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R18 Louvered Performance Plates

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1783958770#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter Lennstang
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Lennstang

Lennstang

Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2026
Messages
51
Location
Webster NH
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Bike
2022 BMW R18B 1800 PREMIUM
Being a snowmobile enthusiast all of my life, I've been always modifying and looking for better performance in my machines. In the summer I ride motorcycles to keep the throttle therapy going . I own a snowmobile Products Company located here in New Hampshire. LJE Products I've had all kinds of snowmobiles and motorcycles over the years and also have been racing both most of my adult life. (I'm 63)
My motorcycle Journey started with dirt bikes and then to Street bikes. I dragged raced for quite a few years before going into road racing. I recently gave up motorcycle road racing due to too many injuries over the years. So I decided to buy a motorcycle that would be fun but also comfortable for two people. After purchasing a clean used 2022 R18B early this spring, I immediately went on a quest too improve the bikes performance. I joined this forum and discovered a wealth of information. Following everyone's advice on here, I began purchasing performance add-ons for my new bike. I did SharkRoad slip-ons, the BT Moto tune along with their performance air cleaner mod. This definitely woke the bike up and improved the overall performance and drivability. When I was in there replacing the air cleaner I realized when BMW designed this engine, they restricted the airflow quite a bit. Because of the retro design of the motorcycle, the engineers were limited with space and airflow to the air cleaner area. Upon removing the 1800 badges to gain access to the air cleaner, I realize this may be opportunity to improve airflow through the airbox area. So I began 3D printing different style louvers in an effort to improve airflow through the airbox. I finally came up with a great solution. With the help of my engineer/machinist who's located in the state of Maine, we developed Billet aluminum louvered performance plates to enhance the airflow through the engine. Our performance plates also add style and a custom look. Because the engine is an actual 1802 CC, we engraved 1802 into the plates. I've been working on this for quite some time to get the fit perfect and the air flow correct. I went through about four different variations of louvers to find which design looked the best and also created the best air flow. These will be available on my website in about 2 weeks. I have two different models that will be available: One will be anodized black with machined louvered faces and the other model will be all Chrome. I wanted to share these with you guys first. Check these out and let me know what you think!
 

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Here's the access/vent hole behind the 1800 emblem cover.
 

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Lennstang said:
Being a snowmobile enthusiast all of my life, I've been always modifying and looking for better performance in my machines. In the summer I ride motorcycles to keep the throttle therapy going . I own a snowmobile Products Company located here in New Hampshire. LJE Products I've had all kinds of snowmobiles and motorcycles over the years and also have been racing both most of my adult life. (I'm 63)
My motorcycle Journey started with dirt bikes and then to Street bikes. I dragged raced for quite a few years before going into road racing. I recently gave up motorcycle road racing due to too many injuries over the years. So I decided to buy a motorcycle that would be fun but also comfortable for two people. After purchasing a clean used 2022 R18B early this spring, I immediately went on a quest too improve the bikes performance. I joined this forum and discovered a wealth of information. Following everyone's advice on here, I began purchasing performance add-ons for my new bike. I did SharkRoad slip-ons, the BT Moto tune along with their performance air cleaner mod. This definitely woke the bike up and improved the overall performance and drivability. When I was in there replacing the air cleaner I realized when BMW designed this engine, they restricted the airflow quite a bit. Because of the retro design of the motorcycle, the engineers were limited with space and airflow to the air cleaner area. Upon removing the 1800 badges to gain access to the air cleaner, I realize this may be opportunity to improve airflow through the airbox area. So I began 3D printing different style louvers in an effort to improve airflow through the airbox. I finally came up with a great solution. With the help of my engineer/machinist who's located in the state of Maine, we developed Billet aluminum louvered performance plates to enhance the airflow through the engine. Our performance plates also add style and a custom look. Because the engine is an actual 1802 CC, we engraved 1802 into the plates. I've been working on this for quite some time to get the fit perfect and the air flow correct. I went through about four different variations of louvers to find which design looked the best and also created the best air flow. These will be available on my website in about 2 weeks. I have two different models that will be available: One will be anodized black with machined louvered faces and the other model will be all Chrome. I wanted to share these with you guys first. Check these out and let me know what you think!
Click to expand...
I would be interested in a set when available, please contact me as been looking for something.
 
Okay, I've been meaning to ask about this. I've taken the engine plates off and ridden the bike that way for two weeks. Can't say it made a detectable difference, and made no difference to fuel stats. Also, when I have the bike parked in neutral and the engine revving there is only a very minor (tiny) air flow in through the cover holes shown in Lennstang's photos. My feeling is that air intake only really changes if you've changed over the air filter and removed the two black plastic snorkels. Any thoughts?

I've had a deep and meaning discussion with myself over a beer about this. My thoughts: 1. I like the idea of the honeycombed or louvered vented plates - very cool; and 2. it makes engineering sense, particularly if the rest of the restrictive intake hardware is out of the way.

So, due to an acute attack of FOMO over gucci engine plates, and pending the air filter mods, I've put a small nut and a washer as spacers behind the engine plate to give it a 5 mm standoff from the air intake cover, creating an air gap all round.

I'm now three weeks and three tank fills into the vented intake trial. I've convinced myself that there is in fact a very slight difference - acceleration from low revs is, maybe, fractionally better, and the acceleration curve is, again, a smidge smoother. On a scale of 10 to entirely subjective but nice if it works for you, I'd say its at the "nice if" end. Can't hurt though, and looks cool. So, here's my engine plates and what they look like on.
 

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I have a dyno session scheduled with a local shop to test how much improvement there is with and without my louvered performance plates. My theory is that hot air gets trapped inside the engine where the air filter is located. By adding the vents it's allowing cooler air to constantly flow through the air box area. Yes the stock snorkels are definitely very restrictive and that was one of the first improvements I made.
https://bt-moto.com/product/20-25-bmw-r18-dna-high-flow-air-filter
I feel that in order to take advantage of the high flow air filter, more air needs to enter and leave the air box. Fresh cool air to the air filter will definitely help improve the overall performance, especially when the bike is in motion moving down the road. Dyno testing should reveal the benefits.
 
My issue with these plates is this: When you're moving, the airflow OVER those plates is in fact sucking air OUT from the inside.

I doubt you'll see any improvement on a dyno unless factors are being played with but unfortunately a dyno is with the bike stationary so will not be realistic.

I applaud your efforts even though Petrus has been there before you. (y)
 
The dyno shop has a large fan to simulate air flow moving down the road. The fan is adjustable so we can experiment with different airflow. Yes, Petrus is taking a different approach by trying to Ram the air back into the airbox. But I have not seen any Dyno results from anyone yet so I'm taking the initiative to do so . During the session we are going to turn the louvers around see if scooping the air into the lower engine compartment will improve air flow into the engine. We'll even try removing the plates entirely and just to see if the plates make any difference at all or not. But I'm pretty confident that the plates will improve performance somewhat. I don't expect a drastic improvement, mostly because the space is just limited. Obviously the best way to get air into the throttle bodies would be to just put air cleaners on them any eliminate the internal air intake system. But the problem with that is it just doesn't look as good as the stock setup from a visual point of view.
 
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Be super interesting to see the dyno data. I used some old casette tape to see if I was getting any air intake via engine plate holes. There's a tiny amount of air movement but its best described as "negligible". But I'm still running the stock air filter system.
 
Wait, you bought an R18B because it was comfortable for two people? :LOL:
 
KAus said:
Okay, I've been meaning to ask about this. I've taken the engine plates off and ridden the bike that way for two weeks. Can't say it made a detectable difference, and made no difference to fuel stats. Also, when I have the bike parked in neutral and the engine revving there is only a very minor (tiny) air flow in through the cover holes shown in Lennstang's photos. My feeling is that air intake only really changes if you've changed over the air filter and removed the two black plastic snorkels. Any thoughts?

I've had a deep and meaning discussion with myself over a beer about this. My thoughts: 1. I like the idea of the honeycombed or louvered vented plates - very cool; and 2. it makes engineering sense, particularly if the rest of the restrictive intake hardware is out of the way.

So, due to an acute attach of FOMO over gucci engine plates, and pending the air filter mods, I've put a small nut and a washer as spacers behind the engine plate to give it a 5 mm standoff from the air intake cover, creating an air gap all round.

I'm now three weeks and three tank fills into the vented intake trial. I've convinced myself that there is in fact a very slight difference - acceleration from low revs is, maybe, fractionally better, and the acceleration curve is, again, a smidge smoother. On a scale of 10 to entirely subjective but nice if it works for you, I'd say its at the "nice if" end. Can't hurt though, and looks cool. So, here's my engine plates and what they look like on.
Click to expand...
You sir, are a genius!
IMG_5666.jpeg
 
LBV said:
My issue with these plates is this: When you're moving, the airflow OVER those plates is in fact sucking air OUT from the inside.

I doubt you'll see any improvement on a dyno unless factors are being played with but unfortunately a dyno is with the bike stationary so will not be realistic.

I applaud your efforts even though Petrus has been there before you. (y)
Click to expand...
My exact thoughts.
 
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