Renowned custom motorcycle visionary Paul Yaffe has once again showcased his ingenuity with the unveiling of his latest masterpiece: a unique customization of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental. This project seamlessly blends classic hot rod aesthetics with the distinctive essence of BMW, underscoring Yaffe’s prowess as a designer.
A stalwart in the US customizing scene since 1991, Paul Yaffe has consistently been recognized as one of the premier creators of motorized art. Beyond being a builder and fabricator, he is fundamentally a designer. From the inception of American Legend Motorcycle Company, which later transformed into Paul Yaffe’s Bagger Nation, his accolades include three “World’s Most Beautiful Motorcycle” awards from the Oakland Roadster Show, two “Builder of the Year,” and three “Trendsetter of the Year” awards from Easyriders Magazine. Moreover, he was inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame in 2015. His custom bikes have graced over 300 magazine articles worldwide and been featured on prominent television channels.
Yaffe’s latest creation, the BMW R 18 Transcontinental customization, is set to debut at the MBE Show in Verona, Italy. Before embarking on the project, Yaffe intimately acquainted himself with the BMW R 18 Transcontinental, traversing 3800 miles across the USA and an additional 2600 miles to Sturgis and back.
The customization process aimed to create a one-of-a-kind big wheel bagger, emphasizing the preservation of original BMW components. The 26” x 5.5” front wheel, cut from a solid aluminum block, holds a handmade 180mm wide front tire. The frame underwent stretching and raking to accommodate the new front wheel, with special triple trees engineered for optimal handling.
Inspired by the iconic 50’s Mercury Lead Sled, the team crafted unique components and modified existing R 18 elements. A handmade steel front fender, alterations to the original fairing, and the creation of a unique chin spoiler were integral to the transformation. Yaffe Monkey Bars were exclusively crafted to complement the overall design.
Maintaining the authentic BMW essence, Yaffe’s team extended the original rear fender and created new ‘skins’ for the saddlebags, retaining their engineering and functionality. The classic Lead Sled aesthetic was further accentuated by rearranging the R 18 taillights and incorporating a license plate area in classic hot rod styling.
Remaining faithful to the Lead Sled look, Yaffe prioritized air suspension and side pipes. A sophisticated air tank and distribution system were designed, along with a dedicated frame for essential components. The side pipe design retained the classic Boxer head pipes, replacing catalytic converters with a bespoke perforated high-flow baffle system for optimal performance and a classic hot rod sound.
In the cosmetic realm, Yaffe aimed for a classic hot rod feel without distracting graphics. The emphasis was on simplicity and allure, resulting in a timeless deep gloss black finish with a classic ochs blood red interior. The final touches included a contemporary-style saddle and dash console, as well as matching front calipers.
It’s important to note that the vehicles showcased may be modified with third-party accessories and parts not manufactured, distributed, or tested by BMW. The disclaimer underscores the potential impact on riding characteristics and the acceptance of risk when using modified vehicles.
