Fred Kodlin is a well-known figure in the US customizing scene who has been modifying motorcycles for over 40 years. He has won various important shows and was the first non-US citizen to be inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame. For the first time, he has worked with his son Len to customize a BMW R 18 B, which they named the R 18 B HEAVY DUTY.
They made significant modifications to the chassis, including a modified frame and air suspension, as well as extensive bodywork modifications, including a new tank and sheet metal components.
The bike also features winglets above the cylinders, a seat made by Kodlin, and elaborate paintwork by tattoo artist Marcel Sinnwell, who airbrushed colour gradients with translucent paint. The finished product includes design touches such as hand-painted pinstripes and an airbrushed pattern on the rear mudguard that combines Kodlin and “100 years of BMW Motorrad.”
The bike can be lowered and raised in a fraction of a second, thanks to the air suspension system at the front and rear. In addition, the original R 18 B’s features such as ACC (active cruise control), reverse gear, 10.25-inch TFT display, Marshall sound system, and eCall have been retained.