Bonne Impression: Viba's Custom BMW R Nine T 'Cara'

The parts for this Nine T, conceived by Yann Bakonyi, were 3D printed by ERPO Group, a project partner. This technology is something the creator of Viba is mastering, to the point of constructing fundamental elements using this technique.

Photos: Thanos Comas / www.Projpix-Conseil

Following a beautiful trilogy (Lara, Qura, and Jane) exploring multiple stylistic variations, Viba presents, exclusively in our pages, this CABA, imagined on the basis of the BMW R Nine T Pure. Viba is the design studio of Yann Bakonyi, a designer you have already appreciated. He explains about the latest creation:

"We always choose feminine names for our concepts. CARA is to pay homage to Cara Delevingne, an international model, Burberry's muse, and an actress notably in Besson's 'Valerian'. Her dark beauty corresponds to our sources of inspiration that we find in our pages."

Yann meticulously oversees all stages of volume conception for a motorcycle. From his superb sketches made with pen or on a graphics tablet, ideas for future parts are born. It's quickly noticeable that the bodywork is designed around the idea of fins, similar to those that appeared on Grand Prix motorcycles in recent years, but without wanting to imitate existing designs. Yann has focused on making this lateral piece useful in various ways, notably by visually connecting the fuel tank to the engine and cylinder covers. Seen from the rear, these two sculpted flanks seem to hug the machine to the ground, adopting an aerodynamic approach. The machine is black, as if this color was definitively associated with the German brand, with just a beautiful white trim on the steel. Here, the propeller is black, as if to create the ultimate toy for night owls and speed enthusiasts. Everything here contributes to your care, assuming you are part of this ultimate trend that wants only a seat, handlebars, a very large 1200cc engine, and a chassis to carry it all.

The Nine T Scrambler, a less "appetizing" model than the Pure with its fork (255), serves as the base. The initial idea could be summarized as a strict preservation of the fundamental elements of a motorcycle: the engine, the frame, its suspensions, and their braking... in short, what makes this series good anyway. The fuel tank becomes the focal point for this design, with a well-executed and beautiful seat.

The sketch of the right profile corresponds to the original motorcycle, with the Viba parts installed. Everything changes, but the Nine T remains identical to its base.

The exhaust outlet is flush with the wheel.

The seat, devoid of protection at the rear and sublimely revealed by the oscillating single-sided swingarm, is supported by a 3D printed module. Yann specifies: "The shape of the seat was sculpted in clay (ndr: synthetic clay used by designers to shape and volume by hand and eye), then scanned, and the mold was 3D printed to produce a silicone part. This is a technique we integrated into our concepts and productions two years ago."

Yann was already talking about the applications he had found for 3D printers in his design work two or three years ago. He told us: "For the lateral scoops, we started from the drawing and modeled the part. Then a large 3D printer allowed us to create the first pair of scoops from the design. But it's not just these parts..." Indeed, the front fender, the headlight fairing in a street racer style, and the passenger seat are the result of patient work with current printers.

Regarding this, Yann satisfies our curiosity by saying: "A part like the handlebars is not a fairing but a unique piece printed in aluminum. We work with powders and lasers, and the parts are of proven robustness. For this handlebar, the only solution is...

This plunging view enhances the captivating aesthetic of this Nine T. What a riding position!

The two-part passenger seat is also a 3D impression. Silicone mold for the seat, polyamide for the support and rear mounting bracket.

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