Move over café racer

The BMW R80 G/S P-D (Paris–Dakar) has two fundamental characteristics that make it the ideal basis for homage. Firstly, it has history and pedigree in spades, as the model itself was launched to commemorate the victories of Gaston Rahier and his R80 G/S on the perilous Paris–Dakar rally. Secondly, it features the bewitching BMW Motorsport livery, packaged in a thoroughly 1980s fashion, which is so en vogue amongst the millennial masses. Italian outfit Unit Garage has utilised this magic formula to produce a commemorative bolt-on-kit for the custom-favourite BMW R nineT, which features a fuel tank, seat, side panels, and luggage rack, with the talking point undoubtedly being that tricolour-striped tank. More than just a paint job, the 30-litre unit is some 10cm shorter than the stock one, allowing riders to sit further forward and lean into tougher terrain — although, we would hazard a guess that most of these retro kits will more often find their way into the hands of owners keen to stand out at the traffic lights than tackle off-road excursions. Either way, this kit is a sure-fire way to inject some personality and charisma into your new bike, and it’s bound to out stage the cookie-cutter café racer crew, who are uncomfortably hunkered over their drop-down bars while you sit comfortably atop your handsome machine…

Photos: Unit Garage