Some motorcycles are functional tools, others artistic expressions. Then there are bikes like this custom BMW R nineT, a jaw-dropping blend of cinematic inspiration and creativity when customising. Drawing heavily from the dystopian environment of the anime classic Akira from the 80s, this one-of-a-kind build pushes the boundaries of what a modern motorcycle can look like.
The project comes courtesy of the custom builders in Pier City Customs, based on the South Coast of the UK. Known for their work on this chassis (just check out their other projects), PCC have outdone themselves with this BMW R nineT. The bike retains the heart of its original model — the air-cooled 1170cc boxer twin — but little else. What emerges is a two-wheeled masterpiece that looks like it just roared off the streets of Neo-Tokyo.
The owner of this bike works in movies and is a huge Akira fan. He wanted a custom bike based on the character’s bike from the movie. So it’s no surprise the design echoes the futuristic design from the movies, with a low-slung profile and seamless integration of the bigger elements to give the bike a flowing, organic feel. Making a custom bike like this is tough. Replicating a bike that’s already been done before can make it look good but not very practical to ride. So, instead of going for a deeply modified replica, PCC built a nineT that manages to bring the Akira look while still retaining a lot from the original.
To ensure handling is sorted, the rear shock absorber was replaced with a top-of-the-line Öhlins STX 46 Blackline unit. The whole front end was “redone”, with new suspension assemblies, bars, wheels and geometry. Speaking of wheels, the factory-spoked wheels from the Roadster model were swapped with the better-fitting cast items from the Racer variant. The front got a polished treatment, while the rear got a wheel cover that matches the look of the original Akira bike and became one of the highlights of the whole build.
The cherry on top is its stunning paint job. The team at PCC collaborated with their friends at Valkyrie, who painted the bike to a level that make it look like a movie prop. The attention to detail, from the faux rust to the patina effect make it look like ‘ridden to battle’ piece that suits the Akira ethos very well.
PCC went to great lengths to get the brief just right. This Akira bike was a real showstopper at this year’s Bike Shed Moto Show. For fans of Akira and custom motorcycles alike, this build is a dream come to life — proof that the spirit of Neo-Tokyo is alive and roaring on two wheels.
Photos courtesy of PCC’s website and pipeburn.com
