The 2023 Motorcycle Show was a great success at various locations. At the Royal Enfield booth, there was a custom machine that made a big impact. Based on a Continental GT650, it was called Royal Enfield-Kai. It was the first time that Royal Enfield commissioned AN-BU Custom Motors, a Japanese builder, to build this machine.
Racers on the Street by AN-BU Custom Motors
The Royal Enfield-Kai was designed by Koichi Fujita of AN-BU Custom Motors, a Nagoya-based company that produces custom motorcycles and parts. The actual vehicle made its world premiere at the Osaka Motorcycle Show held on March 17. It is based on the Continental GT650, a classic naked style café sport, but has undergone a major transformation to an endurance racer style, with a full cowl and asymmetrical headlight.
AN-BU Custom Motors' Royal Enfield-Kaiji made its world premiere at the Osaka Motorcycle Show.
Based on a Continental GT650 modeled after a 1960s café racer, it has been reborn in the style of an endurance racer from the 1980s.
Mr. Fujita, who told Royal Enfield in an interview that he does not like show bikes, pursued a racer style that looks cool on the street and ridden by people.
This is a style that is consistent with the custom machines that AN-BU offers.
The first thing that catches the eye is the full cowl and the asymmetrical headlight that defines the endurance racer style.
This style is AN-BU's specialty, and the aluminum guard is impressive. Also, if you look closely at the cowl, you can see the carbon fiber showing through.
The narrow, beaten aluminum tank, tail cowl, and full carbon cowl are all homages to the endurance racers of the 70s and 80s. The frame was partially modified to achieve this style. The aluminum parts were not painted, and the cowl was painted matte black so that the carbon fiber would not stand out.
This finish allows the rider to enjoy the feeling of wear and tear that comes with everyday use, and the shiny, scratch-free, mint condition of the machine is an expression of the philosophy that this is not a style that is naturally ridden on the streets.
Of course, the performance is not as good as it seems. Mr. Fujita, who also competes in races, reviewed the suspension and selected Kayaba Φ38mm front forks, and the top bridge and stem were machined to match. The rear shock was replaced with a YSS shock. Both front and rear brake calipers were made by Brembo. However, in order to create an exquisite cheap look, not only high-spec special parts were used, but also domestic parts were used on purpose. This is a vehicle that has been carefully designed with such attention to detail.
The exterior finish has been left with the look of a machine that runs on the street. The deliberate nature of the styling has been eliminated to achieve realistic and practical styling.
Although the engine is virtually invisible, the layout and design of the exhaust pipes were carefully and precisely coordinated. The style of the exhaust pipes protruding from under the cowl and wrapping around the coil is very powerful. The exhaust pipe length was increased to enhance the low-end sound and increase torque, and at the same time, the visual impact of the exhaust was also aimed for in this one-off design.
Since it is a street racer, it is also equipped with a license plate. This is an expression of the philosophy that closed courses and events are not the only fields for custom machines. If you look closely, you can also see a very small blinker mounted next to the license plate.
The ultimate in imagination created by Royal Enfield x Custom Builder
Royal Enfield is a manufacturer from India. It is the oldest motorcycle brand in the world and has been manufacturing and developing motorcycles since 1901. Of course, the current models have been suitably modernized, but there is not a single model with a water-cooled engine in the lineup, and the simple, retro style of the machines is a source of pride that is typical of the world's oldest brand.
One of the pleasures allowed for such a classic machine is the freedom to customize it as you wish.
You can pursue the charm of the beautiful engine shape, or you can incorporate all kinds of innovations for racing. The SR400 and Harley-Davidson's heritage models are also attracting attention as a customization base that allows the use of imagination, as has been the case with the famous Japanese SR400 and Harley-Davidson's heritage models.
We look forward to the continued excitement of the Royal Enfield custom scene in the future.
The Continental GT650 was the base of the Royal Enfield Revision. The styling is based on the motif of the café racers of the '60s, and the air-cooled OHC parallel twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 648 cc has a beautifully formed shape, making it a remarkable model as a custom base.
However, the colors and parts made by the manufacturer are also attractive enough. The model in the photo is Mister Clean with a custom-made, chrome-plated tank, and can be purchased as is.
Reference: Continental GT650 Main Specifications
Overall length x width x height: 2119 x 745 x 1067 mm
Seat height: 820mm
Weight: 212 kg
Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke, parallel twin-cylinder SOHC 4-valve 648cc
Maximum output: 34.9 kW (47.5 PS) at 7,150 rpm
Maximum torque: 52.3Nm/5,150rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 12.5 liters
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Brakes: Front=φ320mm disc/ABS Rear=φ240mm disc/ABS
Tires: Front=100/90-18 Rear=130/70-18
Original Source. [ Royal Enfield ]
