Get FinancingBMW Turns Fred Kodlin-Customized R 18 B Heavy Duty Loose At Daytona Bike Week
Daytona Bike Week in Florida always has its share of breathtaking custom bikes on parade. Attendees at this year’s show in early March, however, witnessed something particularly special in the eye-popping R 18 B Heavy Duty from BMW and iconic custom bike builder Fred Kodlin. Based on the BMW R 18 B bagger from BMW’s Heritage lineup, Heavy Duty is Kodlin’s first BMW customization. It features translucent-paint airbrush work and hand-painted pinstripes from tattoo artist Marcel Sinnwell that were inspired by BMW Motorrad’s 100-year history. Kodlin built the bike with his son Len, and says the frame posed the biggest challenge.
"We have completely remanufactured the upper tubes to lower the fly-line and, thus, the seat height of the R 18 B,” Kodlin says. “We also redid the steering head and the triple clamps so that the caster fits, despite the changed steering angle, and so that the bike rides well."
Marvelous Modifications
A chopped windshield, side cases constructed from glass-fiber-reinforced plastic, and a modified air suspension system at the front and rear are a few of many standout features. The air suspension system, which is supported by a compressor concealed behind the left side case, lets the driver raise and lower the bike in just a split second. Hidden support points let the chassis rest just a few inches above the ground.
The Kodlins incorporated modifications like an entirely new sheet-metal-fabricated tank that’s longer than the original. Sheet metal was also used for the front spoiler, which has a three-color underfloor lighting system, and the front mudguard that wraps around the 21-inch front wheel. For the rear tire, the Kodlins merged two rear mudguards together and integrated side indicator lights. The side covers, seat, winglets above the cylinders, handlebars, and exhaust system were also custom-made.
The R 18 B
The BMW R 18 for 2023 is available in standard, B, Transcontinental, Classic, and 100 Years configurations. The R 18 B boasts features like a Black Storm Metallic paint scheme, a large front end with a fork-mounted fairing and low windscreen, cruise control with distance control, a reverse gear, and an intelligent eCall emergency call system. Riders can also select among Rock, Roll, and Rain riding modes. The bike is powered by a twin-cylinder 1,802-cc boxer engine that’s rated for 91 horsepower (67 kilowatts) at 4,750 rpm and 116 pounds-foot (157 newton-meters) of torque at 3,000 rpm. The teardrop-shaped fuel tank holds 6.3 gallons (24 liters).
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Source: BMW