Revving Up the Skies - Designing a motorcycle with a movie-themed twist can be a challenging endeavor. Aligning the end result with a cinematic concept while maintaining functionality and style can often feel like swimming against the current.
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| The BMW R18 Maverick custom built by Rusty Wrench drawing inspiration from the Hollywood blockbuster, "Top Gun: Maverick." (Picture from: BikeExif) |
However, Rusty Wrench Motorcycles, a Portuguese modification house, has managed to pull off this daring feat brilliantly. Their masterpiece? A stunning transformation of a custom-built motorcycle called BMW R18 'Maverick', drawing inspiration from the Hollywood blockbuster "Top Gun: Maverick".
As quoted from BikeExif, the genesis of this remarkable project can be traced back to BMW Motorrad Portugal's local modification contest. The winning entrants were not only rewarded but also given the opportunity to bring their vision to life and represent the country at the prestigious BMW International R18 Customizing Championship. |
| Rusty Wrench meticulously handcrafted both the frame and the entire bodywork, giving the front section the distinctive appearance of a jet aircraft's nacelle. (Picture from: BikeExif) |
Rusty Wrench Motorcycles, with their eyes set on aviation-themed aesthetics, selected "Top Gun: Maverick" as their muse. This choice paid off handsomely as they clinched victory in the competition with their innovative design.
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| The front end of the motorcycle was ingeniously designed to resemble the nacelle of a jet aircraft, featuring a KTM motorbike headlamp that seamlessly integrates with covers concealing the front suspension. (Picture from: BikeExif) |
The journey began by stripping the BMW R18 down to its bare frame, removing nearly all of its bodywork, and leaving only the engine and suspension intact. Then, with meticulous craftsmanship, they reconstructed the entire frame and bodywork from scratch.
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| The BMW R18 'Maverick' features an Alcantara seat shell with eye-catching eyelets that serve both style and function. (Picture from: BikeExif) |
The front end of the motorcycle was ingeniously designed to resemble the nacelle of a jet aircraft, featuring a KTM motorbike headlamp that seamlessly integrates with covers concealing the front suspension. The lower section boasts a fuselage-inspired cover, complete with an air scoop at the front and rows of dome-shaped fasteners on each side, emphasizing the aviation theme.
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| To complete the masterpiece, custom CNC machined badges commemorating BMW Motorrad's 100th anniversary were meticulously affixed, while 'Maverick' logos replaced the original engine emblems. (Picture from: BikeExif) |
The cruiser-style fuel tank was discarded and replaced with one sporting a knee curve, reminiscent of the classic Yamaha XJR, giving the motorcycle a front-heavy appearance that gracefully tapers towards the tail. The subframe, cleverly hidden by being bolted directly to the center, features an Alcantara seat shell with eye-catching eyelets that serve both style and function.
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| Aluminum exhausts were fabricated, featuring end caps reminiscent of afterburners found on fighter jets. (Picture from: BikeExif) |
While the R18's suspension remained untouched, Rusty Wrench opted for a wheel upgrade, swapping the rims for a set of 21-inch front and 18-inch rear alloys from BMW's Roland Sands collection. Dedicated foot controls were also added, positioned higher and further back to accommodate the increased seat height.
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| Rusty Wrench crafted new stainless steel headers, routing them up and over the BMW's massive exhaust pipes and beneath the redesigned tail section. (Picture from: BikeExif) |
The one-piece seat upholstery
complements the motorcycle's luxurious paint job, predominantly black
with silver accents and subtle blue stripes. Additional styling details
include a BMW x Roland Sands engine cover and taillights that mimic jet
tail fins.
A particularly striking visual element is the exhaust system. Rusty Wrench crafted new stainless steel headers, routing them up and over the BMW's massive exhaust pipes and beneath the redesigned tail section. Aluminum exhausts were fabricated, featuring end caps reminiscent of afterburners found on fighter jets.
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| Rusty Wrench crafted new stainless steel headers, routing them up and over the BMW's massive exhaust pipes and beneath the redesigned tail section. (Picture from: BikeExif) |
The handlebars, mounted on Roland Sands risers and equipped with Motogadget bar-ends, provide a comfortable yet stylish riding position. To preserve the R18's modern wiring, Rusty Wrench retained the OEM speedometer. Beyond the movie and aviation influences, the R18 by Rusty Wrench also exhibits a deep appreciation for luxury sports cars.
To add the finishing touches, custom CNC machined badges were meticulously installed. These emblems, celebrating BMW Motorrad's 100th anniversary, adorn each side of the tank, while the engine emblems were replaced with a pair of 'Maverick' logos.
What sets the R18 by Rusty Wrench apart from most 'themed' motorcycles is its seamless and cohesive design. Even without the Top Gun-inspired details, it remains visually appealing. Moreover, the revised ergonomics promise an even more enjoyable riding experience on the R18. Rusty Wrench Motorcycles has indeed crafted a masterpiece that transcends cinematic inspiration, delivering a motorcycle that is as breathtaking as it is functional.Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops.... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW MOTORRAD PORTUGAL | RUSTYWRENCH | BIKEEXIF ]
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