Mach 9: CNCPT Moto goes full speed on the R nineT

The BMW R nineT has just had its first major update since it first launched, but many have wondered if the changes were necessary. After all, the outgoing model is as capable as it is attractive—and it has oodles of custom bike potential in the right hands.

This uncompromising BMW R nineT café racer comes from two of the deftest hands in the business. It's the work of CNCPT Moto, an ongoing collaboration between Arjan van den Boom, the founder of Ironwood Motorcycles, and Powerbrick's Timothy Somers. Each of them has a strong portfolio of their own—but their individual styles mesh together extremely well.

CNCPT's debut build was a tricked-out R nineT with an ultra-futuristic vibe. Closer to a concept bike than a run-of-the-mill custom, it was made to showcase the team's capabilities. Now Arjan and Tim have hit back with a slightly more subdued café racer.

"After debuting our ‘Cloud 9’ BMW R nineT, we trimmed down its controversial outline to turn it into a comfortable road warrior," says Arjan. "A motorcycle with custom looks, but fully usable and rideable."

Even though the guys toned down their 9T concept aesthetically, they still went hard on the parts spec. The OEM front forks were rebuilt with carbon fiber uppers from CeraCarbon on the outside, and a cartridge kit from Matris on the inside. They’re fully adjustable now, as is the TFX Suspension rear shock.

The 9T's Brembo brakes are still in play, but its laced rims have been swapped out for something juicier. Sitting at each end is a stunning Rotobox Bullet carbon fiber wheel, wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV rubber.

CNCPT wanted to retain some of the 9T's original DNA, so they kept its original fuel tank. The chunky air intake that's normally tucked into the right side of it is gone though, replaced by a better looking one from Pier City Cycles in the UK.

Next, Arjan and Tim unbolted the boxer's subframe and seat brackets. A stubby 3D-printed subframe sits out back, with a slim LED taillight Frenched into the rear. The Netherlands’ most popular upholsterer, Silver Machine, was responsible for the gorgeous leather and Alcantara seat.

Up front, a headlight nacelle from Powerbrick's existing catalog of BMW parts sits above the OEM fender. It hosts a powerful LED headlight from Koso.

Further back, you’ll find new custom yokes and clip-ons, both machined by Tim. The bars wear leather-wrapped grips, Motogadget push buttons and Beringer master cylinders for the brake and hydraulic clutch. A digital dash from Motogadget handles speedo duties.

The R nineT's air- and oil-cooled boxer motor is still stock inside, but CNCPT swapped the air box out for a pair of DNA pod filters. The stainless steel exhaust system is custom, from the two-into-one headers, right through to the retro sportbike-inspired end can. It was fabricated by MAD Exhausts to CNCPT's design.

CNCPT didn't mess with the wiring either, limiting their work to accommodating the air box removal and the changes to the lighting. The bike doesn't currently have turn signals, mirrors or a license plate bracket, but that's because it's been busy touring the show circuit. CNCPT are now selling it, so they’ll be bolting those parts on soon.

Rounding out the bodywork is a generous belly pan supplied by the BMW parts specialists, AC Schnitzer. It changes the bike's profile drastically—but, remarkably, it's actually a plug-and-play part. Tim added an extra dose of style, by machining a custom ‘breastplate’ for the engine, and slick branded valve covers.

The R nineT's livery is as sharp as its revised silhouette. CNCPT opted for a smart black and silver design, then set it off by finishing the front half of the frame in silver, and a whole lot of smaller bits in black. Royal Jack handled the paint work, while Brother Coating did all the powder coating and anodizing.

Dubbed ‘Mach 9,’ this 9T might not be as wild as CNCPT's debut bike was. But it's no less lustworthy. There's no denying it; Arjan and Tim are a force to be reckoned with.

CNCPT Moto Instagram | Arjan van den Boom | Powerbrick | Images by Paul van Mondfrans Lindén