The Blechmann R18
The renowned Austrian customizer, Bernhard Naumann presents his take on the new BMW R18. Bernhard Naumann is known as Blechmann ( Tin Man) in the motorcycle customising scene. If it doesn’t ring a bell, here is a hint; Blechmann is the same guy who built the futuristic-looking Giggerl R nineT a few years back.
“Giggerl” R nineT
Folks, this time he has something new to show us! It’s the Blechmann R18, a custom bagger build based on BMW Motorrad’s first cruiser, the BMW R18.
The BMW R18 stands entirely in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles in terms of both tech and design. Drawing inspiration from the renowned BMW R5, the R18 was the right choice for Bernhard Naumann to create this beautiful Blechmann R18. In case you are wondering if anything major has been done to the frame, well here is something you should know before we dive in. BMW Motorrad says, Blechmann made a few changes to the frame and tech and used original mounting points to come up with this build.
Here is how the Blechmann R18 came to life. When Bernhard started this build, he never sketched the design or whatsoever in advance. Bernhard says he gathered inspiration while working on the bike itself. “I draw my design directly on the object using the final material. This allows me to directly respond to the requirements and to keep an eye on the proportions at all times”, explains Bernhard.
In order to precisely assess the proportions of the fairings, the Tin Man put the cart before the horse. To start off from the rear, the sporty single-seat with the housing was placed onto the original supporting structure of the stock R18. Along with the seat, Bernhard installed Kellermann rear lights to blend in with the overall retro rear.
Following this, to make the 1,802cc boxer engine stand out, Tin Man narrowed down the fuel tank. Aside from this, the custom knee cut-outs further enhance the athletic line of the build. Believe it or not, the stock steering tube was actually used as the basis for the stub handlebar.
Moving on the front, similar to the headlights on the Giggerl R nineT, Blechmann went with kidney-shaped headlight, however, this time Tin Man went with a more subtle design and filament lamp in the centre to flow in with the lines and curves of his custom R18.
Aside from the stance of the bike; the forward titled headlamp and the new steering angle give an aggressive yet subtle look which we all love.
Moreover, small details like the leather straps and the black paint with classic white BMW Motorrad pinstripes complete the build.
Talking about completing the build, Bernhard and the team spent 450 hours to create the magnificent Blechmann R18.
Source: BMW Motorrad