Project Zero 31: BMW R nineT Custom

An Understated Oilhead from Cafe Rider Customs… 

Since its introduction in 2014, the BMW R nineT has become a real darling of the custom world, largely because BMW Motorrad engineered the modern-retro roadster that way. Whereas many modern manufacturers make it very difficult for anyone but a brand-certified technician to work on their machines — let alone to customize them — BMW engineers gave the R nineT separate engine and chassis wiring harnesses, a detachable subframe, and accessories designed to be replaced with minimal cutting or chopping.

Then there’s the barrel chest of an engine, an 1170cc flat-twin “Oilhead” that gives puts out a stout 109 hp. Even better, the riding experience that hasn’t been digitized beyond recognition.

“With enough miles, what dawns is that you’re being taught how to ride properly again, by being transported back to simpler times where really being in tune with the mechanics was the way it was done…. We could go on, but the truth is that the R nineT is one of the all-time greats. Perfectly judged, bucketloads of character, a modern yet timeless design…” –GQ

The last time we heard from our friend Fahim Rehman (@greasy_hands) of Dubai’s Cafe Rider Custom, he and his team had finished an ’85 BMW R80GS intended to take the owner from the United Arab Emirates all the way to London. Now he’s back with a modern BMW, a 2018 R nineT built for customer Martin Krasimirov.

While the bike might not appear as heavily modified as previous projects, looks can be deceiving. Says Fahim:

“At first glance, the latest project to roll out of the Cafe Rider workshop looks like it’s had very changes carried out. As it turns out, that couldn’t be farther from the truth…”

In fact, the changes to “Project Zero 31” are quite extensive. It’s a testament to the team’s high level of design and execution that the modifications are seamless enough to appear factory-made. Most of the bike’s major components have been customized: fuel tank, subframe, saddle, headlight, indicators, fenders, plate mount, intake, exhaust, ECU location, and more.

The result is an understated, incredibly elegant BMW roadster that blends classic style and modern tech into a single refined machine. Below, the Cafe Rider team provides more details on the Project Zero 31.

Custom R nineT: In the Builder’s Words…

At first glance, the latest project to roll out of the Cafe Rider workshop looks like it’s had very changes carried out. As it turns out, that couldn’t be farther from the truth for this BMW R NineT, or as we refer to it, Project Zero 31.

Beginning at the front, a bespoke fabricated fender was shaped out of aluminium for this build. The custom theme carries on to the headlight brackets, which house a 7-inch LED unit with integrated turn signals.

Moving higher, the original speedometer has been retained, but is now fitted to custom brackets, which sit flush against the triple tree clamp, which has been machined flat.

Tarozzi clip-on handlebars add a bit of style, while leather wound grips provide plenty of grip to twist the throttle and watch objects get smaller and smaller in the Rizoma mirrors.

The tank may look stock, but as always, looks can be deceiving. A BMW R80 lookalike tank in fibreglass was ordered from Unit Garage in Italy. After a beautiful coat of blue metallic paint was laid on it, it was fitted to the bike with custom brackets to accentuate the lines of the R NineT.

Moving farther, a custom subframe was fabricated and bolted to the original frame in a way so as to preserve it, allowing it to be returned to stock whenever necessary.

Looking to the mechanical side, the airbox and the battery box were removed. The ECU and other important electrical components were re-positioned under the new fuel tank. A new battery box was created to house and hide the original battery with the aim of making things a fair bit tidier than stock.

Induction and exhaust duties are carried out by a K&N free flow air filter and a Spark exhaust, respectively. The latter is bolted to an aftermarket 2-into-1 titanium bend pipe. All said and done, this BMW definitely sounds the part, both at idle and at wide open throttle.

A custom leather saddle has also been fitted, and is able to seat two with the re-attachment of easily removable footpegs. An integrated rear taillight and turn signals are hidden just inside the frame, giving the rear a very clean aesthetic. A side-mount license plate rounds out the rear end with a bit of style.

Original crash bars and a powerful auxiliary light provide a bit more safety and visibility for those night/early morning rides.

All in all, a very tidy build that retains the R Nine T’s design, while improving certain aspects in an understated way.

Follow the Builder

Garage: Cafe Rider Custom, Dubai (@caferidercustom | Cafe Rider)
Owner: Martin Krasimirov
Head builder: Fahim Rehman (@greasy_hands)
Photography: Siddharth Pandey (@sidpandey1)

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