When the BMW R NineT Is Turned Into an Airplane-Inspired Work of Art

 First released in 2014, the BMW R NineT is a standard retro motorcycle that's easy to customize. Because it adopts a boxer engine, separate wiring harness, detachable subframe chassis and light fixture that can be removed with just a few bolts. Due to its modular nature, hundreds of professional and amateur builders have made it very easy to customize the R9T.

Of the many custom R9T models in the world, one stands out the most. Namely art from Wayne Buys. This man from South Africa has arguably given a new perspective in the world of custom towards a 1.170cc boxer engine motorcycle.

Wayne Buys took his inspiration from the aerodynamic shape of the WW2 era fighter jet. The result of his work he dubbed 'Strom'. Almost all the components he made himself in his garage. His magic garage is called FabMan Creations and it's where he builds all the custom parts. Ranging from stainless steel exhaust systems, fenders, and custom aluminum motorcycle parts. He also offers repairs as well as welding.

The Storm project he worked on featured a series of aluminum bodywork. It is made by hand, using a homemade English wheel. Here he works in free form, without a single sketch, render, or template. His metal forming skills were self-taught.

The body kit made to cover the R9T is actually made of aluminum sheet. Even more impressive was Wayne shaping them by hammering each panel into a tree stump. Overall, he made the entire body panel for 8 months.

The constructions he makes are like pieces of a puzzle. The panels lock onto each other via tiny Allen head fasteners that look like rivets on a plane. Wayne's bodywork consists of a custom tail section, round tank cover, headlight cover, wheel and fender cover, swing arm cover and full-length cover. Aluminum panels are also visible on the sides of the tank to channel cool air to the cylinder head.

There are two small intakes on either side of the fully closed front fender directing air to the brakes. While the intake at the rear is equipped with a fan, helping to cool the repositioned oil cooler. There is another fan up front to cool the electronics, all of which are under the tank cover. And there's a mesh panel at the top to help the hot air escape.

The exhaust is very hidden. The header is hidden from view, exiting through three ports on either side of the belly. The vent box under the header helps stop hot air from gathering inside.

The same considerations go into the control area. Wayne made a pair of aluminum handlebars that clamp the fork, effectively acting as a clip-on. The turn signal is at the end of the handlebars, and the rearview mirror is only attached to the right of the handlebars. Wayne also built a custom reverse lever, as well as the internal throttle.

All cables run inside the handlebars, with the brake and clutch master cylinders tucked under the bodywork. At the top there is a dedicated dashboard built with the Acewell speedo, as well as a few push buttons to perform basic functions. Storm does not use the ignition but with the remote to turn it on.

The Storm was actually ordered by one of the customers who brought the BMW R nineT straight to his garage. Consumers want something that is inspired by aircraft and has a very aerodynamic design. And the result looks like it's just a button press to take off.

This BMW R NineT-based “Storm” motorcycle from FabMan Creation retails for €25,000 EUR. Those interested in purchasing or ordering their own custom motorcycle can contact FabMan Creations via its website. (Bgx/Tom)