BMW R nineT Akira Is a Custom Tribute to the Anime and Manga Series of the Same Name

Of course, the BMW R nineT is the most obvious example among them, having made an indelible mark on the bike-modding scene since its release.

The nameplate may be on its way out commercially, but we’re sure to continue seeing many more custom specimens emerge in the future. For Rory and Stu over at Pier City Custom (PCC) in England, most of their business operations revolve around the beloved R nineT, so they know the model like the back of their hands. Dubbed Akira, the project we’ll be featuring today is one of their latest.

Readers who are into anime and manga will have immediately recognized that name, as it was taken from one of the most iconic titles in this genre. The Akira manga series and its film adaptation were created by Katsuhiro Otomo, and they’ve played a huge role in popularizing anime for western audiences. PCC’s inspiration came from the rad futuristic bike ridden by the main protagonist, Shotaro Kaneda.

From its distinctive cyberpunk look to the abundant use of red paint, the resemblance borne by Pier City’s real-life interpretation is truly striking. The project’s basis was a 2022 model of BMW’s R nineT lineup, and PCC sought to maintain a high degree of practicality as the wild cosmetic overhaul was unfolding. Let’s go right ahead and see what sort of mods took place here.

The aesthetics are clearly the first thing to catch the eye, but Rory and Stu first busied themselves with some performance upgrades. Although the Beemer’s factory shock absorber was very competent, indeed, it was simply no match for a top-shelf STX 46 Blackline unit from Ohlins. On the other hand, the front forks were upgraded and fitted back in place by way of new billet aluminum triple clamps.

A Motogadget Motoscope Pro dash is incorporated into the top clamp, and the cockpit area is also home to aftermarket clip-ons sporting underslung bar-end mirrors. The illumination hardware up north has an unapologetically industrial feel to it, comprising dual Highsider headlights held in place via custom mounting paraphernalia. With these installed, the guys moved on to the unsprung sector.

They did away with the standard hoops, making room for a more suitable pair of five-spoke items donated by an R nineT Racer. The front wheel was polished to a mirror finish, while its rear counterpart was outfitted with solid disc covers to beef things up and enforce the Akira vibe. Both rims were shod in sticky racing slicks, making us assume the bike’s owner is only planning to ride it out on the racetrack.

Up next on the grocery list was the bodywork, and we still find the R nineT’s original fuel tank placed center-stage. It now wears a snazzy CNC-machined filler cap and is accompanied by the stock side covers left and right, but all the other OEM garments have been deleted. At the front end, you will see an S 1000 RR’s repurposed fender bringing about a much sportier look.

Further back, Pier City fitted a sizeable off-the-shelf belly pan supplied by AC Schnitzer, making the motorcycle’s appearance a lot more muscular just like the rear wheel. The tail section is nice and slim by contrast, but shaped in a way that matches the rest of the bike. Between the tank and tail lies one of our favorite things about this build.

We are, of course, referring to that superb handmade saddle, upholstered in a mixture of brown leather and suede to once again enhance the Akira look. Gilles Tooling rearsets complete the ergonomic package, while the engine-related mods didn’t have to go any further than the intake and exhaust. For the former, an air inlet was sculpted into the right side cover, right beneath the creature’s fuel tank.

As for the exhaust, it is a high-grade aftermarket module supplied by G&G Bike, with a large portion of it hidden behind the belly pan. Last but definitely not least, the icing on the cake is a bold livery done by Valkyrie Paintworks, which leaves no room for doubt regarding the inspiration behind this project. Red is the primary color worn by the R nineT Akira in most places, including the bodywork, valve covers, and rear portion of the frame.

It’s topped with an assortment of colorful graphics all over the motorcycle’s overalls, rounding out the Pier City Custom treatment in style. Oh, and the neat patina effect laid here and there does an excellent job at really driving the point home. Rory and Stu have knocked yet another build out of the ballpark, creating one of the best Akira-inspired customs we’ve ever seen.