Most of us take it for granted that we can modify our bikes. As long as the VIN number is correct and the modifications are not visibly unsafe, there?s rarely a problem.
But in some countries, the regulations are real tough. Several territories in Southeast Asia make it virtually impossible to register a custom bike. And in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, there?s the notorious TÃœV system.

TÃœV requires official approval for almost every modified part fitted to a bike. The frame cannot be welded or drilled or deformed in any way. Even a new muffler must have an approval sticker?and be designed for the model of bike you?re riding.
This makes life extremely difficult for custom builders in the Germanic countries. But Paul Brauchart and Philipp Rabl of Austria?s Vagabund Moto have managed to circumvent the system without compromising on style.
Vagabund have been wowing us with their precision bike building skills for four years now. But this BMW has been their toughest challenge yet.
The R nineT we?re looking at here is the first in a new series of ?V nineT? bikes, and despite the extensive work, it comes with that critical TÃœV Certificate. (Which must have made the decision easier for BMW?s Austrian distributor, which has already commissioned a V nineT to take to moto shows.)

The V nineT also takes just eight weeks to build, which is a short time frame for a custom that doesn?t use exclusively off-the-shelf parts.
The Graz-based workshop have designed and manufac...