This Custom BMW R nineT Could Dictate The Future Of Motorcycle Design

We’ve come across several custom BMW R nineT builds in the past, but none that were this intricate or futuristic. This work of art belongs to Austria’s Vagabund Moto, known for its off-beat designs and relentless pursuit for perfection.  

This particular 2016 BMW R nineT has been built using hand-formed metalwork, 3D-printed parts, and bodywork that pops open like a trunk using a remote control. Yeah, you heard that right! 

The inspiration came from one of their previous builds, a custom R18, which also uses a monocoque body that lifts up. But dealing with all the electronics and wire harnesses that lay below wasn’t an easy task. So they teamed up with Bernard Naumann (a.k.a Blechmann) to pull this off. 

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The first thing that grabs your attention is the simple yet minimalistic monocoque tank that flows and forms a seat. A custom-built remote triggers the latch, which opens up the upper layer by sliding up and back using hydraulic shocks (like gullwing doors). Underneath lies the fuel tank and the under-seat storage (also monocoque).

A Motogadget dash pops up on its own hinge when the setup is open and tucks itself behind an acrylic window when closed. The storage area has been designed with a built-in credit card holder and a Leatherman pouch. Everything from the aluminium hinges and the 3D-printed housing for the remote to the monocoque bodywork has been designed and developed in house.

Other design elements that make up this beautiful R nineT include the headlight nacelle and the organic-looking front fender. The nacelle holds a Koso Thunderbolt LED headlight, while the fender includes... wait for it... integrated LED turn indicators. The rear features a custom tail light with an array of LEDs embedded into it.

Finishing touches include a ceramic-coated exhaust system surrounded by a stainless steel enclosure, using the original catalytic converter and a removable baffle. You can't have a custom bike running stock wheels, so Vagabund swapped them out for full carbon alloys from Rotobox, wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres. The top triple clamp is a CNC-machined part, while the clip-ons, foot controls, and rear plate holder are from Rizoma. 

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That said, a number of OEM parts are still in use, primarily to comply with road regulations in Spain. What's been retained is the stock key and fuel pump, the air filter that's moved into a custom aluminium airbox, repackaged electronics and hardware.

The ‘Tin Man’, as Vagabund calls it, is just their 15th build and must I add, they’ve knocked it out of the park with this one! Only goes to show how dedicated and innovative the crew is. We can’t wait to see more from the Austrian custom shop. Stay tuned to this space for more of their work.

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