BMW Unveils Two Custom R 18s At Verona Motor Bike Expo

BMW Motorrad has unveiled a pair of unique R 18 motorcycles at the Verona Motor Bike Expo.

The first creation is dubbed the BMW R 18 M and was developed by Italian magazine LowRide and builder American Dreams. The editorial staff from LowRide decided that they wanted to give the R 18 a sportier and more streamlined appearance while taking inspiration from the world of motorsport.

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Immediately catching the eye is the red, blue, and purple paint scheme adorning the motorcycle. It also features a head cover, intake ducts, and other parts produced from carbon fiber. American Dreams also equipped the bike with new exhaust pipes featuring nickel-plated shafts. Various changes were made to the R 18’s chassis, suspension, and bodywork while the seat is clad in plush new leather.

The second bike unveiled by BMW at the Verona Motor Bike Expo is the R 18 Aurora. It was brought to life by Garage 221 and transforms the R 18 into more of a traditional cruiser complete with wraparound fenders.

In creating the bike, Garage 221 borrowed the seat from a 2005 BMW 1200 C and also crafted the ‘Batwing’ supports from the turn signals of a 1982 R 100 and part of the rear frame from a 1991 K 75. The bike’s shade of red was also borrowed from a 1983 RT 100 and many of the key parts were made entirely by hand.

Garage 221 worked with Leo Vince to craft a custom exhaust system for the bike and also equipped it with an oil cooler grille inspired by various BMW cars from the 1960s.