BMW R18 Iron Annie

BMW Motorrad and VTR Motorrad & Customs have just unveiled the R 18 Iron Annie, a plane without wings. A rideable masterpiece full of references. So, let’s go back in time. The Junkers Ju 52, also known as the ‘Aunt Ju’, was a popular commercial aircraft widely used in the 1930s. The D-AQUI aircraft, painted in the grey-black Lufthansa colour scheme in 1936, gained worldwide recognition. Now, this BMW R 18 'Iron Annie' is inspired by this airborne machine. A project started in the workshop, based in Switzerland. During its time in the United States, from 1970 to 1984, it was renamed Iron Annie by its owner. 
Inspired by the Junkers Ju 52, and nicknamed the Iron Annie, this unique bike is based on the R 18 First Edition and has undergone an aircraft-inspired redesign. Which is clear to see, as the bike uses a custom aluminium bodywork just like an aircraft and features retro rivets. The ‘tail’ is also unique. The designers found it «imperative to borrow from the Ju 52’s characteristic corrugated aluminium planking». 
The distinctive elements go beyond the bodywork. Look at the engine, removed and painted black. The same has happened to all the components that were previously chrome-plated, while the fork struts have received a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating.  

 It will remain a one-off model, as was promised to the client 

The bike’s unique look has been completed with a seat inspired by a saddle. And with a speedometer dial customised with a handcrafted piece from watchmaker Zeitzone Zurich, integrated into the design to resemble the old instruments of a cockpit. While access panels with quick-release latches have been added, just like those on aircraft. The 18-inch and 21-inch wheels have been made by Kineo so as to make the bike look smaller and more delicate between the wheels. Magura’s race-style HC3 pumps replaced the R 18’s original brake and clutch fittings, providing additional technical improvements.
To create an aerodynamic appearance, the instrument panel has been pulled back and made as narrow and flat as possible; the bike’s posture has been lowered with a shorter fork and a height-adjustable Wilbers shock absorber at the rear. 
The custom exhaust system is also something to be reckoned with. VTR Motorrad & VTR Customs managing director Daniel Weidmann himself realised that this was one of the «great challenges». There were many attempts to shape the parts into beautiful, parallel spokes and at the same time fix them harmoniously. And it ended up working. 
In the end, the team was satisfied with the result. The R 18 Iron Annie is ready for the road, even though it brings to mind the skies. So, for all of the above, it’s easy to guess that it will attract plenty of attention in its new home on Lake Geneva. But it will remain a one-off model, as was promised to the client.