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.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreWhen 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.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. - Credit: Baran Doğan for Bunker Custom CyclesThat's the lesson we get from a recent build by the aces at Istanbul's Bunker Custom Cycles.AdvertisementAdvertisementTheir 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 rulesUnderstanding 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."One of the smartest steps in my book: letting those glorious twin high-mounted exhausts do their thing. - Credit: Baran Doğan for Bunker Custom CyclesThis 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.The overhauled front section lifts the headlight while neatly incorporating a beak-like fender and a fog light. - Credit: Baran Doğan for Bunker Custom CyclesInspired 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.AdvertisementAdvertisementToward that end, the most noticeable tweak is the redesigned front section, which channels retro GS style: the headlight assembly rose 3cm and the front fairing was shaped to seamlessly incorporate a Denali S4 fog light.One performance sacrifice is the fuel capacity dropping by about half a gallon, but I'm inclined to let it slide. - Credit: Baran Doğan for Bunker Custom CyclesNext came the fuel tank: the original steel tank remains underneath, but 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. This neat little rack lets the rider pack a bit of gear or luggage for more ambitious adventures. - Credit: Baran Doğan for Bunker Custom CyclesMade 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. AdvertisementAdvertisementIt 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 pricingBunker'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.Bunker BMW R nineT Scrambler Custom Build Learn More 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.AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.add as a preferred source on google