BMW Motorrad Japan has recently presented «R12 Custom Project»a local initiative that puts the spotlight on both the German model, which they have used for the project, as well as the local culture, printed in each of the preparations that have been shown. To do this, they have resorted to the services of four of the most important specialists in the country: Hamans Custom, Trijya Custom Motorcycles, Mooneyes and Chirihama Sand Flats.
“R12 Custom Project” in detail
Any of the four customizations that make up this “R12 Custom Project” leave people speechless when they prostrate themselves before any two-wheeled lover. To begin with, the preparation presented by the Hamans Custom team, baptized as “the wind.”
With a marked cafe racer style, its front part stands out, equipped with a double headlight and a handmade front mask on it. The area that goes from the fuel tank to the tail end cover is in one piece. Additionally, to achieve an ideal riding position, both the seat rail and the newly designed air filter box were integrated into one piece.
In this way, the presence of the R 12’s tubular steel frame and boxer engine becomes even more prominent. Although the front and rear wheels are standard, gray Cerakote was applied after the paint was removed. Likewise, there is a specific tone on the exhaust system and the engine side covers.
The second of these preparations included in the “R12 Custom Project” is the work of Mooneyes, which has sought to convey the “feeling of speed” that the old racing machines offered. One of the highlights is undoubtedly the Moon Disc. The front and rear wheels have been converted to those of the BMW K series, and the iconic Mooneyes moon discs are placed on both sides.
The front brake system is only on the right side to match the rear end of the Paralever swingarm. On the other hand, the moon disc on the right side has a perfect radius to avoid interference with the braking system and wheel hubs. Additionally, the front and rear suspensions are extremely low.
To this end, the fuel tank and seat cover have also been reduced to a minimum. In addition, the fairing, which takes advantage of the shape of the R12’s air- and oil-cooled boxer engine, expresses a sensation of speed with a curved surface, befitting its name.
Another member of the “R12 Custom Project” is the “Legal Weapon R12”, built by the Trijya Custom Motorcycles team. In it we can see how the fuel tank has been modified on both sides. The carbon fins on both sides of the oil cooler were 3D printed and the intake manifold was also newly manufactured with a tighter shape to improve the fit of the legs.
Furthermore, the side covers and seat cover have been designed in a sophisticated style that further enhances the modern impression of the R 12. The striking front and rear wheels are unique to the R 12, while the muffler is manufactured by Dr . Jekill & Mr. Hyde, the company’s Japanese distributor.
As if that were not enough, new parts have been introduced in collaboration with the main national manufacturers, such as a suspension made to measure by YSS and a handlebar made by Aella. The highlight is that all parts are screwed together.
Finally, and closing this “R12 Custom Project” quartet, the “R 12 Sand Speeder Mark l” preparation by Chirihama Sand Flats is presented. The distinctive front fork is about 2 inches longer than standard, the upper and lower stems are machined to match the fork, and a parabolic wheel is positioned at the front end, elegantly eliminating the front brake.
Additionally, the rear end has been made rigid to reduce the vehicle’s height to the maximum possible level, and the fuel tank and seat have been reduced to a minimum through major modifications, such as the relocation of the fuel pump and battery. At the same time, the riding position, including the handlebars and seat, have been adjusted conveniently.
The preparation of Chirihama Sand Flats has created new possibilities for the R12 through an effective modification that takes advantage of the basic body frame, offering us a machine with a unique presence both in terms of functionality and style.
