Royal Enfield’s 650 twins have become one the most pocket friendly and versatile mod-friendly bikes you can buy today. Since its launch, RE has initiated many brand led build-offs to feed the custom bike culture across markets. One such build off is the annual ‘Busted Knuckles Build-Off’ competition held in Australia. And in the 2022 chapter, the people's choice award was given to Royale Motorcycles’ No. 55 GT 650 Production Racer, a mean track spec Royal Enfield Continental GT 650.
In the second season, RE dealerships across Australia & New Zealand were asked to create a unique custom using either of the 650 twins of their choosing and were given a complete free hand in expression. With that in mind, the boys at Royale Motorcycles wanted to build something that was different. Hence, steering away from the typical cafe-racer, bobber, scrambler and tracker philosophy, they went for a race-track themed build.
Interestingly, the inspiration for this build came from India’s Royal Enfield ‘GT Cup’, but the chaps from down under wanted more of a sports bike appeal to reflect in their creation. They sourced parts from different makes and bikes to develop a proper racer and not just a look-alike cosmetic job. The No. 55 GT 650 Production Racer not only wears a fiberglass body kit, altered subframe and fully adjustable rear-set footpegs like any respectable track bike should, it also comes equipped with hardware that makes it capable at handling a racetrack with proficiency.
For starters, the front suspension is a USD fork sourced from a Triumph Daytona as are the smaller 17-inch wheels. At the rear, it gets a monoshock that’s linked to an aluminium swingarm sourced from an old Honda. Whereas, the braking hardware is managed by Nissin, a favourite of many Japanese bikemakers. It also gets Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC racing tyres, ensuring grip like a leech on asphalt.
While the engine appears untouched, a freeflow air intake and a custom built exhaust system with a hydroformed HP Corse end have been slapped on for that extra dash performance. For perspective, a stock Continental GT 650 churns out 47.65PS and 52Nm, and with these modifications, the No. 55 GT 650 Production Racer should be a screamer down the straights.
This bike is a shining example of how a shed-built, twin-cylinder motorcycle that fits your taste, style and personality can be built using RE’s 650 twins as the base platform. All you have to do is imagine!