The BMW R12 NineT is already a capable canvas, but for Fran Manen and the team at Lord Drake Kustoms (LDK), stock is merely a suggestion. With their latest build, the BMW R12 “JPS”, the workshop doesn’t just apply a paint job; they re-engineer the bike’s stance to fit their proprietary “NeoRacer” aesthetic—a sharp blend of café racer discipline and modern aggression.
The JPS Legacy
It´s visual hook is immediate. The bike wears the legendary John Player Special (JPS) livery, famously associated with the Lotus Formula 1 cars of the 1970s. However, LDK avoids the trap of making it look like a rolling billboard. The execution here is an exercise in restraint: a deep gloss black base cut with pearl-gold pinstriping. It’s a nod to motorsport history, but applied with the elegance of a bespoke suit rather than a race replica.
Changing the Geometry
The defining feature of this build isn’t the paint, but the silhouette. LDK’s NeoRacer concept relies on a strict horizontal line, something the stock R12 doesn’t quite offer. To achieve this, the rear subframe has been significantly modified to accommodate a handcrafted monoseat tail section. This creates a fluid line from the fuel tank to the tail, giving the bike a tighter, more compact profile.
The ergonomics have been shifted from “roadster” to “committed.” The standard handlebars are gone, replaced by low-slung clip-ons. This lowers the front profile and forces the rider into a more aggressive, forward-leaning posture, changing the dynamic feel of the machine.
Close inspection reveals the depth of the fabrication work. The rear end is cleaned up with a custom carbon fiber fender and a side-mounted license plate holder, leaving the wire-spoke rear wheel fully exposed. Lighting is handled discreetly: a 3-in-1 LED system is integrated into the tail, while the front Motogadget Blaze turn signals and mirrors are seamlessly built into the handlebar grips.
Mechanically, the boxer engine breathes through a custom exhaust system capped with a Supertrapp end can—a choice that likely adds a throatier, classic note to the modern boxer twin. The build is finished with a custom seat upholstered in micro-perforated black fabric with gold diamond stitching, echoing the exterior theme.
NeoRacer Evolution
The BMW R12 JPS isn’t just a custom build; it is a clear statement of intent for the “NeoRacer” genre. By harmonizing the technological reliability of the modern R12 platform with a sharper, handcrafted aesthetic, Lord Drake Kustoms has moved beyond simple retro-styling. This limited production series proves that the future of customization isn’t about looking back—it’s about refining the line between classic inspiration and modern performance.
🔗Lord Drake Kustoms | @lorddrakekustoms
