That custombuild is super important to break through in the cruiser scene, they are very well aware this time at BMW, so custombuild R 18 projects are encouraged. The R 18 M, a project developed by the Italian magazine LowRide and created by American Dreams, was presented at the Verona Motor Bike Expo.
M is the letter that traditionally distinguished the sports versions of BMW four-wheelers and today that also applies to motorcycles. The idea behind the BMW R 18 M project by the editors of LowRide was to give the BMW Cruiser a more streamlined and sporty look, without overdoing it and above all without losing sight of the retro lines of the R 18.
“Stability, long wheelbase and the readiness of the 1800 cc Big Boxer ensure lightning starts and, in our opinion, deserve a sporty and retro look. In the R 18 M design we find suggestions from the BMW Motorrad tradition and signals from the four-wheelers: M stands for Motorsport,” said LowRide CEO Giuseppe Roncen.
Work focused on the chassis, suspension tuning, body and accessories, leaving the mechanics and electronics unchanged. Equipped with a different riding position, the BMW R 18 M promises to be even more fun to ride: “We remain curious to experience its potential. Significantly lighter, the bike should be easy to handle due to its riding position, which is more compact and more forward focused, without exaggerating.”
The R 18 M project was made possible by BMW Italia. LowRide has involved some of the best Italian craftsmanship and companies specializing in the sector.
For example, the realization of the sketches was entrusted to designer Oberdan Bezzi, who was already a partner of LowRide in the past. He has managed to turn it into an exciting power cruiser without disturbing the essence of the BMW R 18.
American Dreams took care of the editing and coordinated the work; Elaboratorio, specialized in prototyping and modelling, created the butt, the panels and the headlight shield from scratch. Carbon Italy has treated the valve covers, intake ducts and other carbon fiber details.
The short exhaust pipe, designed to make the line more compact and allow greater lean angles, bears the signature of ER Exhaust Revolution. The short exhaust pipes also give more attention to the beautiful open nickel-plated cardan shaft.
LR Leather covered the saddle with leather, while the paintwork was entrusted to Dox Art Factory. Rizoma provided mirrors, handles and universal turn signals for the accessories.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.