Owner of a RE 650 Conti GT has spent more almost the same amount of money on modification, as he spent on buying the motorcycle
Launched in November 2018, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 have gained wide popularity in the country and in overseas markets as well. The 650 twins are currently the most affordable twin cylinder motorcycle available in India. Although the bikes are near-perfect in terms of design and performance, there’s always room for enhancements.
That’s exactly what YouTuber Ashwin Singh Takiar had in mind when he started a new customization project on his Continental GT 650. Below is the video that details all the changes and upgrades carried out on the motorcycle.
Key modifications
Ashwin’s primary objective was to enhance the retro flavour of Continental GT 650. In its stock version, the bike features a mix of retro and contemporary design. At the front, various parts have been removed and replaced with either custom designed units or parts sourced from other motorcycles. These include the handlebar, clutch assembly, brake lever, headlamp, and instrument cluster. The headlamp is a used unit from Harley-Davidson whereas the analogue meter has been sourced locally. Front suspension is of KTM Duke 390.
The front mudguard has been replaced with a custom built unit, which is shorter than the stock unit. Stock tyres have been replaced at both ends with Pirelli MT 60 RS at the front and Metzeler tyres at the rear. Wheels get a golden coat on the spokes and black coat on the rim. The callipers are also done in gold. This creates a regal look for the bike. Overall also, the bike’s core theme is primarily a combo of black and gold.
Some radical changes
It has been clearly mentioned in the video that this modification project is aimed at creating a show bike. This is why certain modifications may not be street legal. For example, the exhaust muffler has been removed and the exhaust pipe has been cut to achieve the drag pipe look. The pipe then gets an exhaust wrap to give it a classy appeal. The modified exhaust meets emission norms, as the catalytic converter is fitted inside the pipe. However, its significantly loud exhaust note is likely to get you ‘challaned’ by traffic police officials.
Other key changes include blacked out engine and other cycle parts, addition of bash plate, chopped down chassis, and removal of rear mudguard. In terms of performance, the engine’s ECU has been tweaked to deliver 8 bhp more power.
According to the modifier, this project has been going on for nearly 1.5 years. The bike has passed through various technicians and modifiers and it is still a work-in-progress. Total cost till date is almost Rs 3 lakh which includes Rs 37k labour charges. The modifier has assured that the final version will be showcased shortly in his garage and YouTube channel.
