In a sea of identikit BMW customs, we’re always on the hunt for a fresh take on Bavaria’s finest. And this sharply-styled scrambler hits the mark effortlessly.
It’s from Estonia’s Renard Speed Shop, and it’s based on one of the more modern boxers—a 2006-model R1200S.
Renard’s Andres Uibomae had the R1200S in his workshop and was planning to build a café-racer when a new customer came along. “He recently rode around the world with his GS,” says Andres, “but now he wanted something for the ‘Sunday ride.’ A similar bike, but a bit ‘lighter,’ and with the Renard Speed Shop touch.”
Andres decided to build a rideable scrambler that could easily pass for a factory prototype. With 122HP and 112Nm of torque on tap, the R1200S was the perfect candidate.
It was visually off the mark though, so Renard ditched all the bodywork and began redesigning every inch of it. This meant fabricating a new fuel tank, fenders, an enduro-inspired seat and new side panels; all from aluminum. The seat and side panels have both been covered in Alcantara.
The bike’s stance has also been altered slightly, thanks to a new pair of Kineo wheels (19” at the front and 17” at the rear) wrapped in Metzeler Karoo 3s. Kineo’s unique wheels are both spoked and tubeless—making them incredibly practical for off-road applications.
With no real need to boost the power from the boxer engine, Renard focussed on suspension and brake upgrades. Öhlins shocks and Beringer brakes have been installed, along with a Beringer hydraulic clutch.
Mated to the brake and clutch levers are Renard’s signature CNC-milled switches. Finishing off the cockpit are bars from Neken, a Motoscope Pro speedo from Motogadget, and LED bar-end turn signals from Kellermann (used at the rear too). The headlight is a Speaker LED unit, capped off with a hand-made fly screen.
One of the the less obvious changes is the new exhaust system. Akropovic headers flow into a shortened Fresco silencer, mounted vertically on the left of the bike. It’s connected to two stainless steel cones via custom-made branches.
Renard certainly don’t do things in half measures. The R1200S is loaded with tiny, easy-to-miss features—like the beautifully crafted heat-shield ‘wings’ that visually connect the back of the seat to the side panels.
Our favorite detail is the subtle splash of color on the subframe, matching the light blue from the BMW Motorrad racing motif on the tank. It’s tastefully carried out through the entire build—from the shock springs to the switchgear buttons, and even on one of the swingarm linkages.
The result is a trifecta of technical prowess, thoughtful details and a unique aesthetic.
Not to mention a breath of fresh air.
Follow Renard Motorcycles’ work via their website and Facebook page.
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