Munich/Phoenix/Verona. Customized motorbike visionary Paul Yaffe has raised the bar as soon as once more with the revelation of his newest masterpiece, a one-of-a-kind customization of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental. Melding basic scorching rod aesthetics with the distinctive BMW essence, this challenge is a testomony to Yaffe’s excellence as a designer.
A legend of the US customizing scene:
Since 1991, the customized motorbike world has recognized Paul Yaffe as one of many elite creators of motorized masterpieces. That’s as a result of Paul is greater than a builder or fabricator, he’s really a designer. Starting with the institution of American Legend Bike Firm, which later developed into Paul Yaffe’s Bagger Nation, he has earned accolades comparable to three “World’s Most Lovely Bike” awards from the Oakland Roadster Present, two “Builder of Yr” and three “Trendsetter of the Yr” awards from Easyriders Journal, in addition to turning into an inductee into the Sturgis Corridor of Fame in 2015. His customized bikes have been featured in over 300 journal articles worldwide in addition to on the Discovery channel, the Historical past channel, and different tv exhibits. His merchandise, distributed by way of a community of companions in six international locations, proceed to encourage a era of customizers.
Now, Paul Yaffe reveals his newest masterpiece — a one-of-a-kind customization of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental, which is able to debut on the MBE Present in Verona, Italy.
Preserving BMW Essence and Sizzling Rod Inspiration.
Earlier than getting began, Paul frolicked attending to know the BMW R18 Transcontinental, using 3800 miles throughout the USA, and extra 2600 miles to Sturgis and again.
As soon as the customization course of started, Paul knew he needed to create a giant wheel bagger like nobody had ever seen. Essential to the challenge was retaining as many unique BMW elements as potential. Paul needed his customized creation to stay authentically BMW and knew that it shouldn’t be comprised of or look something like components from his present product line.
He commissioned a 26” x 5.5” entrance wheel lower from a 400lb block of stable aluminium, which holds a home made 180mm vast entrance tire. The body needed to be stretched and raked to accommodate the brand new entrance wheel and particular triple timber needed to be engineered to right the path measurement and optimize dealing with.
Embracing the look of an iconic 50’s Mercury Lead Sled the workforce crafted a number of
one-of-a-kind elements and modified present R 18 parts. The metal entrance fender was comprised of scratch. The unique R 18 fairing was lower into a number of items and restructured to right headlight place and circulate into the brand new entrance wheel. To handle the hole between the fairing and the gas tank a novel chin spoiler was developed, strategically concealing the radiator. Moreover, an unique set of Yaffe Monkey Bars was crafted to enrich the general design.
“The workforce needed to retain the saddlebag lids, latches and audio system so a brand new set of ‘skins’ was created to provide the baggage a totally new and distinctive stretched profile whereas retaining the superb engineering and performance that BMW had created for them.” Paul’s workforce prolonged the unique rear fender by crafting a second R 18 rear fender, guaranteeing it seamlessly matched the profile of the brand new saddlebags.
Because the construct started to take form, Yaffe rearranged the unique R 18 taillights into the handmade filler panels and labored an space for the license plate into the fender in basic scorching rod styling. He additionally stretched the unique R 18 facet covers to retain their unique form and canopy extra space to assist the attention circulate into the baggage.
Basic Lead Sled Look.
Staying true to the basic Lead Sled aesthetic, Yaffe prioritized two essential elements: air suspension and facet pipes.
Paul and his workforce designed a classy air tank and distribution system in addition to a devoted body beneath all sides of the saddlebags to accommodate important elements, together with the mandatory air storage tanks, a large air compressor and all of the controls, valving and solenoids essential for the efficient assist and operation of the system.
Turning their focus to the facet pipe design the fabrication workforce aimed to protect the distinctive “BMW really feel” that units this construct aside. Retaining the basic Boxer head pipes was non-negotiable in Paul’s imaginative and prescient. The catalytic converters have been faraway from the top pipes making approach for a bespoke perforated high-flow baffle system. This innovation not solely changed the restrictive emissions system but in addition retained important again strain for optimum efficiency. To additional improve the auditory expertise a precision-crafted
3-step muffler system was launched for reversion. The ultimate contact was a wide-open megaphone, delivering that quintessential basic scorching rod sound.
All of it comes all the way down to cosmetics.
Shifting focus to cosmetics Paul needed a basic scorching rod really feel with none distracting graphics, highlighting the bike’s elegant new stance and profile. The emphasis was on simplicity and attract. “We went to work perfecting all of the fabricated physique panels and smoothing all the pieces to a glass-like end.” After deciding on a timeless deep gloss black end, the workforce’s consideration turned to attaining perfection for the physique. Paul tasked his devoted painter Hector Martinez, with making use of the flawless gloss black paint. Recognizing the necessity for distinction, Paul selected a basic ochs blood purple inside. The artwork is find the proper stability. “The trick is to not overdo it!” Guys Upholstery created the contemporary-style saddle and sprint console and Hector combined up a color for the entrance callipers to match. “We predict it got here out spectacular!”
Disclaimer.
The automobiles proven could also be modified and fitted with third-party equipment and/or proprietary components that aren’t manufactured, distributed or examined by BMW. BMW accepts no legal responsibility for the modifications (together with the becoming, traits and use of the equipment proven). NOTE: Modification of collection manufacturing automobiles (together with the becoming and use of third-party and self-made components) can impair using traits! Using our automobiles in modified situation is at your individual threat.
