We’re all chomping at the bit for BMW to release details on their rumoured R nineT ‘Scrambler’. Until they do, we’ll have to rely on custom shops like JSK Custom Design to feed our mud-slinging appetites.
Samuel Kao launched JSK Moto in 2010, after relocating to Southern California from Taiwan to chase his dreams. With studies in automotive design under his belt, Sam operates as a one-man-band—filling the gaps with talented collaborators when necessary.
Judging by this ‘all killer, no filler’ R nineT, he’s certainly on the right track. It’s been designed around a simple concept: “make a motorcycle that’s wildly fun through the streets and through dirt roads.”
To nail the concept, Sam relied on functional tweaks to the R nineT’s design. The exhaust headers have been re-routed to run high, keeping them clear of dirt, rocks or mud.
To keep the rider’s legs safe, they’re thermo-wrapped and covered with additional carbon fiber heat shields. Each header’s capped off with a tunable Supertrapp silencer.
The oil cooler’s been upgraded to an aftermarket unit; and it too has been relocated to keep it safe. It now sits up top—behind a custom-made number board that also houses twin LED headlights.
Sam also scrapped all the R nineT’s bodywork, designing a new tank and tail combination that would weigh less—and help hide various bits and pieces. The SoCal shop Metal Lab Fabrication was responsible for executing the aluminum bodywork. (They also fabricated the headers and headlight configuration.)
For added leverage, the handlebars were swapped out for a set of carbon fiber, BMX-style bars from Answer. They’re mounted via an interesting custom clamp from Black Smith Co. Just in front of that is a digital Motogadget speedo.
The airbox has been replaced by K&N filters, and there’s a Gears Racing H2 Plus shock out back. Other upgrades include Brembo master cylinders, new hoses with color-coded fittings and a pair of carbon fiber fork protectors.
Sam handled the upholstery himself, along with the paint—a classic white, with blocks in the traditional BMW motorsport colors. He’s adorned the R nineT further with burly engine covers from Roland Sands Design. The tires are, you guessed it: Continental TKC80s.
We have no idea why Sam’s christened the project ‘Chocolate Slider.’ But if we were BMW, we’d be taking notes.
JSK Custom Design | Facebook | Instagram | Photos by JOEsEYE
