BMW R18 based “Magnifica” custom by Radikal Chopper

June 21, 2022

The Radical Chopper Shop in Milan gives the impact of this BMW R18 base called “Magnifica”. (BMW Motorrad /)

nevertheless BMW Started displaying that custom version R 18 The cruiser has been around for quite some time before it officially launched, and we’ve seen a lot of one-off iterations so far, but the only example in Italy (remember) was in January. It was the R18M at the Verona Motorbike Expo. But now there is “Magnifica”. This is a ridiculous steampunk-like build that debuted at the Top Marques show in Monaco earlier this month, courtesy of Milan-based Radikal Chopper.Given the huge footprint and clean lines in stock Big boxer From Bavarian, it is hard to believe that this sculptural and luxuriously detailed work shares the same foundation.

Designed and manufactured primarily by hand, custom creations use traditional materials such as wood and brass as accents and take advantage of the visual cues of 20's and 30's bikes.

Designed and manufactured primarily by hand, custom creations use traditional materials such as wood and brass as accents and take advantage of the visual cues of 20’s and 30’s bikes. (BMW Motorrad /)

Featuring insane details with handmade billets, brass, wood and aluminum components, Magnifica’s idea came from a brainstorming session between BMW Motorrad Italia and Raffaello Polchi, a hardcore bike nut. -Milan Slash Workshop. If you look at the meticulously appointed interior of the throwback in the place, you’ll also know that he happens to be obsessed with old-world craftsmanship and design.

Is the front end of the complex billet aluminum girder vintage or modern? Both are said by designer Radaeri.

Is the front end of the complex billet aluminum girder vintage or modern? Both are said by designer Radaeri. (BMW Motorrad /)

Perhaps that’s why Radikal Chopper shop award-winning creative headmaster Andrea Radaelli was called in to actually design and build a motorcycle. If Porti wanted to celebrate old-fashioned artistry, Radaeri clearly went beyond that call and reminded him of an almost fantastic build. According to Radaelli, “The bike must be self-made. I don’t want to dredge or change a concept that others have already set up and are doing well.” Has been achieved, but Radaelli also refers to classic bikes from the 20’s and 30’s. BMW R37 Especially as an inspiration for Magnifica.

The 1.8-liter air-cooled horizontally opposed 2-cylinder engine was basically adopted in the custom build without any changes.

The 1.8-liter air-cooled horizontally opposed 2-cylinder engine was basically adopted in the custom build without any changes. (BMW Motorrad /)

To match the feel and inspiration of these early models, Radaelli literally sketched the bike on paper and went to the old school when creating the design, rather than using CAD or rendering early in the process. went. In fact, at Magnifica, almost everything was thought and built by hand. The base may have been the Bonestock R18, but with the exception of the front of the chassis, the swingarm, and the 1.8-liter engine, there were few original parts and it was the final product.

The R 18's External Tank has been reshaped and, according to Polchi, now has two fuel cells at the bottom and a screw-down cap at the top.

The R 18’s External Tank has been reshaped and, according to Polchi, now has two fuel cells at the bottom and a screw-down cap at the top. (BMW Motorrad /)

Radaelli says the bike’s front-to-rear ratio had to be rethought to achieve a harmonious flow, but the 1,802cc power plant is as good as fully functional electronics and transmissions. , “Almost” left as it is. The standard wheel size for the foot clutch and hand shifter, as well as the stocker, has also been maintained.

Fin details with brass stripe accents on the front piece sandwiched between the frame tubes.

Fin details with brass stripe accents on the front piece sandwiched between the frame tubes. (BMW Motorrad /)

But then all of Radaeri’s imagination and creativity was brought to Magnifica, and builders used old-fashioned design and manufacturing techniques. The idea has been passed on to the aesthetics of the bike, with traditional materials such as wooden seats and parts of the grips being replaced as references to past bikes. The engraved Wasp’s one-piece seat and tail unit use mahogany at the top and a central portion of thin supporting stainless steel to give it a jewel-like effect that floats above the rear wheels.

A custom-made speedometer mounted on the handlebar floats on a luxuriously detailed console and is the only instrumentation.

A custom-made speedometer mounted on the handlebar floats on a luxuriously detailed console and is the only instrumentation. (BMW Motorrad /)

Beautifully curved billet forks may also look straight from a vintage bike, but are made with completely modern billet parts (except, of course, the latest internals). In fact, if you dig into the extra-world detailing and handmade sections, you’ll almost always find a technically modern bike with (almost) the same running gear as the series-produced R18.

As gorgeous as Magnifica, BMW guarantees that the bike is a runner, but honestly, I don’t want to experience its wooden seats on the road.

Magnifica has custom-processed billet wheels, but retains the same tire size as the Stock R18.

Magnifica has custom-processed billet wheels, but retains the same tire size as the Stock R18. (BMW Motorrad /)

The R 18's signature open drive shaft has also appeared in Magnifica, powering the rear wheels wrapped in Michelin rubber.

The R 18’s signature open drive shaft has also appeared in Magnifica, powering the rear wheels wrapped in Michelin rubber. (BMW Motorrad /)

The mahogany sheet looks floating thanks to the central section of stainless steel. In this case, the comfort is probably in the backseat.

The mahogany sheet looks floating thanks to the central section of stainless steel. In this case, the comfort is probably in the backseat. (BMW Motorrad /)

From the top, you can get a better level of detail and better ideas for craftsmanship. However, the horizontally opposed 2-cylinder engine is still dominant.

From the top, you can get a better level of detail and better ideas for craftsmanship. However, the horizontally opposed 2-cylinder engine is still dominant. (BMW Motorrad /)

The unique monoshock rear arrangement is another eye-catching detail.

The unique monoshock rear arrangement is another eye-catching detail. (BMW Motorrad /)

The only part that uses the latest manufacturing techniques is the wheel machined from the billet (although designed by Radikal Chopper). Brake discs and calipers were also specially made.

The only part that uses the latest manufacturing techniques is the wheel machined from the billet (although designed by Radikal Chopper). Brake discs and calipers were also specially made. (BMW Motorrad /)

Yeah, those grips are also custom made.