this custom built BMW R nineT is a sleek retro-futuristic ride
riders on the ‘storm’
‘You dream it, we build it!’ That’s the motto of Wayne Buys, a custom bike specialist from Gqeberha, South Africa, who goes by the name FabMan Creations. For his latest project, Buys has modified a low-mileage BMW R nineT for a client that was looking for an aircraft inspired ride. Dubbed ‘Storm’, the final motorbike is articulated by a curved aluminum body that gives it a retro-futuristic aesthetic.
all images courtesy of FabMan Creations on Facebook
the BMW R nineT reimagined
Storm took 8 months to build and a major part of that process involved hammering out the bike’s shell by hand from aluminum sheeting. The smooth, curvilinear panels are fixed at the edges with small Allen head fasteners that recall the riveted joints of an airplane. Continuing the aeronautical theme, the body has been finished with matte silver paint.
Regarding the finer details, the motorbike features aluminum handlebars made by Buys and a custom dashboard with an Acewell speedometer in the center surrounded by four push buttons. The front of the bike has a single headlight encased in the aluminum body while the front wheel is partially hidden by a large fender. The R nineT’s original exhaust has been turned into three small holes under the engine and a series of air intakes have been strategically positioned to keep the bike cool under its sleek aluminum shell.
project info:
name: Storm
design: Wayne Buys (FabMan Creations)