We’ve got two very different track bikes on offer this week: a modern BMW endurance racer, and a Ducati 999 from XTR Pepo. Plus a XSR700 rally edition by Deus, sexy bolt-on upgrades for the R nineT from Hookie Co., and a simple but stylish short film from Age of Glory.
BMW S1000RR by Crazy Garage Modern superbikes are technological marvels that would run rings around the racers of yesteryear. But visually, most leave us cold. Here’s one solution: a 199 hp BMW S1000RR redressed as an 80s endurance racer.
It’s the work of Crazy Garage in Korea, and was built for a customer that wanted yesterday’s looks with today’s performance. And it’s no show pony either—it’s actually the client’s track day bike. So it already had forged wheels, Brembo brakes, Bitubo suspension and a Rapid Bike EVO installed.
That left Crazy Garage to focus on cosmetics. On went a custom fairing, bellypan and tail section, all made from fiber reinforced plastic. The S1000RR’s tank remained, but it shed some of its plastic cover panels.
The front end is just perfect, with an offset headlight and perforation, and there’s a single tail light embedded out back. This RR also features some carbon protective bits, a few hop up parts and a Racefit exhaust mounted on a custom hanger. The livery’s a play on BMW’s motorsport colors, swapping red for orange. [More]
BMW R nineT kit by Hookie Co. We’ve already featured a stylish R nineT kit from Hookie Co. And now the German shop has returned with a follow up—a set of bolt-on parts that cost less, and result in a more subtle rework of the Bavarian boxer.
They’ve dubbed their example bike ‘Street Eagle,’ and based it on a 2018 R nineT Scrambler. (But these parts should fit most R nineTs with ease). And the focus is on small DIY changes that have maximum impact. This kit works with the stock fuel tank, but here Hookie have given it a clever geometric livery, with a blacked-out section that transforms its lines.
Most of the action is happening out back. The Alcantara-wrapped saddle is a direct fit for the nineT, and the ‘Eagle Scrambler tail’ attaches directly to the nineT’s passenger subframe. It includes a rear loop, an aluminum plate and a Snake cargo strap.
This build’s finished off with Kellermann turn signals and combo turn-signal-tail-lights, a K&N air filter and an Arrow exhaust. The bar-end mirrors are from Motogadget, and the headlight’s an LED number. It’s a great spin on the stock nineT, and something we’d be tempted to try ourselves, given the chance. [More]
Yamaha XSR700 by Deus ex Machina Earlier this year, Deus ex Machina hosted the Sardinia Classic Deus Swank Rally—a throwback to the original Rally di Sardegna. And they fielded a bike too: this oddball-looking Yamaha XSR700, piloted by top cross-country mountain biker Marco Aurelio Fontana.
It’s function over form: for more off-road ability, Deus installed a complete Yamaha Super Ténéré 1200 front-end, including its 19” tubeless front wheel. They tuned the forks to match the XSR’s lower weight, then installed an Öhlins shock out back, along with a new linkage to increase travel. The rear wheel’s a 17” tubeless unit from Kineo, and the tires are Metzeler Karoo 3s.
Up top is a hand-shaped aluminum fuel tank, followed by a custom saddle. The rest of the bodywork is all plastic dirt bike fare from the Acerbis catalog. And the hand-guards are vintage plastic shields mounted on new Acerbis braces.
Other upgrades include a pukka road book holder, a hand-made aluminum bash guard, and a custom two-into-one exhaust from SC Project. Between the XSR’s sweet parallel-twin motor and the retro rally style, this one sure looks like fun. [More]
Ducati 999 by XTR Pepo Pepo Rosell is the closest thing to a mad scientist the custom scene has. The former head of Radical Ducati has a way of building bikes that look fast, borderline ridiculous, but always awesome. This time, he’s worked his magic on the Pierre Terrblanche-designed Ducati 999.
This one started as a 2004-model 999, but other than the trellis frame and motor, there’s not much left to recognize it by. It now wears a RAD fuel tank with Lightech fuel cap, and a RAD tail section, with upholstery by Pepo himself. The fairing’s from RAD too, and features a signature XTR endurance light.
With exposed belts and snaking two-into-one headers (they’re from Fresco, with a Spark muffler), the Ducati’s mechanical bits dominate the view. Pepo remapped the ECU too, and installed a lightweight LiPo battery. The carbon fiber water pump guard, LED turn signals and clip-ons are all from the XTR parts catalog.
As much as we love the original 999, there’s no denying that XTR Pepo‘s rework is kick-to-the-jaw cool. We’d love to see—and hear—it unleashed on the track. [More]
‘Escape the City Limits’ by Age of Glory For many people, motorcycles are more than just transport—they’re a means of escape, too. The French apparel company Age of Glory feels that way and has released a short film called Escape the City Limits.
It’s a celebration of leaving the city behind and heading for the hills. And the best way to do that is obviously on two wheels (preferably vintage) and with good mates.
Sounds about right to us. Grab a cup of coffee, and have a watch below.