Bmw model builder5/26/2023 ![]() ![]() Have other bikes you have worked on been in a similar style? It is very unusual to be left to custom-build a bike exactly how you want to do it, without input from other people. Even with only one day to go before the deadline, there is always something that you want to try one more time-or something that you want to tinker with. Right at the end I was rushing to complete the finalized bike. However, our workshop moved to a new location, and it took time for the environment to be prepared to start the custom build. The most intensive work on the bike was in the later stages, but did you have an idea or vision for the kind of bike you wanted to create right from the beginning? Right from the start I had decided on a direction for the kind of style I was aiming for. As a base bike it is fun to work with and gives you the freedom to achieve various designs. As the R nineT is a relatively orthodox bike, I think it is easier to customize in various styles. There were no aspects of the design that I compromised just because the R nineT is a brand new bike.Īre there new bikes like this one that are difficult to work on because they are the latest models? Most other BMW models employ the Telelever, which is different to a standard front fork and makes it difficult to decide on a style for a custom built bike. But I found that these parts could be removed and relocated, which made the work easier. There are many electronic parts, including computers and ABS units I thought that it would be a difficult task to move and relocate these components. What was the R nineT like as the base for your custom bike? When I first saw the bike I thought that it would be difficult to create a custom build. I believe that lightness equals speed and a good ride, so that is the aspect that I gave most attention to. The rider can actually feel that the bike is lighter, simply by pushing it. ![]() Although I haven’t weighed my bike, I would guess that it is approximately 30kg lighter than the standard R nineT. It is composed of materials aimed at making it lighter, without compromising performance. ![]() The first thing I concentrated on was lightness-I haven’t added anything that would make the bike heavier. So my aim was to create a bike that would retain the great ride while adding more enjoyment and a good feel. In what areas do you think that you have been able to stamp your own individuality on the bike, in comparison to the standard R nineT? The standard R nineT is a great bike, enjoyable and well made. It was the external design and look of the bike that was difficult. After that, I made other components like the muffler and the rearsets: these are things I have previous experience with, and weren’t as difficult to work out. And having to make everything by hand from scratch was the hardest part. Until this bike, I had only made one tank from aluminum plating and only one seat too-so I had little experience. What was the most difficult aspect of the design and creation? The external design. I think I have created a bike that would be enjoyable to ride on winding mountain roads. So you could say I focused on aspects such as lightness, speed, and ease of operation. What aspect of the custom build did you focus on? I paid particular attention to the ‘drive’ it produces. Thanks to motorcycle journalist Tadashi Kono, we take a look at the obstacles faced by the builders, and how they overcame them. After all, there’s a big difference between a modern motorcycle packed with electronics and a vintage Harley or Yamaha SR. So we’re wrapping up our coverage of BMW’s R nineT Custom Project by interviewing the four builders involved.Īlthough they’re at the top of their game-and undoubtedly some of the most proficient builders in the world-customizing the R nineT presented unusual challenges. It’s not often that we get an insight into the minds and work processes of Japan’s custom motorcycle builders. ![]()
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