War-themed bikes usually go one of two ways. They’re either vulgar, Mad Max-themed affairs, or they’re swathed in olive drab?with bonus points if there’s a machine gun attached.
But now Bunker Custom Cycles of Istanbul have stumbled upon a third way. Their client requested an ?elegant war machine look,? and builders Mert and Can Uzer have obliged in spectacular fashion. The brothers have an astonishing knack for building well-judged, tastefully finished motorcycles? the word ‘garish’ just isn’t in their vocabulary.

The last Bunker build we covered was an amazing Yamaha XSR700?an official Yard Built commission. But this SR400 has more of a vintage vibe, and looks more likely to carry a rapier into battle than a mini-gun. The aesthetic borders on regal?with a Byzantine double-headed eagle motif on the tank that kicks off a string of gold lines and brass touches.

The handsome SR400 is more than just a classy paint job: Bunker have fettled the SR400 in all the right places. It starts out back with a shortened and looped subframe (sporting a discreet LED taillight) and a fresh leather perch.
There’s also a neat little tail hump to finish things off. Look closely, and you’ll notice two small, knurled brass fasteners?making the bump easily removable, without tools, if you want company.

And that’s not the only one-off piece; Bunker have also fabricated a new pair of aluminum side covers, complete with mesh-backed vents....