The BMW R 18 “IRON ANNIE” is a motorcycle inspired by a commercial airplane that a Swiss client ordered from the brand based on the BMW R 18.
To build the BMW R 18 “IRON ANNIE”, a customer of VTR Motorrad AG and VTR Customs, BMW’s partner in Switzerland, was inspired by a three-engine commercial and transport aircraft from the 1930s known as the Junkers Ju 52, an aircraft that, with the gray and black colors of the Lufthansa company in 1936, became particularly well-known throughout the world.
But more specifically, this client was inspired by the Jukers Ju 52 aircraft owned by Martin Caidin. The aircraft was registered as N52JU in the United States between 1970 and 1984, and it was its owner who decided to name it “IRON ANNIE”. This plane was the one that inspired them to build this custom bike.
BMW R 18 “IRON ANNIE”: a motorcycle inspired by a commercial airplane
Among the features that the custom BMW motorcycle integrates, we find the speedometer dial integrated into the tank, an element that is intended to remind us of the classic instrumentation of the airplane cabin; or the access panels with quick releases, which are found in many airplanes.
In addition, the characteristic corrugated aluminum panels of the Ju 52, a seat reminiscent of a saddle and the characteristic gray and black color scheme for the paint have been taken over.
Based on a BMW R 18 First Edition, this project has included all kinds of modifications, such as painting the engine in black, chrome calipers and the fork tubes, which are now 7 cm shorter. There’s also a height-adjustable Wilbers shock that emphasizes the bike’s stance.
“To make the bike look smaller and give it a sleeker look between the wheels, we installed large 18-inch and 21-inch wheels made by Kineo,” adds Daniel Weidmann, owner and CEO of VTR Motorrad and VTR Customs.
It has also been fitted with a Magura racing-style clutch and brake master cylinder instead of the original components, while the custom speedometer dials have been lovingly cared for by watchmaker Zeitone Zurich. Finally, we find a new handlebar, an exhaust system from WalzWerk, and new exterior lighting.
