“White & Chrome” from FCR Original…
The annual Rétromobile show in Paris is a major international event dedicated to classic cars — one of the world’s largest such events. On hand you’ll find coachbuilders, restorers, artists and art galleries, auction houses, clubs and federations, and enough high-profile classic cars to dry out your salivary glands.
“Come and travel back in time or indulge your passion. Dream, be thrilled, get informed, invest, meet artists, manufacturers, clubs, federations, sellers of spare parts and miniatures, restorers, car dealers: anything goes at Rétromobile.” –Retromobile.com
For 2024, none other than 9-time Dakar champion Sébastien Loeb was on hand at the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA) stand — one of the world’s greatest living drivers — and we’re happy to note that classic and custom motorcycles have become a greater part of the show in recent years.
For Rétromobile 2024, our friends at France’s FCR Original decided to bring a build of their own. The only catch? They had just 15 days to complete it.
“We had a request from a customer who wanted the purest possible motorbike without colour, like a motorbike designed for an angel, visually the purest possible without artifice.”
That’s quite a short timeline, but FCR Original has become one of the world’s expert workshops when it comes to BMW’s own “retromobile” — the BMW R nineT. In fact, this project would be slightly bittersweet, as BMW has recently unveiled the new evolution of their retro roadster.
“We have been working on a BMW Nine T Pure 2023, the last version before the new BMW R12 Nine T. This will be our last project on this version before the new project based on the BMW R12 Nine T.”
They completely stripped the bike and had the frame nickel-plated, while the forks, bars, pegs, and rear subframe were all polished. The white paint on the tank is a special color mixed with glass pigments for an ethereal, angelic luster, contrasted with dark gray and black paint on other parts of the machine.
The build is running LSL bars, K&N filters, Michelin Power 5 rubber, and a whole outfit of FCR Original parts: saddle kit, exhaust, intake, battery holder, radiator grille, and more. Nicknamed the “Urban White & Chrome,” this NineT is a fitting culmination of the long line of modern BMW customs to roll out of the FCR workshop, and we can’t wait to see what they do with the new R12 NineT!
BMW R nineT Pure Custom: Builder Interview
– What is the make, model and year of the donor bike?
We have been working on a BMW Nine T Pure 2023, the last version before the new BMW R12 Nine T. This will be our last project on this version before the new project based on the BMW R12 Nine T.
– Why was this bike built?
We had a request from a customer who wanted the purest possible motorbike without colour, like a motorbike designed for an angel, visually the purest possible without artifice.
– What was the design concept and what influenced the construction?
Based on the customer’s request, we decided to make a motorbike with a completely nickel-plated frame and polished black cycle parts. We chose and produced a white hue with glass pigments on the tank. We also wanted to make a bike that was different from our other projects, as it would be the last old version of the BMW Nine T.
– What work has been carried out on the motorbike?
Here is a list of the work carried out:
- Complete dismantling of the bike with stripping of the frame, polishing and nickel plating of the frame.
- Polishing of the fork, handlebars, rear buckle and footrests.
- LSL handlebars
- FCR Original saddle kit
- FCR Original battery holder
- FCR Original clincher line
- K&N Air filter kit
- FCR Original intake
- Grey paint on rear spring and body parts
- FCR Original brake and clutch cover
- Michelin Power 5 tyres (Michelin is one of our partners)
- Black leather upholstery with diamond pattern
- FCR Original indicators front & rear
- Side plate holder
- FCR Original radiator grille
- White glass pigment paintwork
– Does the bike have a nickname?
Urban White & Chrome.
– Can you tell us how you feel riding this bike?
The BMW nine T is a very efficient and easy to ride bike, ideal for both city and country roads, ideal for both the novice and more experienced rider.
– Is there anything you did during the build that you’re particularly proud of?
We built the bike in just 15 days and presented it at the Retromobile show in Paris this year.
Follow the Builder
Follow FCR Original: Facebook | Instagram | Web
Urban Range: fcr-original.com/gamme/urban/
Photographer: @bertrandbremontphotography | www.bertrandbremont.com
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