This BMW R 18 From Zillers Garage Was Designed With The Future In Mind

With the revealing of BMW R 18 in April 2020, it was obvious that the design was targeted squarely at American V-twin consumers. The retro cruiser was strongly influenced by BMW's rich heritage, with gloss black base paint, elegant white pinstriping, and a huge air-cooled, and 1,802cc boxer.

BMW's wide accessory lineup, as well as the launch of Classic, B, and Transcontinental versions, only enhance the R 18's vintage charm. Ignoring the Bavarians' historical inspirations and ambitions, when BMW handed over the R 18 to the Moscow-based custom motorcycle shop, Zillers Garage had a different perception.

Mikhail Smolânovym, Zillers' experienced builder, was commissioned to create a one-of-a-kind BMW R 18 and used his trademark style, covering the long and low cruiser with sculpted metal sheets. Smolânovym covers the Bavarian boxer with extra bodywork, similarly to Zillers Garage's bespoke R NineT.

The customized BMW R 18 carries on a futuristic appearance, from a new speedometer-integrated fuel tank lid to the muscular fork shrouds and heavy side panels. Zillers, on the other hand, ensures that the 1,802cc opposed-twin is still the star of the construction, leaving the boxer exposed beneath the metal covering.

Smolânovym created a new subframe to accommodate the floating saddle to fit the new Avant-Garde shape. He also integrates the rear brake light into the new contemporary shape of the seat. Moving forward, the swingarm is shrouded in robust metal, and a wrap-around license hanging completes the contemporary look. Though the wire-spoke wheels are retained, Zillers fills them with disc-like inserts to simplify the construction.

The finishing touches feature yoke-integrated handlebars, bar-end mirrors, and twin exhaust silencers visible through the metallic side panels. Zillers also created several versions of the bespoke BMW R 18, each with a different anodized treatment.

Sadly, since the customized garage just recently revealed the design, studio pictures aren't currently accessible. For the time being, go over to Zillers Garage's Instagram account to learn more about the unique R 18 build.

Source: @zillers_custom_garage