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This Sleek, Unique BMW Scrambler Is the Dreamiest Retro-Styled Bike I’ve Seen in Some Time

The minimalist build draws inspiration from early adventure motos that mastered form by prioritizing function.

Close-up of a BMW motorcycle fuel tank with red, blue, and light blue stripes and a black leather seat.Baran Doğan for Bunker Custom Cycles
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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When daydreaming about modifying a stock motorcycle, it’s easy to get overly excited about all the shiny accessories you can potentially bolt onto the bike.

Yet sometimes the best way to enhance is to strip away.

White and silver BMW motorcycle with black frame, knobby tires, and red and blue stripes on the fuel tank.
It’s not just one part: the beautiful balance of this bike from tip to tail is what makes it such a joy to behold.
Baran Doğan for Bunker Custom Cycles

That’s the lesson we get from a recent build by the aces at Istanbul’s Bunker Custom Cycles.

Their revamp of a BMW R nineT Scrambler taps mid-eighties adventure bike vibes to put on a masterclass in minimalism that’s simply mesmerizing.

Simple rules

Understanding why this build works comes down to Bunker’s guiding custom design principle: “keep what matters, remove what does not, and turn the motorcycle into one complete idea.”

White BMW motorcycle with red and blue stripes, black seat, dual exhaust, and knobby tires on a gray background.
One of the smartest steps in my book: letting those glorious twin high-mounted exhausts do their thing.
Baran Doğan for Bunker Custom Cycles

This particular overhaul was done on behalf of an Istanbul-based enduro rider looking to take his foot off the gas after becoming a dad, but still have some light off-road fun. 

Toward that end, the Bunker boys (brother Can and Mert Uzer) embraced this 2024 Scrambler’s natural strengths: BMW’s air/oil-cooled boxer twin, upright ergos, twin high-mounted exhausts, and confident stance.

Close-up of a motorcycle front with a round LED headlight, black fairing, silver front fender, and a fuel tank with red, blue, and light blue stripes.
The overhauled front section lifts the headlight while neatly incorporating an ADV-style fender and a fog light.
Baran Doğan for Bunker Custom Cycles

Inspired by the BMW R 80 GS and Dakar models from the mid-1980s, they aimed to introduce some classic utilitarian character to the bike, always favoring function over form.

Toward that end, the most noticeable tweak is the redesigned front section, which channels retro GS style: the headlight assembly rose 3 inches and the front fairing was shaped to seamlessly incorporate a Denali S4 fog light.

Close-up of a white BMW motorcycle fuel tank with red, blue, and light blue stripes and black front wheel with Brembo brake caliper.
One performance sacrifice is the fuel capacity dropping by about half a gallon, but I’m inclined to let it slide.
Baran Doğan for Bunker Custom Cycles

Next came the fuel tank: while the original steel tank remains underneath, what you see is the custom outer shell designed by Bunker, again drawing on the classic R 80 GS aesthetic, complete with ’80s racing–inspired graphics that totally pop.

Bunker also developed a full set of matching custom body parts for the Scrambler, including the air intake cover, side trim pieces, custom seat, side panels, rear fairing/rear tail section, rear fender, taillight area, rear rack and engine skid plate. 

Rear section of a motorcycle with a matte silver fender, red tail light, black luggage rack, and partially visible license plate.
This neat little rack lets the rider pack a bit of gear or luggage for more ambitious adventures.
Baran Doğan for Bunker Custom Cycles

Made from glass fiber reinforced plastic, the parts take advantage of modern developments in 3D printing and engineering filaments, which make things easier to test and shape before finalizing. 

It all adds up to a streamlined silhouette that’s so clean and tidy, it’s downright relaxing to look at … and surely fun as hell to ride.

Availability and pricing

Bunker’s BMW R nineT Scrambler Custom Build is a one-off, but the shop sells some individual components starting at €195 (~$226).

White BMW motorcycle with blue and red stripes, black seat, and dual exhaust pipes on a gray background.Baran Doğan for Bunker Custom Cycles

Bunker BMW R nineT Scrambler Custom Build

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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