Bunker Customs’ Yamaha XSR700 is a Nostalgic Scrambler Delight

By Tony Markovich - April 27, 2016

Last year Yamaha released a retro-styled version of the FZ-07, the XSR700, a tribute to the XS650. It’s naked, it’s simple, and it’s ripe for customization. Just like Harley-Davidson has its Custom Kings competition, Yamaha has a similar idea called Yard Built, which is also intended to highlight various garages and dealerships who know how to express their creativity through a bike. The first one this year was from Roland Sands here in the states, but the most recent takes us to a shop called Bunker in Istanbul, Turkey.

The guys at Bunker Custom Motorcycles aren’t your typical mechanics. Can Uzer is a professional skateboarder for Vans, and Mert Uzer is a former digital advertiser who recently switched to wrenching full-time.

The two started by altering the riding position. They raised the seat, changed the front wheel to a 19-incher (the front is 17-inch), and relocated the exhaust for off-roading capabilities. MT-09 Tracer upside down forks were swapped in for the stock ones, and Bunker added Super Ténére wheels with Goldentyre GT201 tires.

“We went for the tracker style as we really wanted to capture the spirit of freedom as much as possible,” the Uzers said. “The twin motor is the perfect base with its engine characteristics and the bike inspires you to create something light, agile and free.”

All of the body panels, of course, is completely custom. The fuel tank covers, side panels, mudguards, radiator covers, and seat plate are all now made from hand-beaten 2mm aluminum. Then they put on Renthal handle bars, added a suede leather seat, put on a halo headlight, and painted it with a gorgeous retro stripe.

It’s made to go well on both dirt and road, but it’s almost too damn pretty to muddy … nah.