Мотоцикл, сломавший ход времени
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In the foreground, a restored prototype BMW R7
Restoration took seven years, and in 2012, the only surviving BMW R7 was presented to the public for the first time at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. That’s when NMoto’s future founder had the idea to make a motorcycle in the style of the R7. Modern, comfortable and safe – but with an Art Deco veneer.
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When working on the project the guys from NMoto had nothing but photos. However, the task to “clone” the design was not even necessary – it’s a rethinking of the classic look.
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Nostalgia is not a “whale” of plastic parts. All the panels are made of aluminum by hand (and there are 74 in total).
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See the white zircings typical of classic BMW motorcycles? It’s logical to assume they’re also hand-brushed, but in fact, it’s even trickier. Base color is white and then several layers of black paint are applied. This allows the paint to be applied perfectly even.
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Black and white stripes are definitely a classic for BMW. But the motorcycle can be painted any color on request. Of course, you can choose the color of the leather and its stitching. But the list of customization is much broader: the position of the seat, handlebars and footrests are all customized to the future owner.
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Behind the driver’s seat is not a passenger seat, but a small glove box. It is possible to install a classical rack instead of it, but the passenger seat cannot be put. But for those who want to ride with a passenger there is a stroller!
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Technically, Nostalgia is quite usual BMW R nineT, a motorcycle from the modern “nostalgic” line of BMW Motorrad. The motorcycle, by the way, is quite serious: with a 1,170cc air-oil-cooled opposition engine and a driveline.
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No chassis geometry changes, ABS and traction brakes, modern tires, 110 horsepower and 116 Nm of torque. Nostalgia rides like a modern motorcycle! And some things in it are even cooler than in the R nineT. For example, the system of keyless access, which for “donor” is not offered even as an option.
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At the same time, there are quite a few technical tricks: it’s not just limited to new panels in the style of the BMW R7 prototype. For example, the creators had to completely redo the electrics. Expansion tanks and cylinders of hydraulic clutch and front brake actuators are completely different – all in order to remove them and all wires into the handlebars. The look of the motorcycle should not be overpowered!
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Fishtail-type mufflers are not stampings. Their bodies are made of aluminum: two sheets are placed in a special mold, into which water is pumped under tremendous pressure and gives the desired shape to the workpiece. The coating is not chrome: hand polished to a mirror finish. And inside are catalytic converters, so the bike meets Euro-4 standards.
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The insides of the taillight are 3D-printed (what can you do without them these days) – primarily to accommodate the nostalgic STOP inscription inside, which lights up when the brake is pressed.
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Each motorcycle takes three to six months to make. The company can assemble up to 10 motorcycles a month in total – with orders already scheduled through the middle of 2020. And the starting price, by the way – 80 thousand dollars, including the original R nineT.
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Such small-scale projects are not uncommon in the motorcycle world. There are famous motorcycles Confederate, there are ARCH – Keanu Reeves’ brand. But they are mainly based on American V-twins. And such an exclusive on the basis of Bavarian equipment is a rarity. And the art deco style is a rarity. One may like it or not, but the fact is the motorcycle does not look like anything else.
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