Mick Ackermann grew up in Europe, where he could always be found in nearby mechanics’ shops, handing them tools and learning everything he could. He spent years working on street mods and drift cars, then founded Ackermann Cycle Performance (ACP Customs) in 2011, building among other machines this incredible Suzuki GSX1100S Katana restomod.
Now Mick is back with a new custom parts company, Mick Ackermann Designs (MAD), and he’s built The Wraith (aka #ProjectGespenst), a dark and modern BMW R nineT cafe racer complete with Ohlins suspension, AC Schitzer rims, Motogadget electronics, and a stunning gold-leaf German eagle.
Below, we get the full story on this modern cafe build.
BMW R nineT Cafe Racer: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
Mick Ackermann is the founder of ACP Customs, a custom motorcycle shop in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Building motorcycles is not just our business, it’s our passion. A large part of our custom motorcycles are our custom parts, which Mick designs and machines in-house.
MAD (Mick Ackermann Designs) was created as a one stop shop for custom motorcycles. Full custom builds, custom parts, motorcycle accessories and apparel.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
2016 BMW R nineT
• Why was this bike built?
Customer project
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
Futuristic and aggressive café racer
• What custom work was done to the bike?
- New subframe
- Airbox delete/removal
- Öhlins rear suspension
- Custom fiberglass tail
- Custom seat
- AC Schnitzer rims
- Motogadget Motoscope Pro
- Custom triple trees
- Custom dual headlights
- Custom paint
• How would you classify this bike?
Modern cafe racer
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
The headlight was our first opportunity to push our creativity. We designed and machined it entirely in-house and did the powdercoating as well.
Follow the Builder
- Instagram: @getmadmoto (#ProjectGespenst)
- Website: http://mickackermanndesigns.com/
Schnitzel fantasy….
The BMW bikes are very good and there built quality and design is very cool and attractive. As BMW always give the quality to its customers.
Thanks for keeping us updated on the BMW projects.
INSANE !!!!!!
Wow!