In the recent past, BMW has partnered with many bikemakers to give us some splendid custom motorcycles based on the R 18 cruiser. But for the 2023 Daytona Bike Week, it had to set a new standard. And what better way to do that than join hands with the celebrated custom builder, Fred Kodlin? The result is an enchanting custom R 18 bagger, built especially to shake up the American custom scene dominated by Harleys and Indians.
Custom BMW R 18 ‘Heavy Duty’ By Fred Kodlin
In typical Fred Kodlin fashion, the Beemer bagger has a plethora of changes. For instance, Fred has canned the stock upper frame tubes to incorporate a custom structure, paired with a custom steering head and triple clamps. This helps create a flowing middle section, which is amplified by a new fuel tank. Carved out of sheet metal, the tank is longer than the stock unit and features indents on both sides for an old-school appeal. The fly line then flows toward the custom panniers (built in-house from glass fiber-reinforced plastic) and the bespoke rear fender (made by joining two OEM R 18 B fenders). The front fender is exclusive too, shaped out of sheet metal.
Another notable aspect of the ‘Heavy Duty’ is its air suspension plonked outback that allows you to drop or raise the ride height in a fraction of seconds. The party trick, however, is the set of hidden support points under the cruiser, which gives ‘parking’ a new meaning. All you have to do is drop the air suspension to its lowest setting, and the motorcycle automatically crouches on these support points with no need for a flick-out side stand. Once you drop the height, you’ll also appreciate the three-color underfloor light housed inside the custom engine shroud. Tokyo Drift vibes, anyone?
Besides all this, the R 18’s 1,802cc, boxer engine (with 91 horsepower) remains mostly as it is. We say ‘mostly’ since you do get a custom exhaust (finished in matte black) and bespoke engine head covers to complement the appearance. These won’t do much to the performance, however.
Lastly, the custom bikemaker has wrapped the R 18 B in a splendid hand-painted livery with eyeball-grabbing cosmic graphics. A closer look also reveals the special ‘100 Years Of BMW’ pattern on the front fender–a small homage to BMW’s centenary celebrations. Meanwhile, the chassis, wheels, and ape-hanger handlebar don a deep nardo grey finish, just like the faux aerodynamic winglets.
Can You Buy This Custom BMW R 18 B?
All in all, the ‘Heavy Duty’ bagger is an uber-impressive custom for multiple reasons. And what gets us even more excited is that this is Kodlin’s first voyage with a BMW. For the said reason, there’s a high chance Fred could cherish this in his workshop. Nevertheless, neither party has commented on whether the motorcycle is up for grabs, so we suggest you get in touch with Kodlin USA directly.