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Judge

Judge

New member
Joined
Mar 2, 2025
Messages
10
Location
Chicago
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Bike
2023 R18
Hello all.

I've been a member here for a while, but I haven't introduced myself until now. Here is my 2023 R18, which was custom-painted and pinstriped by Havana Kustoms in Addison, IL. The color is Mercedes-Benz' MANUFAKTUR desert sand. This motorcycle was originally Mars Red and purchased from Motorworks Chicago in February 2025. The First Edition badges were a replacement for the OEM badges, as the originals had to be removed during the paint work process, and I ordered First Edition badges by mistake. I may swap them out at some point down the road for the correct badges.

Please let me know what you think, and thanks for all the great conversation on this forum.

Cheers.



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Judge said:
Hello all.

I've been a member here for a while, but I haven't introduced myself until now. Here is my 2023 R18, which was custom-painted and pinstriped by Havana Kustoms in Addison, IL. The color is Mercedes-Benz' MANUFAKTUR desert sand. This motorcycle was originally Mars Red and purchased from Motorworks Chicago in February 2025. The First Edition badges were a replacement for the OEM badges, as the originals had to be removed during the paint work process, and I ordered First Edition badges by mistake. I may swap them out at some point down the road for the correct badges.

Please let me know what you think, and thanks for all the great conversation on this forum.

Cheers.



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That is stunning! Also, Frank did the paint on my 1991 RT project and it is outstanding. I'm not ready to reveal that yet, but it's excellent. Also, the sketchy taco shop across the street from him is legit.

I am pretty sure you bike was in the shop when I was dropping off my parts. I noticed the red R18 under dust cover and we chatted about it for a while. He did say the owner did not like the red.

Great color and congrats.
 
Very unique, not my color but much respect for the paint and owing what you love.. You're paying for it so you need to love it.. others are just opinions.
 
My first reaction was I like it.
If I didn't live so far, I'd stop by that custom shop, as I am always wanting to tweak (improve) the bike.
 
Well done, very unique and I like it. I wonder why you didn’t pinstripe all the painted parts? I would have and I think it would really make the bike look more complete. No offense intended and it looks great the way it is. Just an opinion? I took several looks at your bike and felt like something was missing and finally noticed it was the fenders not being pinstriped I would even consider the side covers getting a stripe or two. I admit I am a pinstripe freak. I will provide proof of that with pictures of mine and a future project of adding a sidecar.

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justabill said:
That is stunning! Also, Frank did the paint on my 1991 RT project and it is outstanding. I'm not ready to reveal that yet, but it's excellent. Also, the sketchy taco shop across the street from him is legit.

I am pretty sure you bike was in the shop when I was dropping off my parts. I noticed the red R18 under dust cover and we chatted about it for a while. He did say the owner did not like the red.

Great color and congrats.
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Thank you for the compliments and the taco suggestion. I was already familiar with your channel; you have great content. Very cool to see you here.
 
R2K said:
Well done, very unique and I like it. I wonder why you didn’t pinstripe all the painted parts? I would have and I think it would really make the bike look more complete. No offense intended and it looks great the way it is. Just an opinion? I took several looks at your bike and felt like something was missing and finally noticed it was the fenders not being pinstriped I would even consider the side covers getting a stripe or two. I admit I am a pinstripe freak. I will provide proof of that with pictures of mine and a future project of adding a sidecar.

View attachment 19433View attachment 19435
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Good question - I initially wasn't going to do any pinstriping, and it was added as a last-minute change. I wasn't sure how it would look, so I was being conservative with it. Great looking sidecar. If I had the garage space I would be interested in a sidecar project.
 
For my next project, I am now considering adding the King Ape bars and auxiliary headlights. 🫣
 
Judge said:
For my next project, I am now considering adding the King Ape bars and auxiliary headlights. 🫣
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Clearwater lites makes excellent auxiliary lights and have a CanOpener that is compatible with the bike which also provides a switched source for other accessories and a circuit for adding a extra brake light as an added benefit for future projects. They are pricey but worth it in the end.

www.clearwaterlights.com

Darla (R18B & R18 Transcontinental)

The Darla makes your motorcycle more visible to oncoming traffic during the day and at night provides a wide pattern of light which adds to side illumination. They are a combination of a fog and visibility light meant to make you more conspicuous.
www.clearwaterlights.com www.clearwaterlights.com
 
Judge said:
Good question - I initially wasn't going to do any pinstriping, and it was added as a last-minute change. I wasn't sure how it would look, so I was being conservative with it. Great looking sidecar. If I had the garage space I would be interested in a sidecar project.
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I would call the pinstripes done as is. This looks like a "less is more" bike to me. It's sharp and knows its heritage, but also a wee bit restrained. :)
 
XUMERX said:
So they all say for the R18B or R18T how would one go about doing this on a base?
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Yes it is confusing, you will need to call them. The base model R18 not having a wonder wheel is a little different set up that will require a dimmer switch not needed on the bikes with the wonder wheel. If you do decide to call ask for Billy he is an awesome resource. You will need to know where you want to mount the lights and I noticed you don’t have engine case guards (crash bars your options are limited. You may want to go for the OEM lights that are included in the classic package if you are going for that look. But if function over form is a what you are after Clearwater is the way to go.
 
Well most bobbers dont have crash bars. I have a pair of 32mm bars that i used to have on the bike but since the exhaust and conversion they no longer fit…. So i planning on adjusting cutting welding just figuring out of to make something with them since trying to sell them didnt even add up to $100. I can then just powder coat and install.
 
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