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Custom BMW R 18 Wrapped in Gunmetal Grey Ditches the Retro Style, Goes for Sci-Fi Look

The R 18 is a cruiser with a classic design that allows it to lend itself to extensive customization. Among the incredible customs that we've seen based on this retro machine, there's one that completely transforms the bike into a futuristic gunmetal beast.
Zillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie 15 photos
Photo: Zillers via Instagram
Zillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movieZillers R 18 custom motorcycle looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie
The machine is the creation of the Russian workshop Zillers, which is known for its bold customs. Last year, it worked on the BMW R NineT and turned it into a futuristic Mad Max bike. Now, the shop is once again turning to the Bavarian brand to create another outstanding machine that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.

Zillers gave the R 18 a completely new face and left no trace of its old retro style. The body looks like it's wrapped in metal, making the bike look sort of robotic. Made from carbon fiber, milled aluminum, and an exhaust crafted from titanium, this futuristic R 18 is a pretty lightweight machine.

The team from Zillers used 3D printing techniques to create different components for the bike. The CNC machined wheels have a particularly interesting look. To match the body, they feature decorative spokes and are crafted from forged aluminum monoblocks. The engine covers were also milled on a CNC machine.

Instead of the original suspension reminiscent of the legendary R 5, the motorcycle now rides on air suspension developed in-house by Zillers. This allowed the team to eliminate the side stand. Thus, when the bike is parked, it can stand on the spikes installed at the bottom of its body.

Elsewhere, the instrument panel was placed on the fuel tank and was folded back to make room in the fuel filler neck. The R 18 also received a custom seat and new LED lights.

The bike's core remains the iconic "Big Boxer" engine, which is the highest displacement boxer ever used on a production motorcycle. The two-cylinder powerplant has a capacity of 1,802cc, delivering a maximum torque of 158 Nm (116 lb-ft) at 3,000 rpm. At 4,750 rpm, the Big Boxer delivers 91 hp, making this beast run at a top speed of 118 mph (190 kph).

Although there's no shortage of R 18 variants, Zillers says that its bike is "very special." That's why the shop only created 13 units worldwide. The motorcycle is offered as a complete turnkey or as a self-assembly kit, and it comes with an equally special price of $86,900 for the completed bike.

The kit starts at $46,900 and includes the carbon body, the air suspension, the titanium exhaust, the CNC-machined forged wheels, and a detailed guide to help customers easily assemble the machine. Delivery takes around 4 months for a set of parts and 6 months for the complete bike.

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About the author: Florina Spînu
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Florina taught herself how to drive in a Daewoo Tico (a rebadged Suzuki Alto kei car) but her first "real car" was a VW Golf. When she’s not writing about cars, drones or aircraft, Florina likes to read anything related to space exploration and take pictures in the middle of nature.
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