5 Minutes
FCR Original has delivered another standout custom motorcycle: a rugged yet refined R nineT scrambler built on a 2020 BMW platform. The project keeps the bike’s iconic fuel tank while stripping away most stock bodywork and fitting a suite of premium components to create a machine that’s equal parts style and substance. This rewrite examines the build, key upgrades, design language, performance implications, and how this custom R nineT positions itself in the modern scrambler market.
Design and Styling
Bodywork and Visual Theme
The build retains BMW’s unmistakable fuel tank but replaces virtually all other body panels with custom parts. FCR Original fitted a looped, bespoke rear subframe with integrated LED lighting, giving the tail a cleaner, minimalist silhouette and a modern lighting solution. The front fender, fuel tank, and headlight bucket are finished in a deep glossy dark blue, contrasted by extensive black surfaces in a mix of matte and gloss to add visual depth.
Seat and Ergonomics
A highlight is the luxurious saddle: brown leather with diamond-pattern stitching, visually striking against the dark paint. FCR also provides a secondary, interchangeable black leather seat for a more covert look. Ergonomically the build introduces an LSL handlebar outfitted with premium controls that maintain rider comfort and control while lending a classic scrambler posture.
Lighting and Cockpit
The front end features a slim fender tucked between the original forks and a Bates-style LED headlight mounted to the lower triple clamp via custom fittings. The cockpit is upgraded with Brembo control levers, billet aluminum fluid reservoirs, Motogadget bar-end turn signals, and an underslung bar-end mirror on the left — all pieces that elevate both function and finish.
Chassis, Wheels and Tires
FCR fitted Continental TKC 80 tires for aggressive on/off-road capability and a chunkier stance typical of modern scramblers. The larger tread profile not only improves traction on unpaved surfaces but also enhances the bike’s visual presence, reinforcing its dual-purpose intent.
Engine and Performance
Powertrain Modifications
The stock 1,170cc boxer-twin remains at the heart of the build, but FCR added performance-focused components for improved breathing and a more characterful exhaust note. Massive K&N pod filters replace the factory airbox to increase intake flow, and a custom, shorter exhaust system gives the bike a snappier look and a more aggressive sound compared with the original Motorrad unit. New finned valve covers serve a primarily cosmetic role, harmonizing the engine’s appearance with the bike’s overall aesthetic.
Riding Dynamics
With the boxer twin unchanged mechanically in terms of displacement, the modifications are aimed at throttle response and the sensory experience rather than drastic power gains. The combination of freer-flowing intake and a compact exhaust improves mid-range response and gives the R nineT scrambler a punchy, more visceral feel suited to spirited road riding and light off-road work.
Controls and Practical Details
Serrated rider foot pegs and billet aluminum pillion pegs provide secure contact points for riders and passengers. Electronics are neatly housed in an under-seat storage box, and the license plate has been relocated to a swingarm-mounted bracket for a cleaner tail section. These thoughtful packaging changes contribute to the bike’s tidy, purposeful aesthetic.
Specifications (Notable Items)
- Base platform: BMW R nineT (2020) retaining the original fuel tank
- Engine: 1,170cc boxer-twin (stock architecture retained)
- Intake: K&N pod filters (replacing stock airbox)
- Exhaust: Custom shorter system (FCR Original)
- Tires: Continental TKC 80 (knobby dual-sport profile)
- Brakes/controls: Brembo control levers, billet reservoirs
- Lighting: Integrated LED tail, Bates-style LED headlight
- Seat: Brown diamond-stitched leather (alternate black leather seat available)
Market Positioning and Comparisons
FCR Original’s R nineT scrambler sits at the premium end of the custom scrambler market. Compared with factory scramblers from BMW, Triumph, or Ducati, this build focuses on personalized aesthetics, high-end control components, and bespoke fabrication — factors that appeal to enthusiasts seeking exclusivity and hand-built quality. Unlike mass-produced scramblers, FCR’s approach emphasizes craftsmanship, refined detailing, and a tailored riding personality rather than cost efficiency or dealer-supported warranties.
Who Should Consider This Build?
This custom R nineT is ideal for riders who value premium components, distinct visual impact, and a scrambler capable of enjoyable mixed-surface use. It’s for owners who appreciate a vintage-inspired silhouette with modern reliability and upgraded ergonomics and who are prepared to invest in a custom, boutique motorcycle rather than a stock production model.
Conclusion
FCR Original’s BMW R nineT scrambler is a balanced blend of elegance and toughness. Thoughtful design choices — from the looped rear subframe and integrated LED lighting to the brown diamond-stitched saddle and Continental TKC 80 tires — result in a versatile, characterful motorcycle. It’s a compelling example of how careful component selection and accurate craftsmanship can transform a popular platform into a bespoke scrambler with both road presence and off-road credibility.
Source: autoevolution
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