The battle between form and function rages on a daily basis in the custom scene. As much as we hate to admit it, some customs are destined to spend their lives on display, or seldom ridden.
But for every show pony, there’s a workhorse out there. Like this thoroughly practical?yet still handsome?classic BMW boxer from Hookie Co.

‘Racoon’ is based on a 1979 BMW R100/7, and was built with reliability and day-to-day performance topping the brief. ?Nothing special,? says shop boss, Nico.
?No engine over-tuning, no wrapped pipes?just a bike that fits perfectly into our ‘Enjoy the Good’ codex.?

On the surface it’s a simple, well-packed scrambler in Hookie’s typically minimalist style. But the Dresden shop went to town to bring this airhead up to spec. For starters, they yanked out the motor and sent it to specialists Sport-Evolution, for a full rebuild. Then they repainted it in a dark grey metallic color, and media blasted the valve covers for a like-new finish.

The original Bing carbs are still in play, as is the airbox. ?Because reliability,? quips Nico. Hookie simply installed a new, upgraded air filter. Combined with the fresh motor, this Beemer should be good for another few decades.
Moving to fabrication, Hookie built up a new subframe with a subtle kick in the tail. It’s capped off with a dark brown leather saddle, designed just long enough for a passenger or a bit of luggage.

The crew also custom-built a luggage ra...