One of the great things about the custom motorcycle scene is that there are so many different inspirations and directions you can take. And one recent example is the Spirit of Passion custom BMW R 18 by Kingston Custom. With a limited run of 18 bikes planned for production, you can even buy one.
The most surprising thing is probably that Kingston Customer founder Dirk Oehlerking left the engine and frame unmodified. After creating a range of BMW customs over the years, his previous creations and the historic feel of the stock BMW R 18 lent itself to this Art Deco custom. It definitely fits with the Streamline Moderne style of the 1930s. Including the one-off, 1934 BMW R7 concept, and the 1936 BMW R5.
Along with the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 shown in 2019.
One thing that’s obviously modified is the handmade Kingston fairing which encloses the entire front of the bike, along with custom handlebars to ensure the BMW can still turn normally. And the integrated LED front headlight hidden away.
The mudguard is also handmade, and the original exhuast has been modified to a Kingston Roadster style.
It’s interesting to have the front of the BMW completely enclosed in the custom fairing, and then have so much of the rear mechanical parts remain exposed. Especially the open drive shaft.
Above the shaft driver and steel swingarm is a saddle from the Kingston acceories range.
Other changes include Kellermann indicators, and tweaks to the paintscheme and features around the original fuel tank.
And while the style isn’t going to appeal to everyone, the level of craftsmanship to build not only a very different custom BMW R18 is something we can all appreciate. Especially the level of detail allowing the custom parts to be bolted straight onto the unmodified original bike without having to chop lumps out of the frame or bend things around.
Somehow there’s still enough ground clearance for normal riding on the 91hp cruiser.
It would make a great choice for cruising the boulevards of any retro beach resort. Although you might want to avoid the one-piece leathers and opt for some more vintage riding gear…
So that’s the Spirit of Passion custom BMW R 18 by Kingston Custom. The latest in a line of bikes built on BMWs designed to be customised, and then handed to talented builders.
Want to see more coverage of new, classic and custom BMW motorcycles? Then you can find it, right here. As a new model introduced in 2020, you’ll need a decent budget to find an R 18 for your own projects, but there are some for sale via eBay.
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