BMW R nineT Custom Project

Story by Marcus Martellacci// Photos by Marcus Martellacci
November 1 2014

Four of Japan’s most talented bike designers/builders were each tasked with creating his own custom R nineT. Japan’s history of craftsmanship and innovation is on display in each of these builds, and leaves no doubt as to why this project was bestowed upon four men from this one nation

THE CLUBMAN RACERTHE CLUBMAN RACER
BUILDER: Shiro Nakajima
COMPANY: 46 Works
Nakajima envisioned a motorcycle at home on both the road and track. His previous projects have followed this same design ethos, putting an emphasis on performance and being lightweight. This stripped-down motorcycle takes “café racer” a step closer to “racer,” and in the words of its designer: “Nothing was compromised.”

THE BOXERTHE BOXER
BUILDER: Hideya Togashi
COMPANY: Hide Motorcycle
The classic racer appearance of the Boxer reminds me of James Bond donning a tuxedo prior to an evening of intrigue. “I did everything I could, until there was no more to do,” says Togashi. And I can’t imagine there’s anything that would make his creation more desirable. If BMW and the Bond franchise are looking for 007’s next mount, this would be my vote.

THE CYCLONETHE CYCLONE
BUILDER: Go Takamine
COMPANY: Brat Style
This could be the biggest departure from the stock bike, yet at the same time it looks the most minimalistic. A completely new front end and narrow dirt tracker-inspired tank, seat and wheels do wonders to reduce the girth of the stock bike. The wide bars and cylinders balance each other out perfectly, and that paint looks just right.

THE HIGHWAY FIGHTERTHE HIGHWAY FIGHTER
BUILDER: Kaichiroh Kurosu
COMPANY:
Cherry’s Company
Inspiration for this bike came from motorcycling’s past and the near future. It’s difficult to classify the design as any one style, and that’s a great accomplishment. “This time, I made it for myself,” says Kurosu. And judging by the reactions in the industry thus far, he may need to build a few more.

BMW HEAD OF VEHICLE DESIGN, OLA STENEGÄRD
“I was absolutely bowled over. I had high expectations – after all, these are four of the best customizers in the world, and in the end I went down on my knees. What they have succeeded in creating here is just astounding.”

visit: www.r9t.jp

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