2024 BMW R18 The Crown Concept Bike.
He describes The Crown Concept as “the essence of my creations to date,” reflecting his enduring passion for crafting unique and unconventional motorcycles. For three decades, he has immersed himself in industrial culture in the Ruhr region, leveraging close ties to industry and craftsmanship. This environment provides him with a robust network and striking backdrops for showcasing his motorcycles.
2024 BMW R18 The Crown Concept Bike – Features and Benefits
To commemorate 100 years of BMW Motorrad, Oehlerking has unveiled the 2024 BMW R18 The Crown Concept Bike, a big boxer motorcycle that encapsulates his design philosophy. He began with a new BMW R18, meticulously stripping it to its core. He sculpted the shape, lines, and overall design using rigid foam and cardboard. His objective was to create a machine that exudes power, elegance, and speed while presenting an innovative aesthetic.
Also Read: 2022 BMW Concept CE 02 Electric Motorcycle Review
The ambitious design necessitated significant technological adaptations. A completely new front wheel suspension was engineered, featuring a double-sided swinging arm paired with a central suspension strut. The fuel tank, with an 8-liter capacity, along with other body components, was handcrafted from 2 mm thick aluminum sheet metal. These sheets were meticulously cut, bent, and shaped by hand to achieve the desired form.
While the new engine and rear suspension remain faithful to the original BMW R18, the exhaust system is entirely bespoke. Oehlerking handcrafted two stainless steel exhaust manifolds, enhancing the bike’s visual appeal and performance.
Numerous standard components have been seamlessly integrated into the 2024 BMW R18 The Crown Concept Bike’s spectacular design. Elements such as the headlight, instrument panel, switch units, and footrest system are harmoniously incorporated. The clutch and handbrake fittings from Magura, rear mudguard and brackets from Wunderkind, and a saddle crafted from 2mm thick aluminum sheet metal covered in genuine leather contribute to the motorcycle’s cohesive aesthetic.
As a final touch, Oehlerking adorned the 2024 BMW R18 The Crown Concept Bike with a Champagne Platinum paint finish enhanced with mother-of-pearl accents. The BMW brand emblem, adorned with a small crown, adds a distinctive mark of elegance.
The 2024 BMW R18 The Crown Concept Bike was unveiled between July 7 and 9, 2023, during the BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin, celebrating a century of BMW Motorrad’s legacy.
2024 BMW R18 The Crown Concept Bike – 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, 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 |
