Photo: FCR Original via Pipeburn
BMW Motorrad really struck gold when they released the R nineT just over a decade ago, as the model quickly became a smash hit among custom bike builders and regular customers alike. It’s been cherished and modified in many different ways since its release, but some craftsmen still manage to make their reinterpretations stand out from the crowd. Take, for example, FCR Original over in France.
Sebastien Guillemot and his crew have an entire dedicated customization program based around the R nineT, and the bike pictured here is among the coolest things to result from it. Styled as a classy scrambler, this sexy thing is somewhat influenced by the iconic GS models of yore cosmetically, but done in a way that gives it a unique personality of its own.
For starters, there was no place for the original fuel tank on the machine envisioned by FCR, so the Frenchmen quickly ditched it along with several other factory bits. Then, they took an off-the-shelf tank from their proprietary aftermarket catalog, fairly reminiscent of the items found on airheads from the early seventies. Flanking this new tank down below are custom side covers, and then there is that handsome saddle further back.
It’s upholstered in stylish brown leather and perched on a replacement subframe, whose looped rear section carries an integrated LED taillight. On the other hand, the license plate will henceforth live low down on a swingarm-mounted bracket. There is no rear fender to speak of, but the front end does feature a small mudguard to keep dirt and grime at bay.
Unsprung territory is home to laced hoops featuring stainless-steel spokes and dual-purpose TKC 80 tires from Continental’s range. The guys at FCR haven’t fiddled with the engine internals in any way, instead focusing on its exterior and the breathing equipment. Air is now drawn in through sizeable K&N pod filters mated to custom intakes, and the exhaust gases exit through powder-coated plumbing that ends right below the swingarm.
Finned FCR valve covers were also added to boost the specimen’s retro charm, both finished in black just like the rest of the powertrain. In and around the cockpit area, this one-off R nineT comes equipped with a fresh LED headlight and an aftermarket handlebar. The latter bears Brembo master cylinders with adjustable control levers, as well as bar-end turn signals and mirrors from Motogadget.
Serrated billet aluminum foot pegs further enhance the Beemer’s off-roading prowess, and the thing that really brings the whole package together is the fuel tank livery. It uses a tasty off-white base and the German manufacturer’s M colors, which stand out vividly against the black paint found on other bits and pieces. Add the elegant leather upholstery to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a genuine head-turner!
For starters, there was no place for the original fuel tank on the machine envisioned by FCR, so the Frenchmen quickly ditched it along with several other factory bits. Then, they took an off-the-shelf tank from their proprietary aftermarket catalog, fairly reminiscent of the items found on airheads from the early seventies. Flanking this new tank down below are custom side covers, and then there is that handsome saddle further back.
It’s upholstered in stylish brown leather and perched on a replacement subframe, whose looped rear section carries an integrated LED taillight. On the other hand, the license plate will henceforth live low down on a swingarm-mounted bracket. There is no rear fender to speak of, but the front end does feature a small mudguard to keep dirt and grime at bay.
Unsprung territory is home to laced hoops featuring stainless-steel spokes and dual-purpose TKC 80 tires from Continental’s range. The guys at FCR haven’t fiddled with the engine internals in any way, instead focusing on its exterior and the breathing equipment. Air is now drawn in through sizeable K&N pod filters mated to custom intakes, and the exhaust gases exit through powder-coated plumbing that ends right below the swingarm.
Finned FCR valve covers were also added to boost the specimen’s retro charm, both finished in black just like the rest of the powertrain. In and around the cockpit area, this one-off R nineT comes equipped with a fresh LED headlight and an aftermarket handlebar. The latter bears Brembo master cylinders with adjustable control levers, as well as bar-end turn signals and mirrors from Motogadget.
Serrated billet aluminum foot pegs further enhance the Beemer’s off-roading prowess, and the thing that really brings the whole package together is the fuel tank livery. It uses a tasty off-white base and the German manufacturer’s M colors, which stand out vividly against the black paint found on other bits and pieces. Add the elegant leather upholstery to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a genuine head-turner!
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