BMW R 18 Dragster: a spirited interpretation according to Roland Sands [PHOTO AND VIDEO]

The highlighted boxer heart, the taut lines, the color contrasts and the targeted modifications appear characterizing, observing the BMW R 18 Dragster. An interpretation shaped by Roland sands and his team.

The creation

The work was completed in about three and a half months and after assembly it was taken for a day on the track, as emerged.
We worked on the concept of BMW R 18, the new Bavarian custom powered by a powerful 1.800 cc twin-cylinder boxer. A sporty vision and designed to run on the straight, with a peculiar sporting imprint and a dual tone metallic blue finish with classic BMW white stripes placed by Chris Wood.
Everything started from a draft, as mentioned, evaluating the structure and geometry of the vehicle. The high customization of the new R18 is also functional, being able to remove the rear area for example, or by intervening on other components or on the finishes themselves, adopting characterizing paints.
The electronic part is also interesting, taking into account the modifications and the use of nitrous oxide, as well as the elimination of the original exhaust system with a hand-made stainless steel double terminal system. The work team, according to the indications, however maintained the geometries of the vehicle, removing the area behind it with a shaped driving position ready to welcome a driver. Other interventions concern the front and rear mudguard, in line with the changes to the chassis.

Components

Along with this one R 18 Dragster, Roland Sands also created two different collections of milled aluminum components for the launch of the R 18: “Machined” and “2-Tone-Black”. We indicate front and rear wheels of different sizes, speedometer housings, trim elements for the engine housing, intake silencer covers, handlebar grips, levers, handlebar clamps, risers, mirrors, filler plugs and more.
For the BMW R 18 Dragster, milled parts from the “2-Tone-Black” collection were used, including levers, valve covers, headlight, indicators, chest plate and wheels. The front fork was taken over from BMW R nineT, the front braking system from BMW S1000RR while the seat and exhaust were made from scratch.

The BMW R 18

A new cruiser connected to the tradition of BMW Motorrad, considering the same design, thinking back to the historical BMW R 5 and conceptual essentiality around a powerful new “Big Boxers”.

Photos and videos: BMW Motorrad