BMW Motorrad unveiled the custom-made R 18 Dragster motorcycle which was brought to life by custom motorcycle designer Roland Sands.

Based on the BMW R18 cruiser, Sands stripped down the original motorcycle to create a straight-line dragster that is powered by BMW’s iconic engine, the Big Boxer.

Roland Sands retained the stock neck geometry of R18 and completely changed the motorcycle’s rear to modify it into a drag racer. The front and the rear fender had to be upgraded to fit in the modified frame. The R18 Dragster took around 3 and a half months to come to life.

“The electronics were definitely the most difficult task we had to deal with as we put in nitrous oxide, stripped out the stock exhaust and changed the intake drastically. It was a bit of an experiment, but we dialed it in! The final product is impressive and characterised by a high level of craftsmanship, as can be expected from BMW Motorrad. Right from the beginning, I couldn’t wait to get customizing,” said Roland Sands, designer of the R18 Dragster.