BMW first built the R nineT in 2014 as a plain-Jane roadster-style platform, a blank slate for enthusiasts to customize. For 2022 they offer a base motorcycle, plus Scrambler G/S, Urban G/S, and Pure models. And of course, plenty of OEM packages to assist a rider in building a personalized machine. Adding any or all of the Beemer bling will give you a cool bike, but it can’t approach the rad machine turned out by the Swedish metal artists at Unique Custom Cycles.
Don’t feel bad if you can’t match what they’ve done—Ronna and Benna Norén, Stefan Farnell, and Gordon Rooth have been creating one-off motorcycles since the 1970s, forming UCC in 1995. They are masters of design, construction, and aesthetics, whether fabbing super-raked Harley-Davidson choppers and drag racers, or riffing on numerous BMW models, like the R18.
The focus here is Ronna Norén’s BMW build from 2017-2018, which began as a stock Urban G/S R nineT and became an off-roadable beauty. He christened it the 6DAYS66 to remember Sweden’s hosting of the 1966 International Six Days Trial, an event that included local hero Bo Rindar with the BMW team. The first step was creating a new subframe that supports a solo seat and tail from the BMW’s Scrambler options list, plus a minimalist license plate mount with LED turn signals.
Norén turned to ride quality next, turning to Swedish suspension icon, Öhlins. Norén worked with the company to spec a customized single rear shock and front fork set to handle the bump and grind of multi-surface riding.
A clamp created by Norén sits atop the forks, supporting KTM risers and a new handlebar, while at the boot level are footpegs from German metal masters Gilles.
What’s a build without some performance tweaks? Norén kept it simple here, focusing on aspiration by fitting individual K&N air filters to the intakes and an Akrapovič two-into-one titanium/stainless steel exhaust system.
Looks take precedence over performance to UCC, which explains the exceptional care taken in the design and application of the eye-catching paint work, the bright gold of the frame a perfect foil for the subdued tones of the bodywork.
Topping things off is a Wunderlich screen that emphasizes the R nineT’s single round headlight and provides relief from the wind blast when giving the ‘66 its head.
So what does one do with such a unique and beautiful machine? It seems a shame to ride it and risk damage, but selfish not to take it out and let the world enjoy it. While most art is found inside buildings—galleries, museums, homes, offices—motorcycle art belongs on the road. Or perhaps in the woods.
For the full spectrum of Unique Custom Cycle’s range of motorcycle artistry, see their website: uccycles.com/.
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