This BMW R nineT Dakar can be put in the corner “legend building for a legend”. Legendary builder XTR Pepo wanted to build a tribute to Paris-Dakar legend Hubert Auriol. This Frenchmen was the first racer to win the Dakar in both motorcycle and car-class. Auriol won the 1981 and 1983 edition on a BMW R80G/S. So Pepo turned on his time machine for the design and took a 2016 BMW R nineT as a base bike. The result is a modern bike with a typical classic Dakar-look.
And unlike a lot of other pro-builds, this BMW R nineT Dakar is pretty serious and build for long-distance adventures. It may be a bit too bulky for riding the actual Paris-Dakar, but it’s definitely built for a purpose. XTR upgraded the bike with a 26-liter fuel tank from the BMW R80G/S Dakar and mounted an Acossato handlebar for a little bit more control. The dashboard is upgraded (read: simplified) with a Motogadget Speedo which is located behind the Bultaco cross front fairing with an integrated headlight.
He removed the stock airbox and fitted a set of DNA filters. He also upgraded the stock battery with a LIPO battery. For some more ground clearance, XTR fabricated a custom 2 in 1 exhaust system with a Sil Motor silencer which is mounted on the left side. On the right side, he fitted a cotton tool bag which comes from Unit Garage. To protect the cylinders, a set of protectors (also from Unit Garage) was mounted, which also got 2 Hella high-beam projectors mounted when riding in the dark. Custom parts of XTR are the seat, rear mudguard, and side panels. The front mudguard comes from Luis Moto (who also built a likely machine earlier).