The sprawl of Istanbul is a city that bridges worlds, a legendary metropolis where Byzantine history and Ottoman grandeur collide with a frenetic, modern pace. It is an environment that rewards resilience and ingenuity, qualities that brothers Mert and Can Uzer have channeled into Bunker Custom Cycles. Operating as a two-man team, the Uzer brothers have spent years carving out a reputation for squeezing the most out of functionality without sacrificing the machine's soul.
They first realized their passion when they couldn't find what they were looking for in the sea of mass-produced motorcycles and parts, eventually getting their hands dirty to explore the limitless possibilities of customization. Like several other premier builders, Bunker uses its custom projects to prototype products for production, offering bolt-on kits for everything from the Yamaha XSR900 to modern Triumphs.
The donor for their latest venture was a 2024 BMW R nineT Scrambler, a machine already known for its formidable reputation. Powered by an iconic 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin, the stock bike delivered a healthy 109 horsepower and low-end grunt that have become hallmarks of the Bavarian brand. With its modular three-piece steel frame, 43mm telescopic forks, and Paralever single-sided swingarm, the R nineT was a competent, if slightly busy, modern interpretation of the scrambler genre. Despite these strong specs, the brothers saw the 492-pound machine as a canvas that could be simplified and resolved into a more intentional form.
“The project was commissioned by Selçuk, an enduro rider from Istanbul whose priorities shifted after recently becoming a father,” explains Mert. “He wanted to trade the high-stakes aggression of off-road racing for lighter adventures”. Consequently, the goal was not to build a theatrical showpiece, but a mature, useful machine that favored honest design.
Much of the inspiration for the build was drawn from the BMW R 80 GS and the Dakar versions of the mid-1980s. The brothers admired the utilitarian honesty of that era, where design was dictated by function rather than decoration. This mindset led to a total redesign of the fuel tank area. Underneath the visible form sits a low-poly steel inner tank, while the outer shell provides the classic silhouette of the R 80 and R 100 era. This new setup reduced the fuel capacity slightly from 17 liters to 15.5 liters, but it allowed for a much more cohesive and historically resonant proportion.
The front of the motorcycle underwent a significant structural cleanup, distancing it from its stock identity. Using plug and play items from their catalog, Bunker raised the headlight assembly by 3cm and designed a new fairing and high front fender kit to create a purposeful face. A key detail was the integration of a Denali S4 fog light directly into the fairing. Rather than treating the auxiliary light as an add-on, the brothers wanted it to feel like a natural part of the front assembly. This supported their overall design logic of adding function without creating extra visual noise or clutter.
Moving toward the rear, the continuity was maintained through a series of bespoke body parts. Bunker redesigned the air intake cover, side trim, and side panels to ensure the motorcycle read as one connected form. The new seat was tailored to bridge the gap between the reshaped tank shell and the rear of the frame, while the fender and taillight area received a similar reduction in visual mass via their fender kit. For those looking to carry gear, a custom rear rack was added to support a small bag or camping equipment, ensuring the bike remained practical for Selçuk’s light adventures.
Even the bike's lower section followed this philosophy of restraint. The engine skid plate was not added for aggressive riding, but rather to complete the lower lines and give the bike a more finished feel. The exhaust system remained quintessential scrambler, a 2-into-2 arrangement terminating in a pair of high-mounted mufflers. The final livery was a classic nod to BMW’s heritage, featuring a clean white base with the iconic red and blue racing accents across the tank.
Ultimately, the project was a successful exercise in reduction. By removing visual noise and simplifying the lines, Bunker Custom Cycles created a motorcycle that feels like a single idea rather than a collection of parts. Many of these components, including the high-fender, fairing, and rear-fender kits, were developed as plug-and-play products. It is a build that honors the original boxer character while embracing the utilitarian spirit of the Dakar legends.
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