Most of the scramblers and trackers we see follow proven recipes. So this vintage trials-inspired BMW R80 RT is a refreshing twist on the dual-sport genre.
The look is more British than Bavarian, thanks to an expert makeover by Stephen Bentley. Stephen builds bikes on commission as Dust Custom Motorcycles, out of a ?shack at the back? in Lancashire. But this particular bike was a personal project.

?The popularity and demand for airheads has meant that I haven’t managed to build one of my ‘own’ for two years,? he tells us. ?It’s great working for people, don’t get me wrong. But to allow something to evolve without too much preemption sure helps realign things a little.?
The donor?an early 80s, low-mileage BMW R80?had been tucked away in a corner of Stephen’s shed, waiting for a gap in the schedule. In the meantime, he began gathering inspiration.
?Beyond innate screen flicking, it’s been real moments that have had the greatest impact,? he says. ?Somebody sending a message through eBay saying ‘don’t bother posting the part, I’ll be there in a bit,’ only to have someone turn up an hour later wearing a piss pot, a big grin and riding a Rickman Metisse.
?Or one of those moments in the workshop when things go quiet, and I pick up on a vaguely familiar sound, cock my head to one side and see a Vincent or BSA scrambler go thundering by.?

?So I had in mind from the start a typical British 60s look?Triumphs, BS...