Eight years ago, Rough Crafts made waves with their first-ever custom BMW R nineT. Known primarily for custom Harleys, the Taiwanese custom shop, led by Winston Yeh, stunned the motorcycle world with the ‘Bavarian Fistfighter.’ This build proved Yeh’s ability to transform any bike into a work of art, earning it a spot among the year’s best custom bikes.
Now, after a long hiatus from the R nineT platform, Rough Crafts is back with a new creation: ‘Bayern Madness.’ Commissioned by a local movie star, this build pays homage to the original Bavarian Fistfighter while introducing fresh elements like scrambler styling, less bodywork, and a striking silver paint job.
Simplifying the R nineT
Winston Yeh operates Rough Crafts as a collective, collaborating with local artisans for each build. For ‘Bayern Madness,’ he teamed up with JZO Crafts (fabrication) and Faber Studio (assembly) to simplify the R nineT’s layout.
The biggest challenge was tackling the bike’s electronics, removing the airbox, and relocating everything under the tank—the only remaining bodywork. Winston also designed an extremely narrow fuel tank to highlight the boxer engine, making the task of hiding all the electronics even more challenging.
A Custom Fuel Tank Masterpiece
The new handmade fuel tank is a signature piece of the build, merging vintage BMW boxer details with Rough Crafts’ modern aesthetic. From the side, it echoes the deeply scalloped design of the Bavarian Fistfighter, but from above, it’s noticeably slimmer. The tank flows seamlessly into carbon fiber-encrusted ignition, flanked by clean seams that emphasize the minimalist design.
Additional custom touches include a Rough Crafts gas cap, an elegant tank strap from Urban Soul Leathers, and bespoke tank badges crafted by 2Abnormal Sides, one of Winston’s long-time collaborators.
Stripped-Down Design
In keeping with the minimalist theme, the R nineT’s subframe was replaced with a streamlined seat mount featuring an integrated pan. The solo seat, inspired by the rubber BMW seats of the 1950s, adds a touch of nostalgia. With no fenders or fairing, ‘Bayern Madness’ is as stripped-down as it gets, showcasing Rough Crafts’ ability to create beauty through simplicity.
High-End Components for Ultimate Performance
Winston didn’t hold back on outfitting the bike with top-tier components. The front suspension features beefy Öhlins forks, shortened and fitted with an Andreani axle and bracket kit for a blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance. The BMW’s OEM Brembo brakes were retained, but the wheels were upgraded to tubeless 17-inch wheels from BMW’s premium Option 719 range. Wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, the bike maintains a rugged appearance while offering excellent grip on the road. Winston describes the ride as “a roadster in a scrambler’s skin.”
Custom Cockpit and Controls
The cockpit of ‘Bayern Madness’ is as refined as the rest of the build. Rough Crafts bar clamps, Beringer controls, and Motogadget grips provide a clean, functional setup. The Rizoma foot controls add precision and comfort for the rider. Up front, an LED headlight with Rough Crafts’ traditional grill style lights the way, while a tiny Motogadget speedo hovers just above it. Motogadget LED turn signals are discreetly mounted next to the radiator, and Rough Crafts x Koso three-in-one LEDs serve as taillights and rear turn signals.
Engine Detailing and Custom Exhaust
The boxer engine’s heads are adorned with stunning Unit Garage valve covers, customized with badges by 2Abnormal Sides. The air filters, sourced from DNA Filter, feature laser-engraved Rough Crafts branding, adding a personal touch to the build. The two-into-two exhaust system, crafted by SC-Project in Italy, is a bespoke creation that perfectly complements the bike’s overall aesthetic.
