Custom motorcycle builds allow their owners to express themselves far more than their stock counterparts, and while we’ve seen dozens of examples of this, few if any have leaned into this notion quite like VTR Custom’s latest build, a BMW R nineT titled the “SURF 9T.”
The Swiss shop has bestowed the R nineT donor with several dozen tweaks comprised of both one-off elements and aftermarket items. This includes a stubby hooped subframe supporting a bespoke leather monoposto seat, a toaster-esque R Series-inspired /7 bolt-on tank from Italy’s UN1T Garage, custom VTR side covers, K&N pod filters, Kellermann micro-LED indicator and taillight combo items, Motogadget mirrors, a top-shelf 17” spoked Kineo wheel-set, and a wraparound Rizoma license-plate hanger secured to the swingarm’s shaft-drive side, leaving the spoked single-sided wheel on full display. UN1T Garage also supplied the build’s exhaust, a titanium construction two-into-one system culminating in a single mid-mounted GP-style muffler.
The build was inspired by the client’s favorite surfboard and as such features a bespoke paint job with wood stripes adorning the tank that was modeled after the board’s livery, as well as an actual scale replica of that very board suspended from the left side of the bike’s new subframe. The surf-flavored features don’t end there, however, as the bike also sports an orange Dakine surf leash wrapped around the R nineT’s intake, a wax comb set between the tank and pod filter on the left side of the bike, and a set of Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax logos in place of the tank’s normal Roundels.
Overall, VTR has done a phenomenal job incorporating the client’s interests and identity into the build, and it’s hard to imagine the individual that commissioned it is anything other than delighted with the bike. And while this project is already spoken for, VTR Customs is currently accepting commissions for builds – churning out fully bespoke projects like this one, as well as lesser-involved fixed-rate customs.
