BMW Motorrad got a special gift of 'The Crown' on its centennial celebration days
Centennial's GIFT - The renowned German motorcycle manufacturer BMW Motorrad is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and an extraordinary event took place during the BMW Motorrad Days (BMD) celebration in Berlin, Germany from July 7 to 9, 2023.
The Crown is a special custom motorcycle based on BMW R18 in honor of BMW Motorrad' 100th anniversary. (Picture from: MCN)
In honor of this milestone, BMW Motorrad received a remarkable gift in the form of a radical custom motorcycle based on the BMW R18, known as The Crown. The mastermind behind this custom motorcycle is Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom, a German motorcycle customization company.
The BMW R18 Custom 'The Crown' posed along with its creator Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom, a German motorcycle customization company. (Picture from: MCN)
According to MCN, this is not Dirk's first project. He has previously worked on another custom R18 called the Spirit of Passion, which was unveiled to the public earlier in 2021. The Spirit of Passion boasted an art deco aesthetic, sleek design, and awe-inspiring visuals.
The BMW R18 Custom 'The Crown' remains used the R18's rear suspension, headlights, instrument panel, switch unit, and footrest system. (Picture from: MCN)
The BMW R1 is a cruiser-style motorcycle manufactured by BMW Motorrad. It was officially introduced in April 2020 and launched in Germany in September 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the official introduction at BMW dealerships had to be presented virtually on the internet.
The entire body, including the 8-liter fuel tank, was redesigned using 2mm thick aluminum sheet metal. (Picture from: Visordown)
The Crown, Dirk Oehlerking's custom motorbike, retains its sleek design with a mother-of-Pearl Champagne Platinum finish, adorned with a special BMW brand emblem featuring a small crown.
The BMW R18 Custom 'The Crown' is the pinnacle of Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom to date. (Picture from: Acp.pt)
In contrast to the process used for the Spirit of Passion, the German motorcycle builder made significant changes to the fundamental structure of the R18. These modifications were made to bring his vision of The Crown to life. The entire body, including the 8-liter fuel tank, was redesigned using 2mm thick aluminum sheet metal. Additionally, the front suspension was revamped with double-sided swing arms and center suspension struts.
To ensure optimal performance of the 1,800 cc engine, two handcrafted stainless steel exhaust manifolds were incorporated. (Picture from: Acp.pt)
Magura provided the clutch and handbrake, while Wunderkind supplied the rear fender and brackets. The seat, covered in genuine leather, follows the body's contours, showcasing Dirk Oehlerking's unique feature. However, it's worth noting that The Crown isn't built for long rides, and there are no footrests for a pillion passenger.
The Crown's seat covered in genuine leather, follows the body's contours, showcasing Dirk Oehlerking's unique feature. (Picture from: Acp.pt)
Among the original components that remain from the R18 are the rear suspension, headlights, instrument panel, switch unit, and footrest system. To ensure optimal performance of the 1,800 cc engine, two handcrafted stainless steel exhaust manifolds were incorporated.
"The Crown is the pinnacle of my creations to date. Starting with a new BMW R18, I stripped it down completely. As usual, I utilized hard foam and cardboard to sculpt shapes, lines, and designs. The goal was to create a powerful, elegant, and fast motorcycle with an innovative appearance," stated Dirk Oehlerking, founder of Kingston Custom, as quoted by MCN.
In honor of this milestone, BMW Motorrad received a remarkable gift in the form of a radical custom motorcycle based on the BMW R18, known as The Crown. The mastermind behind this custom motorcycle is Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom, a German motorcycle customization company. 
In honor of this milestone, BMW Motorrad received a remarkable gift in the form of a radical custom motorcycle based on the BMW R18, known as The Crown. The mastermind behind this custom motorcycle is Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom, a German motorcycle customization company. 
According to MCN, this is not Dirk's first project. He has previously worked on another custom R18 called the Spirit of Passion, which was unveiled to the public earlier in 2021. The Spirit of Passion boasted an art deco aesthetic, sleek design, and awe-inspiring visuals.
"The Crown is the pinnacle of my creations to date. Starting with a new BMW R18, I stripped it down completely. As usual, I utilized hard foam and cardboard to sculpt shapes, lines, and designs. The goal was to create a powerful, elegant, and fast motorcycle with an innovative appearance," stated Dirk Oehlerking, founder of Kingston Custom, as quoted by MCN.
