They say once you experience German engineering, you never go back. And this is certainly true of BMW Motorrad’s legendary motorcycles. BMWs feature unique flat-twin boxer engines, unmistakable style, and renowned mechanics that must live up to Berlin-level performance standards.
Launched in 1923, BMW has long been lauded for its line of airhead engines (1969–1995). The well-known R nineT and R80 series of Beemers (among others) have become the basis for quite a few masterful builds covered on these pages.
In Europe, the Sultans of Sprint competition produces some of the wackiest drag bikes, year on year. It’s written in the rules: contestants vie for gold over an eighth-mile track, but points are also awarded for imagination and creativity. It means we end up with some very eccentric motorcycles, like this BMW-powered race bike.
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The 21st century ‘alt moto’ custom scene was built on a love for classic style. But lately we’ve seen a trend towards futurism, and we’re digging it. Auto Fabrica have played on both sides of the fence, always with arresting results. Their latest project, ‘Type 18,’ is a BMW R nineT that sits unapologetically at…
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Every year since 1929, rare and classic vehicles have lined the lawns of Villa d’Este and Villa Erba on the banks of Lake Como in Italy. The Concorso d’Eleganza is a magnificent opportunity to indulge in fine machinery while dressed in your Sunday best. The weekend is dominated by automobiles, but there’s a strong motorcycling…
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It’s no secret that BMW Motorrad has a big-bore cruiser in the works. And the teaser campaign has been inspired—with spectacular scratch-built bikes from Custom Works Zon and Revival Cycles showcasing the mighty new powerplant. The Germans have finally revealed their own prototype: the BMW Concept R18. It’s long, low and devastatingly beautiful.
Read more »Using a BMW R nineT Urban G/S as a base, this blacked-out and carbon-fiber clad scrambler mixes craftsmanship with a generous helping…
Read more »The Japanese custom scene continues to amaze us. Even though the internet shrinks the world, there are still gems in the East…
Read more »Traditional cafe racers are typically designed with restraint high on the agenda. But we’re just as enthused by customs that trade reservedness…
Read more »VTR have a rep for building some of the wildest BMW customs. There’s a regular stream of Bavarian metal rolling through their…
Read more »In just four years, Sinroja has become one of the most talked-about custom shops in England. As immaculately finished bikes set sail…
Read more »There’s a clean, sharp vibe to the bikes that come out of Renard Speed Shop. Estonia’s finest custom builders don’t have a…
Read more »BMW Motorrad have something big in the works. All they’ve shown us so far is a boxer engine and a drivetrain…but they’ve…
Read more »The battle between form and function rages on a daily basis in the custom scene. As much as we hate to admit…
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