Vagabund Moto Takes The R NineT To The Next Level

How far can you push the envelope when it comes to customizing the R NineT?

Thinking outside the box is how the guys from Vagabund Moto operate on a daily basis. This time, the Austrian-based garage decided to take the always-reliable BMW R NineT and turn it into something special through interesting materials and new design ideas. And they did. They called it the V15 "TinMan".

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Probably one of the best motorcycles that ever came from the famous Bavarian company. It was released as a motorcycle that is more than ready to be customized by enthusiasts and custom builders alike. The one that was used for the "TinMan" was an R NineT from 2016. It has an air-cooled, DOHC, flat twin 1170cc engine that produces 110 horsepower at 7550 rpm and has 88 foot-pounds of torque at 6000 rpm. This results in smooth power delivery and throttle response. Combine that with plenty of torque at any rpm, and you got yourself one heck of an engine.

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Turns out, not an easy task, especially if you are trying to create unique bodywork that opens up through remote control. If it wasn't 3D printed, it was made by hand. In a motorcycle that was meant to stand out, the bodywork is quite amazing. The idea was to create a monocoque body that can be lifted, because… it's cool? The problem appeared with the wiring and the electronics that show up when you lift the body. Not much point in looking at that. The solution was to make a full aluminum body that stretches over the fuel tank and on top of that add another monocoque. This required a lot of metal (hence the nickname TinMan), and a custom-built mechanism to operate the whole thing. The remote control activates the clamp, which releases the upper monocoque body that moves up and to the rear. Under that body is a built-in Leatherman pouch with a credit card holder.

Besides all that metalwork, this "TinMan" has more goodies up its sleeve. The wheels, for instance, are carbon fiber RBX2s from the famous Rotobox dressed in Pirelli's Diablo Supercorsa SP tires. The fender has integrated turn signals and sits under Koso's Thunderbolt II LED headlight. Above the headlight is a Messner Moto's CNC Top Triple Tree Yoke Clamp made out of aluminum with a black finish. Another interesting detail is the exhaust. Done in a very discreet way, it sits low on the right side of the bike. Ceramic-coated, but wrapped in stainless steel, all completely done by hand.

It looks good. The monocoque body was given a special paint called ‘Mercedes Selenite Grey Magno’. The perforated leather seat was simply done in black. The black and grey combination gives it an unassuming, yet elegant vibe. Let's be honest, besides all the fuss around the bodywork (some would say unnecessary) you cannot deny the fact that the bike looks jaw-droppingly good.

The last time you took something like this for a spin was… never? If you are willing to change that, just let the guys from Vagabund Moto know that you are planning to relieve them of their best work so far. Just don't forget to bring $106.000.

After getting a degree in international politics and working with NGOs, decided to do something a bit different. Always had a strong affection towards sports cars, especially motorcycles. Prefers fast and sleek, dislikes big and chunky.