At the Top Marques event in Monaco, BMW Motorrad introduced a striking custom chopper crafted in partnership with Radikal Chopper and renowned designer Andrea Radaelli. The collaboration brings together BMW Motorrad’s engineering heritage with Radikal Chopper’s radical, bespoke approach, yielding a motorcycle that looks like a relic from a bygone era while delivering modern performance and reliability. The unveiling underscored how heritage-inspired design can coexist with contemporary engineering, a balance that appeals to collectors and everyday riders alike.
The R 18 Magnifica is defined by a blend of materials including mahogany, brass, and aluminum. It also features a revised frame and cast aluminum wheels, elements that give the bike a distinct, tactile presence while maintaining structural integrity and performance on the road. The design choices emphasize a tactile, artisanal feel without compromising the ride quality expected from a modern touring machine.
Radaelli drew inspiration from BMW motorcycles produced in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, believing that the charm of those early machines remains unmatched by many contemporary models. In his view, the era of classic BMW models like the R 37 exudes an enchantment that still resonates with riders today, a sentiment rooted in how simplicity, proportion, and mechanical honesty can captivate the senses. This perspective informs the Magnifica’s aesthetic, which seeks to evoke nostalgia while delivering a coherent, practical riding experience.
Despite the vintage silhouette, the chassis is largely stock, meaning the bike rides with the smoothness and precision of a modern machine. The result is a paradox: a retro look paired with contemporary dynamics. The braking system, in particular, features discs and calipers that have been completely redesigned to match the bike’s unique geometry and performance goals. The upgrade ensures stopping power that aligns with modern expectations, even as the exterior presents a period-correct appearance.
Weight engineering plays a pivotal role in the Magnifica. The bike has shed roughly 100 kilograms, a substantial reduction that translates into improved handling, acceleration, and agility. With a lighter overall mass, the motorcycle feels more responsive and nimble on twisty roads and urban corridors alike, enhancing the rider’s ability to finesse corner entry and transition through varying speeds. This reduction brings the total weight to about 250 kilograms, a figure that harmonizes with the bike’s intended balance of performance and classic aesthetics.
This collaboration is not BMW Motorrad’s first with Andrea Radaelli and Radikal Chopper. In 2020, the trio produced a motorcycle named Ad Maiora, a project that earned recognition at the Motor Bike Expo with an MBE award for its status as the most modified motorcycle in the show. The ongoing partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of customization while honoring the brand’s legacy, and it continues to draw attention from enthusiasts who value both design integrity and engineering innovation.