The BMW Nine T was based on the BMW Concept Ninety., which was a group effort between BMW Motarrad and California custom bike builder Roland Sands. Notice the front cowl and trimmed rear with a short rear seat. The headlamp is retro styled but it houses modern LED lights.
BMW Design Chief Edgar Heinrich said that the "BMW Concept Ninety is sheer enjoyment in every respect, from development of the idea to the sketching stage to the construction process. But above all when you're riding it. It's an absolute riding machine -- just like the R90S was in its time."