THE R12 NINE T NEW DESIGNS FOR
At FCR Original, motorcycle preparation is more than just a job, it’s a real passion. Over the years, we’ve made the BMW Nine T a preferred base for our transformation projects. Today, we’re delighted to be working on the new R12 Nine T, the revisited version of this iconic model. This bike represents an opportunity for us to push back our creative boundaries and contribute our expertise in motorcycle preparation, particularly in the café racer style.
Why choose the R12 Nine T for our motorcycle preparation workshop?
The BMW R12 Nine T retains its retro-modern styling and iconic boxer engine, elements that make it a popular choice with customization enthusiasts. Thanks to this new version, we’ve been able to explore several design avenues and propose transformations that respect the essence of the bike while adding FCR Original’s unique touch. Among these avenues, the café racer stands out for its potential to combine performance and aesthetics in a neo-retro setting.
The R12 Nine T is an evolution of the famous Nine T, a model we know well and have transformed many times in the past. With this new version, BMW has introduced significant improvements, particularly to the frame and suspension, making the BMW R12 Nine T even more amenable to a successful transformation, particularly to create a café racer. For a motorcycle tuner like FCR Original, this model is the perfect blank canvas on which to express our creativity.
Three approaches to motorcycle preparation for the R12 Nine T
Our design team worked intensively on three different concepts to transform the R12 Nine T. Each approach reflects a different vision of motorcycle preparation, while keeping in mind the heritage and unique characteristics of this iconic model.
1. Classic design with a retro spirit for the R12 Nine T
The first concept we developed was strongly inspired by the BMW R12 Nine T‘s retro heritage. We wanted to respect the traditional lines while adding modern touches. By using styling elements from earlier BMWs, this design retains a timeless aesthetic while bringing contemporary sophistication. This makes it an ideal base for a café racer, with clean lines and a meticulous finish that pay homage to the classics.
We’ve played with materials like brushed aluminum, minimalist finishes, and a sober style that evokes the elegance of vintage motorcycles while integrating more modern elements. This retro design is aimed at bikers who appreciate the aesthetics of classic motorcycles, while looking for contemporary performance. This marriage of past and present makes the BMW R12 Nine T an ideal base for a bespoke café racer project.
2. Off-road version of the R12 Nine T: prepared for adventure
For off-road motorcycle enthusiasts, we’ve designed an off-road version of the BMW R12 Nine T. This model is designed for adventurous bikers who want a motorcycle that can leave the road behind and tackle rough terrain. The R12 Nine T, with its sturdy frame and new suspension, is the perfect base for an off-road transformation.
We’ve optimized the ground clearance, reinforced the protections, and added off-road tires, transforming the BMW R12 Nine T into a bike ready to take on tough conditions. This motorcycle preparation is perfect for those who want a blend of ruggedness, good looks and off-road capability, without sacrificing the elegance of a café racer when it returns to the road.
1. Classic design with a retro spirit for the R12 Nine T
The first concept we developed was strongly inspired by the BMW R12 Nine T‘s retro heritage. We wanted to respect the traditional lines while adding modern touches. By using styling elements from earlier BMWs, this design retains a timeless aesthetic while bringing contemporary sophistication. This makes it an ideal base for a café racer, with clean lines and a meticulous finish that pay homage to the classics.
We’ve played with materials like brushed aluminum, minimalist finishes, and a sober style that evokes the elegance of vintage motorcycles while integrating more modern elements. This retro design is aimed at bikers who appreciate the aesthetics of classic motorcycles, while looking for contemporary performance. This marriage of past and present makes the BMW R12 Nine T an ideal base for a bespoke café racer project.
What our designer had to say about the transformation of the R12 Nine T
Alexandre, our lead designer, was at the heart of the BMW R12 Nine T transformation project. Here, he shares his vision of the work carried out on this iconic model:
“I wanted to refine this model, which I found a little heavy at the rear. My aim was to highlight BMW’s impressive work on the R12 Nine T‘s new rear suspension. For the design of the tank, I explored several avenues. Sometimes, I married brushed aluminum with candy shades, and other times, I strayed from the original idea to offer something more radical. My work focused on refining the lines, to give it a sleeker silhouette, ideal for a café racer style.”
Alexandre’s approach demonstrates how we respect the technical characteristics of the BMW R12 Nine T while adding a personalized touch that makes it unique and suitable for many styles, including that of the café racer.
The BMW R12 Nine T is a motorcycle that combines power, performance and elegance. Our mission at FCR Original is to sublimate these qualities while bringing our expertise in motorcycle preparation to bear. Whether it’s a retro design, an off-road version, or a café racer-inspired street style, every transformation we make is a balance between tradition and innovation. Café racer is particularly well-suited to the R12 Nine T, as it allows us to play with the lines and make the bike even sleeker, while retaining its sturdiness and visual signature. By lightening certain parts, we were able to bring a modern touch to this model while retaining BMW’s classic DNA.
The project around the BMW R12 Nine T is still ongoing, and we can’t wait to share the next steps with you. We’ll continue to keep you informed of the progress of this unique motorcycle preparation, with exclusive photos and details of our creative and technical choices.
Stay tuned to follow the progress of this exciting project. The R12 Nine T revisited by FCR Original is set to become a motorcycle that combines power, elegance and unique style, whether for a café racer, an off-road bike, or a street version.