Bosozoku, a Japanese custom bike movement known for its flamboyant aesthetics, has left an indelible mark on the motorcycle world. While many builders have adopted its distinctive style, Adam Kay of Untitled Motorcycles took it to a new level with his BMW R 18 project.
Commissioned by BMW Motorrad for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Kay’s vision was to transform the hefty cruiser into a Bosozoku-inspired masterpiece. Starting with a retro style Honda CR750 fairing, Kay meticulously integrated it into the R 18’s frame, creating a striking and unconventional combination.
With careful modifications to the fairing and a custom built mounting system, he seamlessly blended the two elements, preserving the BMW tank roundel while maintaining the Bosozoku aesthetic. The R 18, a modern classic from BMW, was transformed into a custom masterpiece by Untitled Motorcycles.
Inspired by the Bosozoku aesthetic, the build features a raised, modded CR750 fairing, a repositioned headlight, and a king and queen-style seat upholstered in white leather. To complement the bike’s aggressive front end, the stock fishtail exhaust mufflers were replaced with blacked-out aftermarket units.
The entire bike was then painted in a glossy white base with black and gold accents. This striking custom R 18, which debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, is a testament to Untitled Motorcycles’ unique approach to customizing classic motorcycles.
The raised fairing, a nod to the Bosozoku style, not only adds a dramatic flair to the R 18 but also provides ample clearance for the handlebars. To accommodate the new fairing, the headlight had to be repositioned, resulting in a more aggressive stance. The king and queen style seat, upholstered in white leather, perfectly complements the bike’s front end and offers a comfortable riding experience for both rider and passenger.
The stock fishtail exhaust mufflers, while visually appealing, were replaced with blacked-out aftermarket units to enhance the bike’s aesthetic. This change not only contributes to the R 18’s aggressive appearance but also likely improves its performance.
The glossy white base paint, accented with black and gold highlights, gives the bike a striking and eye catching look. The Untitled Motorcycles custom R 18 is a masterpiece of modern motorcycle customization.
It combines classic elements with contemporary design to create a truly unique and visually stunning machine. The bike’s debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed showcased its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
