There will be many who don’t see the point of three-wheel motorcycles. Au contraire mon frère, they give the feeling of a motorcycle to those who can’t physically keep a bike upright. And not to mention, they can be super stylish. Perhaps no one knows this more than this glorious contraption ordered by one such customer based on a BMW R18. Yuri Shif’s award-winning ShifCustom workshop in Minsk delivered an R18 trike with the monster 1,802cc boxer engine.
ShifCustom’s reverse trike looks like a sensible machine with a very classic vibe. The design picks inspiration from the BMW 328 which is visible on the front of it and there are glimpses of the Morgan 3 Wheeler too.
Image: Bikeexif
The frame and bodywork were engineered by ShifCustom’s 15-strong team taking the help of aftermarket suppliers for only a handful of parts and outsourcing only the leatherwork. It is rather apparent that there isn’t much scope for plug-and-play here.
The R18 trike gets a custom-made sub-frame bolted to the main frame and holding a double wishbone independent suspension system, which also includes an extended steering neck and a pair of adjustable shocks. The wheels are modified Audi A3 units, kitted with Nissin brakes.
Image: Bikeexif
The bodywork has been built through traditional coach building techniques. The ‘bonnet’ with a dual kidney grille is a clear nod to the 328. Undoing the leather belts reveals in two sections the front end and some of the electronic components. Headlamps are from a Harley V-Rod.
The rider’s view is also rather interesting. Installed in the back end of the nose cone is a Bluetooth-enable sound system, controlled via a remote on the handlebars. A leather pouch on top of the fuel tank offers space for a smartphone, with integrated wireless charging.
ShifCustom’s extravagant take on the R18 will generate mixed opinions but we love it. Considering the extravagance of the original R18 and its intended audience, BMW should perhaps take notes.
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