When Bryan Fuller realized that BMW had secretly despatched prototype 1,800 cc engines to a handful of customized builders forward of the BMW R18’s launch, he went straight into creativeness mode. The founding father of Fuller Moto couldn’t get the massive boxer out of his thoughts—so when he was lastly approached to construct a customized R18, you’d higher consider he was on board.
The unique BMW R18 concept bike was closely impressed by the BMW R5—a motorbike that Bryan has been fortunate sufficient to check intently. However when the R18 lastly hit the market, it had grown significantly in dimension.
When you get the mammoth energy cruiser off the road, the load magically disappears and it’s a complete hoot to trip. Nonetheless, the the truth that it has a reverse gear speaks volumes. Bryan needed to deal with the neutron star-like mass of the factor, and produce again a few of that classic R5 allure.
With a contemporary BMW R18 on the bench at their workshop in Georgia, USA, Fuller Moto set to work. The crew began by eradicating the airbox, solely to seek out that the R18 had direct injection.
Determining a means across the quite a few sensors would have taken weeks. As a substitute, the entire system—from the wiring to the intakes and even the ABS traction management setup—was ripped out. “When doubtful, no want to stress—simply grip and rip,” Bryan quips.
“The quantity of weight eliminated, I’m guessing, was round 250 kilos [113 kg]. We eliminated two giant transferring containers value of stuff.”
With the load down and a naked chassis and engine ready patiently, Bryan unleashed his inventive aspect. “Behind my thoughts was the Nigel Petrie [Engineered to Slide] BMW R nineT chopper I noticed, courtesy of BMW USA on the Barber Classic Competition a few years in the past,” he explains. “It was an unimaginable mixture of high-end fabrication and old-school chopper lineage. He simply killed it on that bike.”
Bryan additionally got down to use a set of 23” wheels to drive residence the old-school nature of the construct. Customized metal rims had been laced to the inventory BMW hubs with stainless spokes, and the swingarm was prolonged to permit the larger-diameter wheels to suit. A Fox rear shock was bolted on, and all of the brakes had been upgraded with purpose-built Beringer parts.
Subsequent on the agenda was the bodywork. A set of recycled fender blanks had been trimmed and massaged into form, supported by customized chromoly braces, all constructed to reflect the unique BMW R5. The crew did an unimaginable job of creating such giant items of steel look wonderful and delicate (be aware of the tasteful lip welded onto the sting of every fender).
The tank is from an authentic BMW R5. The entrance mounting tabs had been (amazingly) an actual match for the fashionable R18 body, however the backside of the tank needed to be trimmed and made to suit the spine.
A customized solo saddle was made too, impressed by the Denfeld seats of previous. The rear rack and license plate holder are each customized gadgets. The headlight is OEM, however Bryan gutted it and put in a easy H4 globe to gentle the best way, together with a vintage-style lens.
With the remainder of the bike taking form, consideration was turned to the BMW’s beating coronary heart.
“One of many highlights of Nigel’s BMW chopper is the Morris Magneto ignition he tailored from conventional Harley purposes,” says Bryan. “Nigel was good sufficient to take the day trip of his Australian fabrication store actions to reply a few of my questions on adapting this kind of unit. Shockingly, Nigel mentioned it was fairly straightforward!”
The Morris Magneto is mounted on the high of the engine, proper on the entrance, above the timing cowl. It’s pushed by a belt (utilizing Ducati belt tensioners), which spins a magnet inside a subject of windings. The magneto acts very very like a automotive alternator. That, paired with a really classic Morris factors setup, is how the spark plugs get their energy and the ignition timing is about. It additionally seems to be bloody superior.
With the engine respiration by a customized airbox, mated to an authentic spherical BMW air filter housing, a pair of 40 mm SC2 SmartCarbs hurl gasoline down the 3D-printed aluminum intakes. The manufacturing unit rocker covers had been taken off and changed with a stripped-down Fuller-ized variations. Not solely do they save a little bit of weight, however in addition they have a sure mechanical allure to them, giving the cylinders the squared-off look of a traditional BMW airhead from the 50s.
A stainless-steel exhaust was fabricated and terminated with a pair of Cone Engineering reverse-cone mufflers. Waterjet stainless items had been added on for much more classic aptitude, with a contemporary twist.
Single-stage black paint was laid over all of the naked parts, with Bryan’s mate Chastin Model ending it off with pin-striping and silver leaf. In case you miss them, there are even tiny LED flip alerts mounted on the fenders at every nook.
“I’m notably happy with this bike, it actually lives as much as the imaginative and prescient I had in my head,” says a beaming Bryan. “Traditional strains, comfy, highly effective, and solely what it wants to assist the proprietor spend an amazing day in freedom.”
Fuller Moto has stripped this BMW R18 behemoth right down to its core parts, and it seems to be all the higher for it. The mix of thin tires, an enormous engine and traditional strains is actually a method for achievement.
There’s only one factor it’d battle with; traction. We’re certain Bryan gained’t be complaining, although.
Fuller Moto | Facebook | Instagram | Photos by Steve West
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