A Noble BMW R nineT Café Racer by Classic-Bike Raisch

Dominant Boxer
When BMW first launched their R nineT back in 2014, we knew that it would become an instant hit. The air-cooled boxer is gaining incredible momentum with bikers around the world. The awkwardness of the flat-twin has become the epitome of cool, and it isn’t hard to see why. We would go as far as saying that ditching the renowned tele-lever front suspension for a pair of USD/conventional forks is probably the best thing BMW could have done to their R-series motorcycles. We have ridden one of BMW’s latest R nineT models; a full review will follow soon on BikeBrewers, so stay tuned for that.

German Built German Bike
Classic-Bike Raisch decided to try some of their magic on the venerable R nineT. This Germany-based outfit has been making moves in the motorcycle custom scene for some time now. Almost all of their builds are based around Triumph modern-classics such as the Bonneville and Thruxton. They’ve been testing the waters with their Bavarian brothers, and it looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Old School Cool
The R nineT has got to be one of the most desirable modern-classics on the market today. With the cylinder-heads poking out on each side of the motorcycle, the rumble of the 360-degree firing order, and the rocking motion when you blip the throttle; we too have developed a weak spot for the boxer engine BMW’s. The R nineT may have an air-cooled engine that has been around for some time, it still puts out a very healthy 110 hp and 119 Nm of torque. Nothing groundbreaking by modern standards, but the way the engine delivers this power is like riding a slingshot. Plenty of torque available from the get-go, and no matter what gear you are in, just point where you want to go and shoot.

Blank Canvas
The BMW isn’t your basic bike. As a matter of fact, considering the price point BMW is placing R nineT, you can expect a premium motorcycle. Which it is. Every bit and piece on the bike looks like it is made by hand, and the fit and finish has got to be some of the best we have seen on a factory machine. Still, there is some room for improvement, and the folks at Classic-Bike Raisch think so too. As a matter of fact, when the roadster was first release it was marketed as a motorcycle for the customizer. Lo and behold, that’s just what happened to the fine sample we have here today.

Fancy Jewellery
Raisch went full throttle on this build, aiming to build an elegant and noble looking café racer. At the front, a set of fully adjustable Öhlins fork have taken over the stock 46mm upside-down suspension. A set of wave brake discs ensure sufficient stopping power when the Brembo M32 radial calipers. At the rear we see a suspension upgrade as well. A custom made Bilstein shock evens out any bumps using the BMW paralever system. Talking about the rear section, this R nineT has received a rear subframe conversion by KRT Framework. It is hard to ignore the beautiful AC Schnitzer PVM wheels. Not only to they look great, but they also reduce the unsprung rotating mass, which improves handling. Combined with the Remus full exhaust system, this boxer looks like it is ready to fight.

Build your own!
The fit and finish of this Raisch built Café Racer seems endless. Small details such as the Monza fuel filler cap, LSL footrests, the LED bates-style round headlight. The familiar Motogadget Speedo shows all the essential information. The air-box covers are a Classic-Bike Raisch own; very classy. Now, it can be that you are now interested in building your own café racer in the same style as this R nineT. Classic-Bike Raisch offers all the used parts on this build, in their web shop.

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Classic-Bike Raisch
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