When it comes to racing, BMW is all about superbikes these days. But until the turn of the century, the Bavarians were pretty successful offroad too. BMW pilots such as Hubert Auriol and Gaston Rahier were regulars on Paris-Dakar Rally podiums.
BMW doesn?t lean too heavily on its Dakar history, but it?s a popular theme for custom builders. And this very smart Urban G/S from Thailand makes us wish that BMW would build something similar?a spiritual follow-up to the F650GS Dakar launched 20 years ago.

The Urban G/S is essentially a restyled R nineT Scrambler, but that?s no bad thing. The G/S is a little less Paris and a lot more Dakar than the Scrambler, and it?s an enjoyable ride on hardpack dirt and gravel roads.
This build comes from 49-year-old Ek Chalermphol, who lives in Bangkok and loves anything to do with motorcycles, cars or bicycles. A former enduro racer, he now runs a gemstone-cutting factory, a motorcycle shop, and a parts distribution operation, importing off-road gear from the USA, Italy and Japan.
Ek knows his stuff, and it shows on this machine. Working with the help of pro mechanic Vichan Pikunthong, it took five months to complete the BMW, with parts occasionally swapped around until Ek and Vichan were happy.
The biggest visual change is the Dakar tank, supplied by our friends (and Bike EXIF alumni) Unit Garage. Holding 22 liters, it?s made out of tough nylon, is TÃœV approved, and accommodates the original fuel cap and fuel pump.

Unit Garage supp...