Photos: BMW Motorrad

Unmistakable design and unlike everyone else – this is the new "Spirit of Passion" from Kingston Custom. Dirk Oehlerking lends the BMW R 18 his incomparable signature and, after Roland Sands, creates the second R 18 jewel in the "SoulFuel" series – a collaboration between BMW Motorrad and selected customizers. An R 18 conversion by Bernhard Naumann - aka "Blechmann" - had already caused a sensation.

Oehlerking's Kingston Custom is known for extreme customizing. However, those who expect a complete conversion of the R 18 will be surprised. "The BMW R 18 is so perfect that I left the technology. The frame is 100% original and so sophisticated that you shouldn't change anything here," says Oehlerking. Nevertheless, the bike has unmistakably become a Kingston Custom conversion.

The "Spirit of Passion" in detail.
The biggest eye-catcher and challenge at the same time is the Kingston fairing. The body is handmade Kingston design, as is the handlebars and fenders. The exhaust of the BMW R 18 was modified by Oehlerking in Kingston Roadster style, for the saddle it used the universal accessories. The indicators have been replaced by Kellermann blinkers and the LED headlight is now in the cladding. The original paintwork and the linens were taken over in the cladding and the fender and in the Kingston style were supplemented with some details. Wheel suspension and tank are original. The whole design is inspired by a classic ArtDeco style.

BMW R 18: the original.
Thanks to its extremely conversion-friendly architecture, the BMW R 18 is predestined for customizing. With its distinctive historical connection, the R 18 borrows both technically and visually on famous models such as the BMW R 5 and puts the essentials of the motorcycle back in the spotlight: purist, no-frills technology and, of course, the "Big Boxer".

More about the maestro.
Motorcycle racer, designer and craftsman Dirk Oehlerking shows once again with the "Spirit of Passion" that he not only understands his craft, but has lived for more than 35 years. For him, the design process begins long before the first screwing or sketching: "I worry a lot in advance. My motorcycles always have a soul, charm and character. They are special features and therefore need attention. Images are constantly running in front of my inner eye, which style I want to focus on. If I know this, I start with a sketch with pencil and tippex. Until my heart goes up and I know: that's it!"

Customizing BMW machines is already a tradition for the Hanover native. Around 17 of the brand's own creations go on its cap, including the "Black Phantom" and the sister bike "White Phantom". Both models defined completely new standards in the industry at the time. And yet: The redesign of the R 18 was a novelty for Oehlerking. "This project is probably the most impressive in my career. It means a lot to me, if not everything at this moment. For me, the trust that BMW Motorrad has once again placed in me is of great importance. I'm very grateful for that.'