When BMW introduced the R 18 in April 2020, the design was clearly geared toward American V-twin buyers. Drawing on BMW’s rich history with gloss black base paint, tasteful white striping and a massive 1,802cc air-cooled boxer, the convertible cruiser relied heavily on nostalgia.
Despite the vintage inspiration and aspirations of the Bavarians, Zillers Garage had a different vision when BMW outsourced the R 18 to a custom motorcycle store in Moscow. Having been commissioned to build a one-of-a-kind R 18, experienced Zillers builder Mikhail Smolyanov turned to his signature style, wrapping the long, low cruiser in sculpted sheets of metal.
Similar to the custom Zillers Garage R nineT, Smolyanovym wraps the Bavarian boxer in extra bodywork. From the new integrated fuel tank cap in the speedometer to the thick fork shrouds and massive side panels, the custom Beemer takes on a futuristic look. Still, Zillers ensures that the 1,802-cubic-inch twin remains the crown jewel of the build, leaving the boxer visible behind the metal cladding.
To match the new avant-garde shape, Smolyanov also fabricated a new subframe to support the floating saddle. He also incorporates a rear stop light into the new futuristic seat shape. Further aft, the swivel arm also has a solid metal trim, while the license hanger wrapped around it matches the modern aesthetic.
Although the wire-spoke wheels remain, Zillers covers them with disc-shaped inserts to simplify assembly.