BMW Motorrad Presents R 18 Customizing Championship

[Hugh Janus]

BMW has launched a global custom contest for its R 18 series. Shown is an R 18 B–based custom from French outfit Ortolani Customs. (BMW/)

Since its launch in 2020, BMW’s big R 18 cruiser has seen more than its share of reimaginings, with everything from fanciful preproduction concepts to company-commissioned customs to full-on custom-inspired production models (looking at you, Roctane) making their way into the spotlight, so it should come as no surprise that the Bavarian brand’s dealer arm has decided to cash in on the idea as well. After all, Harley, Honda, Indian et al, all run their own versions of annual “customizing championships,” so why not? The already-in-progress BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship, according to the company, is “intended to give due recognition to outstanding creativity and artistic craft relating to the BMW R 18.”

“Iron Annie,” a customized R 18 First Edition from VTR Customs in Switzerland, features hand-formed aluminum sheet metal for the tank, tail side panels, and cockpit. (BMW/)

Officially, the BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship runs from April 11 to September 29, 2023 (registration is already closed), and the contest is an initiative of Motorrad’s global dealer network, with 150 dealers from 18 countries participating. Although it’s clearly a marketing ploy, it’ll still give builders—or just plain enthusiasts—from around the world a chance to showcase their creativity and customizing skills.

As for the subjects, four of the models from the R 18 series can be used—the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B, or R 18 Transcontinental (but not the Roctane, apparently). All the bikes in the R 18 family offer a very conversion-friendly architecture for easy customizing and optimal individualization; this was the focus when the basic design of the R 18 series was originally conceived.

Related: BMW R 18 Tech Details Scooped

The Bauhaus R 18 custom (a nod to the Bauhaus movement of the early 20th century) was entered in the UK’s national contest, but did not win. (BMW/)

The two best custom motorcycles from each participating country have been selected at the National Contests (which were held May 15–July 16)), and those are going on to participate in the upcoming international semifinals this July 31–August 14. In that semifinal, six bikes will get selected by the jury of experts, but for the world grand final in Berlin, one winner will be chosen by means of a public vote. That final will unfold at the grand opening of the BMW Motorrad Welt facility in Berlin on September 29, 2023.

Solo seat, chopped fenders, and apehangers on this R 18 from Nagano City, Japan. (BMW/)

The jury in this case is no joke either, consisting of renowned international experts and customizers, more than a few of whom have also had a crack at the R 18.

We’re talking highly regarded folks like Thor Drake from See See Motorcycles and the One Show, J. Shia, founder of Madhouse Motors, moto-photo savant Michael Lichter, and designer/builder/racer Roland Sands. And let’s not forget Yuichi Yoshizawa of Custom Works Zon fame, the workshop that created one of the first R 18 customs, “Departed.”

Yuichi Yoshizawa from Custom Works Zon will be on the international jury judging bikes at the semifinals. (BMW/)

“We are thrilled to launch the first-ever BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship,” says Stephan Reiff, head of customer, brand, sales BMW Motorrad. “This competition is a celebration of the passion and creativity of the BMW Motorrad dealer network and motorcycle enthusiasts, and we can’t wait to see what new members of the R 18 family will come up with.” In addition to prizes and exposure, the winners of the Customizing Championship 2023 will also get the opportunity to showcase their builds at major motorcycle events around the world.

The founder of Madhouse Motors, J. Shia will also serve on the judges panel at the upcoming semis. (BMW/)

BMW Motorrad dealers from the following countries are confirmed for this year’s  Customizing Championship: Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

RSD head honcho Roland Sands will also be getting in on the judging. (BMW/)

Source

[zzzak]

Uniformly hideous.

 

[skyrider]

13 hours ago, zzzak said:

Uniformly hideous.

 

that cat got it's tongue stuck