If it’s not for the massive logos that run the length of this creation, we wouldn’t choose it for one Auto Fabrica construction at first glance. But the closer you look, the more you see the DNA of English workshops everywhere. This is also their first time customizing a unique enduro bike — so this project will never be light.
Designated as ‘Type 17’, this build was commissioned by a customer who told the Auto Fabrica brothers, Bujar and Gaz Muharremi, to “go crazy”. Sifting through storied designs with their clients, Bujar and Gaz were happy he chose one of their more extreme ideas. It was originally created for a KTM enduro, but the customer wanted something more unique so they opted for a 2009 BMW G450X.
For enduro machines, the G450X is attractive. Built during BMW’s ownership of the Husqvarna, its brief production run only from 2008 to 2011. With its unique design, several aspects have caused the connection – and some components. has now become popular among European mountain bike models.
The G450X’s 449 cc single-cylinder engine leans forward 30 degrees and the crankshaft rotates backward thanks to a drive-basket clutch setup. The airbox takes up the space where the conventional fuel tank is located, so the fuel cell sits between the subframe rails under the saddle. We told you it was weird.
Instead of throwing away these quirky parts, Bujar and Gaz decided to incorporate them perfectly into their design. So they left behind all the weird BMW engineering and started with their specialty: bodywork. With the removal of the bike, CAD (cardboard support design in this case) was widely used to develop this idea.
After they were satisfied with the model, Auto Fabrica hand-built the new bodywork from aluminum. Designed to work with factory suspension, it works so well that you’d think it was a concept bike from a major manufacturer.
The G450X still looks like a mountain bike, but that aesthetic has been enhanced, with a vibe that blends organic and mechanical elements. The large side panels channel air into the radiator, which then tapers towards the narrow tail, like a regular enduro bike.
This also brings attention to one of the bike’s more unusual design elements — the saddle. Or rather the seat covers. Using a clever latching system, it pops out to reveal a plush seat that doesn’t look out of place on a race bike.
“We took the original design we showed the client and started developing it on the new sponsor’s bike,” explains Bujar. “The design aesthetic from the start is a ‘single’ setup. We went on to paint the side completely wrapped, with no seat or seat, and enjoyed the look. “
“I’m a meta-conceptualist, but strangely enough, it makes sense. This is where the idea for the seat cover comes from; Why isn’t there a visor for the bike that, when parked, is finished? Like a car with doors that reveal the interior.”
Admittedly it’s not the most practical arrangement. But it’s really just there for display purposes and the bike looks good without it.
“We are very pleased with the result,” Bujar said. “It gives the car two personalities, both more brilliant than I thought. So much so that a lot of our future concepts are adopting this seating idea.”
The classic Dakar Rally bikes are also the inspiration behind the color scheme and graphics. The brothers admit that bright colors and bold graphics are beyond their reach, but the bold design complements the bodywork perfectly.
An LED headlight is hidden inside the ‘fairing’, which also hides the integrated LED indicators. Behind the front apron is a custom stainless steel handlebar that ties into the car’s angular look. Sharp-eyed readers will recognize the Highsider LED taillights, neatly hidden on either side of the subframe.
It wouldn’t be a special Auto Fabrica without the custom exhaust. For the Style 17, the craftsmen curved the headers by hand, but used a three-piece arrangement instead of their signature one-piece scan design. A box-style silencer is cleverly incorporated into the rear fender, inspired by the Ducati Desmosedici.
“The Model 17 is fun to build,” says Bujar. “We really wanted to create something unique and exciting, and introduce new ideas to the world of motorcycling that we are very happy with.”
If you find the Style 17 as appealing as we do, check out this space. Auto Fabrica intends to produce more — but they will be based on sponsors KTM or GasGas, and will likely build the bodywork out of carbon fiber.
If this is what they can do with a dirt bike, imagine what they can do with an adventure bike.
Auto Fabrica | Facebook | Instagram
