The BMW R nineT Transformation: From Stock to Cafe Racer Masterpiece
When the worlds of professional automotive design and motorcycle customization collide, extraordinary creations emerge, as exemplified by the BMW R nineT Autobahn Streak. Samuel Kao, once deeply entrenched in the automotive design sphere, shifted gears towards his true passion, motorcycle customization, by founding JSK Moto Co. in 2010 in La Puente, California. This pivot placed him at the helm of a dedicated team obsessed with transforming motorcycles into bespoke art pieces. Among the plethora of motorcycle platforms, the BMW Motorrad’s R nineT has captivated JSK, leading to remarkable transformations worthy of the spotlight.
JSK’s intriguing journey with the R nineT platform began with the Chocolate Slider, a stellar transformation that garnered acclaim for its unique flair. However, it is their second venture with the platform, the Autobahn Streak, that truly showcases their evolving craftsmanship. Seizing a long-awaited opportunity, JSK embarked on creating a cafe racer that blends iconic design elements with modern innovations.
The metamorphosis of the R nineT under JSK’s watchful eye was thorough. The bike was stripped of its original persona, discarding the factory bodywork, wheels, exhaust, and rear shock absorber. In their place, a visionary creation began to take form. The centerpiece is a cafe-style front fairing seamlessly integrated with the fuel tank cover, sculpted from fiberglass for its versatility. This fairing frames an angel eye LED headlight, a nod to BMW’s automotive lineage, complemented by a sleek carbon fiber fender and an innovative aluminum tail section, heralding the meticulous craftsmanship of JSK’s collaborators.
JSK's modifications weren't merely cosmetic. The Autobahn Streak was endowed with state-of-the-art components, from CNC-machined triple clamps to Beringer brake and clutch systems, ensuring its performance is as captivating as its appearance. The bike rides on forged alloy wheels from Roland Sands Design, ensuring agility and responsiveness, further enhanced by premium rubber from Dunlop.
Underpinning the aesthetic and functional enhancements is the R nineT's robust 1,170cc boxer-twin engine. While JSK opted to keep the internal mechanics stock, acknowledging the engine's impressive output, they couldn’t resist adding custom touches externally. An innovative cooling solution was introduced via an Earl’s Performance oil cooler, maintaining optimal engine temperatures without compromising its style.
The finishing touch, a masterful paint job by Jeffrey Chang of Air Runner Custom Paint, envelops the bike in a lustrous silver sheen. However, it's the subtle incorporation of the German flag’s colors on the front fairing that poignantly celebrates the bike's heritage, a testament to Jeffrey's artistry and attention to detail.
Completed around six years ago, the Autobahn Streak stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of the BMW R nineT, and the boundless creativity of JSK Moto Co. Through this project, JSK reaffirms its position as a bedrock of the motorcycle customization world, continuously setting the bar higher. The Autobahn Streak isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a beacon of craftsmanship, design, and passion, capturing the essence of cafe racer culture while pushing its boundaries.