Custom bikes are loved the world over simply because they remind us why we fell in love with motorcycles in the first place. Before ride modes, TFT screens, and factory special editions, bikes were personal. You bought one, lived with it, changed things, rode it hard, then changed it again. That spirit is still alive in the custom scene, and projects like this one show why it hasn’t gone away.
At the center of this story is a custom BMW R 12 nineT, built through a collaboration between GrowthRing & Supply and Rough Crafts. It’s not a factory concept or a marketing exercise. It’s a real bike, built with a clear idea behind it, and that’s what makes it so cool.
BMW’s boxer twins have always been begging for customization straight off the showroom floor. The flat twin layout has been around for more than a hundred years, and it’s powered everything from utilitarian machines to modern retro roadsters. On the R 12 nineT, the engine doesn’t hide. It sticks out proudly, defining how the bike looks and feels. That openness is why the platform works so well for customization.
That’s exactly the kind of foundation Rough Crafts likes to start with. Led by Winston Yeh, the Taipei-based shop has built a global reputation for bikes that look aggressive but still make sense as machines you’d actually want to ride. Their builds usually have a tough, almost industrial vibe, but there’s always restraint. Nothing feels added just for show.
On the other side of the project is GrowthRing & Supply, A.K.A GRS, founded by Kenji Wong. While GRS started in streetwear, the brand has always leaned heavily into car and bike culture. It’s about the ride and drive, tools, and the idea that machines are actually meant to be used. That thinking came through clearly in their safari-style Porsche 911SC road trip across Japan, and it carried straight into this motorcycle.
The concept here was simple. What would a motorcycle feel like if it shared the same mindset as a safari Porsche 911? Not low and delicate, but capable and ready to go somewhere. Not precious, but purposeful. The boxer engine became the natural link, echoing the flat engine layout Porsche is known for, without copying anything directly.
The finished bike reflects that idea in small, thoughtful ways. The stance looks solid and planted. The reshaped tank and functional add-ons lean more toward usefulness than aesthetics. The tires and proportions suggest dirt roads and long days, not just manicured pavement. There’s also a lot of texture in the details, from hand-finished surfaces to a solid brass collaboration plate.
What’s also interesting is how this bike came together. A brand-new donor bike was supplied by BMW Motorrad Sagamihara, and much of the collaboration happened across borders. Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan were all part of the process. That kind of remote but focused teamwork is becoming more common in the custom world these days, and it shows how the scene is evolving without losing its hands-on roots.
For riders and enthusiasts, this bike drives an important point. You don’t need to build a show winner to make something meaningful. You need a solid base, a clear idea, and the confidence to commit to it. The R 12 nineT works here because BMW built a platform that invites customization instead of resisting it.
In the end, this bike isn’t about trends, chasing attention, or customizing for the sake of customizing. It’s about treating a motorcycle like a companion rather than a commodity. Like an extension of your own personality. Build it to suit your life, and let the miles finish the story. That’s the kind of custom build that actually tells a story.
Source: GRS x Rough Crafts
