The BMW R18 Onitora created by Untitled Motorcycles This is possibly one of the most surprising customisations you will see this season. That’s for sure. And it is obviously a heartfelt and extravagant homage to both the Japanese style of motorcycles Bosozokuas well as the rich motorcycling culture in Japan.
But believe it or not, the creators are neither slant-eyed nor do they live in Japan. It is an Anglo-Saxon workshop with branches in London (UK) and San Francisco (USA). What do you think?
This project took its time to come to fruition. Adam Kaythe genius behind Untitled Motorcycleswas contacted shortly after the release of the R18 to customize one. But nobody expected what was coming. Naturally, the process took longer than expected.
One of the key factors was obtaining and adapting a unique, Bosozoku-style fairing from an old Slingthat Adam found almost by accident in a local mechanic’s shop.
This Bosozoku fairing was modified to fit the chassis of the BMWwith custom brackets that allowed it to be mounted on the repositioned headlight of the German bike. Other modifications include the typical Japanese style seat (“king and queen”), with a clearly striking and somewhat unusual design.
Of course, there is also a revised exhaust system with new pipes. The finishing touch is given by a spectacular paint job, with a white base adorned with black and gold stripes, and a metallic finish that further highlights the uniqueness of this crazy car. BMW.
Now, logically, we have to talk about Japanese style motorcycles Bosozoku. Iconic machines within the rebellious motorcycling subculture in Japan. The term Bosozoku roughly translates to ““tribe out of control” and refers to both motorcycles and the groups of young people who rode them. This subculture reached its peak of popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. Although, as we can see on the Internet, vestiges of it still exist today. And as proof, this button.
The main features of motorcycles Bosozoku These are extreme and often exaggerated visual modifications. These bikes are usually based on Japanese inline four-cylinder models, unlike our protagonist, which are radically altered.
Secrets of Bosozoku motorcycles
- Extravagant fairings at extreme angles, protruding from the body of the bike in ways that may seem impractical, but are intended to make a visual impact.
- Bold colors: They are adorned with loud, custom paint jobs. It is common to see bright color combinations, metallics and sometimes traditional Japanese patterns.
- Modified Exhausts: The exhaust system is another standout feature. The exhausts are elongated and modified to generate a deafening noise that riders often use to attract attention, controlling the sound by playing with the throttle and clutch.
- Tall or custom seats: These include “king and queen” seats that jut out from the rear of the bike, or oversized backrests that add to the feeling of extravagance.
The riders Bosozoku They used these bikes not only as a means of transport, but also as a rebellious form of expression. They were often associated with noisy groups that rode in convoys, revving their engines and creating a chaotic atmosphere in their wake.
Finally, I would like to say that this style is influenced by both punk aesthetics and samurai culture, and remains a key influence in motorcycle customization culture and Japanese design.
